BMW 635d Coupe and Cabriolet

BMW will be adding its twin-turbo 3.0L diesel engine to both the 6-series coupe and convertible, with the new car set to wear 635d badges. The output of the 286hp six-cylinder motor will enable the big coupe to reach 100km/h from rest in around 6 seconds, all the way to an electronically controlled speed limit of 250km/h.

The rationale behind the 635d is a strange one. Why would buyers after luxurious sporting coupes go for an economic diesel motor? Further, the release of the new diesel 6 will coincide with the launch of a new 163hp diesel version of the 3-series convertible, being offered initially in 320cd guise.

BMW’s 3.0L diesel is one of the best engines of its kind in the world, but many purists agree that a diesel engine does not belong in a coupe. However, given the performance numbers, does it really matter? Still it’s unlikely that the diesel 6-series will be for sale in the US.



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EL34i - 11/1/2006 10:51:43 AM

+1 Boost

This remarkable vehicle is almost as groundbreaking as the venerable Buick Century.

EL34 - 11/1/2006 2:01:17 PM

-1 Boost

The Buick Century is a good heavy car and you'll be safe in a car crash.

FYI.

mstangpny07 - 11/1/2006 5:49:23 PM

+1 Boost

The Buick is safe until its heavy weight causes the occupant structure to collapse and you'll get crushed to death.

FYI

Autoegr525 - 11/1/2006 11:36:40 AM

0 Boost

No one in the US would give a f*** about a diesel 6 series, but if they don't offer that engine in the X5 they're missing the boat. Watch the GL320 cdi fly off the lot when it comes out this spring.

matt635 - 11/1/2006 11:52:40 AM

+2 Boost

Well this is a GT designed for driving long distances in comfort and style - makes sense to give it a more economical engine.

I hope the put the 3.0L Turbo petrol engine in there too --- Id like to see the 635 badge make a comeback.

Rupert - 11/1/2006 4:43:23 PM

+1 Boost

i know you're being sarcastic, but i don't think there will ever be a diesel cl.

answer - 11/1/2006 2:34:00 PM

+2 Boost

When these new Euro-diesels get CA emissions approval than I might care.

dragvorl - 11/1/2006 2:43:36 PM

+2 Boost

Note that it has absolutely the same number of horsepower as the old M6 used to have back in the eighties.

matt635 - 11/2/2006 6:16:23 AM

+1 Boost

Well spotted.

DarkOneForce - 11/2/2006 6:55:03 AM

+1 Boost

But more torque to pull it.

The engine has 286 HP and 580 Nm of torque vs. the 520 Nm for the M6.

Now if they could make the 645d too (330 HP/ 750 Nm), it would be even nicer.

And yes Europeans are interested in powerfull/torquefull diesels.

matt635 - 11/2/2006 8:58:13 AM

+1 Boost

As the old M6 didn't have a speed limiter it was doubtless faster than this will be too!

S4cabriofox - 11/1/2006 5:31:55 PM

0 Boost

Beautiful. From some angles, the 6 Series is absolutely stunning. It's a shame, though, that you have to see it from others...

Larry - 11/1/2006 9:58:39 PM

+1 Boost

i want one, i would buy it if it comes to the states

S4cabriofox - 11/1/2006 10:06:18 PM

+1 Boost

And yes- I'm sure 290hp is more than enough for this car.

Steve - 11/3/2006 9:27:53 AM

+1 Boost

When someone creates an impractical car, like a GT with rear seats that can accommodate only small children or a convertible with a 4 inch slat for a rear window, they need to offset that with something that inspires passion -- Typially in the form of styling. The BMW 6-series lacks that. It has all the presence and visual impact of a cod.

The 6's saving grace is that it bears the Roundel, and that it drives well. Adding a diesel to the mix, thereby making it even more practical, will obviously have limited appeal.

Time for BMW to start with a clean slate, and to restore the brand whose greatest sin used to be that their styling was a tad conservative.