SecondHandSense: BMW 6-Series:Few cars embody the extravagance of German autobahn driving as much as the BMW 6-Series coupé. It is a big car by any standards, its smallest engine is 3-litres and it has a top speed of some 250 km/h.
This car is about making statements - statements of affluence and performance and a more personal statement, saying that size does matter.
Why else would you wish to drive a car that looks and feels almost as big as a 7-Series saloon yet effectively carries only two people and not a great deal of luggage ?
In Ireland, of course, it has become another part of our Celtic Tiger world, an emblem of success usually owned by youngish types who like to cruise at weekends when dressed down. There is no denying, however, that it is a fantastic car to drive. It has had everything BMW engineers could conceive of thrown at it and it bristles with technology.
But first, the figures. The 3-litre petrol version (cars like this tend to prove the point that diesel does have its limitations) with the six-cylinder engine is limited at 250km/h but it will get you from 0 to 100km/h in six and a half seconds. The 5-litre version with an eight-cylinder engine will reach the same speed in some 5.4 seconds. These statistics are for academic purposes, as the 6 was built for the autobahn and not the M50.
You can choose from the coupé or convertible options and the car looks great in both, as long as you don't like your car design discreet. The lines are perfect, details like the front grille and lights are in harmony with the flowing centre and the car is exceptionally well finished off. Finally, there is a feeling of strength and solidity and of German excellence of construction. As you would expect, the car drives really well. But cruising is perhaps the best part of the drive. Fuel economy is not as bad as you might expect when you are being careful.
The interior is also a classic of compromise and style. Functional, extremely comfortable and with a really elegant finish, it will not disappoint even the most discerning. Attention to detail is everywhere. Not everyone is a fan of BMW's IDrive, however, and you will need to spend some time studying how to use the various functions and controls. There is no EuroNCAP Crash test result for the car, but I would expect this car to do exceptionally well in a collision of any type. BMW quality is also a reassuring factor, although buyers should look for a service record. This is not a car to let a back street mechanic loose on.
A 2005 coupé car with the 3-litre engine, automatic gearbox, electrics, Bluetooth compatibility, iDrive, navigation system and all sorts of other features and with just 34,000 kilometres on the clock will cost €79,950. A 650 cabriolet with the same equipment and more and with 35,000 kilometres on the clock will cost about €112,000.
FOR:Classic design. Engineering and quality
AGAINST:Very expensive: with big engines to boot. High running costs