BMW E63 650i: The Shark, Reimagined. Shooting Brake's UK Road Review
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- BMW's E63 6-series faced a controversial reception when new. Journos loved the lightweight concent woven throughout the car and the new N-series of NA engines provided a new generation of silky smooth, torquey and free-revving power.
Chris Bangle's styling however proved divisive. The new direction was a decisive step forward from BMW's conservative, if handsome, past, and for many it was a step too far. 16 years on from launch however the big Coupe has aged beautifully, the once controversial flame surfacing seeming lithe and elegant today.
With that said, what is the E63 like to drive in full-fat 650i guise? With 363bhp and a 50/50 RWD chassis it's certainly no slouch. Ghaleb's here to tell us what the big Six is really like to drive.
If you fancy this well-sorted 650i? Head on over to shootingbrake.com/Listing/Det... where you can read more about the car, study over 100 detailed photographs and place a bid through our exciting, innovative and transparent auction platform. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Used to think it was ugly at first but few years later it suddenly become gorgeous
They have aged beautifully
We have to be living in another dimension since this came out never looked good. 😂
It's definitely aged well.
Yes, this is a unique design.
I have a 2007, 650i in monaco blue, love the thing.
That is a handsome coupe.
That was the player's chariot back in the early 2000s
Almost everyone back in the day had one Bangle-Car they liked. For a good friend of mine it was the Z4, for me it was the 6-Series, and the facelift is subtle but makes it even better, it's a car that's aged really well.
I own an '08 650i that I bought in 2022 and it's brilliant, I fell in love with it the moment I saw it and have not regretted it. It's a brilliant GT; fast, comfortable, practical, surprisingly good on fuel when cruising (Mine happily tips over 30mpg) and just an effortless thing. Around town the fuel economy is not great but I get to drive around in my V8.
I love that it's quiet and classy, a Baby Bentley rather than a German Mustang.
I'm 6ft and there is enough rear space for someone to sit behind me, the boot is cavernous and the front cabin is massive. Plus it comes with isofix, so I've been able to take my two nieces out in it safely, which is fantastic; I can share my passion for cars with my family and help make memories with them.
Mine is the tan and aluminium interior and even now it still feels a special place to be.
The power is just right too. It's bloody fast if you poke it but not too powerful to be sketchy in really bad weather.
The engine does need lots of TLC to not have niggles, the engine does not like old, dirty oil, but service it on time and properly and it is pretty bullet proof. Good service history is important.
Baby Bentley is spot on. Great to hear about yours getting used properly!
I’ve got an E63 650i myself, factory 6 speed manual too which is very rare in the UK.
It really is in a league of its own when it comes to the aesthetics and driving dynamics, I adore it.
Very rare in manual! Enjoy!
Manual gearbox was actually standard and you had to pay extra for automatic. About 90% did.
Never driven a manual 650i but should be a fair bit snappier. A 850i E31 in manual was like a different car compared to automatic, but to a large degree because manual was 6 speed, automatic just 4.
Thanks for the detailed SB review. The E63 and E64 have always been my favourite BMW design. I’ve owned four over the past decade (a 635d, two M6s) and still currently drive a 2010 E64 650i as a daily which remains the sweet spot for me. What you mentioned about its happiness to potter along in town and also devour long distances with ease is bang on. An immensely capable all rounder which if maintained properly are a steal at current prices. The last of the BMW naturally aspirated engines before turbo chargers became the norm. The instrumentation issue is helped if you can find one with a HUD which the later 650i’s came with. Out of interest, although Chris Bangle was the Design Director at the time, the E63 was designed by Adrian van Hooydonk who later succeeded Bangle as head of design for BMW.
You're completely correct about the Hooydonk/Bangle distinction on the E63's design! Thank you for highlighting this. The E63 remains BMW's boldest statement of that era's design language in our opinion.
One of best reviews of things that really matter in a car. Well done!!!
Thank you!
Had an e63 630i, then a f13 640d, and now a f13 M6. That e63 is such a handsome car though, especially in a bright colour (my 630i was black). I agree with this great review, the 'shark' has aged beutifully.
Hi mate how was 630i ownership for you?
@UtaHagawi it was expensive, these are expensive cars to run. They will throw you a big bill from time time. Prepare your wallet... The e63 was, IMO, the best handling of the 3 six series I've owned. Possibly down to the lighter engine up front? Beautiful car to drive!
I've owned a 2008 650i 6M Coupe for 7 years now. Still runs like the day i bought it.
Fantastic cars!
Google for E63 M6 Competition Edition! That version is the best interpretation of the E63 and one of the best BMW‘s ever made IMHO!
The M6 front, updated lines, slightly nicer boot lid on the LCI and the two tone interior are making it look even better and a timeless beauty that still looks fresh today.
Analog gauges, physical buttons and the n/a V10 with SMG give that car so much character. It has all the tech you need, is more modern than an E39 or E38 and just the sweet spot before everything got cheaper, more plasticy and too synthetic IMHO.
The newer BMW‘s might be perfect to drive and quicker 0 to 60 but they are lacking of character. Just pulling the shift padels, moving the iDrive-Controller or pushing the buttons in an E63 feels so much better and more solid than all of those recent, tacky controllers, touch buttons or digital clusters…
Chris Bangle really did his thing here!
One of the cars in my collection is an LCI late E63 650.
I’ve owned it for 9 years, during which time I’ve covered 60000 miles in it, and it’s been faultless.
And, it gets nods, smiles and compliments from other motorists, all the time.
The tweaks in the LCI edition were subtle, but worth it, including:
An LSD. Wider front valance. All LED rear lights with boot-lid brake light. Silver surrounds on the inside of the headlights. LED front indicators. Upgraded climate controls. Digital gear lever.
I recently took it to a BMW dealer for the new battery connection as part of the global recall. Not less than three different BMW staff told me that I should hang onto it at all costs because it would very soon be recognised as a classic. Indeed, there are already only a handful of these left.
On the V10 discussion… there is no doubt at all that the V10 engine was a work of mechanised art.
But… it was a racing car engine that had been adapted for the road. ‘So what?’ some people might say…
Well, the 650 was always intended to be a GT car, not a race car… it was intended to cross continents smoothly and effortlessly. And, for that, you need torque… lots of it… low down. So, here’s the thing… the torque figures of the V10 and the V8 were near identical (only about 10 ft/lbs different), but the BIG difference was WHERE that max torque figure was achieved…. It was a 4200rpm on the V10, which is great for the racetrack. But on the V8, max torque is at…. Wait for it…. 2000rpm, which is precisely where you need it to be in a GT car.
Only E63/E64 to come with a LSD (standard or optional) is the M6.
A 650i LCI did not have one. How did you come to believe it does?
Nor is the peak torque at 2000 rpm, but rather at 3400 rpm (490Nm). S85 peak torque is at 6100rpm (520Nm). Where are you getting these fantasy figures from?
@@jackdoe3889 love that there’s always one d1ckhead at the pub who likes to pick an argument when there’s really none to have. But, ok, I’ll indulge you, just this once….
And, please try to imagine that I’m saying this to you with a whining adenoidal voice, just like yours….
The max torque bands on cars are generally discussed in… well… ‘bands’. It’s the sweet spot where at least 80% of the torque is delivered. Some cars even have more than one torque band, but let’s not tax your little mind with that one for now.
The critical point here, my juvenile little antagonist, is that the v8 engine achieves more torque at much lower revs than the v10, thereby making it a more natural GT car. But, I can tell that you have a flare for the pedantic.
As to the ‘LSD’… lol… that’s an autocorrect error. It should say ‘LED interior’ referring to the ‘LED interior’ [bulb set]. But, and you can have this one on me, because I know that you’re the sort or person who needs a petty little victory to be able to sleep at night…
I got lazy and didn’t spot the typing error.
You must have such a fun life. lol
Nice review. I’ve had my E63 635D for a year now, quite simply the best car I’ve ever owned.
I know the rear is so divisive, but I personally think it’s the best angle.
So far all I’ve done is basic maintenance and servicing,
Just about to tick over 153k miles and barely a rattle or squeak
8:42 That Shot is spectacular
I have a '10 550i saloon. I love it..
Lovely cars! Can't believe I used to think they were really really ugly. But now at 30 years old I think they are absolutely beautiful so I bought a 645Ci about 8 months ago now, it's not been totally trouble free but it's an amazing car, does everything, has so much charisma, absolutely love it! Also have an E46 330ci but that's so pristine it doesn't do many miles. Great review 👍
Great to hear. 645cis are incredible value for money at the moment, I think they are due a price correction in the near future!
@@shootingbrake I've been thinking this for ages, it will be like the £1,000 E39 540i models that are now like £6k or something! I paid only £4k for my 645 and it's in amazing condition. I paid over £6k for my E46 with higher mileage, only a 3L and worse condition!
@@XclusiveAaron Absolutely. As you say, the value for money of the E63 platform is crazy when compared to the older E series cars. People will catch on at some point!
London with its 20mph speed limit is definitely the place to drive a 650i 4.8 V8 XDXDXD
It’s a great car and perfect daily. I’m currently using 650 and I was surprised how comfy it is. Also sound of v8 is fantastic. It uses H pipe style exhaust (usually BMW has X pipe) so it has deep sound. E60 with same engine has completely different exhaust tone.
But, one thing that I don’t agree about is that it is competitor for e46 or Porsche. E63 is more into GT car - it’s comfy and hides a speed, feedback from steering and chassis is muted. So, those are a bit different in breeds of cars.
Thank for such a good review.
Agree. Definitely a GT. Interesting to note the exhaust, I definitely noticed it sounded more like a V8 than other V8 BMWs I have driven!
Good video. I’ve done 80k miles across 2 x 635d models. Also 20k in a 640d. The 35d is a much better driving car
Interesting to hear your thoughts, the E63 is a much lighter car than the 6 that came after!
It truly is the ideal daily car! ULEZ compliant, good on fuel, loads of storage and ample seating, comfy but also huge fun.
Great review!
I dunno about good on fuel😂
@@carmadnab ha I mean for a 4.8L V8 it's good! Low twenties isn't too shabby.
@@amirhashm1 no low 20s is excellent but do they get those in a realistic commute? Ide be really surprised 😭
@@carmadnab they do yes. It's quite impressive
Great Car! I like the glas in the back of the Cabrio version. Absolutely underpriced actually. One of the last real v8 engine 🤗
The cabrios are fantastic in this generation of 6!
I have exactly this car imported from Japan - I love it ....
Must be very clean if its a JDM import!
very informative, excellent review! I replaced my TT quattro TDI for a 2008 630i lci as I don't do long journeys everyday but whether it's short or occasional trips on the motorway it's always pleasant to drive. E63 definitely handles really well and amazed me that my last car F10 530d M sport pre-lci felt like a boat in comparison.
Yes we were pleasantly surprised with how well it handles. BMW's efforts in lightweighting the E63 chassis definitely paid off.
I have a 2009 630i Sport in Space Grey. Now on 172k. Returns over 30mpg on a run and just a beautiful drive. I love it. ❤️
@@stevie750iL you give me confidence as mines just about to hit 70k, not sure how long I'd keep it but seeing how I've lost interest in newer cars I may keep this for a long time. Would love to get an E24 some day!
@@roshanpanchal8889 In our experience, all of BMW's straight six engines (petrol, diesel, turbo and naturally aspirated) love miles and have no inherent mileage related flaws. We'd happily buy or sell high mileage example of one of these cars.
Have a 630i coupe as a second car and love it, 18 yrs old this year, 145000 miles but it still feels like its got lots of life in it, always liked the shape personally. Must have been great having one brand new ! Think the 3 litre is maybe the most "useable/practical" ?
I loved my 630i. I tested the 640/650 but preferred the more nimble feeling 630i, it felt a little less 'boaty'. The 3 litre had a pleasant burble too.
I've owned my 630i E63 LCI for 14 years. I bought it new and used it as a second car. It has 70,000 miles on it and going strong.
I drove this model for 4 years. Great vehicle with magnetizing design, but will spend a lot of time in repair shop.believe me
I see this car is for sale now on ebay! Looks like the big brother to my grey e92 330i. I upgraded my CCC idrive to the CIC with combox and I think in this car that would really modernise it, or getting an android screen. Along with an XHP gearbox remap.
Advertised on eBay but for sale through Shooting Brake's own auction platform! I didn't know when testing this car but it actually has an aftermarket Android Auto / Apple CarPlay interface which brings it bang up to date. I've heard good things about the XHP gearbox map!
@@shootingbrake That is brilliant, probably just needed a long press on the idrive controller to switch over. Yea with a gearbox service and remap, really helps bring them up to date!
Very great job man! It could be great, especially for manual cars, to fix a camera on the pedalbox to film your footwork for next videos please! ;)
Definitely want to do this in future videos!
@@shootingbrake Great, thank you very much! ;)
Great review - 2007 M6 owner and would be interested in the Apple CarPlay upgrade that you mentioned. Any specific hardware / install procedures that you can point to?
I believe it is an MMI box. The new Mr12Volt solutions sold by Evolve Automotive are the best solution on the market in our view.
What do you think of the '08 facelift version of the e63
It looks even better than the pre-LCI. The full LED tail lights are nice, and so is the third brake light on the trunk. The headlights also look more stylish and high-end.
Only thing missing is the V10... ;)
The 650i definitely has its own use case and advantages over the M6 however!
I live the e63 and e64
do your research. Get one that's been maintained and loved. Get one that's had the usual stuff done. I'm in my 2nd year of ownership and have spent less than 1200 euro in maintenance in 20 months. And do your own repairs otherwise do not get one
Your face looks a bit like steve jobbs
You should declare this as Advertisement for a car you are trying to sell.
Was wondering how you just drool over the car and make no mention of the numerous and expensive to fix flaws it has.
Yes, I drive a E64 650i and love it, but have also spent a fortune fixing everything that is wrong with almost all of them. Unless you know how to fix everything yourself, like I do, and how to use INPA/ISTA, it will bankrupt you.
There is a reason why they are cheap and that is very expensive maintenance and repairs. On average parts cost about 2.5x more than for a E46. Way more if it is E63/64 specific and not found in E60/61.
Thanks for your comment! This is a car review, so we discuss how the 650i drives and what it's like to interact with the car. Maintenance items would be better discussed in a buyers guide, which might be a project for the future. The E6X platform has its maintenance burdens as does any performance GT in this sector but we don't see it as an especially expensive car to run for its performance.
@@shootingbrake The moment you said (late in the video) you have this car for sale it stopped being a n objective review and became an advertisement with obvious vested interest and bias.
Nothing wrong with that, but you should make it clear in the title and throughout the video that if is, at best, an infomercial.
Your non-stop praise of the car is actually painful to watch and you trying to mask it as a car review is an insult to the viewers intelligence.
Why not just be honest and upfront?
I bought the F13 because the ass end on the previous gen is ugly AF
We love the Bangle influenced design on the E63 but it is certainly divisive!