2004 BMW 6 Series New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 BMW 6-Series?
The BMW 6-Series returns after a 15-year hiatus, arriving first as the super-luxury 645Ci coupe and later as a convertible. Perhaps the most successful model to form BMW's concave and convex design language into something approaching beautiful, the 2004 6-Series employs a 325-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 able to sprint the car from rest to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Three transmissions – six-speed manual, six-speed Steptronic automatic, or Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) – are available. Through the use of aluminum and plastic, weight distribution is close to perfect and body pudge is kept to a minimum, meaning that the BMW 6-Series should prove athletic. Generously equipped, the 645Ci includes a panoramic sunroof, Active Roll Stabilization, adaptive headlights and a Logic7 DVD audio system. Options include Active Steering (included in the Sport package), a head-up display, park distance control and Active Cruise Control.

Advantages of the 2004 BMW 6-Series:

• Lush cabin materials
• Impressive performance
• Fascinating Active Steering system

Objections to the 2004 BMW 6-Series:

• Fussy iDrive control system
• Prices rise dramatically when desirable options are added

Editor's Advice:
Sure to draw stares and inspire envy, the new BMW 6-Series is more than a status symbol: it surely ranks among the world's great gran turismos. Active Steering is a must-have option, requiring the purchase of the Sport package. Ride quality will be somewhat diminished, but once you've tried Active Steering you wouldn't have your 2004 BMW 6-Series any other way.