The back seat isn’t very comfortable for normal-size adults, the long doors make tight parking spots troublesome, and the often-overwhelming options and menus on the new iDrive can be distracting. Otherwise, there’s very little not to like about the 2009 BMW 650i coupe or convertible. And other than some minor tweaks to colors and options, little has changed from the 2008 version of this elegantly swooping and sporty two-door driving machine.
Its chic exterior lines are matched by impressive performance from a 360-hp, 4.8-liter V8 engine that delivers 360 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s Valvetronic technology increases power and fuel efficiency by varying the lift height of valves to control intake rather than a throttle. Of course fuel efficiency is a relative term - the six-speed manual transmissions average about 18.5 mpg, and all 6 Series cars require premium fuel.
The six-speed manual comes with Dynamic Driving Control, which adjusts the suspension and engine power. A smooth automatic transmission is also available.
The 6 Series' rear-wheel-drive chassis is made with aluminum to reduce weight and increase handling capabilities, which are exceptional. The 650i features BMW technologies like Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Active Steering, and Active Roll Stabilization. In short the car adjusts and re-adjusts itself to fit speed and road conditions and provide a well-balanced, reliable feel at your fingertips.
The 18-inch run-flat all-season tires come standard with either trim, as do four-wheel ventilated antilock brakes assisted by BMW’s Brake Fade Compensation and brake drying technology. This car brakes on command and with stability.
Basic audio and temperature controls are on the dashboard, and beyond those, drivers must navigate the iDrive system and its cascade of menus, which seem to be the most glaring deficiency. The cabin is stylish, befitting the cars' price-range, with Dakota leather upholstery and brushed aluminum trim. The convertible has an electric softtop roof with a heated glass rear window.
The 8-way adjustable front seats come with Active Head Restraints. The front airbags have dual-stage deployment and there are also front-seat side-impact air bags. The audio system has eight speakers and is pre-wired for MP3 and satellite radio.
I have a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor and have purchased a new one so I can swap it out. I have seen several videos where people simply pop the old one out, but mine doesn't seem to cooperate, even with needle nose pliers. My sensor also looks slightly different. Is there a special tool I need to pop my old sensor out??
I need to replace the dash. The leather is peeling.
Was told I needed valve stem replacement. Just seems odd at the current mileage. Oh and my quote was $8500.....OUCH!
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlight cleaners: heated · Headlights: self-leveling · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Security
Heated door locks: driver side
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.46
Exterior Features
Grille color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Headrests
Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlight cleaners: heated · Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Security
Heated door locks: driver side
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent