DecodedCars2008 BMW 6 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 650i 2dr Coupe RWD, Cabriolet 650i 2dr RWD
- Engines
- 4.8L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,814–4,277 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 15% below the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW 6 Series is a subcompact car offered with a 4.8L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,814 lb (650i 2dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 15% worse than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 6 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 6 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650i 2dr Coupe RWD | 189.8 in | 73.2 in | 53.9 in | 109.1 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,814 lb | 51/49 |
| Cabriolet 650i 2dr RWD | 189.8 in | 73.2 in | 53.9 in | 109.1 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 4,277 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650ci | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 650ci | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 650ci Convertible | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 650ci Convertible | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -24% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW 6 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 6 Series (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Mar 26, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · 367,682 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Risk
- POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED. IN EXTREME CASES THERE COULD BE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AN UNEXPECTED REDUCTION OR LOSS IN POWER BRAKING ASSIST MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2008 BMW 6 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW 6 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 6 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 6 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 6 Series | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 6 Series | 23 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 6 Series | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 6 Series | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 6 Series | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 6 Series | 25 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 6 Series | 26 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 6 Series | 26 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 6 Series | 18 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 6 Series | 18 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 6 Series | 18 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 6 Series | 18 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →