The BMW 6 Series is no longer available in South Africa. Globally, the coupe version of the BMW 6 Series has been retired and replaced by the BMW 8 Series. The last offering that we saw on our shores was the 6 Series GT, a 4-door liftback with coupe-like styling. Before that, we had the choice of the F12 convertible, F13 coupé, F06 Gran Coupé and of course, the F12/F13/06 M6.
In lieu of a dedicated 6 Series offering locally, the pre-owned market is worth scouring. If you're prepared to live with a lightly-used version of your favourite BMW, then you'll be able to secure quite a deal as the BMW 6 Series has suffered a fair amount of initial depreciation. This makes it a great deal on the used-car market.
Related: The BMW 640i GT xDrive – The BMW that got the better of me
Here's what you should be looking at when going to test drive a used BMW 6 Series.
BMW G32 6 Series
The G32 BMW 6 Series GT was available in 2018 and 2019 and while BMW's local website still lists the model, tracking one down in your spec may be tough. Your choices consist of the BMW 630d Gran Tourismo and the BMW 640i Drive Gran Tourismo.
Related: BMW G32 6 Series for sale
1. Easy Access
The Gran Tourismo is the only model on offer in this series so there are no concerns around space and convenience. In fact, the 6 Series GT can be likened to an estate with its large luggage space of 610-litres and wide aperture. The tailgate of the Gran Tourismo is a large section of the rear that includes the rear glass, this makes loading and unloading large items a breeze.
2. Agility
Despite the large size of the 6 Series Gran Tourismo, it's rather agile and an engaging drive. Coming in at over 5-meters long and over 1.9-meters wide, with a weight of as much as 1.9-tons, the 6 Series is a hefty machine but to help it cope with the turns, it's been equipped with xDrive (in the 640i model). This all-wheel-drive system can transfer power to the wheels with the most grip to help the 6 Series negotiate the bends with ease.
BMW F12/13/06
The F12/13/06 BMW 6 Series is a little older and was in production from 2011 through to 2018 which means that many of them still qualify for finance. There are several models to choose from here. Aside from the body type, you get to select whether you want a 640i, 650i, a 640d or a fire-breathing M6.
Related: Used BMW F12/13/06 for sale
3. Power
As there are several models to choose from, you may want to know which one was powered by what engine. Here's how the range looked:
| Model | Type | Power | Torque |
| BMW 640d | 3.0-litre turbodiesel | 230 kW | 630 Nm |
| BMW 640i | 3.0-litre turbo inline-six | 235 kW | 450 Nm |
| BMW 650i (2011 - 2013) | 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 | 300 kW | 600 Nm |
| BMW 650i (2013 - 2018) | 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 | 331 kW | 650 Nm |
| BMW M6 | 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 | 412 kW | 680 Nm |
4. Technology
The F12 6 Series is an older model and much has changed since it was developed, but there is still a fair amount of technology present in the F12 BMW 6 Series.
Updated models (2015 facelift) were treated to LED fog lights, Adaptive LED headlights and a full-digital driver display. Certain models (those equipped with the 8-speed automatic gearbox) were given the Eco-Pro drive mode as well.
Models from 2016 onwards got the updated Drive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display and touch controller.
Recommended next:
