2006 BMW 650Ci Cabriolet
By Jeff Voth
Date Posted: 1/16/2006
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It should have been impossible to hear the CD playing in the BMW 650Ci Cabriolet as
clearly as I did. Especially when you consider that I was cruising down a busy
highway at speeds slightly higher than the posted limit. How could BMW manage to
engineer the playback so perfectly that even while passing a transport truck, I was
still able to enjoy every guitar lick as if I were sitting 20 feet from the stage?
Amazing!
This was just one of several surprises I found as I recently spent a few days behind
the wheel of the luxurious BMW 650Ci Cabriolet.
What did not surprise me were the stares the Mystic Blue Metallic 6 Series Cabriolet
received from other commuters and pedestrians out for an afternoon stroll. The BMW
650Ci, especially in convertible form, is a serious head turner. But then with a base
price of $78,800, you should expect to be the center of attention.
A sports car at heart, the 650Ci Cabriolet straddles the line beautifully between
sophisticated luxury and performance. Equipped with a DOHC 4.8L V8, it produces
360 hp @ 6300 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque @ 3400.
A 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic transmission with STEPTRONIC, or the 6-
speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, (SMG) allow for precise gear changes
A wonderful car to drive aggressively through corners, the rack and pinion steering
supports BMW's claim of being the ultimate driving machine. An aluminum double
pivot strut-type suspension defines the front, while in back the 650Ci employs an
integral 4-link arrangement.
As you would expect in this price range, the BMW 650Ci runs on premium unleaded
fuel. Top speed is limited to 150 mph with 0-60 mph arriving in 5.6 sec. in a
manually equipped 650Ci Cabriolet and 5.7 with the automatic.
Power is smooth and measured, differing from the other supercoupes in this price
range such as the Jaguar XKR Convertible. Unlike the lightning bolt feel of its
supercharged competitor, the BMW 650Ci transmits horsepower to the rear in
progressive waves, building to a ferocious crescendo as the dual exhaust emits a
satisfying raspy note.
My test vehicle was equipped with the optional active steering and 19" ellipsoid alloy
wheels, part of the "Executive Package". Also included for the price are sport seats,
park distance control, a 6-disc CD changer, the sweet sounding 11-speaker Logic7
hi-fi sound system and a high-gloss shadow line, (to protect my rapidly thinning
hairline).
Brakes are 4-channel ABS with large front and rear ventilated discs and EBD,
(Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Stopping performance is awe inspiring, with no
fade or skittishness detected over various road conditions.
The region in which I live is known to have some of the finest roads in the Eastern
United States on which to test the muster of any vehicle. It also has several uneven
roads that provide an excellent surface on which to expose weaknesses in braking,
cornering and acceleration. As you would expect from an automobile this
sophisticated, the 650Ci Cabriolet never once suffered from performance anxiety and
proved itself to be a serious sports coupe.
Inside, the BMW 650Ci Cabriolet is awash in Teutonic opulence, striking the perfect
balance between creature comforts and simplicity of design. Other than the imposing
iDrive console, (which really isn't as difficult as may think) there is little to distract
you from the road ahead. Each control is logically placed and within easy grasp.
The same cannot be said however for the strange placement of the cupholder(s).
Possessing only one within easy to reach for front seat passengers, an additional
cupholder resides in the rear portion of the center armrest. Though adequately sized,
it is accessible only by contorting your arms and shoulders into a bizarre yoga-like
position. My body was not meant for bending in this way, especially when holding a
large cup of hot coffee.
A 3-spoke, heated leather steering wheel offers multi-function capability, as well as
excellent driver feedback and steering feel. Front seats are also heated, offering 12-
way power adjustment with 3 position memory on the driver's side. Rear seats are
designed for two only as they are contoured to provide individual comfort on a grand
scale.
Safety is integrated into the BMW 650Ci Cabriolet in many ways. Front and side
airbags provided occupant protection as does the front active knee protection airbag
and the use of a SMART airbag deployment system. Crumple zones, front and rear,
along with an interlocking door anchoring system and side impact door
reinforcement, make the 650Ci Cabriolet a safe haven in case of an accident.
Of course what would a convertible be if it didn't offer a removable top? In the case
of the 650Ci Cabriolet, the multi-step process of dropping the top is almost hypnotic
to watch. Pressing the small rectangular button located just in front of the gear shift
lever sets in motion an approximately 20 second mechanical ballet worthy of
charging admission.
Upon completion, the 6-Series Cabriolet let's you know by sounding an audible beep,
allowing time to release the button and leave the windows down, or continue the
process a little longer and finish with all side windows and the rear glass window in
the up position.
In practical experience, I found that with the windows up, I could drive down the
highway with little distraction, while the best way to cruise the boulevard was with all
the windows down and my left arm comfortably resting on the door sill. The only
thing I needed to concern myself about was choosing the right music. It is important
to keep up with appearances, you know.
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| 2006 BMW 650CI VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Luxury Convertible Coupe |
| Model Options: |
Luxury Convertible Coupe |
| Wheelbase: |
2780 mm |
| Engine Size: |
DOHC V8 32V Valvetronic |
| Transmission: |
6-M/6-SMG/6-A |
| Drive: |
RWD |
| Braking: |
Power assist 4-wheel disc with ABS/EBD |
| MSRP Price: |
$78,800 |
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