The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) 640d Steptronic, produced from 2012 to 2015, represents a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency within the 6 Series lineup. Positioned as a mid-to-high range offering, it catered to buyers seeking a sophisticated grand tourer with strong diesel power and the convenience of an automatic transmission. The F06 Gran Coupe, based on the F10 5 Series platform, distinguished itself with its four-door coupe body style, offering a more practical alternative to traditional two-door coupes without sacrificing style. This variant, powered by the N57D30B engine, aimed to deliver a refined driving experience coupled with impressive fuel economy for its class.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 6 Series |
| Generation | 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) |
| Type (Engine) | 640d (313 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.8-6.9 l/100 km (34.6 – 34.1 US mpg, 41.5 – 40.9 UK mpg, 14.7 – 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8-4.9 l/100 km (49 – 48 US mpg, 58.9 – 57.6 UK mpg, 20.8 – 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5-5.7 l/100 km (42.8 – 41.3 US mpg, 51.4 – 49.6 UK mpg, 18.2 – 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 146-149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp, 174.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 352 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 313 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 104.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 630 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (464.66 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N57D30B |
| Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 (182.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2390 kg (5269.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1265 l (44.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 5007 mm (197.13 in.) |
| Width | 1894 mm (74.57 in.) |
| Height | 1392 mm (54.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2968 mm (116.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1665 mm (65.55 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 126 mm (4.96 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.95 m (39.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18; 245/40 R19; 275/35 R19; 245/35 R20; 275/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 8J x 18; 8.5J x 19; 9J x 19; 8.5J x 20; 9J x 20 |
INTRODUCTION
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) 640d Steptronic, launched in 2012, offered a unique proposition in the luxury car segment. It combined the elegant styling of a coupe with the practicality of four doors and a spacious interior. The 640d variant, powered by BMW’s renowned 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine (N57D30B), was a key model in the range, appealing to those who prioritized fuel efficiency and strong torque delivery without sacrificing performance. It sat comfortably in the middle of the 6 Series Gran Coupe lineup, offering a step up in performance and refinement from the 630d, while remaining more accessible than the flagship 650i models.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 640d Gran Coupe lies the N57D30B engine, a 2993cc inline-six diesel renowned for its smoothness and efficiency. This engine utilizes a sophisticated common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The N57D30B is equipped with a twin-turbocharger setup – a low-pressure turbocharger and a high-pressure turbocharger – working in sequence to provide both strong low-end torque and high-end power. An intercooler further enhances performance by cooling the compressed intake air. The engine produces 313 horsepower at 4400 rpm and a substantial 630 Nm (464.66 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. This torque output is a defining characteristic of the 640d, providing effortless acceleration and strong in-gear performance. The engine is paired with BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, known for its smooth and quick shifts. This transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control, allowing drivers to select gears as desired.
Driving Characteristics
The 640d Steptronic delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The abundant torque from the diesel engine provides strong acceleration from a standstill and effortless overtaking capabilities. While not as overtly sporty as the 650i, the 640d offers more than adequate performance for most drivers, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 5.1 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to the smooth driving experience, seamlessly shifting gears and optimizing engine efficiency. The gear ratios are tuned to prioritize both fuel economy and responsive acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 640d, the Steptronic offers greater convenience, particularly in urban driving. However, some enthusiasts may prefer the more engaging feel of a manual gearbox. The 640d’s weight distribution and well-tuned suspension contribute to confident handling and a comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 640d Steptronic came well-equipped as standard, reflecting its position as a premium grand tourer. Standard features typically included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a high-resolution display screen. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles. These included features such as adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather trim, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The interior design emphasized luxury and sophistication, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Dashboard configuration was consistent across the 6 Series Gran Coupe range, featuring a driver-focused layout with intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) utilized a sophisticated chassis design to deliver a balance of comfort and handling. The front suspension featured a double wishbone setup, while the rear employed an independent multi-link suspension. This configuration provided excellent wheel control and a smooth ride. The 640d typically came equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, along with electronic stability control and traction control systems. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to minimize body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 640d Steptronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its refined driving experience, strong performance, and impressive fuel economy. Compared to the 630d, the 640d offered a noticeable increase in power and performance, making it a more compelling option for drivers who enjoyed a more spirited driving experience. However, the 650i models offered even greater performance, albeit at a higher price point. The 640d’s fuel economy was a significant advantage over the 650i, making it a more practical choice for long-distance driving. Reliability reports generally indicated that the N57D30B engine was a robust and dependable unit, although preventative maintenance was crucial to ensure long-term reliability.
Legacy
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (F06) 640d Steptronic has established itself as a desirable used car, appreciated for its blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency. The N57D30B engine continues to be highly regarded for its durability and relatively low running costs. While older examples may require some maintenance, the 640d remains a compelling option for buyers seeking a sophisticated and capable grand tourer. The combination of a powerful diesel engine, a smooth automatic transmission, and a luxurious interior ensures that the 640d continues to provide a rewarding driving experience for years to come.
