Positioning:
The BMW 6 Series (E63/E64) represented BMW's luxurious Grand Tourer, blending performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology in the premium coupe and convertible segment.
Competitors:
Competed with models like the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Jaguar XK, and Porsche 911.
Design Philosophy:
Characterized by a long hood, short overhangs, flowing lines, and a focus on driver engagement and sophisticated luxury.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent technicians seeking accurate, factory-authorized procedures, diagnostics, and specifications, ensuring proper maintenance and repair.
Primary Coverage:
All models and all repairs A-Z for the 2006 BMW 6 Series (E63/E64)
Repair Scope:
Vehicle-specific, dealer-level repair and maintenance information
Estimated Page Count:
Likely over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic and potentially manual depending on market), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear, ABS, DSC), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power seats, HVAC controls, starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism (for E64), interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for various systems
Repair And Rebuild:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and repair for all major systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes detailed torque specifications, tolerances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF with hyperlinked sections for easy navigation; printable pages.
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution diagrams, clear text, and professional formatting (if printed).
Binding Type Description:
Durable, lay-flat binding for workshop use (if printed).
Paper Type Description:
Heavy-duty, grease-resistant paper suitable for automotive environments (if printed).
Engine Code:
N62 (V8 Engine - most common for 2006 models)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
4.8 Liters (4799 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 88.3 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Valve Train:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS
Horsepower:
360 hp @ 6300 rpm (for 4.8iS/4.8i variants)
Torque:
360 lb-ft @ 3400-3800 rpm (for 4.8iS/4.8i variants)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), High-pressure fuel pump
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic (specific version depends on variant)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converters, secondary air injection system, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent, ethylene glycol-based)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 liters (depending on specific engine variant and filter)
Spark Plugs:
Denso FXE22HR11 or NGK BKR6EQUP (check specific engine variant for exact part number)
Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP26Z or similar)
Type:
Manual transmission was available in some markets, though less common for this generation and model.
Transmission Modes:
Sport and Manual modes (via gear selector and steering wheel paddles)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF 6 (Dexron VI equivalent) or Pentosin ATF1
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 - 10.0 liters for a complete fill (check manual for exact procedure and capacity)
Length:
E63 Coupe: ~197.5 inches (5017 mm)
Width:
E63/E64: ~73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
E63 Coupe: ~54.0 inches (1372 mm); E64 Convertible: ~53.7 inches (1365 mm)
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches (2890 mm)
Trunk Volume:
E63 Coupe: ~14.0 cu ft (397 Liters); E64 Convertible: ~11.7 cu ft (331 Liters) with top up
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3900 - 4300 lbs (1769 - 1950 kg), varies by model and options
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Typical Tire Sizes:
Front: 245/40R18, Rear: 275/35R18 (optional larger sizes available)
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2006 E63/E64 are not readily available in a standardized format as today, BMW vehicles of this era generally performed well in crash tests, emphasizing structural integrity.
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) with ABS, ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Brake Assist:
Included as part of the ABS system
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Available as an option
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for E63, integrated into A-pillars and roll bars for E64)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts with belt force limiters and pretensioners
Convertible Rollover Protection:
Active roll-over protection system (for E64)
I Drive System:
BMW iDrive system with a central control display, navigation, entertainment, and climate control functions.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems from manufacturers like Harman Kardon were optional.
Adaptive Headlights:
Optional Xenon headlights with adaptive control.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input for connecting external devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-Based Service (CBS) system; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, but dictated by vehicle's oil level sensor and oil condition.
Major Service Intervals:
Major services often around 60,000 miles, involving spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, and comprehensive inspections.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+ meeting BMW specification (e.g., Ate Typ 200 or Super Blue)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent BMW PSF fluid.
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2).
Valve Stem Seals:
Potential oil consumption and blue smoke from exhaust due to worn valve stem seals, especially on the V8 N62 engine.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common for the N62 V8 to develop leaks from the oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets.
Coolant Leaks:
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks can occur.
ABS/Dsc Sensor Issues:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS/DSC warning lights.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Potential issues with hydraulic lines, pumps, or cylinders for the convertible top mechanism (E64).
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's legacy is built on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, engineering precision, and driver-centric design.
E63 E64 Introduction:
The E63 coupe and E64 convertible replaced the E31 8 Series and continued the tradition of BMW's large, luxurious, and performance-oriented coupes/convertibles. They were part of BMW's 'new' 6 Series generation introduced in 2003/2004.
Design Influence:
Designed by Chris Bangle's team, featuring controversial 'flame surfacing' design language.
Production Period:
2003/2004 - 2010
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany