babypuppi: [9] 2008 Bmw 650i Horsepower At This Month Talks

Monday, December 31, 2018

[9] 2008 Bmw 650i Horsepower At This Month Talks

The wheelbase and length of the 650i ragtop and coupe is the same as the 2004 645Ci models. Those models were sleek, sexy and racy with a wide track and low profile. The contemporary design was beautiful though functional with curvaceous and sweeping character lines. The 645Ci convertible's interior employed both analog and digital gauges, while the center stack controls were surrounded by a highly-polished light or dark, burled wood panel.

The new 650i convertible has a svelte persona and a lengthy list of techno goodies and standard features to embellish the joys of driving a fresh-air model Bimmer.

CHECK CAR PRICES:

My 650i drop-top was finished in deep sea blue metallic with a black top and the interior done in creme beige pearl leather and dark, polished wood trim accents.

The base sticker was set at $82,700, but after adding extra goodies including the leather interior, cold weather package with heated steering wheel and front seats, the premium sound package with iPod and USB adapter, six-disc CD changer and premium hi-fi system, lane departure warning, active cruise control, sport package with performance tires, night vision, HD radio, satellite radio and destination charge, the total climbed to $81,195.

Summary

My fully-loaded BMW 650i convertible test vehicle reaches a plateau marking the ultimate driving experience.

Acceleration off-the-line is both rapid and smooth, with the transmission changing gears seamlessly in automatic mode, although shifting manually sans clutch is considerably more sporting. The ride quality is firm, but not harsh, and the handling is superb.

If one is enthralled with the 650i coupe, they are sure to be even more enamored by the ragtop 650i. The top doesn't operate as rapidly as some, but it's fully automatic and was different than anything seen before when it bowed on the 2004 645i convertible - the sail panels extend beyond and flank the retractable vertical rear glass window in winged fashion. It's a good idea to lower the top before allowing rear passengers to be seated or they'll need to duck. When the rear glass is in the raised position, it serves as a wind deflector for rear-seat passengers with the top down. Oddly, operating the top "up" switch lowers the rear glass. An optional wind buffer is available for front seat occupants, but covers the rear bench seat and doesn't allow much leg room for adult passengers.

Aside from the obvious difference in top configuration, the convertible differs from the coupe, in that it features additional front and rear diagonal braces, a specific front subframe and thicker front thrust plate. There are also added reinforcements to the side sills and a strengthened lower body, B-pillar attachment and lower body structural stiffening. The ultra-strong windshield frame and BMW's Rollover Protection System provide added safety and security in the event of misfortune resulting from a potential driver error.

In addition to the extra 35 horsepower and 30 additional pound-feet of torque, the 2008 650i convertible sports new wheels and is 0.4 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph with its enhanced aerodynamics. The latest iteration 6 Series fresh air tourer tips the scales at 88 pounds more than its predecessor, and the improvements are well worth it.

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2008 BMW 650i Convertible

Base price: $82,700

Price as tested: $98,970

Engine/transmission: 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V8; six-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 109.4 inches

Length: 190.2 inches

Width: 73 inches

Height: 54.1 inches

Curb weight: 4,277 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons

Fuel consumption: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway