BMW 6 Series 1976–1989 car dimensions: 4755 mm long, 1725 mm wide and 1365 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,500 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 415 litres.
The cabin focuses on the driver with a cockpit-style dashboard and Check Control system for monitoring fluids and lights. Power windows, central locking and height-adjustable driver's seat come standard. Leather trim is common, with sports or Recaro seats available. Air conditioning is optional early on and standard on later Highline models. Cruise control is optional at first then standard later. ABS arrives as an option from 1979 and becomes standard on higher models from 1982. No electronic driver aids beyond that.
The boot offers 415 litres of space. It suits weekend trips or touring with two people and luggage. The high loading lip makes packing a bit awkward.
Payload sits around 380 kg. Self-levelling rear suspension is optional from 1978 and standard on later higher models. The car is a grand tourer built for long-distance comfort rather than heavy work or towing.
The cabin sets a high standard for ergonomics with a driver-focused three-zone layout. Front seats offer height and angle adjustment plus firm lateral support, available in leather-velour mix or full leather. Rear seats are shaped as individual buckets with a fold-down center armrest and feel among the most comfortable in a coupe of the era. Large glass areas give an airy feel and good visibility. Power windows are standard, with optional electric sunroof, air conditioning and heated front seats. Check Control monitors key systems at a glance.
Fuel tank holds 70 litres.
Disc brakes all round, ventilated at front.
Check Control system standard from launch.
ABS optional from 1979, standard on later higher models.
Driver airbag optional from 1985.
Laminated windscreen and collapsible steering column standard.
The car runs on petrol with a 70-litre tank. Consumption figures from period tests vary by model and driving style but sit in the double-digit litres per 100 km range for mixed use.
Servicing centres on the durable M30 six-cylinder. Later cars gained a service-interval indicator. Regular oil and coolant attention keeps the alloy head healthy. Gearboxes are long-lived with fluid changes.
Safety rests on a reinforced passenger cell with programmed crumple zones front and rear, integrated roll-over protection, side door beams and a collapsible steering column. Seat belts are standard. ABS arrived as an option mid-run and became more common later. a driver airbag followed as an option near the end.
Living with the car means watching for rust in classic spots and keeping the cooling system fresh. Parts for the shared 5 Series running gear remain obtainable. The cabin stays quiet and refined on long trips when properly maintained.
Length 4755 mm, Width 1725 mm, Height 1365 mm, Wheelbase 2626 mm (6 Series 1976–1989)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia, auto-data.net, motrs.au and vehiclesizes.com.