A V8 at last - my BMW 645Ci
Discussion
Book marked!
The CLS was the alternative I looked at too.
I think the wood trim is superb and the glass roof brightens up the interior.
A friend had an Audi that someone broke into and sprayed the interior with lighter fluid and torched (happened to several cars close to him on the same night). The car was repaired and they used the smoke bomb thing to remove the smokey smell. Friend said it was very effective, but still got rid of the car.
You have the "Exclusive" leather which produces quite a strong leather smell once treated with Gliptone.
I do think it is the best looking six series I have seen.
Look forward to the updates.
The CLS was the alternative I looked at too.
I think the wood trim is superb and the glass roof brightens up the interior.
A friend had an Audi that someone broke into and sprayed the interior with lighter fluid and torched (happened to several cars close to him on the same night). The car was repaired and they used the smoke bomb thing to remove the smokey smell. Friend said it was very effective, but still got rid of the car.
You have the "Exclusive" leather which produces quite a strong leather smell once treated with Gliptone.
I do think it is the best looking six series I have seen.
Look forward to the updates.
OH wants to get rid of the Z4 next year, and I I'm trying to steer her towards one of these. Probably the coupe.
She can only just get the Z in the garage ( not being sexist, it's a decent sized garage and she's genuinely rubbish at parking) and the Z's nose doesn't help.
I figure if we get a 6, I'll get a garage shaped workshop thrown in.
Nice interior, btw.
She can only just get the Z in the garage ( not being sexist, it's a decent sized garage and she's genuinely rubbish at parking) and the Z's nose doesn't help.
I figure if we get a 6, I'll get a garage shaped workshop thrown in.
Nice interior, btw.
carinaman said:
I wasn't keen on the looks when they were new. While I was waiting around for an appointment a few years ago there was a black one with brown leather and I spent a while walking around the car decided in black with that leather it was quite smart. Their appeal is also related to how affordable they now are used.
What's the deal with run flats come MoT time? Do they have tyre sensors that will flag up errors during the MoT test?
No alarms come MOT time if you replace the RFT's with normal tyres. Pressure sensors still work fine.What's the deal with run flats come MoT time? Do they have tyre sensors that will flag up errors during the MoT test?
I think the BMW tyre pressure monitoring works using the abs sensors to tell when a tyre is down on pressure as it'll be effectively smaller.
The only issue with taking off run flats is that there's no-where to put a spare, hence the inflation kit.
My only other choice was also the CLS, but then I got drunk and decided what I really wanted was a 645 and I didn't care if people couldn't get into it!
The only issue with taking off run flats is that there's no-where to put a spare, hence the inflation kit.
My only other choice was also the CLS, but then I got drunk and decided what I really wanted was a 645 and I didn't care if people couldn't get into it!
carinaman said:
I wasn't keen on the looks when they were new. While I was waiting around for an appointment a few years ago there was a black one with brown leather and I spent a while walking around the car decided in black with that leather it was quite smart. Their appeal is also related to how affordable they now are used.
What's the deal with run flats come MoT time? Do they have tyre sensors that will flag up errors during the MoT test?
For me it was idle classifieds browsing, I saw one that looked lovely and was photographed really well, suddenly I was seeing myself owning it - as you say, appeal relates to attainability too!What's the deal with run flats come MoT time? Do they have tyre sensors that will flag up errors during the MoT test?
Should be no problem running normal tyres. There are tyre pressure monitoring sensors, but these operate the same, and the car doesn't know whether it has RFTs fitted. I don't actually know which type of system these cars have - as speed_addicted says, typically they monitor each wheel's speed and use any difference to detect a pressure deviation, but there are systems that have wireless sensors in the tyre valve itself. When you have a pressure warning you have to reset the system when stationary and then drive a short distance for it to recalibrate - this tells me it's likely to be a wheel speed sensor. That would be much better, as you already had those sensors for ABS anyway and it's no extra complication when running two sets of wheels.
gf15 said:
Book marked!
The CLS was the alternative I looked at too.
I think the wood trim is superb and the glass roof brightens up the interior.
A friend had an Audi that someone broke into and sprayed the interior with lighter fluid and torched (happened to several cars close to him on the same night). The car was repaired and they used the smoke bomb thing to remove the smokey smell. Friend said it was very effective, but still got rid of the car.
You have the "Exclusive" leather which produces quite a strong leather smell once treated with Gliptone.
I do think it is the best looking six series I have seen.
Look forward to the updates.
Thanks GF, no small thanks to you that this car is on my driveway. The kind words mean a lot, since I consider your 6er to be the best looking one I've seen! Might throw one of those smoke bombs in anyway just to see if it freshens the interior. Looking forward to getting Gliptone on it, I already had some Auto Glym Leather Care Balm so went over it with that, much more supple now but not perfect.The CLS was the alternative I looked at too.
I think the wood trim is superb and the glass roof brightens up the interior.
A friend had an Audi that someone broke into and sprayed the interior with lighter fluid and torched (happened to several cars close to him on the same night). The car was repaired and they used the smoke bomb thing to remove the smokey smell. Friend said it was very effective, but still got rid of the car.
You have the "Exclusive" leather which produces quite a strong leather smell once treated with Gliptone.
I do think it is the best looking six series I have seen.
Look forward to the updates.
ETA - Quick glance at the manual tells me "The check of the tyre inflation pressure is based on monitoring the relative speeds of the wheels. A flat tyre is detected and reported on the basis of a deviation in certain speed ratios.", so it should indeed be the wheel speed sensors and no extra kit. Good!
These have popped onto my radar lately, nice to see you taking the leap OP. I'll be watching with interest; I have some saving to do before I'm in a position to buy but am using the time to learn what to look for in these.
Still unsure whether to go for a coupé or convertible - I really like my E36 convertible and the shape of the roof on the 6-series looks awesome.
Still unsure whether to go for a coupé or convertible - I really like my E36 convertible and the shape of the roof on the 6-series looks awesome.
shalmaneser said:
Haven't the 4.5 litre engines got some slightly worrying issues with the cooling system? Has that been looked at or are you just playing it by ear? I understand there is some sort of easyish fix available from the US?
Yes.A coolant leak can be bad news. A seal the size of a 50p piece fails, and it can be an engine-out job to replace.
My 745 had the US fix (from the previous owner), and it was still a four-figure job.
shalmaneser said:
I love these. I don't know if I could handle an auto though.
Haven't the 4.5 litre engines got some slightly worrying issues with the cooling system? Has that been looked at or are you just playing it by ear? I understand there is some sort of easyish fix available from the US?
There is a coolant pipe that runs in the v between the cylinders and it's possible for the seal on that to fail, the US fix is an insert so it's more effective and you can do it without as much dismantling. The main problem is the amount of stuff that's in the way.Haven't the 4.5 litre engines got some slightly worrying issues with the cooling system? Has that been looked at or are you just playing it by ear? I understand there is some sort of easyish fix available from the US?
However it doesn't seem to be a particularly common problem, but an expensive one if it does go.
I had the rocker cover gaskets done (common fault) , they're expensive for the same reasons.
shalmaneser said:
I love these. I don't know if I could handle an auto though.
I felt the same until I drove one. The decision is partially made for you, because well over 90% of production is auto and when I was looking there wasn't a single V8 manual coupé for sale in the country, but it does suit the character of the car very well. I'm a staunch advocate of the manual gearbox and would never have this if I didn't also have my E36 for fun, but the big Six is never going to be the most involving car, that's not what it was meant for. I think a manual one would feel like unnecessary effort far more often than it would add an extra dimension. I'd feel differently on a 630i, but with such a flexible engine it works well.Funk said:
These have popped onto my radar lately, nice to see you taking the leap OP. I'll be watching with interest; I have some saving to do before I'm in a position to buy but am using the time to learn what to look for in these.
Still unsure whether to go for a coupé or convertible - I really like my E36 convertible and the shape of the roof on the 6-series looks awesome.
It's well worth taking the time to research and read people's experiences, there are rather a lot of known issues to look out for! I haven't been in a convertible, it didn't hold much appeal for me so I didn't look. One thing I would say is that these cars are so refined that any little knock or creak will stand out and really annoy you, my glass roof seal is a bit tired and squeaks when the roof is closed and it's immensely irritating because it's the only thing you can hear. I imagine that this might be a much bigger problem in a convertible that was anything less than perfect - little noises that are easily lost in an E36 would bother you in one of these.Still unsure whether to go for a coupé or convertible - I really like my E36 convertible and the shape of the roof on the 6-series looks awesome.
RE coolant leaks - the most common "big job" does indeed seem to be that pipe that runs through the valley, a seal near the front of it can fail and cause constant weeping. The engine drains it out fine so it doesn't cause further damage, as far as I know, but you have a permanent leak and the potential for it to worsen. The original replacement isn't worth thinking about but a US company makes a solid pipe that can go in instead, eight hours' work to do that and the part doesn't seem terribly cheap either.
There is, however, a new solution - a company called Bimmerfix (again US) have produced a kit that allows you to reinforce the affected area from the front of the engine by just removing the water pump, rather than going in from above and requiring the entire inlet manifold with all its attendant harnesses, vacuum lines and fuel hoses to come off. That kit costs $200 and looks to my eye like a four hour job, which isn't half so bad.
If you're really lucky, you might find that it's just the expansion tank, which can also crack on the underside.
As we have 2 cars with frame less windows, I use Gummi Pflege Rubber Care Stick : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Einszett-Gummi-Pflege-Rubb...
Blurb says "Conditions and maintains weather seals around doors, windows, and trunk lids with an easy-to-use built-in foam applicator for simple and mess-free application. Prevents rubber from drying and cracking due to oxidation, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. Maintains elasticity/flexibility. Restores dried weather seals to original condition. Reduces wind noise due to dry seals. Prevents seals from sticking in freezing temperatures with an anti-freeze agent. Solvent-free, water-based formula.100ml
"
The alternative is any silicone grease.
It prevents the glass sticking to the door seal in really cold weather and seems to work very well. As it is only £5, it has to be worth applying on the roof seal. Let us know how you get on.
Cheers
Blurb says "Conditions and maintains weather seals around doors, windows, and trunk lids with an easy-to-use built-in foam applicator for simple and mess-free application. Prevents rubber from drying and cracking due to oxidation, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. Maintains elasticity/flexibility. Restores dried weather seals to original condition. Reduces wind noise due to dry seals. Prevents seals from sticking in freezing temperatures with an anti-freeze agent. Solvent-free, water-based formula.100ml
"
The alternative is any silicone grease.
It prevents the glass sticking to the door seal in really cold weather and seems to work very well. As it is only £5, it has to be worth applying on the roof seal. Let us know how you get on.
Cheers
You didn't miss out by getting an auto, the manual is not very nice and it has that godawful clutch delay valve that makes using the clutch smoothly a real pain.
That leather looks nice. I looked at these 18 months ago, along with the later 650i and the standard "dakota" leather is absolutely f
king horrible stuff. A total dealbreaker for me to have it in a car like that, and barely acceptable in a cheap 320d. Yours was either a well specified demo car or someone with deep pockets ticked the best option boxes when ordering!
That leather looks nice. I looked at these 18 months ago, along with the later 650i and the standard "dakota" leather is absolutely f
king horrible stuff. A total dealbreaker for me to have it in a car like that, and barely acceptable in a cheap 320d. Yours was either a well specified demo car or someone with deep pockets ticked the best option boxes when ordering!Edited by dme123 on Thursday 31st December 17:40
As said in the other thread, this is lovely..
I've a 550i Touring and i would really love a 650i Sport, problem is I've spent around 4 figures on mine sorting some common issues and making sure it's generally tip top. I'd be amazed if I could find a 650i as well looked after.
Great engines though, and the autos do work well. Now and then it will do the wrong thing but that's generally when I'm asking for a bit more out of it whilst still in drive. 99% of the time it's the best chose, a manual one would be just a chore.
I've a 550i Touring and i would really love a 650i Sport, problem is I've spent around 4 figures on mine sorting some common issues and making sure it's generally tip top. I'd be amazed if I could find a 650i as well looked after.
Great engines though, and the autos do work well. Now and then it will do the wrong thing but that's generally when I'm asking for a bit more out of it whilst still in drive. 99% of the time it's the best chose, a manual one would be just a chore.
Gummi Pflege is just the stuff already on my shopping list, cheers GF!
I'm not sure about the spec on this car making it an ex-demo - it's lacking a few things I did want, namely the sports seats and the dynamic drive package (active hydraulic anti-roll bars). The former is easily sorted but the latter I'll have to live without. I'm not sure if the HUD was introduced by this year, nor comfort access, but I don't have those either.
I'm already recalibrating to the big cruiser way of doing things - for a while I found myself having to go quite big on the brakes at times because I was carrying far more speed than I'd noticed! Deploying the power takes thought in the wet, too, I had traction intervention in third a couple of times yesterday without doing anything especially daft. I have heard that the Bridgestones are crap in the wet and 275 is far too wide for those conditions anyway, so I expect it'll be much better on the new 18s.
Happy new year, all
dme123 said:
That leather looks nice. I looked at these 18 months ago, along with the later 650i and the standard "dakota" leather is absolutely fking horrible stuff. A total dealbreaker for me to have it in a car like that, and barely acceptable in a cheap 320d. Yours was either a well specified demo car or someone with deep pockets ticked the best option boxes when ordering!
Yeah, I was well advised to make sure any car had the upgraded leather, this is "Pearl" - I didn't view an E63 with standard leather but I had cheap nasty stuff in an Audi a while back and I'm glad to have avoided it in a car like this.king horrible stuff. A total dealbreaker for me to have it in a car like that, and barely acceptable in a cheap 320d. Yours was either a well specified demo car or someone with deep pockets ticked the best option boxes when ordering!I'm not sure about the spec on this car making it an ex-demo - it's lacking a few things I did want, namely the sports seats and the dynamic drive package (active hydraulic anti-roll bars). The former is easily sorted but the latter I'll have to live without. I'm not sure if the HUD was introduced by this year, nor comfort access, but I don't have those either.
I'm already recalibrating to the big cruiser way of doing things - for a while I found myself having to go quite big on the brakes at times because I was carrying far more speed than I'd noticed! Deploying the power takes thought in the wet, too, I had traction intervention in third a couple of times yesterday without doing anything especially daft. I have heard that the Bridgestones are crap in the wet and 275 is far too wide for those conditions anyway, so I expect it'll be much better on the new 18s.
Happy new year, all
This engine in a Morgan would be really quite something, never mind the bigger 4.8! Awesome.
I'm hoping to get the car to a local specialist next week for a once-over, just because it's quite hard to be certain whether everything it does is exactly right.
speedster986 said:
Lovely car. I had the same exterior colour with a black interior. Loved it but it did develop a terminal gearbox problem. It may be worth considering a gearbox oil flush as a precaution.
Thanks! What was your gearbox problem? As part of the deal, the vendor did change the gearbox oil before I took the car but I don't completely trust him so will be taking a squint at the drain and fill plugs for signs of recent movement. I understand only around half of the oil can be dropped at a time so doing it again might not be the worst move anyway.I'm hoping to get the car to a local specialist next week for a once-over, just because it's quite hard to be certain whether everything it does is exactly right.
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