RE: BMW 6 Series (E63): PH Buying Guide
Discussion
Patrick Bateman said:
Having to drop the engine to replace rocker cover gaskets? Is that a mistake? 
Ha, nope.The Vanos unit is on top of the engine, and the engines really far back for weight distribution. Far enough that you need a special tool to replace the back two spark plugs.
The engine doesn't need to come out, just be lowered enough for access.
Edited by Speed addicted on Wednesday 7th December 17:05
Not a lot of room in there!
Edited by Speed addicted on Wednesday 7th December 17:06
hi, thought I'd chime in here as a E63 645ci owner for the last 9 years, yes 9! (the longest I've ever owned a car)
purchased used from BMW dealer on 22k miles, I've now done 135k
Over the years few things have gone wrong and i've made a few changes, here are some observations:
1/ sat nav pro was replaced by BMW within 6 months of owning as it couldn't get GPS locking, fault came back and I fixed it, turned out to be bad antenna connection in the boot lid
2/ coolant header tank cracked twice in 9 years, easy DIY fix, £50 for parts, 30mins job
3/ I foolishly decided to change the spark plugs, took me all day due to location of the 2 nearest the bulkhead, did it without special tools though,
4/ I had a sticking solenoid in the auto transmission (affected 5th gear only) this problem went away on its own around 30k miles ago
5/ I replaced all springs with aftermarket -25mm, but retained the shocks thinking these wouldn't last long, did this 60k miles ago no issues, quite easy diy job
6/ I've replaced all discs once in the 110k miles of ownership, the pads, must be 4 times or so.
7/ the alloys still look really good despite the cars age unlike Mercedes alloys on my other car which scab after only a few years.
8/ the lack of cup holder is really annoying, my early model doesn't even have the slot to add one.
9/ I had the middle two silencers removed and x-pipe fitted in an otherwise std exhaust system, much nicer sound without the outlay of a complete new system.
10/ still on RFTs I don't mind them.
11/ economy amazingly good for a 4.4ltr V8, I used to get 34mpg (measured over a few thousand miles) when doing nearly all motorway driving, these days I mostly do a/b roads and shortish journeys but its still never dropped below 25mpg (again measured over long time/distance) and that's with the occasional blast.
12/ one of the parking sensors has failed meaning the whole parking system doesn't work, haven't got round the fitting a new one yet.
All things considered the car has been very reliable, enjoyable and cheap to run, I will now probably run it until it becomes an economic right-off.
I hope this helps anyone who may be looking at buying an E63
purchased used from BMW dealer on 22k miles, I've now done 135k
Over the years few things have gone wrong and i've made a few changes, here are some observations:
1/ sat nav pro was replaced by BMW within 6 months of owning as it couldn't get GPS locking, fault came back and I fixed it, turned out to be bad antenna connection in the boot lid
2/ coolant header tank cracked twice in 9 years, easy DIY fix, £50 for parts, 30mins job
3/ I foolishly decided to change the spark plugs, took me all day due to location of the 2 nearest the bulkhead, did it without special tools though,
4/ I had a sticking solenoid in the auto transmission (affected 5th gear only) this problem went away on its own around 30k miles ago
5/ I replaced all springs with aftermarket -25mm, but retained the shocks thinking these wouldn't last long, did this 60k miles ago no issues, quite easy diy job
6/ I've replaced all discs once in the 110k miles of ownership, the pads, must be 4 times or so.
7/ the alloys still look really good despite the cars age unlike Mercedes alloys on my other car which scab after only a few years.
8/ the lack of cup holder is really annoying, my early model doesn't even have the slot to add one.
9/ I had the middle two silencers removed and x-pipe fitted in an otherwise std exhaust system, much nicer sound without the outlay of a complete new system.
10/ still on RFTs I don't mind them.
11/ economy amazingly good for a 4.4ltr V8, I used to get 34mpg (measured over a few thousand miles) when doing nearly all motorway driving, these days I mostly do a/b roads and shortish journeys but its still never dropped below 25mpg (again measured over long time/distance) and that's with the occasional blast.
12/ one of the parking sensors has failed meaning the whole parking system doesn't work, haven't got round the fitting a new one yet.
All things considered the car has been very reliable, enjoyable and cheap to run, I will now probably run it until it becomes an economic right-off.
I hope this helps anyone who may be looking at buying an E63
Couple of questions for the pros here:
- I have the convertible and I seem to have a blocked drain as after a rainy day I can hear (when I break) a lot of water being displaced in the space between the trunk and the back wings. I am always a bit wary of opening the soft top and messing with it as I used to have 50% of the time some issues with it (until I did find the trick of pressing inside the bar lightly) What would you recommend for unblocking this drain?
- have you guys done anything at the location dock for receiving an old nokia phone between the front seats ?
- I have the convertible and I seem to have a blocked drain as after a rainy day I can hear (when I break) a lot of water being displaced in the space between the trunk and the back wings. I am always a bit wary of opening the soft top and messing with it as I used to have 50% of the time some issues with it (until I did find the trick of pressing inside the bar lightly) What would you recommend for unblocking this drain?
- have you guys done anything at the location dock for receiving an old nokia phone between the front seats ?
greghm said:
Couple of questions for the pros here:
- I have the convertible and I seem to have a blocked drain as after a rainy day I can hear (when I break) a lot of water being displaced in the space between the trunk and the back wings. I am always a bit wary of opening the soft top and messing with it as I used to have 50% of the time some issues with it (until I did find the trick of pressing inside the bar lightly) What would you recommend for unblocking this drain?
- have you guys done anything at the location dock for receiving an old nokia phone between the front seats ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Genuine-Apple-iPhone-6-Connect-Snap-In-Adapter-Cradle-Dock-84212407464-/192074077398?hash=item2cb881d4d6:g:n7QAAOSwBahVcZ4o- I have the convertible and I seem to have a blocked drain as after a rainy day I can hear (when I break) a lot of water being displaced in the space between the trunk and the back wings. I am always a bit wary of opening the soft top and messing with it as I used to have 50% of the time some issues with it (until I did find the trick of pressing inside the bar lightly) What would you recommend for unblocking this drain?
- have you guys done anything at the location dock for receiving an old nokia phone between the front seats ?
You get snap in adaptors for the phone so you can have any phone in the dock, no I've never fitted one!
Hi All,
Just stumbled over this.
I bought my 2005 650 back in July 2011 on 48k miles. Now on 160k.
I tend to use mine on long runs and it tends to average 27.7 MPG. Same journey in my wife's 2002 330i convertible is 30, but the average speed tends to be about 10mph faster in the 650.
Non consumables over 6.5 years have been (with a rough cost for each, from memory after a glass of wine)
Wheel bearing £120
Oil level sender £100
Gearbox sleeve / Sump + as much oil as they could change £350
BMW Battery £ 120
Brake lines to rear (only one was rusty, very unusual seemingly) £250
Front discs + pads (BMW value line parts - same part numbers as full priced items) £540
SW update £55
Some suspension bushes £200
The above is over 6.5 years and 115k miles on a "if it needs it, do it" with a superb specialist (Autohaus York - no connection).
At 135k miles it developed the dreaded valve seal issue, which I live with. It is using 1 litre of oil every 7k miles, but when stuck in heavy traffic for 5 minutes or more, it leaves 2 fluffy plumes of smoke when I accelerate away.
The design has grown on me. No squeeks or rattles. Flies along nicely. Big boot. Options I really like in order: HUD, Logic 7, Exclusive leather (which shows very little wear even today) comfort access and active cruise.
Niggles: Tank only holds 15 gallons.
Epitomises what a GT should be; Fast and comfy.
About 6 months ago I thought I would get something different and came to the conclusion that I would have top spend a lot of money to get anything better, so am sticking with it.
As for the looks, they have grown on me and I was starting to like them until a friend parked his XK jag beside it and it made it the BM look aesthetically challenged.
Great car which I would recommend.
Just stumbled over this.
I bought my 2005 650 back in July 2011 on 48k miles. Now on 160k.
I tend to use mine on long runs and it tends to average 27.7 MPG. Same journey in my wife's 2002 330i convertible is 30, but the average speed tends to be about 10mph faster in the 650.
Non consumables over 6.5 years have been (with a rough cost for each, from memory after a glass of wine)
Wheel bearing £120
Oil level sender £100
Gearbox sleeve / Sump + as much oil as they could change £350
BMW Battery £ 120
Brake lines to rear (only one was rusty, very unusual seemingly) £250
Front discs + pads (BMW value line parts - same part numbers as full priced items) £540
SW update £55
Some suspension bushes £200
The above is over 6.5 years and 115k miles on a "if it needs it, do it" with a superb specialist (Autohaus York - no connection).
At 135k miles it developed the dreaded valve seal issue, which I live with. It is using 1 litre of oil every 7k miles, but when stuck in heavy traffic for 5 minutes or more, it leaves 2 fluffy plumes of smoke when I accelerate away.
The design has grown on me. No squeeks or rattles. Flies along nicely. Big boot. Options I really like in order: HUD, Logic 7, Exclusive leather (which shows very little wear even today) comfort access and active cruise.
Niggles: Tank only holds 15 gallons.
Epitomises what a GT should be; Fast and comfy.
About 6 months ago I thought I would get something different and came to the conclusion that I would have top spend a lot of money to get anything better, so am sticking with it.
As for the looks, they have grown on me and I was starting to like them until a friend parked his XK jag beside it and it made it the BM look aesthetically challenged.
Great car which I would recommend.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
If you need the gearbox pan doing, I was recommended Dartford Transmissions on another thread; I asked as a friend (this is an actual friend, not a PH "friend," that "friend," is an incompetent moron at the best of times...) has an E38 750 and needs similar work doing.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Don't know why, but I've always really liked the look of the car. In the past two people have stopped me to say they thought it was lovely and 200 have passed by thinking it looked like a pig (or a shark). As someone said, a real marmite car.
Now only just 7 years from new, 635d MSport Auto, 33k miles, all the options bar HUD and Logic 7. Would really have liked the HUD but it's pretty much an impossible afterfit :-(
Only one issue so far - water ingress from a door membrane that had come unstuck. Did a painful amount of damage before I realised what the hell was going on (soaking the electrics under the passenger seat and having to have carpets replaced).
30 Mpg around town in traffic, 43+ on a good run. Swift when needed, a gentleman's carriage (as my GP would have said) at other times. New cost £64,680, probably worth ~£12-£14k now. What a bargain IMHO. Interior as new except some minor bolster wear.
All as when it rolled off the line, except the RFT which were replaced with Goodyear Asymmetric F1s.
Nicest car I've ever owned. Almost pulled the trigger on a 2017 AMG C43 Coupe but I just couldn't bring myself to let her go.
Now only just 7 years from new, 635d MSport Auto, 33k miles, all the options bar HUD and Logic 7. Would really have liked the HUD but it's pretty much an impossible afterfit :-(
Only one issue so far - water ingress from a door membrane that had come unstuck. Did a painful amount of damage before I realised what the hell was going on (soaking the electrics under the passenger seat and having to have carpets replaced).
30 Mpg around town in traffic, 43+ on a good run. Swift when needed, a gentleman's carriage (as my GP would have said) at other times. New cost £64,680, probably worth ~£12-£14k now. What a bargain IMHO. Interior as new except some minor bolster wear.
All as when it rolled off the line, except the RFT which were replaced with Goodyear Asymmetric F1s.
Nicest car I've ever owned. Almost pulled the trigger on a 2017 AMG C43 Coupe but I just couldn't bring myself to let her go.
"Only one issue so far - water ingress from a door membrane that had come unstuck. Did a painful amount of damage before I realised what the hell was going on (soaking the electrics under the passenger seat and having to have carpets replaced)."
I have seen a few videos about this water getting under the floor carpets. There are sometimes leaves blocking an small evacuation drain under the hood which can also causes this. I do not know it if applies to yours too.
I have seen a few videos about this water getting under the floor carpets. There are sometimes leaves blocking an small evacuation drain under the hood which can also causes this. I do not know it if applies to yours too.
greghm said:
"Only one issue so far - water ingress from a door membrane that had come unstuck. Did a painful amount of damage before I realised what the hell was going on (soaking the electrics under the passenger seat and having to have carpets replaced)."
I have seen a few videos about this water getting under the floor carpets. There are sometimes leaves blocking an small evacuation drain under the hood which can also causes this. I do not know it if applies to yours too.
Thanks Greg. My leak was definitely through the door but you are quite right about the drains getting clogged. I really need to check mine out..I have seen a few videos about this water getting under the floor carpets. There are sometimes leaves blocking an small evacuation drain under the hood which can also causes this. I do not know it if applies to yours too.
Thread revival time.. I have owned my 2006 630i for 3 years now and taken the mileage from 71k to 82k. I’m retired so don’t do a lot of mileage..that and Covid has slowed the miles considerably.
The only issues I have had have been a weeping gearbox sump, which I had replaced and gearbox serviced..along with replacement rear brake discs at Specialist Cars, BMW Stevenage. A rear n/s wheel bearing started to hum so had that replaced. The battery was on its way out, short journeys not helped & kept showing the ‘excessive battery discharge’ warning, so had that replaced.
I considered the V8, but was put off by the oil leak issues etc.. Having had 7 V8 TVRs, a daily V8 wasn’t so important. The N52 is a decent performer, especially in sport mode, and does all I need.
I am now at the 3 year itch for something different, and have been looking at Audi S5s.. but they of course have their own issues. Changing cars is always a stressful experience for me lol.. So in the meantime, whilst I decide, I have purchased some new VEEMANN VC7 20” alloys and Eibach 20/25mm springs from BM Autosport, just to refresh the appearance from the standard 218 alloys & ride height. .
Re: the looks.. well it’s subjective, everyone has their taste and preference.. but the Bangle design has grown on me even more since purchase. I never seem to see many on the road…
Overall, the marque of a great car imo is the difficulty in finding something to replace it with
The only issues I have had have been a weeping gearbox sump, which I had replaced and gearbox serviced..along with replacement rear brake discs at Specialist Cars, BMW Stevenage. A rear n/s wheel bearing started to hum so had that replaced. The battery was on its way out, short journeys not helped & kept showing the ‘excessive battery discharge’ warning, so had that replaced.
I considered the V8, but was put off by the oil leak issues etc.. Having had 7 V8 TVRs, a daily V8 wasn’t so important. The N52 is a decent performer, especially in sport mode, and does all I need.
I am now at the 3 year itch for something different, and have been looking at Audi S5s.. but they of course have their own issues. Changing cars is always a stressful experience for me lol.. So in the meantime, whilst I decide, I have purchased some new VEEMANN VC7 20” alloys and Eibach 20/25mm springs from BM Autosport, just to refresh the appearance from the standard 218 alloys & ride height. .
Re: the looks.. well it’s subjective, everyone has their taste and preference.. but the Bangle design has grown on me even more since purchase. I never seem to see many on the road…
Overall, the marque of a great car imo is the difficulty in finding something to replace it with
Thread re-revival time then?
What’s the general opinion on the E63/E64 given the extra years and the impact of Covid on used prices?
I’ve been wanting a 6 series convertible (or coupe) for a couple of years but a massive reduction in miles through Covid has firstly made me hold off and secondly reconsider the 640d as most journeyed are likely to be of the shorter kind now.
My original plan was to go for an F12 640d m-sport, given the journey characteristics changing I’m now erring towards thinking petrol may be a better choice. There seems to be a lot more E63/E64 petrols around and the F12 prices seem to have gone up proportionately higher.
I’d love to get the opinion of those who have owned, driven and know this and/or both variants in the context of them being a few years older than when the original thread was posted. I know the styling/design is a very personal opinion. However what’s the thoughts from an ownership, usability and driving characteristic perspective, are they starting to show their age? Or would a well looked after example of a 645/650 or even 630 be a decent choice as a year round driver?
What’s the general opinion on the E63/E64 given the extra years and the impact of Covid on used prices?
I’ve been wanting a 6 series convertible (or coupe) for a couple of years but a massive reduction in miles through Covid has firstly made me hold off and secondly reconsider the 640d as most journeyed are likely to be of the shorter kind now.
My original plan was to go for an F12 640d m-sport, given the journey characteristics changing I’m now erring towards thinking petrol may be a better choice. There seems to be a lot more E63/E64 petrols around and the F12 prices seem to have gone up proportionately higher.
I’d love to get the opinion of those who have owned, driven and know this and/or both variants in the context of them being a few years older than when the original thread was posted. I know the styling/design is a very personal opinion. However what’s the thoughts from an ownership, usability and driving characteristic perspective, are they starting to show their age? Or would a well looked after example of a 645/650 or even 630 be a decent choice as a year round driver?
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