BMW 630i E63 adventures
Discussion
It's good you persevered OP - your 630i looks great, especially with that interior colour. ![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Assuming it has the N52 engine I'm on my 4th now and they are a great power-plant (two Coupes, an E91 325i and currently an E90 330i) but all with those "change gear yourself" thingies! Although a 630i may suit an Auto better.
Enjoy.![driving](/inc/images/driving.gif)
![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Assuming it has the N52 engine I'm on my 4th now and they are a great power-plant (two Coupes, an E91 325i and currently an E90 330i) but all with those "change gear yourself" thingies! Although a 630i may suit an Auto better.
Enjoy.
![driving](/inc/images/driving.gif)
gf15 said:
Great, if you like them, chuck the beer tokens at children in need.
Enjoy the 6 series, it is a fantastic car and the design grows on you the more you wash it!
As per email, done Enjoy the 6 series, it is a fantastic car and the design grows on you the more you wash it!
![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Mr Tidy said:
It's good you persevered OP - your 630i looks great, especially with that interior colour. ![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Assuming it has the N52 engine I'm on my 4th now and they are a great power-plant (two Coupes, an E91 325i and currently an E90 330i) but all with those "change gear yourself" thingies! Although a 630i may suit an Auto better.
Enjoy.![driving](/inc/images/driving.gif)
Yes it’s the N52 lump without the fandango HPFP and injectors. I love a good manual but needs to be in the right car, otherwise it’s grandad ‘box for me ![thumbup](/inc/images/thumbup.gif)
Assuming it has the N52 engine I'm on my 4th now and they are a great power-plant (two Coupes, an E91 325i and currently an E90 330i) but all with those "change gear yourself" thingies! Although a 630i may suit an Auto better.
Enjoy.
![driving](/inc/images/driving.gif)
![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
Did a couple of bits on the car today, the nice and clean floor mats are back in. Next up was checking I wasn’t suffering the usual blocked drains in scuttle panel. I noticed a few leaves when buying the car so knew it lived near trees at some point. Blocked drains on these fill up the wells and then dribbles into the car via wiring grommets.
Took first pollen filter housing off and a brief squirt of water showed drains were not blocked. Pulled out loads of debris and then jetted through with hose again. All sorted.
Popped round to drivers side and pulled off pollen housing. Again loads of debris but water running out from wheel well as expected. Then I thought let’s just pull the whole scuttle while I’m here and clean it... just as well I did ! In the drivers side was a nice pool of water sitting level with bonnet release cable grommit and more leaves etc. Managed to clear the lower drain too and about a litre of water rushed out on the floor ! Disaster averted , the car is dry and hadn’t suffered leaks... yet. This was prevention rather than cure!
Passenger side pollen housing
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/z5OHeQYT.jpg)
Debris under pax side filters but no water pools
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HjAdJX3A.jpg)
Drivers side pollen filter
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/tSDnYEqt.jpg)
Debris and water trapped under housing
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/FbFrNZuS.jpg)
Which left it looking a bit like this
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/iOdcAZ0p.jpg)
So that’s the drains all cleaned and free, both pollen filters are new as is the air filter which I peaked at while there. The FSH rallies up with everything I’ve found so far.
![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
Took first pollen filter housing off and a brief squirt of water showed drains were not blocked. Pulled out loads of debris and then jetted through with hose again. All sorted.
Popped round to drivers side and pulled off pollen housing. Again loads of debris but water running out from wheel well as expected. Then I thought let’s just pull the whole scuttle while I’m here and clean it... just as well I did ! In the drivers side was a nice pool of water sitting level with bonnet release cable grommit and more leaves etc. Managed to clear the lower drain too and about a litre of water rushed out on the floor ! Disaster averted , the car is dry and hadn’t suffered leaks... yet. This was prevention rather than cure!
Passenger side pollen housing
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/z5OHeQYT.jpg)
Debris under pax side filters but no water pools
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HjAdJX3A.jpg)
Drivers side pollen filter
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/tSDnYEqt.jpg)
Debris and water trapped under housing
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/FbFrNZuS.jpg)
Which left it looking a bit like this
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/iOdcAZ0p.jpg)
So that’s the drains all cleaned and free, both pollen filters are new as is the air filter which I peaked at while there. The FSH rallies up with everything I’ve found so far.
![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
I couldn't stand these when they were new (or the e60 to be honest!) but they've really grown on me over the years, so much so that when the time comes to replace my e39 an e63 is high on the list. Yours looks lovely OP (even the wheels!), I'd be very proud of it. It's also interesting to hear of the real world performance of the 3.0, I thought it might have a felt a bit gutless in such a big car but that doesn't seem to be the case.
njw1 said:
It's also interesting to hear of the real world performance of the 3.0, I thought it might have a felt a bit gutless in such a big car but that doesn't seem to be the case.
The great thing about the E63 630i is that it only weighs pretty much the same as a E90 330i. So although it seems like a big car the weight doesn't reflect that. The next generation F13 640d I had was pretty much 300kg heavier than the E63 6 series at 1800kg.
Had the 645 cab version of this, lovely car. No cup holders can be a surprising pain in the arse.
Quite like those wheels myself, got to be better than the standard 19” elipsoid style. Looked great but prone to cracking with the run flats.
They really are a proper bargain these days, private plate and few people understand how old it actually is
Quite like those wheels myself, got to be better than the standard 19” elipsoid style. Looked great but prone to cracking with the run flats.
They really are a proper bargain these days, private plate and few people understand how old it actually is
njw1 said:
I couldn't stand these when they were new (or the e60 to be honest!) but they've really grown on me over the years, so much so that when the time comes to replace my e39 an e63 is high on the list. Yours looks lovely OP (even the wheels!), I'd be very proud of it. It's also interesting to hear of the real world performance of the 3.0, I thought it might have a felt a bit gutless in such a big car but that doesn't seem to be the case.
Thanks, the car truly is immaculate and the more I look round it, the harder is it to believe it’s 14 years old soon. I didn’t like this shape at first, but I kept seeing the odd one around and soon enough I grew a soft spot for them. The wheels aren’t too bad I don’t think, seen worse ones on cars ! The don’t look that great in the advert pics I must confess, certainly better in the flesh and with some bloody tyre gel on ![laugh](/inc/images/laugh.gif)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/LamN8f9T.jpg)
mattman said:
Had the 645 cab version of this, lovely car. No cup holders can be a surprising pain in the arse.
Quite like those wheels myself, got to be better than the standard 19” elipsoid style. Looked great but prone to cracking with the run flats.
They really are a proper bargain these days, private plate and few people understand how old it actually is
Yeah , cup holders. So the first car I saw had the factory option one fitted in the front. Apart from the car being minging, one of the main reason I didn’t buy I was I genuinely believed someone had screwed a Halfords cup holder to the console. Little did I know that was a well sought after factory fit Quite like those wheels myself, got to be better than the standard 19” elipsoid style. Looked great but prone to cracking with the run flats.
They really are a proper bargain these days, private plate and few people understand how old it actually is
![tongue out](/inc/images/tongue.gif)
I have already sorted the cup holder issue. I will update with that tomorrow .
![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
cerb4.5lee said:
The great thing about the E63 630i is that it only weighs pretty much the same as a E90 330i. So although it seems like a big car the weight doesn't reflect that.
The next generation F13 640d I had was pretty much 300kg heavier than the E63 6 series at 1800kg.
If you're comparing like for like the E63 635d was 1725 kg so F13 only 75 kg heavier.The next generation F13 640d I had was pretty much 300kg heavier than the E63 6 series at 1800kg.
Ph1listine said:
cerb4.5lee said:
The great thing about the E63 630i is that it only weighs pretty much the same as a E90 330i. So although it seems like a big car the weight doesn't reflect that.
The next generation F13 640d I had was pretty much 300kg heavier than the E63 6 series at 1800kg.
If you're comparing like for like the E63 635d was 1725 kg so F13 only 75 kg heavier.The next generation F13 640d I had was pretty much 300kg heavier than the E63 6 series at 1800kg.
cerb4.5lee said:
That is crazy then that the diesel engine is 225kg heavier than the petrol engine for sure. The E63 630i only weighs 1500kg.
Indeed, the petrol uses a magnesium alloy engine where as I bet the derv is cast iron block ?My manual lists the E63 630i as 1575kgs kerb weight but that is with 90% full fuel tank so circa 60kgs fuel, and a 75kg load , I guess to simulate a driver. So on the road with no driver and a sniff of fuel it’s in the mid 1400’s which is remarkable for such a barge !!
fastbikes76 said:
Indeed, the petrol uses a magnesium alloy engine where as I bet the derv is cast iron block ?
My manual lists the E63 630i as 1575kgs kerb weight but that is with 90% full fuel tank so circa 60kgs fuel, and a 75kg load , I guess to simulate a driver. So on the road with no driver and a sniff of fuel it’s in the mid 1400’s which is remarkable for such a barge !!
It is so impressive I agree and I think my E90 330i auto weighed around 1540kg. It is brilliant that BMW managed to keep a car that is 2 ranges above the 3 series and still keep the weight in check for me. My manual lists the E63 630i as 1575kgs kerb weight but that is with 90% full fuel tank so circa 60kgs fuel, and a 75kg load , I guess to simulate a driver. So on the road with no driver and a sniff of fuel it’s in the mid 1400’s which is remarkable for such a barge !!
Now I knew the pollen filter drains were clear and I wasn’t going to fill up car with water, it was on to the next step.
Engine was grease and oil free, literally not a drop or drip anywhere apart from pas reservoir lid. Engine was just dusty and not quite my standard. Only one thing to do really...
People seem to lose their mind when they see an engine jetwashed.. I’ve probably done it to 100 engines now and yet to have an issue
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/m7h2LERz.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/92NZDWUS.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/VRLpnCP1.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/puY4JUdB.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/psyUITXb.jpg)
And the final product, snow foamed and wiped down with autoglym Vinyl and rubber protector.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0N9yky5x.jpg)
The more eagle eyed will notice 3 of the 6 front shock mounting bolts are a little rusty, I have new ones on order at BMW to sort that. Nothing else is rusted or corroded at all.![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
Everything still has its factory data stickers on showing Sept 2006 so I know it’s not had any front end parts replaced. This is the original radiator , no bent fins or debris in site
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/B6QUBS7P.jpg)
Engine was grease and oil free, literally not a drop or drip anywhere apart from pas reservoir lid. Engine was just dusty and not quite my standard. Only one thing to do really...
People seem to lose their mind when they see an engine jetwashed.. I’ve probably done it to 100 engines now and yet to have an issue
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/m7h2LERz.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/92NZDWUS.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/VRLpnCP1.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/puY4JUdB.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/psyUITXb.jpg)
And the final product, snow foamed and wiped down with autoglym Vinyl and rubber protector.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0N9yky5x.jpg)
The more eagle eyed will notice 3 of the 6 front shock mounting bolts are a little rusty, I have new ones on order at BMW to sort that. Nothing else is rusted or corroded at all.
![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
Everything still has its factory data stickers on showing Sept 2006 so I know it’s not had any front end parts replaced. This is the original radiator , no bent fins or debris in site
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/B6QUBS7P.jpg)
fastbikes76 said:
Now I knew the pollen filter drains were clear and I wasn’t going to fill up car with water, it was on to the next step.
Engine was grease and oil free, literally not a drop or drip anywhere apart from pas reservoir lid. Engine was just dusty and not quite my standard. Only one thing to do really...
People seem to lose their mind when they see an engine jetwashed.. I’ve probably done it to 100 engines now and yet to have an issue
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/m7h2LERz.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/92NZDWUS.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/VRLpnCP1.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/puY4JUdB.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/psyUITXb.jpg)
And the final product, snow foamed and wiped down with autoglym Vinyl and rubber protector.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0N9yky5x.jpg)
The more eagle eyed will notice 3 of the 6 front shock mounting bolts are a little rusty, I have new ones on order at BMW to sort that. Nothing else is rusted or corroded at all.![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
Everything still has its factory data stickers on showing Sept 2006 so I know it’s not had any front end parts replaced. This is the original radiator , no bent fins or debris in site
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/B6QUBS7P.jpg)
Oh no... You’re going to fry all your electrics and set your car on fire and then the world will all see and probably end too... :lol: Engine was grease and oil free, literally not a drop or drip anywhere apart from pas reservoir lid. Engine was just dusty and not quite my standard. Only one thing to do really...
People seem to lose their mind when they see an engine jetwashed.. I’ve probably done it to 100 engines now and yet to have an issue
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/m7h2LERz.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/92NZDWUS.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/VRLpnCP1.jpg)
Before
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/puY4JUdB.jpg)
After
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/psyUITXb.jpg)
And the final product, snow foamed and wiped down with autoglym Vinyl and rubber protector.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/0N9yky5x.jpg)
The more eagle eyed will notice 3 of the 6 front shock mounting bolts are a little rusty, I have new ones on order at BMW to sort that. Nothing else is rusted or corroded at all.
![cool](/inc/images/cool.gif)
Everything still has its factory data stickers on showing Sept 2006 so I know it’s not had any front end parts replaced. This is the original radiator , no bent fins or debris in site
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/B6QUBS7P.jpg)
![wink](/inc/images/wink.gif)
![biggrin](/inc/images/biggrin.gif)
Like you, I power wash my engines probably twice a year, never had any issues because I don’t use full power and also the engines fairly water tight as it’s meant to be!
Looks so much better. Did this to my Jap import touring when I got it this time last year, hoovered the engine bay first as it was full of Japanese leaves and other detritus and then gave it a thorough degreasing, power washing and then like you, treated with Autoglym etc... Makes it look so much better and there’s deffo a 5 BHP power increase haha
![wink](/inc/images/wink.gif)
A brilliant massively under rated choice there OP.
I dabbled with a 650 for six months;
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HGbDExbq.jpg)
With cup holder!
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TRtkPUlR.jpg)
Loved it for 'special trips', did Le Mans with it and a couple of longer continental runs but for normal use, I just found it too big. Parking was a nightmare as I didn't want any car park dings and where I work, the roads are just too damn narrow![frown](/inc/images/frown.gif)
One of the nicest places to be sat and didn't miss a beat in my ownership. Still look longingly at them........
I dabbled with a 650 for six months;
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/HGbDExbq.jpg)
With cup holder!
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/TRtkPUlR.jpg)
Loved it for 'special trips', did Le Mans with it and a couple of longer continental runs but for normal use, I just found it too big. Parking was a nightmare as I didn't want any car park dings and where I work, the roads are just too damn narrow
![frown](/inc/images/frown.gif)
One of the nicest places to be sat and didn't miss a beat in my ownership. Still look longingly at them........
I know washing the engine bay seems to have gone fine, but if you get chance, check the seal on the DME box, as well as inside the box itself with a torch to check for signs of water ingress.
I’m not sure if it’s the same on a 6, but the drain hole at the bottom of the box can get blocked up with silt from a small leak. The engine heat sort of cooks it in to place.
A long period of rain followed by some car washing can spell disaster.
It’s worth daubing the seal in some thick plumbers silicone to stop it perishing. (Smart plumbers will also have it).
Lovely car though, I’m surprised to see how close in weight it is to my 1 series with the same engine in.
I’m not sure if it’s the same on a 6, but the drain hole at the bottom of the box can get blocked up with silt from a small leak. The engine heat sort of cooks it in to place.
A long period of rain followed by some car washing can spell disaster.
It’s worth daubing the seal in some thick plumbers silicone to stop it perishing. (Smart plumbers will also have it).
Lovely car though, I’m surprised to see how close in weight it is to my 1 series with the same engine in.
Great looking car, I've really warmed to the styling, in my eyes it's aged very well
I think a 630i is a bargain at the moment, would love to buy one later this year
Please keep updating and letting us know about your ownership experiences
What a contrast the before and after pictures are
I think a 630i is a bargain at the moment, would love to buy one later this year
Please keep updating and letting us know about your ownership experiences
What a contrast the before and after pictures are
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