sub 10k e63 6 series - recipe for disaster?
Discussion
I've long been a fan of the e63 and I think it has aged well. Wondering if now is the time to jump in. There seems to be a lot of choice on autotrader. For £7-8k it seems possible to get a 2006ish with sub 100k miles with a good spec with low owners (I would be avoiding anything with big wheels or modified). I would probably be looking at a 3.0 auto as performance seems decent enough and I want to mitigate the bork factor of the V8s.
Obviously, it was a very expensive car 15 years ago - how much of a risk are these realistically? I was banking on the 3.0 (is it the N54?) being a fairly reliable lump. I had wondered about chucking in a bit more money and going slightly more recent but my thinking was that then I am just into it more if things do go pear shaped.
I'm fairly easy on colour etc., I know it would have the early iDrive which isn't great, but realistically I'd use google maps for nav - but heated seats and pan roof/glass sunroof would be good.
Am I having another daft idea that I need talking out of?
Obviously, it was a very expensive car 15 years ago - how much of a risk are these realistically? I was banking on the 3.0 (is it the N54?) being a fairly reliable lump. I had wondered about chucking in a bit more money and going slightly more recent but my thinking was that then I am just into it more if things do go pear shaped.
I'm fairly easy on colour etc., I know it would have the early iDrive which isn't great, but realistically I'd use google maps for nav - but heated seats and pan roof/glass sunroof would be good.
Am I having another daft idea that I need talking out of?
I was looking at convertible ones for the summer but I’m glad I didn’t get one.
I ended up buying E46 Convertible for 2 n a half grand. While it is a good car, every day I hear a strange noise or a different light comes on then goes off. I’ve had a few E46’s so I know it doesn’t mean much (abs + traction light, coolant light and windscreen wash light) but being a late model, 55 reg with less than 100k miles, I do wonder how I would have felt if I paid nearly 3 times the price of mine for a 6 series of a similar age and engine.
Cars are hassle which is why I like new cars with a warranty but I feel safe with E46’s, I don’t know enough about E63’s however your ownership might be hindered with the fear of something going wrong.
I have that fear with mine every day but at least if the worst happens and I have to pay 1k to fix it, it’s still a £3500 car. Can’t say the same for the 6 series
I ended up buying E46 Convertible for 2 n a half grand. While it is a good car, every day I hear a strange noise or a different light comes on then goes off. I’ve had a few E46’s so I know it doesn’t mean much (abs + traction light, coolant light and windscreen wash light) but being a late model, 55 reg with less than 100k miles, I do wonder how I would have felt if I paid nearly 3 times the price of mine for a 6 series of a similar age and engine.
Cars are hassle which is why I like new cars with a warranty but I feel safe with E46’s, I don’t know enough about E63’s however your ownership might be hindered with the fear of something going wrong.
I have that fear with mine every day but at least if the worst happens and I have to pay 1k to fix it, it’s still a £3500 car. Can’t say the same for the 6 series
Well I’ve got a 120,000 mile 650i and honestly if you look after them they can be very easy to own. I’ve had mine 10 years and aside from normal wear and test items (brakes, a few bushes) NOTHING has broken,
The key is ALWAYS change the oil (with proper Castrol Titanium Edge FST) yearly at the latest irrespective of the iDrive and mileage. Change the gearbox oil in an auto every 60,000 miles even though BMW say it’s not needed (and the cheap but important mechatronic seal at the same time.)
Only use BMW blue coolant and the transfer pipe is less likely to leak.
If you look at one, check inside the oil filler cap. If the metal on the bolt you can see by peering in is covered in ‘varnish (ie burnt oil residue, looks a bit like caramel) then it hasn’t had the oil changed enough and just walk away.
The much feared valve stem seals can now be done by an indie for much less than BMW as can the various gaskets that can go . But I can’t emphasise to much, change the oil frequently and you may not need to do any of this, I haven’t in 10 years and 100,000 of use!
Mine needs 1l of oil top up every 8,000 miles or so. Hardly an issue.
If/ when the time comes you can refresh the engine totally for around £3k (valve stem seals,alternator bracket seals, valve and timing chain gaskets, scavsnge pump ‘O’ ring).Unlike earlier engines the timing chain tensioners and guides rarely fail so unlike an M6 these engines fail in a non-catastrophic way if at all.
I think these are really underpriced for what is one of the last great V8 NA BMW’s and if mine is any guide they can do huge mileages easily!
You can add wireless Apple CarPlay for around £400 including cameras by the way
Good hunting!
The key is ALWAYS change the oil (with proper Castrol Titanium Edge FST) yearly at the latest irrespective of the iDrive and mileage. Change the gearbox oil in an auto every 60,000 miles even though BMW say it’s not needed (and the cheap but important mechatronic seal at the same time.)
Only use BMW blue coolant and the transfer pipe is less likely to leak.
If you look at one, check inside the oil filler cap. If the metal on the bolt you can see by peering in is covered in ‘varnish (ie burnt oil residue, looks a bit like caramel) then it hasn’t had the oil changed enough and just walk away.
The much feared valve stem seals can now be done by an indie for much less than BMW as can the various gaskets that can go . But I can’t emphasise to much, change the oil frequently and you may not need to do any of this, I haven’t in 10 years and 100,000 of use!
Mine needs 1l of oil top up every 8,000 miles or so. Hardly an issue.
If/ when the time comes you can refresh the engine totally for around £3k (valve stem seals,alternator bracket seals, valve and timing chain gaskets, scavsnge pump ‘O’ ring).Unlike earlier engines the timing chain tensioners and guides rarely fail so unlike an M6 these engines fail in a non-catastrophic way if at all.
I think these are really underpriced for what is one of the last great V8 NA BMW’s and if mine is any guide they can do huge mileages easily!
You can add wireless Apple CarPlay for around £400 including cameras by the way
Good hunting!
Edited by Slippydiff99 on Wednesday 30th March 09:07
I have a 2008 e63 630 which is the N53 engine. Its my daily driver, it had the traditional N53 injector issue which was solved with some used index 11's.
I find it more than powerful enough, really not bad on juice. I do a 14 Mile journey in heavy traffic and average 23 mpg which is more than reasonable. I just about fit the kids in, but we still would all rather squeeze in to the 6er than take my wife's hyandai!
Very exclusive car due to its rarety and nothing else quite like it on the road. Love mine and plan to keep long term.
Oil filter housing will leak at some point, and if you have the staggered rims which I have, your looking at about 250 quid for run flats, plenty of cheaper options if you ditch the run flats though.
For a 14 year old car it's solid and very refined to drive. The straight six gives a nice rumble on pull away but muted up the rev range. The year you are looking at will be pre lci with the older n52 engine found widely in 3/5 series.
Just a note the lci examples have all led brake lights and indicators which help hide its age, mine also has the sport gearbox with paddles which I also believe is only on the lci
I find it more than powerful enough, really not bad on juice. I do a 14 Mile journey in heavy traffic and average 23 mpg which is more than reasonable. I just about fit the kids in, but we still would all rather squeeze in to the 6er than take my wife's hyandai!
Very exclusive car due to its rarety and nothing else quite like it on the road. Love mine and plan to keep long term.
Oil filter housing will leak at some point, and if you have the staggered rims which I have, your looking at about 250 quid for run flats, plenty of cheaper options if you ditch the run flats though.
For a 14 year old car it's solid and very refined to drive. The straight six gives a nice rumble on pull away but muted up the rev range. The year you are looking at will be pre lci with the older n52 engine found widely in 3/5 series.
Just a note the lci examples have all led brake lights and indicators which help hide its age, mine also has the sport gearbox with paddles which I also believe is only on the lci
The N52 which was available in the pre-LCI cars is a bit more reliable than the later N53. Its key issues will be oil leaks (rocker cover, oil sump, oiled filter housing and oil cooler are the normal places). Sone are easy to sort yourself if you’re happy to get stuck in. The N53 can suffer with NOX sensor issues, HPFP and failed injectors. I’d imagine most have had at least some of those issues sorted by now.
Whilst the CCC nav is very dated, it’s possible to get CarPlay / Android Auto working. I’ve done it in my 130i.
I looked at them last year. They still feel really well made and a nice place to sit. They’re big old cars with not much room inside. They certainly represent good value for money.
Whilst the CCC nav is very dated, it’s possible to get CarPlay / Android Auto working. I’ve done it in my 130i.
I looked at them last year. They still feel really well made and a nice place to sit. They’re big old cars with not much room inside. They certainly represent good value for money.
This will seem like total opportunism (and it really is not meant to be honestly!) but I'm just in the process of putting my 2007 650i on with Collecting Cars as I've rashly bought a Porsche 997.1, (I'm working through my pre-EV bucket list 
)
Mods please delete if this is not allowed, I don't want to break any rule - thank you.
)Mods please delete if this is not allowed, I don't want to break any rule - thank you.
Hi OP,
Some threads that may be of help to you...I asked this very question a couple of years back:
E63 6 Series - Bravepill for a daily or just madness?
And some more recent 6 Series specific threads with focus on the 630:
Thread 1
Thread 2
Looks like most of the important stuff has been covered already. For minimum bork exposure, a pre-LCI 630 with the N52 engine is probably your best bet (expensive electric water pump though and standard oil leaks - cam cover, oil filter housing gasket etc). The later N53 had issues with the high pressure fuel pump and injectors. If they've already been sorted, happy days. LCI also has easier to use ventilation controls. Minor body tweaks as well (brake light on bootlid vs top of rear window in non LCI as easiest differentiator). IMO the ZF 6HP autobox is absolutely fine. IIRC LCIs also have paddle shifts on the autos (pre-LCI don't) As has been mentioned, box should be serviced (ignore BMW's sealed for life claims).
Spec is decent as standard (esp when compared to similar E60s).
- Xenons
- Auto lights
- Auto wipers
- Climate
Pro Nav is an option - most have them spec'd. Worth it for the bigger screen.
Options to consider:
- Heated seats - most have this, I wouldn't buy a car without.
- Pearl leather - a bit fancier than normal
- Pro HiFi - this is actually fantastic and well worth considering if you like your music
- HUD - At first I thought it was a novelty, but now if I drive my wife's 330 without it, I really miss it. Uncommon tbf though.
- Panoramic roof - cool but I understand it can leak
Other options include the adaptive lights (move with the steering input), dynamic drive (active anti-roll bars) and active steering (additional electric motor provides variable ratio).
Tyres are not cheap. RFTs ruin the ride. I replaced mine for non RFT Michelin PS4 and it made the world of difference.
Rear leg room is tight.
They are big cars - long and wide.
Cup holder was an option!! Not all cars have it.
I have a 2006 630i. Stratus Grey with the Pearl leather option.
Bills - I've had a spring need replacing as well as a bad coil. Niggle with an airbag light (corroded connector under the passenger seat). Otherwise has been pretty decent.
They are a very nice car to drive. The interior quality is good (defo a step up from equivalent E60s). Certainly doesn't look like an old car, the styling has aged v well IMO. I daily mine for work and it has been very enjoyable to drive.
HTH
Some threads that may be of help to you...I asked this very question a couple of years back:
E63 6 Series - Bravepill for a daily or just madness?
And some more recent 6 Series specific threads with focus on the 630:
Thread 1
Thread 2
Looks like most of the important stuff has been covered already. For minimum bork exposure, a pre-LCI 630 with the N52 engine is probably your best bet (expensive electric water pump though and standard oil leaks - cam cover, oil filter housing gasket etc). The later N53 had issues with the high pressure fuel pump and injectors. If they've already been sorted, happy days. LCI also has easier to use ventilation controls. Minor body tweaks as well (brake light on bootlid vs top of rear window in non LCI as easiest differentiator). IMO the ZF 6HP autobox is absolutely fine. IIRC LCIs also have paddle shifts on the autos (pre-LCI don't) As has been mentioned, box should be serviced (ignore BMW's sealed for life claims).
Spec is decent as standard (esp when compared to similar E60s).
- Xenons
- Auto lights
- Auto wipers
- Climate
Pro Nav is an option - most have them spec'd. Worth it for the bigger screen.
Options to consider:
- Heated seats - most have this, I wouldn't buy a car without.
- Pearl leather - a bit fancier than normal
- Pro HiFi - this is actually fantastic and well worth considering if you like your music
- HUD - At first I thought it was a novelty, but now if I drive my wife's 330 without it, I really miss it. Uncommon tbf though.
- Panoramic roof - cool but I understand it can leak
Other options include the adaptive lights (move with the steering input), dynamic drive (active anti-roll bars) and active steering (additional electric motor provides variable ratio).
Tyres are not cheap. RFTs ruin the ride. I replaced mine for non RFT Michelin PS4 and it made the world of difference.
Rear leg room is tight.
They are big cars - long and wide.
Cup holder was an option!! Not all cars have it.
I have a 2006 630i. Stratus Grey with the Pearl leather option.
Bills - I've had a spring need replacing as well as a bad coil. Niggle with an airbag light (corroded connector under the passenger seat). Otherwise has been pretty decent.
They are a very nice car to drive. The interior quality is good (defo a step up from equivalent E60s). Certainly doesn't look like an old car, the styling has aged v well IMO. I daily mine for work and it has been very enjoyable to drive.
HTH
g3org3y said:
Hi OP,
Some threads that may be of help to you...I asked this very question a couple of years back:
E63 6 Series - Bravepill for a daily or just madness?
And some more recent 6 Series specific threads with focus on the 630:
Thread 1
Thread 2
Looks like most of the important stuff has been covered already. For minimum bork exposure, a pre-LCI 630 with the N52 engine is probably your best bet (expensive electric water pump though and standard oil leaks - cam cover, oil filter housing gasket etc). The later N53 had issues with the high pressure fuel pump and injectors. If they've already been sorted, happy days. LCI also has easier to use ventilation controls. Minor body tweaks as well (brake light on bootlid vs top of rear window in non LCI as easiest differentiator). IMO the ZF 6HP autobox is absolutely fine. IIRC LCIs also have paddle shifts on the autos (pre-LCI don't) As has been mentioned, box should be serviced (ignore BMW's sealed for life claims).
Spec is decent as standard (esp when compared to similar E60s).
- Xenons
- Auto lights
- Auto wipers
- Climate
Pro Nav is an option - most have them spec'd. Worth it for the bigger screen.
Options to consider:
- Heated seats - most have this, I wouldn't buy a car without.
- Pearl leather - a bit fancier than normal
- Pro HiFi - this is actually fantastic and well worth considering if you like your music
- HUD - At first I thought it was a novelty, but now if I drive my wife's 330 without it, I really miss it. Uncommon tbf though.
- Panoramic roof - cool but I understand it can leak
Other options include the adaptive lights (move with the steering input), dynamic drive (active anti-roll bars) and active steering (additional electric motor provides variable ratio).
Tyres are not cheap. RFTs ruin the ride. I replaced mine for non RFT Michelin PS4 and it made the world of difference.
Rear leg room is tight.
They are big cars - long and wide.
Cup holder was an option!! Not all cars have it.
I have a 2006 630i. Stratus Grey with the Pearl leather option.
Bills - I've had a spring need replacing as well as a bad coil. Niggle with an airbag light (corroded connector under the passenger seat). Otherwise has been pretty decent.
They are a very nice car to drive. The interior quality is good (defo a step up from equivalent E60s). Certainly doesn't look like an old car, the styling has aged v well IMO. I daily mine for work and it has been very enjoyable to drive.
HTH
Some threads that may be of help to you...I asked this very question a couple of years back:
E63 6 Series - Bravepill for a daily or just madness?
And some more recent 6 Series specific threads with focus on the 630:
Thread 1
Thread 2
Looks like most of the important stuff has been covered already. For minimum bork exposure, a pre-LCI 630 with the N52 engine is probably your best bet (expensive electric water pump though and standard oil leaks - cam cover, oil filter housing gasket etc). The later N53 had issues with the high pressure fuel pump and injectors. If they've already been sorted, happy days. LCI also has easier to use ventilation controls. Minor body tweaks as well (brake light on bootlid vs top of rear window in non LCI as easiest differentiator). IMO the ZF 6HP autobox is absolutely fine. IIRC LCIs also have paddle shifts on the autos (pre-LCI don't) As has been mentioned, box should be serviced (ignore BMW's sealed for life claims).
Spec is decent as standard (esp when compared to similar E60s).
- Xenons
- Auto lights
- Auto wipers
- Climate
Pro Nav is an option - most have them spec'd. Worth it for the bigger screen.
Options to consider:
- Heated seats - most have this, I wouldn't buy a car without.
- Pearl leather - a bit fancier than normal
- Pro HiFi - this is actually fantastic and well worth considering if you like your music
- HUD - At first I thought it was a novelty, but now if I drive my wife's 330 without it, I really miss it. Uncommon tbf though.
- Panoramic roof - cool but I understand it can leak
Other options include the adaptive lights (move with the steering input), dynamic drive (active anti-roll bars) and active steering (additional electric motor provides variable ratio).
Tyres are not cheap. RFTs ruin the ride. I replaced mine for non RFT Michelin PS4 and it made the world of difference.
Rear leg room is tight.
They are big cars - long and wide.
Cup holder was an option!! Not all cars have it.
I have a 2006 630i. Stratus Grey with the Pearl leather option.
Bills - I've had a spring need replacing as well as a bad coil. Niggle with an airbag light (corroded connector under the passenger seat). Otherwise has been pretty decent.
They are a very nice car to drive. The interior quality is good (defo a step up from equivalent E60s). Certainly doesn't look like an old car, the styling has aged v well IMO. I daily mine for work and it has been very enjoyable to drive.
HTH
I think they all came with heated seats, mine did certainly.
It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
I've had a 2007 650i (pre LCI N62) for 8 years/ 100,000 miles without a hitch. Only selling now as I've bought a 997.1
I used to buy big French coupe's thinking that they were cheap after the savage depreciation and that would make up for the French car reliability. Never again, the 650i has been far cheaper to own than they were.
Yes, and you really don't want to lose/ break the cupholder
Edited by Slippydiff99 on Thursday 31st March 13:19
Had my N52/630i for 4 years and have only had a few minor issues, wheel bearing, a knackered battery needed replacing (constant Excessive Battery Discharge warnings on the iDrive). The wing drain holes were also blocked, so I had a small pond sloshing around beneath the drivers side cabin filter box. I pulled the rubber grommet out and blasted the mulch out of the wings with a hose.
When I first bought the car I had it fully serviced and health checked at a BMW main dealer and the only issue was a weeping gearbox pan/gasket. This is plastic apparently and is quite common. This was replaced as I wanted the gearbox serviced anyway.
The last issue was recent and that was a blocked PCV but this was due to constant short journeys.. these cars need to be used & their legs stretched occasionally.
The only complaint I have is the lack of Bluetooth and phone connectivity. I am considering installing the Apple carplay as that brings the tech more up to date but still gives access to the old iDrive menu & use of navigation wheel.
As Lee630i said, they are rare these days, I can’t remember the last time I saw an E63 on the road..
Mine has 84k miles and a full main dealer s/h with the last 3 services at a BMW specialist. I have thought about changing but tbh, always struggle to think of anything that does what I need very much better.
When I first bought the car I had it fully serviced and health checked at a BMW main dealer and the only issue was a weeping gearbox pan/gasket. This is plastic apparently and is quite common. This was replaced as I wanted the gearbox serviced anyway.
The last issue was recent and that was a blocked PCV but this was due to constant short journeys.. these cars need to be used & their legs stretched occasionally.
The only complaint I have is the lack of Bluetooth and phone connectivity. I am considering installing the Apple carplay as that brings the tech more up to date but still gives access to the old iDrive menu & use of navigation wheel.
As Lee630i said, they are rare these days, I can’t remember the last time I saw an E63 on the road..
Mine has 84k miles and a full main dealer s/h with the last 3 services at a BMW specialist. I have thought about changing but tbh, always struggle to think of anything that does what I need very much better.
As to Bluetooth, my 12/2005 630i has OEM Bluetooth for calls, and for data streaming, I have simply added a Bluetooth dongle and hard wired it. They cost a few pounds on aliexpress. The trick is that you use the antenna amp wire a the back of the MASK to power the dongle in order to have automatic connect/disconnect when entering/leaving the car - this is the only switched 12V power supply at the back of the unit.
For a more OE integrated approach (which retains steering wheel controls among other things) there is:
https://www.mr12volt.com/collections/bmw
or, with its own screen:
https://www.andream-eu.com/product/andream-8-8-wir...
For a more OE integrated approach (which retains steering wheel controls among other things) there is:
https://www.mr12volt.com/collections/bmw
or, with its own screen:
https://www.andream-eu.com/product/andream-8-8-wir...
Edited by naturalaspiration on Thursday 31st March 18:04
Edited by naturalaspiration on Friday 1st April 23:55
I had a 2004 E63 645 a couple of years ago. It had had the stem seals done already and the only things I had to deal with were:
- Fitting a bluetooth module (https://www.dension.com/automotive/products#car-multimedia-solutions) They will list phone blue tooth but this is Gen 1 stuff and modern phones will not connect with the car as is. I think after late 2005 the BT modules fitted will now connect to modern phones but others will know better.
- Replace Alternator earth strap
- Replace xenon head light ballasts (If you have to replace them only fit OEM)
- Replace CCC screens
- Replace 2 alloys - get the wrong ones and they are made of cheese
Commuting would get me 22mpg, and I'd get 29 on a steady motorway and I will say I am glad I scratched the V8 itch before the current fuel prices. But, in your shoes I would definitely go for it. There are loads out there, so choose careful and enjoy the burble.
- Fitting a bluetooth module (https://www.dension.com/automotive/products#car-multimedia-solutions) They will list phone blue tooth but this is Gen 1 stuff and modern phones will not connect with the car as is. I think after late 2005 the BT modules fitted will now connect to modern phones but others will know better.
- Replace Alternator earth strap
- Replace xenon head light ballasts (If you have to replace them only fit OEM)
- Replace CCC screens
- Replace 2 alloys - get the wrong ones and they are made of cheese
Commuting would get me 22mpg, and I'd get 29 on a steady motorway and I will say I am glad I scratched the V8 itch before the current fuel prices. But, in your shoes I would definitely go for it. There are loads out there, so choose careful and enjoy the burble.
Collectingbrass said:
I had a 2004 E63 645 a couple of years ago. It had had the stem seals done already and the only things I had to deal with were:
- Fitting a bluetooth module (https://www.dension.com/automotive/products#car-multimedia-solutions) They will list phone blue tooth but this is Gen 1 stuff and modern phones will not connect with the car as is. I think after late 2005 the BT modules fitted will now connect to modern phones but others will know better.
- Replace Alternator earth strap
- Replace xenon head light ballasts (If you have to replace them only fit OEM)
- Replace CCC screens
- Replace 2 alloys - get the wrong ones and they are made of cheese
Commuting would get me 22mpg, and I'd get 29 on a steady motorway and I will say I am glad I scratched the V8 itch before the current fuel prices. But, in your shoes I would definitely go for it. There are loads out there, so choose careful and enjoy the burble.
Can confirm my lci e63 has full phone bluetooth capability for phone calls and address book only. Music is via an old school aux lead, my aux port crackles like crazy so I bought a cheap FM transmitter and it does the job for wireless music from my phone. I also have a USB port in the centre consul which only seems to charge the phone! - Fitting a bluetooth module (https://www.dension.com/automotive/products#car-multimedia-solutions) They will list phone blue tooth but this is Gen 1 stuff and modern phones will not connect with the car as is. I think after late 2005 the BT modules fitted will now connect to modern phones but others will know better.
- Replace Alternator earth strap
- Replace xenon head light ballasts (If you have to replace them only fit OEM)
- Replace CCC screens
- Replace 2 alloys - get the wrong ones and they are made of cheese
Commuting would get me 22mpg, and I'd get 29 on a steady motorway and I will say I am glad I scratched the V8 itch before the current fuel prices. But, in your shoes I would definitely go for it. There are loads out there, so choose careful and enjoy the burble.
Slippydiff99 said:
I think they all came with heated seats, mine did certainly.
It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Heated seats an option, but it is uncommon to find one without them spec'd.It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Agree that to minimise bork factor, avoid the dynamic drive and active steering optioned cars (these are rare options tbf)
Collectingbrass said:
- Replace CCC screens
Ah yes, had to do that too. Intermittently would go hazy, a well placed 'tap' would fix it. After a while the tap method became ineffective. Second hand screen was ~£50 on eBay iirc. 10 mins to swap over. No issues since.Lee630i said:
Can confirm my lci e63 has full phone bluetooth capability for phone calls and address book only. Music is via an old school aux lead, my aux port crackles like crazy so I bought a cheap FM transmitter and it does the job for wireless music from my phone. I also have a USB port in the centre consul which only seems to charge the phone!
Mine has an aux in (in the glove compartment). Sound quality is good however.I don't think all had Aux In until a certain date. I think earlier ones, it depended whether you had the upgraded HiFi option (but don't quote me!).
g3org3y said:
Slippydiff99 said:
I think they all came with heated seats, mine did certainly.
It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Heated seats an option, but it is uncommon to find one without them spec'd.It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Agree that to minimise bork factor, avoid the dynamic drive and active steering optioned cars (these are rare options tbf)
Collectingbrass said:
- Replace CCC screens
Ah yes, had to do that too. Intermittently would go hazy, a well placed 'tap' would fix it. After a while the tap method became ineffective. Second hand screen was ~£50 on eBay iirc. 10 mins to swap over. No issues since.Lee630i said:
Can confirm my lci e63 has full phone bluetooth capability for phone calls and address book only. Music is via an old school aux lead, my aux port crackles like crazy so I bought a cheap FM transmitter and it does the job for wireless music from my phone. I also have a USB port in the centre consul which only seems to charge the phone!
Mine has an aux in (in the glove compartment). Sound quality is good however.I don't think all had Aux In until a certain date. I think earlier ones, it depended whether you had the upgraded HiFi option (but don't quote me!).
By the way if you use your Aux in, I strongly recommend that you don't use a Bluetooth dongle from eBay. They work, but the sound is not great. Direct out from the Phone (with a good quality lightning to 3.5mm adaptor) is much better. CarPlay is clever in that it uses Bluetooth the handshake and then sets up an ad hoc wifi network to stream the data so the sound quality is massively better IMO.
Touring442 said:
I would avoid the N53 like the plague. Injector problems are inevitable and the supply of new ones is a disaster. If BMW ever clear the backlog (tens of thousands) you are looking at next year, if ever. Chances are, Siemens will made another batch and that will be that.
Is there an option to use other brands like VDO which can be bought from the likes of Autodoc?Court_S said:
Touring442 said:
I would avoid the N53 like the plague. Injector problems are inevitable and the supply of new ones is a disaster. If BMW ever clear the backlog (tens of thousands) you are looking at next year, if ever. Chances are, Siemens will made another batch and that will be that.
Is there an option to use other brands like VDO which can be bought from the likes of Autodoc?Lee630i said:
g3org3y said:
Slippydiff99 said:
I think they all came with heated seats, mine did certainly.
It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Heated seats an option, but it is uncommon to find one without them spec'd.It's worth looking for one without the dynamic drive steering which is complicated (ie expensive to fix if it goes wrong) and most say ruins the handling.
The rear seat space is comically bad, but the boot is cavernous.
Agree that to minimise bork factor, avoid the dynamic drive and active steering optioned cars (these are rare options tbf)
Collectingbrass said:
- Replace CCC screens
Ah yes, had to do that too. Intermittently would go hazy, a well placed 'tap' would fix it. After a while the tap method became ineffective. Second hand screen was ~£50 on eBay iirc. 10 mins to swap over. No issues since.Lee630i said:
Can confirm my lci e63 has full phone bluetooth capability for phone calls and address book only. Music is via an old school aux lead, my aux port crackles like crazy so I bought a cheap FM transmitter and it does the job for wireless music from my phone. I also have a USB port in the centre consul which only seems to charge the phone!
Mine has an aux in (in the glove compartment). Sound quality is good however.I don't think all had Aux In until a certain date. I think earlier ones, it depended whether you had the upgraded HiFi option (but don't quote me!).
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