E63 6 Series - Bravepill for a daily or just madness?

[g3org3y]

Idly browsing PH Classifieds recently for E91s and more recently E87s, I noticed the E63 6 Series is available for quite cheap (probably for a reason!?).

Early(ish) ones are around the 5-7k mark, both in 630i 6 cyl flavour but also the 645 and 650i V8.

As a daily, they certainly stand out among the sea of 1 and 3 Series but how problematic are they to use on a regular basis? I've seen the V8 can suffer quite expensive issues. The N52 6 cylinder is (water pump apart) considered quite reliable.

Are these cars going to be a case of constant electrical niggles and massive bills or could they practically be used as a daily?
Compared to equivalently priced 3 or 1 Series, they seem to have better spec: Xenon, cruise, leather etc. Pro Nav as well in some cases.

Is the 6 cylinder 630i a really poor relation and should one hold out for a V8? I understand it was 130kg lighter than the V8 and considered a better handler.

My work journey is probably 12 miles each way and perhaps of 3-4 mile journeys at lunch time.

This looks nice, FSH, good spec, inc Xenons, heated electric seats and pro nav but 132k.

Anyone who uses these regularly, would be v interested in your thoughts.

[g3org3y]

Thanks for the replies, v helpful.

Mr Tidy said:

OP the one you've posted a link to looks good, but being a 57 plate and emitting 226g of CO2 per km it's 2grammes into £555 a year road tax.

I'd either look for pre-March 2006, or want a V8 if I was paying that amount.

My 325i with the N52 had done 139K when I sold it and still ran just fine. I've read of a few cases of N52s heading towards 200K miles with no real issues.

I'd imagine a 6 Series must be a comfortable way to waft about.

That's a bit steep! They didn't even cross my mind. Good spot!

I'd expect a BMW 6 cylinder to reach 200k with no issues. Perhaps I've been spoilt by the older M20/M50 and M52 which seem pretty solid.

Court_S said:

I’d definitely be tempted by a 6; they’re a nicer place to sit than the 3 and they’ve aged really well. If you go in with realistic expectations (I.e the odd niggle) I reckon they’d be a great car. That area of BMW seems much better made than the E39/46. My old 330 is still going strong when I checked the MOT history with no fails since I sold it three years ago.

That was my train of thought. I don't mind niggles but I am worried about ending up stuck somewhere because the car has thrown up an electrical st fit!

Veesix75 said:

I use N53 630i every day, bought at 49k, 3 years on at 93k. Just standard servicing so far, other than oil every 10k. Surprisingly good on tyres, reasonable fuel economy, fast enough. Not sure why you don’t think you could use one every day, it’s just a wider/fatter, slightly shorter 530i with 2 doors.

So as per the E90, they replaced the N52 for the N53? (I think in the Z4 they kept the N52 for the entire duration of the model?)


On a practical day to day POV, are they a bugger to park? Ok in a multi-storey?

I've looked about fitting a baby sear in the back. According to Maxi Cosi, you can fit one via seatbelt (not isofix). I bet it's a right bugger to get in and out in the coupe (probably easier with the convertible).

[g3org3y]

Thanks for all the replies chaps. Decided against the 6er in the end as probably just too big for daily use (work car park etc).

Can seemingly get a decent (N52) engined 630i for around 5-6k. Would consider just for fun and also for the fact they look very modern (have aged amazingly)

Any convertible owners on here?

[g3org3y]

naturalaspiration said:

g3org3y said:

Thanks for all the replies chaps. Decided against the 6er in the end as probably just too big for daily use (work car park etc).

Can seemingly get a decent (N52) engined 630i for around 5-6k. Would consider just for fun and also for the fact they look very modern (have aged amazingly)

Any convertible owners on here?

Yes.

How do you find the roof?

[g3org3y]

Thread conclusion: Bought one in the end.




630i Sport, Stratus grey, beige pearl leather.

Nice car, very smooth and easy to drive. Had some recent work done on the wife's E91 so she got to drive the 6. She really enjoyed it. Has Active Steering so v light at town speeds. Defo suits the auto box.

Even manged to fit the baby seat in the back.


Just...


Wife was sad to have her E91 back

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

Looks a lovely motor

Thanks Dan.

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

I still really want one... 630i or 650i... Just having be scarred by the ownership of the E65 I had, not sure I’d get the brave up to down the E6x route again...

But imo they’re a lovely looking motor & drive so well...

One of those after a touring though... I reckon I’d miss the load space in no time...

Understandable. I'm not sure how much is shared between the E65 and the E63/4.

Boot is big on the 6, but it's definitely no Touring. Rear seat space is...not generous.

[g3org3y]

gf15 said:

I see you do not rush into purchases.

Lovely!

Pearl leather responds very well to Gliptone hide food.
Enjoy.

Got distracted with other stuff.

Will give the Gliptone a go, thanks for the advice.

d_a_n1979 said:

More or less everything is shared TBH; same electrics, iDrive etc

Suspension and running gear is a lot the same too, same with the E60/61

Re the rear seats; that would be an issue, more so with me sat in the drivers seat!

Running complex cars of this age, always a risk.

E46 rad leaking again so probably will use the 6 for work until that's sorted.