Discussion
I do not have it in the idrive unfortunately. There is no menu either side of the status. I’m going to change the oil soon (coming up to 3000 miles now) and I’ll see if I can fit a new oil sensor. The low oil level light came on and I topped it up so I do at least know it’s working , assuming it wasn’t telling lies!! I can smell oil after I’ve parked, it’s bone dry under neath and I’m hoping they just spilt some oil during the last change and it’s just getting warm. My brother has one of those trench’s to work in where he works so I’m going to get the bottom off and have a good look round.
Had a misted light today. I think following the hot weather and then rain, then driving around with the lights on I’ve got a leak. Managed to clear it by taking off the back and shoving a hairdryer down the back for 20 mins.
Had a misted light today. I think following the hot weather and then rain, then driving around with the lights on I’ve got a leak. Managed to clear it by taking off the back and shoving a hairdryer down the back for 20 mins.
Edited by oldaudi on Friday 14th August 18:32
Edited by oldaudi on Friday 14th August 18:33
Careful on the oil fill.
When my electric oil level sensor failed, it said to add oil. Added about 200ml and the level went from empty to full. When my BMW specialist drained and measured the oil, it was the correct amount of oil to fill to be at max on the i-drive.
I used to get a small amount of condensation after washing the car in the headlights, but never to the extent you have. I think i would be inclined to take some action to reduce the amount of condensation.
When my electric oil level sensor failed, it said to add oil. Added about 200ml and the level went from empty to full. When my BMW specialist drained and measured the oil, it was the correct amount of oil to fill to be at max on the i-drive.
I used to get a small amount of condensation after washing the car in the headlights, but never to the extent you have. I think i would be inclined to take some action to reduce the amount of condensation.
oldaudi said:
I do not have it in the idrive unfortunately. There is no menu either side of the status. I’m going to change the oil soon (coming up to 3000 miles now) and I’ll see if I can fit a new oil sensor. The low oil level light came on and I topped it up so I do at least know it’s working , assuming it wasn’t telling lies!! I can smell oil after I’ve parked, it’s bone dry under neath and I’m hoping they just spilt some oil during the last change and it’s just getting warm. My brother has one of those trench’s to work in where he works so I’m going to get the bottom off and have a good look round.
It's very odd, I wonder why it isn't showing in the menu.How much did you top it up by? IIRC Min to Max is 1 litre. Usually I'm quite conservative with top ups (don't trust the system) and top up only 500ml if the E91 claims 'Min'.
oldaudi said:
Had a misted light today. I think following the hot weather and then rain, then driving around with the lights on I’ve got a leak. Managed to clear it by taking off the back and shoving a hairdryer down the back for 20 mins.
Seems like a common problem. Quite a few YouTube videos about it.A few things with mine:
1) A few weeks back after a trip with wife in passenger sear, got an airbag warning light. Persisted the next few times on restarting the car. Put a code reader on it. It suggested a problem with the passenger seat sensor. Used the code reader to reset things and it's not come on again (had passengers in the car since).
2) TPS warning light. Checked the pressures and tbf, they were all over the place. Refilled all to 2.2 bar (as per OEM spec). Hadn't used the car for a couple of weeks and then TPS light on again. Right rear dropped pressure. Not sure if there's a problem with the tyre or allow but will keep an eye. All 4 tyres almost certainly to be replaced for non RFTs in the upcoming weeks. Prob Michelin PS4s if I can get them.
3) Drove the car to work for the first time on Thursday. On parking up noticed the badge was looking rather sorry for itself! OEM replacement item ordered which would come Monday (luckily already had one on the shelf as I was planning to replace the rear badge of the Z4 (same part #). Replacing is actually quite an annoying job when the roundel is stuck on tight with next to no access to pry it up. Done though.
4)Found the Aux In in the glove compartment. Got a thin cable that can run out when the glovebox closed. Seems to work well.
5) Sport Mode is a game changer. Mine has Active Steering so v light at town speeds. Sport Mode makes a massive difference to steering weight and precision. It also changes the map on the auto box to hold the gears. It's a shame there isn't a button just for the steering on its own.
1) A few weeks back after a trip with wife in passenger sear, got an airbag warning light. Persisted the next few times on restarting the car. Put a code reader on it. It suggested a problem with the passenger seat sensor. Used the code reader to reset things and it's not come on again (had passengers in the car since).
2) TPS warning light. Checked the pressures and tbf, they were all over the place. Refilled all to 2.2 bar (as per OEM spec). Hadn't used the car for a couple of weeks and then TPS light on again. Right rear dropped pressure. Not sure if there's a problem with the tyre or allow but will keep an eye. All 4 tyres almost certainly to be replaced for non RFTs in the upcoming weeks. Prob Michelin PS4s if I can get them.
3) Drove the car to work for the first time on Thursday. On parking up noticed the badge was looking rather sorry for itself! OEM replacement item ordered which would come Monday (luckily already had one on the shelf as I was planning to replace the rear badge of the Z4 (same part #). Replacing is actually quite an annoying job when the roundel is stuck on tight with next to no access to pry it up. Done though.
4)Found the Aux In in the glove compartment. Got a thin cable that can run out when the glovebox closed. Seems to work well.
5) Sport Mode is a game changer. Mine has Active Steering so v light at town speeds. Sport Mode makes a massive difference to steering weight and precision. It also changes the map on the auto box to hold the gears. It's a shame there isn't a button just for the steering on its own.
Edited by g3org3y on Saturday 15th August 08:29
Update and some thoughts:
1) Airbag warning light intermittently coming on. Same code as above. Not sure if a loose connection underneath. Will have to get the seat off the runners and have a look at some point. Starting to get annoyed with that warning sound 'ding' though.
2) Still not got round to sorting new tyres. I think it'll transform the car.
3) Condensation in n/s front indicator. Common issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjr9lDFz1tQ Will get the hairdryer out at some point. Also passenger side seat is rattly.That's quite annoying. On the E91, seems just the headrest rattles, on this it's the whole thing.
4) E46's expansion tank leaking so using the E63 as a daily. V nice and relaxing car to drive tbh. V smooth (apart from the inherent issues with RFTs) and NVH next level vs E46 or E91. Light active steering + auto box really suit when doing any town/low speed driving. When putting it in Sport (weighting up the steering) it's surprisingly decent in the corners. I suspect that is a combo of lighter 6 cyl engine (vs V8) and the use of lighter composite body panels (so it's not that much heavier than the E91).
5) Pro HiFi is great. I'll go for a drive just to listen to some music.
6) HUD is nice. Works fine and is actually quite helpful as you're often travelling quicker than expected (because car is so refined). I think it'd be even more helpful if I was using it for sat nav directions as well but given I'm using the car for work (and driving the baby around when he doesn't sleep) not been required.
7) CCC iDrive is ok. Slow and a clunky compared to modern day iterations but is straightforward to use. A/C is on auto 99% of the time so little need to fiddle with it frequently. I notice on the LCI they added a button for fan direction on the dash which I think it helpful. It's a shame that the E63 doesn't have the hot/cold rotary control on the dash that BMW are known for. Instead, you have to alter that in the iDrive Climate menu which is a bit annoying.
8) Car is big. Wide and long but I've not found it too problematic to drive in town. Not had to take it to any multi-storey carparks yet. No issues in McDonald's or KFC drive through though.
9) It still looks modern/fresh imo. Nothing but compliments at work. I don't think anyone suspects this car is ~ 15 years old.
10) N52 is good. refined enough and actually sounds good (no fake sound through speakers). Kicks down well and can get a shift on if required.
11) Baby seat in the back works. He fits but getting him in and out is hard work. Can be annoying at 2am.
12) Bloody love heated seats.
Overall, really enjoying this car so far. Will probably keep using this as a daily and lend the E46 to my dad. Will keep thread updated (and If motivated I'll do a proper reader's ride thread).
1) Airbag warning light intermittently coming on. Same code as above. Not sure if a loose connection underneath. Will have to get the seat off the runners and have a look at some point. Starting to get annoyed with that warning sound 'ding' though.
2) Still not got round to sorting new tyres. I think it'll transform the car.
3) Condensation in n/s front indicator. Common issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjr9lDFz1tQ Will get the hairdryer out at some point. Also passenger side seat is rattly.That's quite annoying. On the E91, seems just the headrest rattles, on this it's the whole thing.
4) E46's expansion tank leaking so using the E63 as a daily. V nice and relaxing car to drive tbh. V smooth (apart from the inherent issues with RFTs) and NVH next level vs E46 or E91. Light active steering + auto box really suit when doing any town/low speed driving. When putting it in Sport (weighting up the steering) it's surprisingly decent in the corners. I suspect that is a combo of lighter 6 cyl engine (vs V8) and the use of lighter composite body panels (so it's not that much heavier than the E91).
5) Pro HiFi is great. I'll go for a drive just to listen to some music.
6) HUD is nice. Works fine and is actually quite helpful as you're often travelling quicker than expected (because car is so refined). I think it'd be even more helpful if I was using it for sat nav directions as well but given I'm using the car for work (and driving the baby around when he doesn't sleep) not been required.
7) CCC iDrive is ok. Slow and a clunky compared to modern day iterations but is straightforward to use. A/C is on auto 99% of the time so little need to fiddle with it frequently. I notice on the LCI they added a button for fan direction on the dash which I think it helpful. It's a shame that the E63 doesn't have the hot/cold rotary control on the dash that BMW are known for. Instead, you have to alter that in the iDrive Climate menu which is a bit annoying.
8) Car is big. Wide and long but I've not found it too problematic to drive in town. Not had to take it to any multi-storey carparks yet. No issues in McDonald's or KFC drive through though.
9) It still looks modern/fresh imo. Nothing but compliments at work. I don't think anyone suspects this car is ~ 15 years old.
10) N52 is good. refined enough and actually sounds good (no fake sound through speakers). Kicks down well and can get a shift on if required.
11) Baby seat in the back works. He fits but getting him in and out is hard work. Can be annoying at 2am.
12) Bloody love heated seats.
Overall, really enjoying this car so far. Will probably keep using this as a daily and lend the E46 to my dad. Will keep thread updated (and If motivated I'll do a proper reader's ride thread).
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 4th October 09:44
g3org3y said:
Update and some thoughts:
1) Airbag warning light intermittently coming on. Same code as above. Not sure if a loose connection underneath. Will have to get the seat off the runners and have a look at some point. Starting to get annoyed with that warning sound 'ding' though.
There is an element in the seat which detects if someone is sitting in it. The idea being the airbag won’t deploy if the seat is empty.1) Airbag warning light intermittently coming on. Same code as above. Not sure if a loose connection underneath. Will have to get the seat off the runners and have a look at some point. Starting to get annoyed with that warning sound 'ding' though.
Yours will be broken. It’s an incredibly common failure. A new one is £hundreds and a pain to fit.
Your best option is to get one of the bypass kits off eBay. You will see how many are for sale and get an idea of how common the issue is.
This will essentially tell the airbag that the seat is occupied and therefore go off in an accident.
You will also need a seatbelt bypass to show the belt as buckled.
They quite often get sold as pairs.
Fitting sounds tricky having to de-pin block connectors under the seat but it’s not too bad.
An airbag warning light will be a mot fail so you can’t ignore it for ever.
Attempted (badly) to sort this today.
Bought one of these:
All the tutorials/write up seem to suggest the wire is hanging down and easily accessible. Obviously this wasn't the case. Not sure it it's up in the seat back so that may need to come off.
In order to access the underside of the seat, raised it to max height...and now it won't go down.
Motor is fine and I can see the 'cog' (for want of a better term rotate with the motor) but it appears that the seat must have become unattached from the mechanism so it's not going anywhere. All other directions are fine though. I think I'll have to detach the seat so I can have a proper look see as to what's going on.
As an aside, the wiper arm mechanism has play in one of the bearings. So it 'clunks' on occasion in the top position. Have bought a new (genuine BMW) arm which'll go on at some point.
Bought one of these:
All the tutorials/write up seem to suggest the wire is hanging down and easily accessible. Obviously this wasn't the case. Not sure it it's up in the seat back so that may need to come off.
In order to access the underside of the seat, raised it to max height...and now it won't go down.
Motor is fine and I can see the 'cog' (for want of a better term rotate with the motor) but it appears that the seat must have become unattached from the mechanism so it's not going anywhere. All other directions are fine though. I think I'll have to detach the seat so I can have a proper look see as to what's going on.
As an aside, the wiper arm mechanism has play in one of the bearings. So it 'clunks' on occasion in the top position. Have bought a new (genuine BMW) arm which'll go on at some point.
g3org3y said:
Attempted (badly) to sort this today.
Bought one of these:
All the tutorials/write up seem to suggest the wire is hanging down and easily accessible. Obviously this wasn't the case. Not sure it it's up in the seat back so that may need to come off.
In order to access the underside of the seat, raised it to max height...and now it won't go down.
Motor is fine and I can see the 'cog' (for want of a better term rotate with the motor) but it appears that the seat must have become unattached from the mechanism so it's not going anywhere. All other directions are fine though. I think I'll have to detach the seat so I can have a proper look see as to what's going on.
As an aside, the wiper arm mechanism has play in one of the bearings. So it 'clunks' on occasion in the top position. Have bought a new (genuine BMW) arm which'll go on at some point.
Came across this thread again while searching for something else, to conclude some of the points raised above.Bought one of these:
All the tutorials/write up seem to suggest the wire is hanging down and easily accessible. Obviously this wasn't the case. Not sure it it's up in the seat back so that may need to come off.
In order to access the underside of the seat, raised it to max height...and now it won't go down.
Motor is fine and I can see the 'cog' (for want of a better term rotate with the motor) but it appears that the seat must have become unattached from the mechanism so it's not going anywhere. All other directions are fine though. I think I'll have to detach the seat so I can have a proper look see as to what's going on.
As an aside, the wiper arm mechanism has play in one of the bearings. So it 'clunks' on occasion in the top position. Have bought a new (genuine BMW) arm which'll go on at some point.
Airbag warning light was the connection under the seat. Cleaned up with contact cleaner and fiddled the wires and it has been fine since. Bypass kit is sitting unused.
Seat mechanism got sorted by me sitting on it and activating it. The weight must have pushed it down enough to catch the teeth on the mechanism or something.
Wiper arm was replaced with genuine BMW item. No longer clunky.
In terms of other issues since...
- Failure of ignition coil cylinder 1 - straightforward to replace and inexpensive. Have actually bought another 5 to do the rest as well.
- Aircon pulley or compressor is making a noise when on. Need to get that looked at. Aircon itself still works ok.
- iDrive screen was intermittently flickery. A well placed hit seemed to sort it. Eventually this became less effective. Bought a second hand screen from eBay (£40-50 iirc) and it has been perfect since.
- Right rear tyre loses pressure over 1-2 weeks. Fingers crossed the alloy isn't cracked. I know these are prone to it. As a result I've only replaced the front tyres with Michelin PS4 until I confirm the issue.
Hi all
Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
Is there a way of telling visibly from photos whether an E63 has Pearl or Standard leather seats?
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
Is there a way of telling visibly from photos whether an E63 has Pearl or Standard leather seats?
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
Dcadders said:
Hi all
Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
Is there a way of telling visibly from photos whether an E63 has Pearl or Standard leather seats?
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
Pearl leather has these areas on the back rest and base.Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
Is there a way of telling visibly from photos whether an E63 has Pearl or Standard leather seats?
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
Dcadders said:
Hi all
Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
.........
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
Be very careful of the road tax on them. My 2006 630i was £585 a year to tax, because it was registered after March 2006.Given I’m torn between the cheaper and older E63 option or the more scarce F12 option, you’ve kept me in interesting reading for much of tonight following your 6 series journeys.
.........
Also I think I saw a link to the Vin checker some of you guys used to research the correct spec of prospective cars to view. Could donn my robe share that please?
And heres the VIN checker
.....https://bimmer.work/
g3org3y said:
Much appreciated GI know others have said that the comparative build quality of the E63 is superior to the F12 generally, have you sat in both?
Does the Pearl leather make as much difference versus “normal” leather as people have said?
Deep Thought said:
Be very careful of the road tax on them. My 2006 630i was £585 a year to tax, because it was registered after March 2006.
And heres the VIN checker .....
https://bimmer.work/
Great advice DT, I’ve noticed that the post March 2006 6 series are a big jump in RFL until they get into the F12 and new engines era. Such a shame because apart from that they are great value for money and £300 per year is a huge difference in proportion percentage wise versus the overall price of the car.And heres the VIN checker
.....https://bimmer.work/
Thanks for the vin checker too
Dcadders said:
Great advice DT, I’ve noticed that the post March 2006 6 series are a big jump in RFL until they get into the F12 and new engines era. Such a shame because apart from that they are great value for money and £300 per year is a huge difference in proportion percentage wise versus the overall price of the car.
Thanks for the vin checker too
There is an LCI variant of the E63 (so facelift basically) for the last couple of years of its production run.Thanks for the vin checker too
Tax on those is £275
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021070345...
You can spot them by those 5 spoke wheels they typically have and also the "joystick" gearstick.
Might be worth seeking one out. That's maybe not the best looking one but it shows the wheels gearstick and cheap tax. You can see the tax from "Running Costs" in the ad.
Edited by Deep Thought on Wednesday 16th March 22:54
Dcadders said:
I’d seen people mention the LCI upgrade in the forums, how easy is it to distinguish between those ones and the higher bracket models..?
Is it confined to model year or are there characteristics I could visually see?
I think I was doing an edit above to answer the question you've just asked as I knew you'd ask!Is it confined to model year or are there characteristics I could visually see?
Should be there now, but basically five spoke alloys and the joystick gearstick are the easiest to spot. Though some people change the wheels.
Always check the running costs tab in autotrader to confirm the tax.
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