E63 650....how ruinous are they to run?

[DanL]

Just looked it up - seems I spent £2,200 or so a year on it including tax, insurance, etc.

https://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?ca...

Lots more including depreciation and fuel, but that’s less of a concern as these age. There’s only so far they can fall, surely?

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

Court_S said:

d_a_n1979 said:

This one caught my eye; but it's a goof few £k overpriced:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324610208830?ssPageName...

But that'd be about the right spec car for me to consider; not at that price though!

Seen that too. Looks nice but it’s a lot of money for what it is. To be honest, most cars look expensive at the moment.

Yeah; some are just at a pisstake price IMO

Then again they seem to have been selling

I could understand it listed at c£7.5k maybe, but not nearly £10k!

The one I mentioned that's on AT is priced about right IMO; for a 650i; some wiggle room there I'd say. Aim to start at £6k and settle for just above; wouldn't pay asking

I'd only consider spending £££ if it was a properly mega spec or v low mile pampered car. This is neither!

Touring442 said:

I never drove a 650i but a few 645i's and tbh I preferred the 630i. They aren't as fast of course but they go well enough and can return impressive economy if driven carefully enough. They feel distinctly lighter on their feet as well. I'd look for a low mileage FSH N52 car. A few manuals about as well if you like that sort of thing. They are basically an E60 in drag so normal wear and tear bits aren't dear.

The V8 sounds a nice idea but too many are just oil leaking old st just waiting for the next expensive drama. And for £5000, a 630i will not be a cream puff either although it should be in reasonable nick.

Yes, 630i is certainly 'adequate' from a performance point of view. They are very smooth and relaxing to drive. For me, definitely suits the autobox. I don't have any issues with the ZF 6HP. The build quality is also great (a step up from my E70).

My wife was sceptical when I bought it (why do you need another coupe - had the 330Ci at the time) but after she drove it, she loved it. With the servotronic PAS, it's very light at low speed.

Edited by g3org3y on Friday 14th May 12:06

[Court_S]

g3org3y said:

Yes, 630i is certainly 'adequate' from a performance point of view. They are very smooth and relaxing to drive. For me, definitely suits the autobox. I don't have any issues with the ZFHP6. The build quality is also great (a step up from my E70).

My wife was sceptical when I bought it (why do you need another coupe - had the 330Ci at the time) but after she drove it, she loved it.

Starting to think the 630 might be better if I go down the route of an barge.

I’m sure there are some great V8’s for sale, but people seem to be cashing in with the Covid tax at the mo. I’m a bit less wary of the N52.

[g3org3y]

Court_S said:

Starting to think the 630 might be better if I go down the route of an barge.

I’m sure there are some great V8’s for sale, but people seem to be cashing in with the Covid tax at the mo. I’m a bit less wary of the N52.

I think if you're going to daily it and you want to minimise headaches, the N52 is probably the engine of choice. (Even the later N53 has its potential ££ problems).

[d_a_n1979]

Touring442 said:

I never drove a 650i but a few 645i's and tbh I preferred the 630i. They aren't as fast of course but they go well enough and can return impressive economy if driven carefully enough. They feel distinctly lighter on their feet as well. I'd look for a low mileage FSH N52 car. A few manuals about as well if you like that sort of thing. They are basically an E60 in drag so normal wear and tear bits aren't dear.

The V8 sounds a nice idea but too many are just oil leaking old st just waiting for the next expensive drama. And for £5000, a 630i will not be a cream puff either although it should be in reasonable nick.

They were my thought too...

When I was looking at cars before I settled on the E65 730D Sport I bought (mistake); I test drove a few local 650i and 630i E63s and although the 650i sounded like thunder The 630i for me, drove so much better and it was much more fun on the tight B roads I took it down, it took them better and smoother and it was just as fast...

With a decent exhaust, the N52 engines, like all BMW straight sixes, sound fantastic, IMO

[Court_S]

g3org3y said:

I think if you're going to daily it and you want to minimise headaches, the N52 is probably the engine of choice. (Even the later N53 has its potential ££ problems).

That’s what I’m coming round to.

Or looking at a 330 or similar.

[d_a_n1979]

This looks in superb condition

But again; overpriced:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265155702479?hash=item3...

[Court_S]

d_a_n1979 said:

This looks in superb condition

But again; overpriced:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265155702479?hash=item3...

Just down the road though.

[Touring442]

I don't think that's expensive tbh - if it's a nice car with a proper history and it needs nothing.

[Court_S]

Touring442 said:

I don't think that's expensive tbh - if it's a nice car with a proper history and it needs nothing.

It doesn’t seem to bad compared to what else is out there. Pretty tempted to see if I can pop over and have a nosey at it.

[g3org3y]

d_a_n1979 said:

With a decent exhaust, the N52 engines, like all BMW straight sixes, sound fantastic, IMO

I've been surprised just how 'throaty' the N52 sounds on the 630i. I'm assuming it's owing to the different exhaust set up (vs 530/330 etc)

Court_S said:

That’s what I’m coming round to.

Or looking at a 330 or similar.

E9X flavour?

d_a_n1979 said:

This looks in superb condition

But again; overpriced:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265155702479?hash=item3...

Facelift (so N53 and paddle shift option). Also has HUD + Panoramic roof. Looks good to me.

[Court_S]

g3org3y said:

d_a_n1979 said:

With a decent exhaust, the N52 engines, like all BMW straight sixes, sound fantastic, IMO

I've been surprised just how 'throaty' the N52 sounds on the 630i. I'm assuming it's owing to the different exhaust set up (vs 530/330 etc)

Court_S said:

That’s what I’m coming round to.

Or looking at a 330 or similar.

E9X flavour?

d_a_n1979 said:

This looks in superb condition

But again; overpriced:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265155702479?hash=item3...

Facelift (so N53 and paddle shift option). Also has HUD + Panoramic roof. Looks good to me.

Yeah, seem a few E91's but some of them are really strong money with shot spec (no heated seats but worst of all halogens). There's a couple of E92's that would work and with a better spec but I soon find myself lookin at 335's and pushing the budget to get a late N55 powered one. This is a 2012 manual that looks good but expensive at £12.5k.

I originally set out looking for a 130i based on how much I like her 125i but they all seem bad value when you consider age and mileage - all of a sudden they have a bit of a following. Lots have piss poor spec for top money.

That 630 locally looks like good value. I think I could took around in that for a while.

I'm going to speak to Sytner about my car - their top offer was slightly higher than WBAC.

[d_a_n1979]

Touring442 said:

I don't think that's expensive tbh - if it's a nice car with a proper history and it needs nothing.

Yeah; it's not stupidly overpriced; but it is a touch high IMO... Then again, some sensible bartering

[d_a_n1979]

OnTheSauce said:

I've had my E64 650i for about 6 years now - still absolutely love it. In typical BMW fashion they get right under your skin.

Major problem with mine was the valve stem seals (shock); they went when the car was on 59k. I know people say that regular oil changes with good quality stuff is one of the best ways to prolong them, but my 650 had had an oil change every year of its life without fail. Anyway, you can check if they're going by blipping the throttle after the car's been idling for a few minutes. I think there's independents who fix these for about £800/£1000 or so. Mine has actually given me no real trouble for the past few years now and has been remarkably cheap to run (perhaps I've got a st storm coming..).

Timm's plethora of guides (linked above) will tell you all you need to know and what to look out for. Very useful channel.

That V8, despite its issues, is a lovely unit. Near silent at idle, but is very muscle-car esque when giving it some revs. The whole car rocks from side to side. Catches you by surprise, this motor! While it is a GT at heart, it can be real fun down a country lane. Just remember that it's quite big and don't go beyond 8/10ths.

Build quality is also very good. A big step up on the previous era and you notice it straight away; made my E46 feel flimsy.

I have no qualms with the 630i and it's definitely the safe option, particularly for daily use. But the V8 is just an event. Can't say I'd lust after a 3.0 but I know I'd have lusted after the V8.

Oh, and pre March 2006 cars qualify for the 'cheap' tax. £300 vs £600 (ish).

Whatever one you go for, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Your wallet perhaps less so.

Fully agree

For me I would be hankering after V8 ownership; even if it were just for 12-18 months etc; least then I can tick that box and for me, the 650i would be the perfect option (although a well looked after late E65 750i would be very appealing too

[cerb4.5lee]

I don't have experience with the E63 650i but I did have the engine in a E53 X5 4.8iS. It is a lovely and smooth engine(apart from the oil leaks) and they make a great noise I reckon.

I'd recommend one for the noise alone.

My X5 was terrible on fuel though(not helped because of the 4wd/shape and the 2200kg weight), however I've read that the 650i is actually very frugal in comparison.

[OnTheSauce]

d_a_n1979 said:

Fully agree

For me I would be hankering after V8 ownership; even if it were just for 12-18 months etc; least then I can tick that box and for me, the 650i would be the perfect option (although a well looked after late E65 750i would be very appealing too

Absolutely! Athough you might find yourself struggling to put it up for sale after you've gotten the bug. You know that feeling already having an E39

Ah, do love an E65. I know they're another marmite car, but I think they've aged so well (in the right guise). When I last looked I think the 750i's were a little cheaper than the 6! Unbelievable amount of car for the money.

[OnTheSauce]

cerb4.5lee said:

I don't have experience with the E63 650i but I did have the engine in a E53 X5 4.8iS. It is a lovely and smooth engine(apart from the oil leaks) and they make a great noise I reckon.

I'd recommend one for the noise alone.

My X5 was terrible on fuel though(not helped because of the 4wd/shape and the 2200kg weight), however I've read that the 650i is actually very frugal in comparison.

My E64 is of course heavier than the E63 and seems to get about 22/23 round town and high 20's on a run. Have seen as high as 32, but that required a fair bit of hypermiling!

[cerb4.5lee]

OnTheSauce said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I don't have experience with the E63 650i but I did have the engine in a E53 X5 4.8iS. It is a lovely and smooth engine(apart from the oil leaks) and they make a great noise I reckon.

I'd recommend one for the noise alone.

My X5 was terrible on fuel though(not helped because of the 4wd/shape and the 2200kg weight), however I've read that the 650i is actually very frugal in comparison.

My E64 is of course heavier than the E63 and seems to get about 22/23 round town and high 20's on a run. Have seen as high as 32, but that required a fair bit of hypermiling!

That is brilliant for a V8 I reckon.

My X5 only used to give me about 12mpg on my 44 mile a day commute at the time, 20mpg would be it's absolute best. I loved it to bits though and I'm glad I had it, but I do look back and laugh now at how poor it was on fuel though.

[Court_S]

cerb4.5lee said:

That is brilliant for a V8 I reckon.

My X5 only used to give me about 12mpg on my 44 mile a day commute at the time, 20mpg would be it's absolute best. I loved it to bits though and I'm glad I had it, but I do look back and laugh now at how poor it was on fuel though.

Sod that!

I’ve come to the conclusion that a six pot is the way to go, not only from an economy point of view but a bork factor point of view too. I’m not expert, but I’m reasonably comfortable with the N52 a d most issues seem ok from a DIY point of view. Boring I know.....

[oldaudi]

Look for a thread I started. I hunted down a good 630 last year. Someone was kind enough to post the options and features available on the car from the brochure.

I love my 630. Feel happy every time I get in it and although she’s old I stare at it after I’ve parked it. I missed all the fancy options of some of the newer cars I had leased but I soon got over that.]

I’ve done 10k miles and average about 32mpg on my commute, cruise, just under 70mph. Goes down to low 20s when I hit the 7000rpm.

Edited by oldaudi on Friday 14th May 21:23