Buying a used 6 series

[Nick7]

Hi all

Though i traditionally play with kit cars and landrovers my better half has decided its time to get something a little different. A good friend has had a 2005 645 since new and since driving it for an afternoon im very very impressed. Ive taken a look around and it would appear that the recent economic upset has lead to some very good condition low mile examples becomming available for around 20k which needless to say is little more than the average new saloon (mazda 6, mondeo etc).

I would be greatful if anyone could shed some light on any issues with the 2004-2005 eara 6 series, are there any common problems, points to note, personal horror stories etc

regards

Nick

[B3Svert]

There's a good buying guide in one of the BMW mags last month, PM me your email address and I'll send you a scan of it if you like

[dubbs]

There has been talk of early 645's being a little problematic. They drink fuel more so than the 650i.

Aside form that I've loved the 6 series since first hearing a 645 go past and now own my own 6 so definitely would recommend one.

[Roger645]

There were some mutterings from the anti 6 brigade although most owners were happy. It's worth doing a search as it's been discussed a few times. Largest expense is tyres in my experience. I'm running an early 04 car from new.

[The GMan]

I have an 05 645ci and love it.

As said it drinks a lot of fuel when toe'ing it, but day to day when Mrs GMan driving it's ok.

I love mine and wish I'd considered one ages ago instead of waiting until last summer.

[minerva]

I had an early 645 for a year. Nothing went wrong with it. It was an exceptional car and better than the XK that replaced it. Slightly understeery and I had the 18" wheels which were fairly small, so I imagine that the larger wheeled versions are worse? All in all, definately reommended.

[Nick7]

Cheers for the general info guys, i did a quick search and had a look at the previous 6 series discussions.

With the prices as low as they are at the minute i am more than happy to deal with the tyre expense and fuel consumption, tax rates are a little miserable but when compared to tyres they aren't huge.

They seem to be pretty reliable in the mecanical and electrical sense when compared with say the early Merc CLS.

I feel its nearly time to head to the bank and withdraw some hard earned savings (that is of course if my bank hasnt gone under yet!!)

[bullrunner]

Have to say I have had no issues with my 645 Convertible and it still looks and sounds amazing...The wife has used it with no problem and im getting about 19 mpg round town and around 23 mpg on a run...Prices have taken a real hit as ive found when trying to trade in against a 997...Would still say get one as its a lot of car for the money....

[mmmBMW]

Mine's def the best car i've had, and being an 04 it doesnt fall into the silly tax bracket. I wouldnt say tyres are an issue.

[chrisx666]

My 04' has 35k miles and feels like new, I'm liking it. Like the guys have already said tyres are expensive (mine had a new set before I picked it up so, I'm hoping never to have to buy any more at £280 each..). I would only be happy running one with a BMW warranty though - depnding on the options these are very complex cars.

[M5Dave]

B3Svert said:

There's a good buying guide in one of the BMW mags last month, PM me your email address and I'll send you a scan of it if you like

I have the article from Total BMW in front of me now.

The only negative points they mention are that some very early cars had problems with the i-Drive(presumably sorted out under warranty), some parts are still BMW only, so expensive, and the front panels are alloy, so if it gets bumped it needs to go to a specialist body shop.

The rest of it is just common sense, make sure it hasn't been pranged, check the service history is complete etc.

The 6 series seems to be a genuine bargain at the moment, loads of car for the money with no issues worth talking about.

[Roger645]

M5Dave said:

B3Svert said:

There's a good buying guide in one of the BMW mags last month, PM me your email address and I'll send you a scan of it if you like

I have the article from Total BMW in front of me now.

The only negative points they mention are that some very early cars had problems with the i-Drive(presumably sorted out under warranty), some parts are still BMW only, so expensive, and the front panels are alloy, so if it gets bumped it needs to go to a specialist body shop.

The rest of it is just common sense, make sure it hasn't been pranged, check the service history is complete etc.

The 6 series seems to be a genuine bargain at the moment, loads of car for the money with no issues worth talking about.

The front wings are plastic. Bonnet is ally I believe

[minerva]

Wings defo plastic. I remember friends taking the p1$$ out of my £50 000 plastic car

Jealous

[mmmBMW]

I'm hoping never to have to buy any more at £280 each..

You'd be nuts to pay that for a tyre. I'd do some shopping about before your next tyre purchase.

[Nick7]

Thanks for the info, i can probably live with a plastic fronted car! As to tyres, the £300 mark is a little steep! im sure ive found them for considerably less.

[chrisx666]

mmmBMW said:

I'm hoping never to have to buy any more at £280 each..

You'd be nuts to pay that for a tyre. I'd do some shopping about before your next tyre purchase.

I'm not nuts, not totally anyway. My car had new tyres before I picked it up. At 6000 miles a year I'm hoping never to buy any more in the 2 years I'll have it.

If you could let us know where the correct tyres are available for less then £280 I would appreciate it, just in case I damage a sidewall or something. They are currently £303ea from BlackCircles so your supplier must be very cheap.

[thegreatdogwood]

Just out of interest are there any other options to the Potenzas or are they priced like this because they have a captive BMW audience. Particularly got the 275/35 R19 W in mind as I cannot find them anywhere below £280 a corner fitted

[Roger645]

I used bracknell tyre and battery for mine, think they were 240ish.