645 or 650 convertible

[_Deano]

jboy72 said:

Im sorry, I cant help with the e63 but good luck and please report back!

Sorry that should have been E64, and i found this: http://www.bmwenthusiasts.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.ph...
But in comparison to what i found on the E39, this is very little.

[NikM123]

A few critical things I would like to pass on:
- check for number of previous owners; the 6 is known for rash users who buy and burn (parts wise) the car
I certainly found a few models like this
- check for un-even tyre wear; on 19incb plus you might habe balding on the edges due to potholes etc and thus the camber /toe is out of alignment - if it's bad enough that's a straight £500-£600 gone for new tyres plus £100-£150 for hunter alignment. This happened to me but it could be down to the darn potholes in London!
- play with EVERYTHING; the 6 has so much electricals and hence so much that can go wrong; from the stalk to the inboard computer (not I-drive)
- play around with the I-DRIVE; few short cuts
...hit enter on the dial to go to info> on the top you should find services (scroll to find)> enter "service" (I think) > check to make sure when the next service is due for the various items
- connect your phone to the Bluetooth and take a call (I have heard this has failed on a BMW forum; I checked it anyhow)
- eject the sat nav disk and check what year it is etc(just for info) -> if it's not original it maybe slower /make a noise
- try the sat nav; get familiar with the I drive; if it's pre-2008 you won't have as advanced an idtive system.
- check the manual gear ratio- when in drive swipe left and go
Up to change gears (m1, m2 etc)
- check cruise control
- break at high speed (60-70mph) and make sure there is no steering vibrating (possibly worn bushes) or "soft breaks" - maybe pads etc. New disks and pads will be a straight £600 from BMW.
- put the ac on on full blast; make sure you get cool air. Given the age of the car you will be surprised.
- if it has a tilt roof; open close it a couple of times to make sure it's operating smoothly.
-if your in a position to buy; check that there is a spare key in the glove box and you have 3 keys in total not including that; you should have 2 normal keys one black looking key.
- check the xenos don't look cloudy ie there is moisture on the inside and the seal has gone.
- under the hood check there is no sign of any leaks etc..maybe even open the engine oil
- make sure the tyres have no punctures; run flats are prone for this. The standard tyre (just FYI) are Bridgestone potenza (I think from memory)

One major thing is read the instruction manual; I was lucky a mate helped me with the above but we struggled and would have done with the instruction manual (available free online)

Not trying to scare you by any means; it's a great car but just trying to help make sure your well informed

[NikM123]

Wops just realised my reply is a tad late to the original request for any tips when viewing the car!

[NikM123]

One last thing; take a cheeky photo of the vin on the bottom left hand side of the windscreen. Get pally with your local BMW dealer and ask them to do a vin check to see if they find anything that was reported that needed replacing but wasent

[_Deano]

Thank you for the pointers NikM123, i didn't get to see the two cars over the weekend.
I had to cancel one and the other had a deposit put down.

So i'm still looking.

Just out of interest, is it really worth looking for one that has the Logic7 sound system? Does it make a noticeable difference?
And if the car does have Logic7, how can you tell that it is present? Are there more visible speakers?

[texasjohn]

_Deano said:

Just out of interest, is it really worth looking for one that has the Logic7 sound system? Does it make a noticeable difference?
And if the car does have Logic7, how can you tell that it is present? Are there more visible speakers?

IMHO, yes.

Extra speakers in the rear side panels.

Graphic equalizer and surround modes within 'Tone' menu on idrive screen.

Remotely, ask seller for the last seven digits of VIN and run it through http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html website. You're looking for option "S677A HiFi System Professional DSP"

On 2007 or later cars "S6FLA USB-/Audio-Schnittstelle" is good for iPod (or USB stick) integration.

As for other rarer options, Night Vision is a gimmick, HUD is really very useful IMHO.

I had a very high spec 550i and it is a lovely engine.

Edited by texasjohn on Thursday 29th May 22:27

[jboy72]

texasjohn said:

IMHO, yes.

Extra speakers in the rear side panels.

Graphic equalizer and surround modes within 'Tone' menu on idrive screen.

Remotely, ask seller for the last seven digits of VIN and run it through http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html website. You're looking for option "S677A HiFi System Professional DSP"

On 2007 or later cars "S6FLA USB-/Audio-Schnittstelle" is good for iPod (or USB stick) integration.

As for other rarer options, Night Vision is a gimmick, HUD is really very useful IMHO.

I had a very high spec 550i and it is a lovely engine.

Edited by texasjohn on Thursday 29th May 22:27

Another vote for Logic 7 - it is an absolute revelation. I drive my car just to listen to new albums. I would hope most 650is have this option ticked but I guess some may not...

[texasjohn]

There is also an 'Individual Audio System' which is one up from Logic7...very rare though.

Easy to spot in pictures as the speaker covers are silver rimmed, see below:



Comparing the two, Individual is crisper and better quality but the Logic7 is more bass-heavy if you like that. That said, I was more than happy with Logic7.

Edited by texasjohn on Thursday 29th May 22:56

[gf15]

Possible options are below.
Sat Nav (incredibly on a 60k car it is an option) HUD + Logic 7 + Upgraded Leather + Comfort Access



Code  Description (interface)  Description (EPC)
S1CAA  SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE  Dummy-SALAPA
S205A  AUTOMATIC GETRIEBE  Automatic transmission
S229A  DYNAMIC DRIVE  Dynamic Drive
S2C7A  LM RAEDER STERNSP. 218 NOTL. MISCHB.  BMW LA star spoke 218 w flat-runn. prop.
S302A  ALARMANLAGE  Alarm system
S322A  KOMFORTZUGANG  Comfort access
S414A  ABLAGENETZ BEIFAHRERSEITE  Parcel net, passenger side
S423A  FUSSMATTEN IN VELOURS  Floor mats velours
S428A  WARNDREIECK  Warning triangle and first aid kit
S430A  INNEN-/AUSSENSPIEGEL AUT.ABBLENDEND  Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
S436A  EDELHOLZAUSFUEHRUNG  Fine wood trim
S481A  SPORTSITZE FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRER  Sports seat
S494A  SITZHEIZUNG FUER FAHRER/BEIFAHRER  Seat heating driver/passenger
S508A  PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)  Park Distance Control (PDC)
S524A  ADAPTIVES KURVENLICHT  Adaptive Headlights
Code  Description (interface)  Description (EPC)
S541A  AKTIVE GESCHWINDIGKEITSREGELUNG  Active cruise control
S563A  LICHTPAKET  Light package
S5ACA  FERNLICHTASSISTENT  High-beam assistant
S609A  NAVIGATIONSSYSTEM PROFESSIONAL  Navigation system Professional
S610A  HEAD-UP DISPLAY  Head-up display
S612A  BMW ASSIST  BMW Assist
S620A  SPRACHEINGABESYSTEM  Voice control
S633A  HANDY VORB. BUSINESS/BLUETOOTH-SCH.  Preparation, mobile phone, Business
S672A  CD WECHSLER 6-FACH  CD changer for 6 CDs
S677A  HIFI SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL  HiFi system Professional DSP
S698A  AREA-CODE 2  Area-Code 2 for DVD
S710A  M LEDERLENKRAD  M leather steering wheel
S760A  INDIVIDUAL HOCHGLANZ SHADOW LINE  High gloss shadow line
S775A  INDIVIDUAL DACHHIMMEL ANTHRAZIT  Headlining anthracite
L812A  ENGLAND/IRLAND AUSFUEHRUNG  National version England / Ireland
Code  Description (interface)  Description (EPC)
S850A  ZUSAETZL. TANKFUELLUNG EXPORT  Additional Export tank filling
S863A  SERVICE KONTAKT-FLYER EUROPA  Dealer List Europe
S877A  UEBERKREUZBEDIENUNG ENTFALL  Omission of non-combined operation
S880A  ENGLISCH / BORDLITERATUR  Operating instructions, English
S8SAA  LAENDERSPEZ. NAVI.-FREISCHALTUNG  Navigation access request,country-spec.
S8SMA  FAHRGESTELLNUMMER,V.AUSSEN SICHTBAR  Car ident. number visible from outside
S8SPA  COP STEUERUNG  Control unit COP

 Standard equipment
Code  Description (interface)  Description (EPC)
S216A  SERVOTRONIC  HYDRO STEERING-SERVOTRONIC
S431A  INNENSPIEGEL,AUTOMATISCH ABBLENDEND  Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S459A  SITZVERSTELLUNG, ELEKTR.MIT MEMORY  Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
S502A  SCHEINWERFER-WASCHANLAGE  Headlight cleaning system
S522A  XENON-LICHT  Xenon Light
S534A  KLIMAAUTOMATIK  Automatic air conditioning
S785A  WEISSE BLINKLEUCHTEN  White direction indicator lights
S853A  SPRACHVERSION ENGLISCH  Language version, English

[bqf]

I bought a convertible 650i in grey with black leather interior 18 months ago. My honest appraisal:

1. Noise. For a big V8 it's a bit quiet. It does make a nice burble and when at high revs it does roar a bit, but it doesn't sound quite what you'd expect. Looked into a sports exhaust etc but nothing really available that makes a huge difference, apparently

2. Driving it. It's fun to drive, masses of torque, corners well but it's main issue is throttle response. Even in sport the auto box isn't mega-responsive. I am thinking a map might fix that.

3. Costs. I get 19.1 mpg almost irrespective of how i drive it! Not great but not terrible, considering the power.

4. Ride/comfort. Great over long journeys - I drove mine to Italy for last years big holiday and it was great, seats are adjustable in every way, although there is no massage function. I have a 10 year old and he fell asleep in the back plenty, so I think it's OK for kids!

While I like it, though, I don't love it. It's a bit cold and german and all that stuff, which i admire sometimes, but it doesn't get my pulse racing. Might sell mine for the right offer!

[_Deano]

texasjohn said:

_Deano said:

Just out of interest, is it really worth looking for one that has the Logic7 sound system? Does it make a noticeable difference?
And if the car does have Logic7, how can you tell that it is present? Are there more visible speakers?

IMHO, yes.

Extra speakers in the rear side panels.

Graphic equalizer and surround modes within 'Tone' menu on idrive screen.

Remotely, ask seller for the last seven digits of VIN and run it through http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html website. You're looking for option "S677A HiFi System Professional DSP"

On 2007 or later cars "S6FLA USB-/Audio-Schnittstelle" is good for iPod (or USB stick) integration.

As for other rarer options, Night Vision is a gimmick, HUD is really very useful IMHO.

I had a very high spec 550i and it is a lovely engine.

Edited by texasjohn on Thursday 29th May 22:27

Thank you for this, and i hope the sellers can offer the VIN.
I find that the Logic 7 option to be very rare on the cars, so i was wondering if it was named as something else. Most of the ad's state BMW Business Radio though.
If that's anything like the one that was in the E39/E46, that would be terrible.

[_Deano]

bqf said:

I bought a convertible 650i in grey with black leather interior 18 months ago. My honest appraisal:

1. Noise. For a big V8 it's a bit quiet. It does make a nice burble and when at high revs it does roar a bit, but it doesn't sound quite what you'd expect. Looked into a sports exhaust etc but nothing really available that makes a huge difference, apparently

2. Driving it. It's fun to drive, masses of torque, corners well but it's main issue is throttle response. Even in sport the auto box isn't mega-responsive. I am thinking a map might fix that.

3. Costs. I get 19.1 mpg almost irrespective of how i drive it! Not great but not terrible, considering the power.

4. Ride/comfort. Great over long journeys - I drove mine to Italy for last years big holiday and it was great, seats are adjustable in every way, although there is no massage function. I have a 10 year old and he fell asleep in the back plenty, so I think it's OK for kids!

While I like it, though, I don't love it. It's a bit cold and german and all that stuff, which i admire sometimes, but it doesn't get my pulse racing. Might sell mine for the right offer!

Thank you for the honest opinion, it's always good to read what the actual owner thinks of the car.
The MPG is of no concern, i won't be travelling many miles on a regular basis. The car will purely be for the weekend, as I use the bikes for the week.

[Ellieb10]

Watch the 645i for oil leaks and oil burning. They use a little oil anyway but my last mechanic (BMW specialist)had a few stories about 645i s that had be sold because of oil consumption. Cam gaskets are sometimes the cause which is an easy enough fix. I've mentioned this before but his recommendation to check for serious internal oil leaks was - drive one hard for an hour or more. Turn it off for five minutes. Turn it on and have someone floor it a few times while you watch the tail pipes. If anything black comes out, walk away.

[Lost soul]

Ellieb10 said:

I've mentioned this before but his recommendation to check for serious internal oil leaks was - drive one hard for an hour or more. Turn it off for five minutes. Turn it on and have someone floor it a few times while you watch the tail pipes. If anything black comes out, walk away.

right

[Andyt25]

This thread is a great help....Just sold my E46 M3 and now looking for a 645. My budget is for an early car so 2004 so the info above is a really good....I will digest and for when I'm looking at a few cars...

Just one question....Gear box......I know almost all are auto and that's what I will probably get. Would like a manual but they seem very rare but I also so you can get SMG ones.........What asked about these on other forums most have said they are troublesome....I had an SMG in the CSL I owned back in 2009 and really enjoyed it but is this a risk especially if the cat has high miles...?

[gf15]

On the autobox, check for leaks, there is a know issue with a seal which costs ~£200 to replace @ a specialist.

[Targarama]

I'm toying with the idea of a 650 Coupe to replace my E39 530i. If I can get mid 20s to the gallon on a run then I'll be happy. I do 15k a year but a lot is paid by the company (great deal where I only pay for the tax on my personal miles too).

Can anyone tell me about the gearbox, is it the same as in my E39. I know it isn't the new spangly 8 speeder in the newer model but is it any better than the E39 'box? (which isn't bad but I'd like a bit more response).

What is the ride quality like? 19s and runflats don't sound like a good combination (my only experience is a Z4 on 18s with runflats - appalling ride quality). Has anyone swapped for non-runflats? Would a spacesaver sit in the boot Ok (in a bag I guess).

Also, do these cars suffer from the usual 10 year/100,000 mile cooling system build-in redundancy? :-)

Thanks.

[c7xlg]

I had a E39 540i, and then a E61 550i. I put about 100K miles on each.

Lovely engines, with the 550i being a big improvement over the 4.4 in the 540i. I THOUGHT the 645i engine was basically the same as the 540i engine, with the 550i being a whole differnt engine. However I'm no longer sure if true.

Either way the 550i with 360bhp was very rapid, with really nice wide power band. I've replaced with a merc E350i cdi which to me confirms all the 'mega torque diesel' is rubbish along with 'as fast in real world. You can't beat the big petrol engine for power, torque and rapid progress.

MPG wise I averaged mid 20s, with high 20s (even got 31mpg once) on m-way if cruising at usual M4/M40 speeds.

[BMRuss]

I average 26.4 MPG in my E60 550i and the car is just brilliant.

Although I agree that the sound is a little too quiet for a V8, but not something that bothers me too much

[Targarama]

Thanks - those MPG figures sound great. To give you an idea of my typical driving, my 530i computer reads 30mpg average over a few tanks, I get 450-500 miles from a 70 litre tank. So you can see I do a lot of long journeys in it. The 6 would be the same. Sometimes I set the cruise and drive for 100 miles at 70mph, other times I drive at three figure speeds for the same trip (usually late night M40/A43 runs). Reading the 20mpg figures from some makes me think they spend a lot of time posing in town