Seems that the car goes through tyres at the rate of around 20k miles a set and they literally disintegrate before reaching minimum tread. Side walls can start spouting wire.
When Runflats fitted, TPMS valves prone to failure due to corrosion battery effect between metal valve caps and the valve stems. This is easily prevented by fitting plastic instead of metal valve caps.
11-8-2011: Seems to be a problem of SRS ECUs failing.
19-9-2011: Heavy 18" rear tyre wear: 5k - 10k miles rather than 20k and the tyres are very expensive. Rear wear is uneven, more on the inside shoulders.
27-3-2012: On convertible, leaks into the boot and blocked boot drains can flood the amplifier.
16-11-2015: If satnav fails and BWW dealer wants £1,600 to replace it, the failure may only be the laser disc reader and a specialist can fix this for £250.
10-8-2016: Report of a big bill of £3,911.83 for repairs to the cooling system of a 70,000 mile 2005 BMW 645i, bought new and BMW maintained by the same owner all its life. The invoice states:- Checking cooling system for leaks, Bleeding and checking cooling system for leaks, removing and installing/sealing upper coolant end cover, removing and installing/sealing left cylinder head cover, and remove and install or seal or replace timing case cover. Overall parts were £1,085.69, Labour was £2,174.17 and vat £651.97.
6-8-2019: Report of convertible roof mechanism of 2008 E64 BMW 630i convertible sticking part-way through opening. The windows have dropped and the dashboard shows roof unlocked. The roof will neither open or close. Local garage have said that there is a way of lowering the roof manually but they can’t access the mechanism without removing the rear roof window. A specialist is: https://www.caymanautos.co.uk/convertible-hood-repairs/bmw-6-series-convertible-roof-repairs/
May 2007 TSB: SI B 61 28 06 General Electrical Systems May 2007 Technical Service. This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B61 28 06 dated January 2006. [NEW] designates changes to this revision SUBJECT: ELV Warning in Instrument Cluster MODEL E90, E91, E92 (3 Series) E60, E61 (5 Series) E63, E64 (6 Series). SITUATION: The ELV (Electronic Steering Lock) check control warning illuminates in the instrument cluster and in some cases, engine start is inhibited. Diagnostics reveals fault code A0AA in the CAS (Car Access System) and prompts a control unit replacement. CAUSE: Low voltages in the vehicle electrical system when cranking/starting the engine. PROCEDURE [NEW]: This problem has been integrated into DIS diagnostics. Follow diagnostics and relevant test plan using DIS V49.0 or later. American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of BMWs fitted with passenger occupancy detection mats. The NHTSA warned that in some of the recalled BMWs it is possible that "the front passenger airbags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur." NHTSA reported on its Web site that the passenger-side airbags can deactivate because of wear associated with a passenger getting in and out of the vehicle. "Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the (sensor) mat. If this occurs, the front passenger airbags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated," the agency warned. BMW dealers will repair the sensor system in the passenger seat when the recall begins in late September. BMW will extend the warranty for airbags on the recalled vehicles "to 10 years from the first registration without any mileage limit," according to NHTSA. The recalled BMWs include the 2004 to 2005 5-Series standard and sport seat models, the 2004 to 2006 X3 and the 2006 3-Series with sport seats. The warranty extension covers the 2006 6-Series, 3-Series with a standard seat, 2004 to 2005 Z4, 2004 to 2006 7-Series, 2006 X5 and 2004 to 2006 5-Series with a comfort seat. "Under the extended warranty program, the occupant detection mat in a vehicle that experiences this specific issue will be replaced at not charge to the customer," NHTSA advises on its Web site. NHTSA began investigating airbags failures in the BMW when the Office of Defect Investigation reported that "the passenger frontal airbag may malfunction and render the passenger airbag inoperative." The models included in the initial investigation were the 2004 to 2006 BMW 5 and 7 series sedans, Z4 convertibles and X3 SUVs, as well as 2006 BMW 3 and 6 series cars
and X5 SUVs.
1-10-2010: Worldwide recall of 350,000 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series and Rolls Royce Phantoms fitted with V-8 or V-12 engines because of a leak from the power assistance to the brakes. Affects 10,500 car s in the UK. Owners will be notified by post.
27-3-2012: BMW is recalling 109,000 previous generation UK 5 Series and 6 Series models because of a potential electrical problem. The problem could cause a fire in the boot, but no injuries or accidents related to the fault have been reported and the recall is precautionary. All type of 5 Series and 6 Series are affected, including saloon , touring, coupe and M models. Build dates are March 2003 to July 2010. According to BMW the battery cable in the boot could be mounted incorrectly, resulting in malfunctions, problems with starting the car, or in extreme cases some scorching or, possibly, a fire. There’s no reason to panic, though, because BMW says that only 1% of cars checked so far have shown the fault. If you own the E60/E61 BMW 5 Series, built from 2003 to 2012, or the E63 6 Series, built from 2004 to 2011, then your car may be affected. BMW is working with the DVLA to gather details of current BMW 5 Series and 6 Series owners, so you should expect a letter withing the next few weeks.
31-3-2012 Canada: BMW 5 Series 2004 to 2010; BMW 6 Series 2004 to 2010: 16,748 units. On certain vehicles, the insulated bulkhead connector (used to join the two halves of the positive battery cable) may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. Over time, the bolt connection could loosen, which would increase electrical resistance. In addition, an incorrectly insulated bulkhead connector could allow humidity to accumulate at this location, causing current leakage. These issues could cause the cable connection to overheat, which could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, secure the insulated bulkhead connector. In addition, protective grease will be added to the area and the plastic battery positive terminal cover will be replaced.
24-5-2012: UK Recall R/2012/039: BMW 5-Series, 5-Series Touring, M5 Saloon, M5 Touring, 6-Series Coupe, 6-Series Convertible, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible & Alpina: Risk of Fire: The positive battery cable, routed from the vehicle battery to the engine bay, consists of one cable in the luggage compartment and one cable in the underbody. Both cable are connected by a screw connection and covered by a plastic cover. In single cases the plastic cover may have been fitted incorrectly during the vehicle production. Over time, an incorrectly fitted cover could cause the screw connections to come loose, leading to an increased resistance, also humidity may affect the connection and cause high resistance and drop in current. This can lead to the vehicle not starting and in extreme cases the connection could over heat leading to the possibility of a fire in the luggage area. Remedial Action: The clips on the battery will be checked the cover replaced and sealed.
15-4-2014: Worldwide recall of 489,000 BMW cars with six-cylinder 2.5 and 3.0 litre petrol engines of which less than 3,000 are in the UK. These are: N51 (1991-1995), N52 (from 2005) and the N55 6-cylinder petrol turbo (from 2009). The screws for the housing of the adjustment unit of the variable camshaft timing (Vanos) for the intake and exhaust camshafts could potentially become loose or break. An engine warning lamp ‘should ’ appear in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact their BMW dealer immediately.
28-7-2014: R/2014/068 BMW 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, X1, X3, X5, Z4 Build Dates 1-9-2009 to 30-11-2011: Concern : ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING Description : The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle, on N55 engine it will display immediately. Remedial Action : Replace bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit.
December 2003
4-seater coupe (E63) and convertible (E64) to compete with Mercedes SL and CLK. Styling cues as new 7-Series and 5-Series. 4,820mm (190") long by 1,855mm (73") wide by 1,373mm (54") high. Launch lead-in 645CSI has valvetronic 4.4 V8 giving 333bhp and 332 lb ft torque. 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph. Choice of 6 speed manual, 6 speed auto with Steptronic, or Sequential Manual Shift with steering wheel paddles. Use of aluminium keeps weight down to 1,600kg. Weight distribution is 50:50. DSC, DTC standard. Dynamic Drive and Active Steering can be specified. Head up info display (HUD) available from March 2004. 645CSI in UK from December 2003.
March 2004
E64 convertible followed in March 2004. Based on E60 5-Series but with more neutral chassis and apparently fantastic grip.
March 2004
E63/E64 630i coupe and convertible in UK from September 2004. World’s lightest six-cylinder engine featuring VALVETRONIC technology. EU4 compliant and made from magnesium and aluminium composite. Develops 258bhp at 6,600rpm. Maximum torque 300Nm from 2,500rpm up to 4,000rpm with redline at a 7,000rpm. Zero to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds (6.5 seconds for an automatic) in the Coupé and 6.7 seconds (7.0 seconds) in the Convertible.
Top speed limited to 155mph. Frugal consumption figures of 31.4mpg (29.7mpg) for the Coupé and 29.4mpg (28.5mpg) for the Convertible. Has electric water pump. Six-speed manual, automatic or BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox and the car sits on 17" alloy wheels fitted with 245/50 R17 tyres. Weighs 130kgs less than a 645Ci. Has Dynamic Stability Control + Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control and ABS as standard. Options include Active Steering and Dynamic Drive. Coupe £45,255 on-the-road; 630i Convertible £50,655.
September 2005
M6 with same running gear as M5 in UK from September 2005, priced £79,995. 367bhp 4,799cc 650i coupe and convertible replace 645i from September 2005. 0-60 5.1 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, coupe from £52,115, convertible from £57,515. M6 convertible launched July 2006. 507bhp. 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. 200mph ungoverned (155 governed). A phenomenal drive and huge fun, with the possibility of switching out of M power to a comparatively meagre 400bhp and softer suspension and gearchange settings.
June 2007
2007 models with EfficientDynamics
BMW 630i Coupé £49,300 272PS, 320Nm, 0-60 5.9, 155mph, 35.8 combined
BMW 630i Sport Coupé £51,500
BMW 635d Coupé £53,910 286PS, 580Nm, 0-60 6.0, 155mph, 40.9mpg comb.
BMW 635d Sport Coupé £56,110
BMW 650i Coupé £55,895, 367PS, 490Nm. 0-60 4.9, 155mph, 24.1mpg comb.
BMW 650i Sport Coupé £57,745
BMW 630i Convertible £54,945, 272PS, 320Nm, 0-60 6.4, 155mph, 34.0 comb.
BMW 630i Sport Convertible £57,145
BMW 635d (diesel) Convertible £59,600 286PS, 580Nm, 0-60 6.3, 155mph, 39.2mpg comb.
BMW 635d (diesel) Sport Convertible £61,800
BMW 650i Convertible £61,365 367PS, 490Nm. 0-60 5.2, 155mph, 22.4mpg comb.
BMW 650i Sport Convertible £63,215
3 year UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty from 2005.
October 2007
Price OTR Power hp Torque Nm 0-62mph seconds Top Speed mph Combined
mpg
BMW 630i Coupé £49,300 272hp 320Nm 0-60 6.0 155mph 35.8mpg
BMW 630i Sport £51,500 (same figures)
BMW 635d £53,910 286hp 580Nm 0-60 6.1 155mph 40.9mpg
BMW 635d Sport £56,110 (same figures)
BMW 650i Coupé £55,895 367hp 490Nm 0-60 4.9 155mph 24.1mpg
BMW 650i Sport £57,745
BMW 630i Convertible £54,945 272hp 320Nm 0-60 6.5 155mph 34.0mpg
BMW 630i Sport Convertible £57,145 (same figures)
BMW 635d Convertible £59,600 286hp 580Nm 0-60 6.4 155mph 39.2mpg
BMW 635d Sport Convertible £61,800 (same figures)
BMW 650i Convertible £61,365 367hp 490Nm 0-60 5.3 155mph 22.4mpg
BMW 650i Sport Convertible £63,215 (same figures)
August 2009
6 Series range refreshed for September 2009 with a restructuring of the model line-up and an across the board standard specification enhancement. Now all engine derivatives will be offered in SE, Sport or M specification . Every model will come with BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation, BMW Professional radio, BMW ConnectedDrive Online and Assist functions, Bluetooth telephone preparation, USB audio interface and Voice control system.
BMW’s Service Inclusive package that provides added peace of mind motoring for five years or 60,000 miles will also be standard on all 6 Series models (except M derivatives). Prices for the range start at £53,710 OTR for the 630i SE Coupé and £59,400 OTR for a 630i SE Convertible.