BMW 650i
BMW's first hot-V eight-cylinder sounds like a rich, throaty V8 growl in Sport mode — though often more muted inside than expected, as the turbines in the V-channel filter the characteristic frequencies. The design was revolutionary, but the first generation suffered badly from heat soak: piezo injectors, extreme oil consumption and timing chain problems forced BMW to issue a Customer Care Package in 2014. Buying advice: only with complete service history and CCP documentation, then immediately shorten oil change intervals to 5,000 km.
Grand Tourer with First-Gen N63 Gamble
V8 biturbo in the 6 Series coupe — a dream to hear and look at. But the first-gen N63 until 2012 is plagued by piezo injectors and oil consumption. TU from 2012 is a different story.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Valve stem seals harden from the extreme heat build-up in the hot-V and allow oil into the combustion chamber. Oil consumption of 1 L/1,500 km is typical; extreme cases reach 1 L/500 km. Piston ring coking and engine damage from around 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or after a standstill phase, severe oil consumption without visible external leaks, oil deposits in the exhaust
Piezo injectors fail after cold starts or extended standstill. Uncontrolled injection quantities cause hydraulic hammer that damages connecting rod bearings and cylinder walls. BMW replaced injectors under the Customer Care Package (2014).
Symptoms: Judder on cold start, misfires, rough running, engine cuts out, check engine light P0301–P0308
The timing chain stretches from 80,000–120,000 km. Plastic guide rails break and block the oil system, which can cause total engine failure within minutes. Complete replacement including engine removal takes approximately 40 labour hours.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine warning light, irregular running quality, in the worst case engine shutdown
The turbochargers sit in the V-valley and are exposed to extreme heat. Oil in the turbo feed lines carbonises when the engine is shut down immediately after high-load driving. Turbocharger damage with oil leaks and power loss follows.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust, whistling from the engine bay, significant power drop, pressure loss in the charge air system
The direct injection high-pressure pump fails and generates insufficient rail pressure. The engine will not start or stalls while driving. Replacement is unavoidable; repair is not possible.
Symptoms: Engine will not start or dies under acceleration, rough running, fault code rail pressure too low (P0087), significant power loss
Bleed hoses between the turbochargers crack from sustained heat exposure. Coolant only leaks under operating conditions without dripping onto the floor — making the fault difficult to locate.
Symptoms: Coolant warning light without visible leak, coolant loss without puddle under the vehicle, coolant smell in the engine bay
Direct injection without intake valve flushing leads to deposits on the intake valves. Power loss and rough running follow. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss especially when pulling away, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 19
The auxiliary damper and its dust cover at the rear axle wear prematurely and become oil-soaked. As EDC dampers are only available as BMW originals (~1,800 € per side), repair is extremely expensive.
On diesel engines (640d), the EGR cooler can leak and lose coolant. Combined with soot deposits in the intake tract, glowing particles can form that may cause engine fire in extreme cases. BMW conducted a recall.
Identical issue to the F06/F13: the auxiliary damper and dust cover at the rear axle wear and become oil-soaked. EDC dampers are only available as BMW originals (~1,800 € per side).
On the 640d diesel (N57), the EGR cooler can lose coolant. Soot deposits in the intake can produce glowing particles, posing a fire risk in extreme cases. BMW has carried out recalls and service campaigns.
Both the N55 (640i) and N63 (650i) in the F12 are known for early electric water pump failures.
Same issue as on F06/F12: the auxiliary damper dust cover at the rear axle tears and EDC dampers become oil-soaked. Original dampers cost ~1,800 € per side; always replace in pairs.
On the 640d (N57), the EGR cooler can lose coolant; soot particles in the intake can create a fire risk. BMW has conducted service campaigns and recalls.
N55 (640i) and N63 (650i) in the F13 coupé are known for electric water pump failures. Possible from 100,000–150,000 km.
The standard rear air suspension suffers from porous air bellows that lose pressure. If not caught in time the compressor overloads and fails too. Complete system failure can cost 5,000–8,000 €.
On diesel variants of the G32 (630d, 640d), the EGR cooler can leak and lose coolant. BMW has conducted multiple recalls and service campaigns (extended through to 2022).
The frameless windows on the F13 coupé tend to produce wind noise, especially at the driver's door from around 130 km/h. New door seals and window guides help.
The N63 in the 650i F13 suffers from elevated oil consumption caused by porous valve stem seals, resulting from the extreme heat of the hot-V turbos.
The optional panoramic glass sunroof has 4 drain channels that block with leaves and dirt. Water then runs into the cabin blower or reaches the boot.
The optional dual-axle air suspension with adaptive dampers shows similar problems to the F series: dampers become oil-soaked, fault codes appear.
The frameless door windows on the Gran Coupé tend to produce wind noise at the driver's door from around 130 km/h. The window seals don't sit flush due to minor body flex.
The NBT infotainment system crashes sporadically and restarts. Stability deteriorates especially after smartphone OS updates. A vehicle software update usually helps.
On older examples seat rails loosen, causing rattling and movement in the seat. The frameless doors allow torsional forces on the body that cause creaking.
The NBT infotainment system restarts sporadically or permanently shows the boot screen. Bluetooth/USB stability deteriorates especially after phone OS updates. A BMW software update usually helps.
The G32's power tailgate can be disrupted by faulty spindle drives. After drive replacement, the tailgate control unit must learn the new position.