BMW 650i
The Technical Update resolved the worst problem of the first generation — away from piezo injectors, new piston rings, Valvetronic added. The character remained: a commanding V8 that is barely audible in Comfort mode and sends a powerful growl from afar in Sport. Hot-V heat soak remains by design — short oil change intervals (max. 7,000 km) are mandatory, not an optional extra.
Grand Tourer with V8 Punch
650i coupe with 450 hp — elegant and powerful in equal measure. The N63 TU emits a distinctive burble in Sport that suits the grand coupe perfectly. A GT that gets everything right.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The timing chain system remains the weak link in the TU as well. Plastic guide rails degrade. Preventive replacement from 120,000–150,000 km is advisable. Repair requires complete engine removal (~40 labour hours).
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine warning light, in extreme cases loud clattering and engine failure
Despite revision, valve stem seals can wear at high mileage. Oil consumption of 0.5–1 L/5,000 km is reported by TU owners. Significantly better than the original N63, but not fully eliminated.
Symptoms: Slightly elevated oil consumption, occasional light blue smoke on cold start, oil level warning earlier than expected
Hot-V design remains structurally prone to oil carbon build-up in the turbo feed lines. Switching the engine off immediately after hard driving promotes deposits and premature turbo wear.
Symptoms: Power loss under load, occasional hissing or whining from the engine bay, rarely blue smoke after a motorway run
Coolant hoses and bleed lines around the turbochargers suffer from sustained heat. Cracks often develop under load and only leak at operating temperature, making diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms: Periodic coolant warning light, loss without visible puddle, occasional coolant smell after shutdown
Direct injection without intake valve flushing — carbon deposits on intake valves increase steadily with mileage. Regular walnut blasting is required.
Symptoms: Power loss at part throttle, rough idle, increased fuel consumption with the same driving style
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.