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      07-26-2021, 01:52 PM   #1
mnx5er
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2010-2012 650i Convertibles - What to look for?

Currently an X5 owner and have owned many BMWs, but never a 6-series. I've been looking for an older convertible as a summer car.

I've heard that the engine is the 650 can be problematic and repair costs can get steep. Buying used makes it tougher - Carfax helps a little, but I'm not interested in inheriting something that will need major engine work.

Can anyone share how they would go about buying one of these? Also how reliable are they and what can I expect for issues. I'm not expecting a perfect car, but want to be educated.

Prices around here are $25K - $35K for what I've seen.

Thanks
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      07-26-2021, 04:47 PM   #2
Opie55
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Several comments. First, you say 2010 to 2012. Those are two completely different cars. I am not aware that they share a single part in common. The 2010 was the last year for the E64 convertible, there was no 2011 model, and then 2012 was the first year for the F12 convertible, which lasted until 2018.

Given the price range you stated, I assume you are really looking at an F12. If not, then this is not an E64 forum but there are some online. Those cars are known for bad valve seals at higher miles. The majority also consider them rather ugly.

As for an F12, the newest you list is 2012. If your concern is the potential for a major engine issue, my advice, and the advice of many on here, is don't buy a 2012. 2012s had an engine (the N63) with several weaknesses, and was replaced thereafter with a significantly upgraded version called the N63TU (or sometimes just N63T). Although some on here will tell you to stay away from any BMW V8 and get a 640i instead, I do not share that view nor do most people on here. My 2015 has 43,000 miles and has never needed any repair of any kind except for the updated crankcase breather hoses - a simple repair covered under an extended warranty. But the price difference is not so great - and often non-existent - that you cannot get at least a 2013 with the N63TU.
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      07-26-2021, 05:02 PM   #3
Opie55
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Two additional comments. Do pay attention to options if that sort of thing matters to you. A fair number of 650 buyers decided they didn't need any options at all, so a surprising number lack blind spot detection, lane change warning, side view cameras, and even HUD. The majority have those things, but by no means all. Then there are things like upgraded B&O stereo, MSport package, ceramic knobs, leather dash etc.

You also reference prices "around here" but live in the Twin Cities. At any given time there are only about 75 650s for sale in the whole US, and as you probably know most are in Florida, California, Arizona and Texas. Obviously you can ship any car, but I always think going to look in person and driving it home is half the fun.
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      07-26-2021, 10:55 PM   #4
mnx5er
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Thanks for the responses. As far as equipment, I’m not that concerned. My X5 has all the candy on it, the 650 is just for fun when it’s not snowing!

There are usually a couple for sale here, trick is finding a decent one when scanning the Carfax.

I hadn’t looked at the model year change, I follow that for the 3 series and everything X, should have for the 6.
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      07-27-2021, 11:26 AM   #5
e38740imd
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honestly i would get a lci 6er. the screen in the 2012-to early 2015 is ugly to me. and not having the updated idrive, ceramic controls, kills the interior in imho.

but of that doesnt matter then a 2013 would be the way to go
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      07-27-2021, 06:48 PM   #6
Opie55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by e38740imd View Post
honestly i would get a lci 6er. the screen in the 2012-to early 2015 is ugly to me. and not having the updated idrive, ceramic controls, kills the interior in imho.

but of that doesnt matter then a 2013 would be the way to go
What does ceramic controls have to do with the year? They have been around since inception, although the iDrive controller got larger in 2015.
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      07-27-2021, 10:12 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by e38740imd View Post
honestly i would get a lci 6er. the screen in the 2012-to early 2015 is ugly to me. and not having the updated idrive, ceramic controls, kills the interior in imho.

but of that doesnt matter then a 2013 would be the way to go
Screen is easily upgradable. There's a thread about it here.
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      07-28-2021, 09:35 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
What does ceramic controls have to do with the year? They have been around since inception, although the iDrive controller got larger in 2015.
When I read his thread...I interpreted the comment about the ceramic controls as in addition to...not that this option wasn't available until later. But I do agree that the ceramic controls do bring a more elegant look to the interior...as well as the leather dash & Nappa or Merino leather interior w/contrast stictching.

In regards to the iDrive screen...the 11/12/13 model years have the CIC up to the 3/2013 or 4/2013 build date (memory is slipping away ). That's when the NBT started showing up which has a higher screen resolution.

And if you are really into phone connectivity etc...you will want to pay attention to the smartphone/bluetooth options. Unfortunately, unless you are looking at a mid to late build 2016 or a 2017/18...you will be losing some BMW connectivity. The pre facelifts which had 2G connectivity has already lost some of the services that were provided like RTTI and remote connectivity and BMW apps etc. And the facelift models which have 3G connectivity...they will reach their sunset at the beginning of next year. If you have the NBT/EVO ID5 or ID6...you may be able to get an upgrade through BMW to 4G...but you'd have to run your VIN to see if it falls within the production range of being upgraded.
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Last edited by Qsilver7; 07-28-2021 at 09:46 AM..
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      07-30-2021, 08:15 AM   #9
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I agree with the above comments, get a 2013 or newer. As an FYI on prices, I just traded my 2013 650x convertible with 37K miles and they gave me $28K and sold it on their used car lot for $35k 2 days later.
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      07-30-2021, 02:41 PM   #10
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Having owned a particularly trouble free 2012 650i vert I have nothing bad to say about it but your mileage may vary. I agree withe the comments about going for a slightly newer model. You’ll want the TU version of the N63 engine. It would also pay to check the mechanical components of the roof while it’s halfway up/down for any visible signs of rust. As for infotainment, depending on the model you get you can spend a fortune upgrading to NBT Evo or just buy an interface box for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Personally I stopped seeing the appeal of using iDrive a long time ago when the aforementioned phone driven interface layers offer a much better user experience.

With such an old example of the F12 you are going to start seeing significant maintenance from wear and tear. Coolant lines, radiator, alternator, turbos, gaskets and seals etc. The V8 is also rough on the front suspension so it would pay to have the car thoroughly checked for play in the ball joints.

All in all though the F12 is a very well built car (much better than the F15 X5 we owned at the same). Get one that’s been looked after well and it’s likely to give you many years if happy motoring.
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      07-31-2021, 01:55 PM   #11
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Also, look for a folding roof. If it is solid, you ain't got a convertible! I provide all the best knowledge
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