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      01-24-2021, 11:25 AM   #1
WildWilly1100
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650i Purchase Advice

Hey everyone.... Many moons ago had a 318i (E30), currently own an 335i (E93) and a 535i (F10). My 335i has suffered the spun bearings issue on the crank, engine is done, so that will be gone soon. Looking to replace it with the 650i convertible. Any buying advice? Years to avoid? How reliable is the V8? Some of the things I've read here scare the crap out of me. Don't want to lose another engine. Thinking a 2017, maybe '18 so I have warranty, but then I'm paying a lot for the warranty. An '18 is probably 30K more than a '15. We love the 535i for highway cruising and want to travel (one day!) in the 650i, so highway comfort is important. I'm sure most of the stories on here are folks looking for help, no one comes on here to tell us how wonderful there car is. But I'm really nervous to buy another BMW. Don't like anything from MB or Audi. Love the 650i but scared. Thanks in advance. Cheers.
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      01-24-2021, 06:08 PM   #2
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Hi there,

Frankly most people on this forum are very much 6 series devotees however most are reasonably pragmatic, all our cars can suffer issues....they are after all cars....
In my case, I have a F13 650 Coupe the LCI - 2015. I bought it 2 years ago and touch wood have never had a days trouble with it. It had perfect BMW service history, about 24k klms when I got it and was very well looked after by the previous owner. I've done another 20K klms now and I find the car just as delightful and fun to drive as the day I bought it. I've got rid of the awful runflats and put on Michelins Pilots which transform the ride and comfort.
There is conjecture about the N63 vs N63TU V8 , the N63TU being a much more reliable and sorted unit than the original N63. most cars from 2013 onwards got the TU version. these engines do use some oil but not excessively. I'm not a mechanic just an enthusiastic owner. I don't drive my 650 daily now, I've since bought an immaculate 2010 Supercharged V8 Range Rover again for this purpose. my 650 is now my weekend toy. you can see I'm glutton for punishment…
All brands have their 'horror stories' and we can talk about these forever.... My advice would be buy the best you can afford and yes the later models, 2013 onwards, seem to be fine. Change the oils and service every year and use PREMUIM fuel!. Hopefully the car will have good and clear service history, if it doesn't look for another, while rare they aren't unicorns.
happy hunting !
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      01-24-2021, 07:25 PM   #3
Opie55
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2015 convertible here with about 41k miles and zero issues. Doesn't burn oil either.
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      01-24-2021, 07:28 PM   #4
Opie55
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As for highway comfort, that kind of depends on you. The seats are not exactly Volvo cushy. Some people complain about that, but most do not. But the car itself is a great cruiser.
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      01-24-2021, 07:32 PM   #5
jjasonSU
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650i great car highway cruiser power for days.
That said BMW V8s are more problematic.
As far as advice I'd go '14+ to get the updated engine, the N63TU.
I've had mine for 10k miles, almost at 50k, no issues it's been great.
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      01-25-2021, 11:58 AM   #6
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Definitely recommend a CPO. It'll be low miles and better warrantied. The fuel system is gonna be the thing to keep an eye on.
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      01-26-2021, 11:52 AM   #7
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Thanks for all the input, I'm feeling a little better. They are so damn hard to find. The only one available at the moment (I know it's January and convertibles are still in hiding here in the great white north) is a 2015, no warranty, 50K miles (83,000 kms). It has the colors and the options we want. I'm looking into a 3rd party warranty, we shall see. One owner, a $7,000 accident, which is probably a few scratches on one of these Trying to get the service record now.
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      01-26-2021, 11:57 AM   #8
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Anyone on here work at a Canadian BMW dealer and can run the VIN and get me the service records on the car??
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      01-26-2021, 03:46 PM   #9
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In regards to the V8...the N63TU/TU2/TU3 are less prone to many of the horror stories you hear/read ...so if looking at the f12 650i or ix...then you'd want to look at the 2013-up model year in the US market to get eh N63TU engine. The first two years of the the f12/f13 (2011/2012 ~ vert/2dr coupe) have the original N63 engine. The roll out of the N63TU engine wasn't evenly distributed...the 5 series and X5 got the N63TU in the 2014 model year...the 6 series, 7 series and 5GT got the n63TU in the 2013 model year (see chart below).

If technology is your thing...then the 2013 model year had the CIC...and the 2014-up have the NBT iterations of iDrive (ID4/ID5/ID6).
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      01-26-2021, 05:13 PM   #10
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Been thinking about getting rid of my 650 gran coupe, still on the fence.

Car has about 96k kms, entire car wrapped in expel ultimate inc roof and trunk, after market rear diffuser and m5 comp quad tip exhaust, also have M5 343m forged wheels in black, it was a BC car, I recently moved to Toronto, paint is in immaculate condition, you can floss your teeth w it, has every option such is B&O and Night Vision.

Parts replaced on the car:
- Entire engine including heads (@ 76k)
- Main Radiator (at 76k)
- Coolant pump (at about 80k)
- Both DMEs (at 86k)
- All 8 coils and plugs(at 86k)
- 1 Wheel hub
* The above parts pretty much shows the possible cost of owning the car, my 3rd party warranty has dished out almost 50k CAD on the repairs, tho everyone's experiences may vary.

All replacement parts documented of course

Oil changed every 6mo regardless of KM (sometimes less than 2000kms) with Motul Excess 5W40, transmission fluid changed twice, once at about 50k another at about 86k, torque converter fluid (still transmission fluid) changed at engine change, rear diff fluid changed twice, front diff fluid changed once. Car never went above 2500RPM till the engine is warm. I also had an F10 535 prior to this car, even tho this has more issues, zero regrets, its completely different

You can prob look through my profile history to see other pics, including ones that paint looks like a mirror
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      01-26-2021, 05:45 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WildWilly1100 View Post
Thanks for all the input, I'm feeling a little better. They are so damn hard to find. The only one available at the moment (I know it's January and convertibles are still in hiding here in the great white north) is a 2015, no warranty, 50K miles (83,000 kms). It has the colors and the options we want. I'm looking into a 3rd party warranty, we shall see. One owner, a $7,000 accident, which is probably a few scratches on one of these Trying to get the service record now.
Is the 2015 by any chance the black one in Montreal? That one is a cool car. Has the merino leather individual interior that cost about $3,500 extra in the US, the B&O stereo and rare night vison - only the second 2015 besides mine that I have seen with that. It has 81,000kms. so it may not be what you are looking at.
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      01-27-2021, 07:26 PM   #12
WildWilly1100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Qsilver7 View Post
In regards to the V8...the N63TU/TU2/TU3 are less prone to many of the horror stories you hear/read ...so if looking at the f12 650i or ix...then you'd want to look at the 2013-up model year in the US market to get eh N63TU engine. The first two years of the the f12/f13 (2011/2012 ~ vert/2dr coupe) have the original N63 engine. The roll out of the N63TU engine wasn't evenly distributed...the 5 series and X5 got the N63TU in the 2014 model year...the 6 series, 7 series and 5GT got the n63TU in the 2013 model year (see chart below).

If technology is your thing...then the 2013 model year had the CIC...and the 2014-up have the NBT iterations of iDrive (ID4/ID5/ID6).

Great info, thanks.
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      01-27-2021, 07:32 PM   #13
WildWilly1100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
Is the 2015 by any chance the black one in Montreal? That one is a cool car. Has the merino leather individual interior that cost about $3,500 extra in the US, the B&O stereo and rare night vison - only the second 2015 besides mine that I have seen with that. It has 81,000kms. so it may not be what you are looking at.
It is indeed the car in Montreal, and it is a beautiful car. It has all the options and the colours that we like. Having said that, we just lost the N55 in our 335i due to the spun bearings, BMW won't do anything. Sold a 20K car for 7K so we could move on. I'm nervous buying another BMW without a warranty. I asked if they could put a 3rd party warranty on that car, but they said they couldn't. They also say they can't get the service records. It looks to be a great car, in great condition, but I think I'll hold out for something newer. Of course, that will cost more. The big option we want is the adaptive cruise, which is really hard to get in any BMW, not sure why they bring in cars without it. A 25K Kia has it and has for a long time, but a 100K BMW doesn't.
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      01-27-2021, 07:35 PM   #14
WildWilly1100
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jackliu0527 View Post
Been thinking about getting rid of my 650 gran coupe, still on the fence.

Car has about 96k kms, entire car wrapped in expel ultimate inc roof and trunk, after market rear diffuser and m5 comp quad tip exhaust, also have M5 343m forged wheels in black, it was a BC car, I recently moved to Toronto, paint is in immaculate condition, you can floss your teeth w it, has every option such is B&O and Night Vision.

Parts replaced on the car:
- Entire engine including heads (@ 76k)
- Main Radiator (at 76k)
- Coolant pump (at about 80k)
- Both DMEs (at 86k)
- All 8 coils and plugs(at 86k)
- 1 Wheel hub
* The above parts pretty much shows the possible cost of owning the car, my 3rd party warranty has dished out almost 50k CAD on the repairs, tho everyone's experiences may vary.

All replacement parts documented of course

Oil changed every 6mo regardless of KM (sometimes less than 2000kms) with Motul Excess 5W40, transmission fluid changed twice, once at about 50k another at about 86k, torque converter fluid (still transmission fluid) changed at engine change, rear diff fluid changed twice, front diff fluid changed once. Car never went above 2500RPM till the engine is warm. I also had an F10 535 prior to this car, even tho this has more issues, zero regrets, its completely different

You can prob look through my profile history to see other pics, including ones that paint looks like a mirror
And that is exactly what scares the hell out of me. What year is your GC?
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      01-27-2021, 09:32 PM   #15
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Chiming in here. My 650i is a 2011 model. I've owned it for almost 3 years, and it just ticked over 100'000km. It's been fairly trouble free, despite having the dreaded pre-TU engine. Major costs over the last three years:

* turbo coolant lines
* radiator
* coolant lines
* water pump
* 1x injector
* all plugs and coils (my own preventative maintenance)
* belt tensioner (my own preventative maintenance)
* control arm bushings

The injectors are all index 9 so they need replacing at some point, and one of the pulleys is chirping but other than that the car has been very reliable.
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      01-27-2021, 11:18 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WildWilly1100 View Post
It is indeed the car in Montreal, and it is a beautiful car. It has all the options and the colours that we like. Having said that, we just lost the N55 in our 335i due to the spun bearings, BMW won't do anything. Sold a 20K car for 7K so we could move on. I'm nervous buying another BMW without a warranty. I asked if they could put a 3rd party warranty on that car, but they said they couldn't. They also say they can't get the service records. It looks to be a great car, in great condition, but I think I'll hold out for something newer. Of course, that will cost more. The big option we want is the adaptive cruise, which is really hard to get in any BMW, not sure why they bring in cars without it. A 25K Kia has it and has for a long time, but a 100K BMW doesn't.
I personally think you are worrying way too much. I've been following these cars for three years, and my engine grenading is not even on my radar screen of thoughts. The chances are just way too small. Pocket the money you would spend for(a) and newer car and (b) a warranty, and spend it on any repairs that come up or on a vacation. I've had no warranty since my CPO expired in June 2019. I never buy extended warranties on anything - not even road hazard protection on tires - and have never regretted it. If my engine blows up tomorrow I'd still be financially ahead.
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      01-28-2021, 07:55 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WildWilly1100 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
Is the 2015 by any chance the black one in Montreal? That one is a cool car. Has the merino leather individual interior that cost about $3,500 extra in the US, the B&O stereo and rare night vison - only the second 2015 besides mine that I have seen with that. It has 81,000kms. so it may not be what you are looking at.
It is indeed the car in Montreal, and it is a beautiful car. It has all the options and the colours that we like. Having said that, we just lost the N55 in our 335i due to the spun bearings, BMW won't do anything. Sold a 20K car for 7K so we could move on. I'm nervous buying another BMW without a warranty. I asked if they could put a 3rd party warranty on that car, but they said they couldn't. They also say they can't get the service records. It looks to be a great car, in great condition, but I think I'll hold out for something newer. Of course, that will cost more. The big option we want is the adaptive cruise, which is really hard to get in any BMW, not sure why they bring in cars without it. A 25K Kia has it and has for a long time, but a 100K BMW doesn't.
Damn that's surprising. The N55 is usually pretty bulletproof.
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      01-28-2021, 09:59 AM   #18
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I have a 2016, I’ve had a good handful of problems but nothing significant, not like my 2000 M5, 98 Boxster, 2003 Cayenne Turbo. All of which were service nightmare’s, but tons of fun. PS as far as the V8’s go The M278 I had in my 2013 CLS 550 had plenty of issues, including timing chain problems, transmission failure etc.

This is a fairly expensive lane to play in compared to the models you’ve shared. Be aware and plan accordingly.

Plastic lines become brittle and leak, coils need to be replaced often, oil leaks happen. Beyond that get an excellent scan tool and you should be fine.
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      01-28-2021, 11:47 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by city1991 View Post
Damn that's surprising. The N55 is usually pretty bulletproof.
Yeah, it was a major bummer. It seems the spun bearings are a fairly common issue on the N55, I think there is a class action in the US, but nothing in Canada. And crazy that it really can't be fixed, every shop I talked to (Toronto based) all said replace, do not rebuild. They say once the metal shards get all around the motor, you will never get them all out and you will blow the new motor in time. Also, N55 motors are going for $5-7K, then install, etc. Looking at a 10-12K repair

Really sad, as the E93 is such a nice car and ours was in tip top shape.
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      01-28-2021, 11:52 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie55 View Post
I personally think you are worrying way too much. I've been following these cars for three years, and my engine grenading is not even on my radar screen of thoughts. The chances are just way too small. Pocket the money you would spend for(a) and newer car and (b) a warranty, and spend it on any repairs that come up or on a vacation. I've had no warranty since my CPO expired in June 2019. I never buy extended warranties on anything - not even road hazard protection on tires - and have never regretted it. If my engine blows up tomorrow I'd still be financially ahead.
Thanks for chiming in, it's good to hear from someone that hasn't had any real problems. Once you lose a motor in a BMW, you're a little gun shy If the N63TU packed it in, that would be the end of the car for me and a lot of $$ out the window. Otherwise, I love the car and can't bring myself to buy an Audi or a MB. Maybe an Aston Martin, but that would be it. Would love a 911, but that's not the car for travel, which is want we want to do. We love our Cayenne and wish Porsche made something like the 440 or 650.
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      01-28-2021, 11:55 AM   #21
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Here is a link for those interested in having a look see.

https://www.claireview.ca/vehicles/2...ale_class=used
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      01-28-2021, 02:22 PM   #22
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Is it regular black, or one of the variants? It looks to be regular black. Since the original owner was not shy about spending on options, do you know if it has adaptive drive? The three rarest options are adaptive cruise, night vision and adaptive drive. If there is a 2015 convertible with adaptive cruise on the planet I have yet to see it. Night vision I have seen three times - my car, this one, and one other for sale a year or so ago. Adaptive drive you need to decode the VIN to see (or look under the car). In case you don't know, adaptive drive adds a motor to the middle of your sway bars that exerts a twisting force as you corner to keep the car flatter. It's nice on a car the size of an aircraft carrier. I think it's even rarer than night vision.
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