640D GC N57 reliability

[11esprit]

I am looking to purchase a 15 plate 640d Gran Coupe but have heard some suffer engine reliability issues. Timing chain issues are well known but can be replaced as prevention at certain mileage but I am also hearing of bearing issues but little info if this is preventable with mods or the reasons for failure such as oil seals/ oil pump failure. Hoping someone with more knowledge can shed more light if the bearing issues are rare

[Charlie Croker mk2]

All engines suffer with the "fashionable" huge mileage between oil changes . Change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles and it will be fine . Fantastic car / engine / gearbox / miles per tank of diesel .

[Deano_BMW]

fwiw, my 535d (albeit a 2013 model) is now on 180k. original engine, no rebuilds or chain replacements. oil changes at at least double the recommended and its sweet as a nut. I did do some preventative maintenance at around 170k but nothing outside the ordinary really.

[Touring442]

They are known for crankshaft issues, main bearings mainly. They are a bit marginal compared to the old M57 and the stupid 20k oil changes does them no good at all. Far more frequent oil changes are the key - as above.

[Ninja59]

Change the oil every 10k max.

There has been some oil pump failures recently and lead to big end failures in 2020 (I know of about 6 - 7 in recent time, majority were around 90k onwards, I won't lie though I have heard of 2 one around 30k and another at 46k, as to their driving history and servicing I am not certain so would prefer not to comment).

Part of the issue in my view, is with the prices going down in recent time then people think they are 20k - 30k type cars in regards to servicing and I won't lie for the majority of bits they are similar to other cars in BMW's line up using this engine (where there has been reports of similar issues).

That being said rather like some of BMW's larger line up they do have a hunger for tyres more than anything, and if you are buying 20's then that does at some cost. In recent time I have seen sadly a number wearing budget tyres and saying that they drive similar to mid range brands which is frankly a joke.

Edited by Ninja59 on Thursday 31st December 19:04

[gobshite]

I am 5 months into ownership of a 2014 640d gran coupe.

Bought with 74k on with full bmw sh, now on 78k

First thing I did was a major service, I will change the engine oil every 8k going forward, 20k is far too much.

Gearbox was then serviced, should be done every 60k noticeably smoother afterwards. If you go on adc vehicle solutions on fb my car and a video of the service is on there.

I will probably look to change the timing chain around 110k.

Brake fluid is every 2 years as well.

Mine is currently on winter wheels and tyres, rides much better on 18 than my summer 20s.

I’ll probably change to premium non run flats for the summer as it’s a little harsh.

I love it to be honest, looks good and is a nice place to sit with a bit of poke when you want to go.

I’ll probably get an intercooler upgrade and a decent map specific for the car form unicorn motorsport in Stockport. Have a read through on fb.

There is also loads of information on the 6 series fb group as well.

Happy motoring

Angelo

[beemanut]

Hi all you Piston Heads, just joined but great to be part of the team. I have for 30 years been driving nothing but BMW’s and have had almost every model going, starting from the E30 which I’ve recently done a concours standard restoration. Beautiful car. For the first time ever I’ve just bought a 640d with 118k miles on the clock. As I already have a dealership bought 430i Convertible in Tanzanite Blue and Ivory White leather which is STUNNING, and absolutely fully loaded, rather than have 2 expensive cars on the drive, I sold my G30 M Sport 530e (fully loaded) and bought a non-franchise dealer 640d. I’ve always admired this car. The colour is another Individual, like the 430i, it’s Moonstone Metallic with Ivory White Leather seats. Not loaded loaded but has some neat extras like a sunroof. The interior and exterior as both in amazing condition and can’t wait to pick her up tomorrow. A very good friend of mine who was the senior technician at Ocean BMW Plymouth has rented out a small garage with ramp etc, he’s going to drop engine/gearbox and replace timing chains and also do a proper oil change in gearbox etc. While engine out going to new hoses in areas you can’t get at when engine in place. Massive difference in cost to do the work. It’s had new EGR Radiator/Cooler replaced by a BMW recall 2 years ago. Can anybody think of anything else that would benefit being replaced whilst engine out? Great to be here guys. I can hopefully help others as I have a wide range of jobs I’ve done on all my previous cars. Superb being here.