E63 6-series - V8s a sensible-ish proposition still?

[NiceCupOfTea]

I’ve been perusing the classifieds looking at 630s over the last year or so, fancy a nice one as my next daily. The 3.0 6 seems to be the most sensible route as they are tried and tested (especially pre-facelift). Having had M52 and M54 cars over the last 10 years or so I am fairly well versed with BMW sixes.

However, looking at the way things are going for the keen driver at the moment (especially those unfortunate enough to live within the Greater London area) I am wondering if I should take the risk with a V8. It may be my last chance to own one.

I am aware of valve stem seal issues (look for blue smoke on startup), and I think there is a tricky to reach coolant pipe which I think are the main gotchas - anything else?

Is it likely to be ruinous to run? I am accepting of sub-20s mpg. Tax is presumably an issue on 2006 on cars but is it much worse than in the 630?

645 vs 650?

What say you?

[AudiSport]

I purchased a beautiful one last year, an absolutely joy to drive. I did however spend over £4,000 in that time. Go in with you eyes open. And, deep pockets.

Oh, and get yourself a BP loyalty card!

I now have a 635d. Doesn’t sound as nice, but much more sensible, and seems to strike a good balance for my needs.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Thanks for the shout. Are they that much more expensive to run over the 6, other than fuel?

[d_a_n1979]

Before I settled on my previous F01 I was seriously considering an E63 650i LCi and test drove one local to me

The oil seals/alternator seal work hasn't been done and that put me off in the end TBH; that and the road tax etc

Overall it was a superb car, very muted V8 rumble etc but that can soon be sorted if you so wished...

I've drive a few E63 630i's too and TBH they're a much better steer/drive as they're not as nose heavy - but they're not a V8 either

Is a later 640D out of budget?

[Collectingbrass]

I had an 04 plate 645 from 2016 to 2019 and I'd say they are cheap now but were expensive and still need a maintenance programme to suit. If you can DIY the basics you will save a fortune and like most BMWs of that era they are quite easy to work on. You'll need to find a good one though as they are now probably not being looked after as they should. Also a lot of the electronics will start to be end of life and you'll need to replace with OEM, which aren't really that bad by the time you've replaced the chinesium equivalent 3 times. Mine seemed to munch on chinese headlamp control packs like my ex went through post divorce boyfriends and like any BMW on runflats & 20" wheels on UK roads, they go through tyres and wheels like my ex went through buckets of KFC.

Most of the other lights are traditional 12v bulbs, but the centre brake and the door kick plate lights are LEDs with wiring more fragile than my ex's ego and just as expensive to replace (£120 a go for the lamp supplied only as I remember)

The pre LCI cars you're considering won't pair with a modern mobile phone and you'll need to splice a device into the MOST fibre network. Easily doable if you ever swopped a head unit in a Halfords car park in the 80s though.

According to TFL they are ULEZ compliant at the moment, but driving it in traffic will cost you more than ULEZ ever would.

The PH guide will cover anything I haven't mentioned https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-buying-gui...

The back seat isn't particularly roomy and it's really a 2+2

So that's the watch outs. Should you get one? Absolutely. Save the 6 pot diesel for when you have to and get a V8 while you still can. It's the best sounding car I've ever had.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Thanks chaps. 635d not an option as I live within ULEZ. The V8 is an urge I feel I need to scratch but I fear it may cost me hugely. As you say, they might be cheap now but they still have expensive car running costs…

[Collectingbrass]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Thanks chaps. 635d not an option as I live within ULEZ. The V8 is an urge I feel I need to scratch but I fear it may cost me hugely. As you say, they might be cheap now but they still have expensive car running costs…

I'd check a specific car reg in the ULEZ operator's website. Most BMWs of this era are ULEZ compliant.

[AudiSport]

I’ve just checked my 2009 635d - it is not ULEZ compliant.

[gf15]

I ran a 2005 650 from 2011 on 38k miles to 2020 on 202k miles. I cannot recommend the 650i highly enough. Drove as well the day I sold it as the day I bought it. Oil stem seals done at ~150k miles. Pls check my profile, as I put some info in there. Look carefully for corrosion / electrolytic corrosion at the bottom of the doors.
Get a good one and it is cheap motoring. 30 mpg on a run. Ours never failed to proceed. V8 is lovely.

[DanG355]

I ran a 2004 645ci for 6 months about 8 years ago. Wanted to scratch the V8 itch. Was completely reliable in that time and I serviced it just before I sold it. A great car but I wanted something more of a drivers car than a GT longer term so bought a 986 Boxster after that.

I would have another one - sports seats are a must, Look for the upgraded stereo as it makes a difference if you like good audio (speakers in the rear located where a rear door would be on a 4 door car). The 645 is lower tax band than the 650 unless you find a very rare early 650. Most are 100k+ miles now - not an issue if they have been serviced regularly, but I would be looking for evidence the cooling pipe work has been done as it is a common failure and expensive to fix due to is passing through the lower part of the engine (Google it).

Fast enough, a great long distance car, good value these days - £5k gets a decent one and I think the looks have aged well. Quite spec specific - dark colours and 19 inch wheels look best although may ride better on 18's.

My wife loved it and thought it was as good as a DB9!

[JW911]

DanG355 said:

My wife loved it and thought it was as good as a DB9!

Funnily enough, we’re in the process of disposing of my late father-in-law’s 630i (24000 miles!). At one point he had a matching DB9, which he ultimately disposed of and retained the 6.