Hi:

First post. Apologies if this shouldn't be a new thread: couldn't find simialr thread or related sticky. Moderators: feel free to redirect me and move this post. Thanks.

Have been an owner of a number of BMWs in the past (mostly 3- and 5-series from new and used).

Currently looking to buy a used 6 series but looking for some advice and helpful comment. On the one hand, I like the thought of a 3-4 year old 630 at around the 25K mark, but I see older 2004/2005 models for about 10K cheaper.

What's the general opinion/advice here on buying a used 6 series. Should I expect to have a lot of issues with a much older model? Hpow have they been relaibility-wise?

Thanks in advance.

K

K

Not an owner myself but my brother in law has had a '04 645 Conv from new and is currently up to about 50k miles.

Generally, reliability has been good but there have been issues.  These have mostly been software issues and there are frequent updates of the i-drive software fixing stuff. 

Mechanically it has been rock solid with one exception.  His has active steering and the rack needed to be replaced at under 40k miles.  Parts price alone here in Irl for the rack was about €2.5k.  BMW offered a goodwill gesture after a little arm twisting and paying parts and 80% of labour.  The that track control arms and front tyres needed replacing too and BMW ponied up for the arms but not the tyres after a little arm twisting that this was linked to the rack issue.

There are a lot of complex system as standard on these and a lot more available as optional, so making sure all the buttons work seems to be particularly important on them.  The i-drive bugs seem to be an irritation mostly but worth enquiring from a seller (or servicing dealer) of any updates in this area. 

I've heard a lot of complaints about the panoranic roof too on the coupe so that's one to watch out for, and maybe avoid.  These seems to be mostly rattles and squeeks but the fix often seems to be a replacement, at vast expense no doubt.

Having said that, I'd be tempted by a 645 coupe with a manual box and less rather than more options I think!

It will have well proven mechanicals.  Yeah you may get the odd electrical gremlin or mechanical fault but in the main they will be reliable.  Buy from a BMW dealer with waterproof AUC warranty for 1 year.

Go for a 645i, the engine is a corker

Thanks for the responses.

On a related note, does anyone know where I can find an accurate specification of a 2006 630i Sport. I'm interested in one, but can only find the current specification for the sport for 2009/2010 models.

Are the BMW brochures archived anywhere?

Thanks

K

This might help.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment/Detail.aspx?deriv=32287 - http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/equipment/Detail.aspx?deriv=32 287