BMW and M Power Owners
- Thread starter panthro
- Start date
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
I'm getting tempted again by a E63 645/650i - tell me it's a bad idea
If you do go for one, for the love of god make sure it's had the stem valve seals sorted. My e65 was in for nearly 4 weeks at "some cost" whilst having it done.
Strangely, BMW agree that it's a common fault that will eventually happen to all N62 based engines but refuse to do a recall.
Anyone know the answer to this one?
Associate
- Joined
- 30 Jun 2011
- Posts
- 380
- Location
- Yorkshire, England
Long shot, but anyone familiar with a trustworthy indy in (or close to) East Yorkshire capable of performing an inspection2 and a full on subframe reinforcement on the E46 M3?
Closest I've managed to get a recommendation for is Bullitt Performance in Newcastle who I’ve just emailed for a quote. ETA Motorsport look brilliant and I’ve seen loads of people having a positive experience with them. I’ll be in touch with them too but if I could avoid the ~500 miles there and back I would.
Also, what would be considered a competitive price for these two jobs?
Closest I've managed to get a recommendation for is Bullitt Performance in Newcastle who I’ve just emailed for a quote. ETA Motorsport look brilliant and I’ve seen loads of people having a positive experience with them. I’ll be in touch with them too but if I could avoid the ~500 miles there and back I would.
Also, what would be considered a competitive price for these two jobs?
Yes, it seems that it happens more commonly on the 200K mile engines, but every N62 is susceptible; its a cost I am aware of on my 550i but I'm hoping it doesn't come up before I sell the car in the future.
The subframe work varies in price. ETA have their own fabbed plates and the cost was £750 last year when I had mine checked and got a quote to keep in mind for if/when mine does crack. Someone mentioned earlier it's now £850 (?). Redish Motorsport charge double that, but IIRC they do a thorough clean of the entire underside too.
ETA would be my choice. They're not far from a train station either, so if you planned the booking, you could book a pair of cheap train tickets or something like that? Bit of faff, but at least your subframe will be seen to by people who know it inside out.
Inspection 2 at my local BMW specialist is just over £500+VAT if I supply oil+filter. A reasonable price for that service really. BMW wanted £970
Associate
- Joined
- 30 Jun 2011
- Posts
- 380
- Location
- Yorkshire, England
Cheers mrk, I suppose if/when I move the car on, having had the job done by ETA would give a lot of confidence as they're so well respected on the matter.
Depending on how long they'd want the car for, I might be best off trying to turn it into some sort of holiday and book a hotel. Don't suppose you know whether they'd provide courtesy car?
Depending on how long they'd want the car for, I might be best off trying to turn it into some sort of holiday and book a hotel. Don't suppose you know whether they'd provide courtesy car?
They're doing my friend's M3 in July, they said they will need the car for 3 days
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
Started happening at 80k on mine
eeek I've just hit 100k kms (~60k miles); hopefully I've still got time! What age is your car? Mines a 2009 so LCI refresh... not sure if that makes any difference.
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
My e65 was put on the road on the 18th of Nov 2006. Full service history, careful owners, still happened...
Will say: Since getting the work done I've gained an extra 4mpg when travelling at 70mph so there's that I guess. Doesn't really make up for the cost of the job, at least not in the short term.
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
The replacement seals are of a completely different material to the originals, so the issue is very unlikely to happen again. Don't let it put you off getting a 645/650, just make sure it has had the work done already. Easy way to check (other than paperwork) is to take the car for a test drive, let the engine warm up completely and then let it idle for 5-10 minutes. If it starts burning oil, it's affected.
Thanks. I've been looking at them for a while and it seems like very few have had it done, or at least very few have proof of it. Although I'd be able to tell if it was burning oil at the point of sale, it could easily develop the issue a month down the line which would be rather gutting.
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
No worries. I'm due to be parting ways with my beloved e65 soon if you'd rather have a seven series than a six?
No you cant, just AUX.
Pro Nav can be reprogrammed to enable bluetooth streaming though if you can find someone to do it.
.
Soldato
- Joined
- 9 Oct 2006
- Posts
- 3,761
- Location
- here
Spoke with Williams Stockport this morning. Production for the M140i/M240i begins in July with deliveries in Sept. Prices for options etc should be out later this afternoon