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BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 problems (2003–2010)

The only engine of the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 that we have documented, the BMW N62 / N63, has no high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict depends on the version: «Buy» for N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010); «With caution» for N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006).[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the 6 Series E63/E64 has a complex premium-car profile: iDrive faults, active steering, electrics and several safety campaigns. The sources are of average quality.[4][6][7]

02468106.7out of 10

BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 8 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine7.12 faults
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes8.61 fault
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.61 fault
  • Electrical system7.12 faults
  • Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
  • Airbags and safety7.91 fault

Ranked 9 of 101 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64

  1. 1High severity: Battery drain and loose positive cableElectrical system
  2. 2High severity: Driver's airbag inflator (Takata campaign)Airbags and safety
  3. 3Medium severity: N62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksBMW N62 / N63 engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Brake servo oilBrakes
  5. 5Medium severity: N62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsBMW N62 / N63 engine

Documented engine

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

3 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall for the battery's positive cable. See the campaigns for the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64

10 sourcesHow we work

BMW N62 / N63

BMW V8 de gasolina N62 (atmosférico) and N63 (biturbo) · Petrol

In the Serie 6 E63/E64
2003–2010[4][8][9]
Names
645Ci · 650i
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
29
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the Serie 6 E63/E64

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW N62 / N63 has 6 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksOn the N62 V8, coolant loss from cracked hoses or pipes is typical, especially on the earliest units. Replacing them is laborious: the hose between the banks means removing a good part of the engine.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsOn the N62 V8, the valve stem seals can harden with age and cause oil consumption with blue smoke. It is not a widespread fault: several German guides describe the engine as solid.

Serie 6 E63/E64 BMW N62 / N63 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW N62 / N63

Faults of the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used BMW Serie 6 E63/E64

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the BMW N62 / N63 (2003–2010)

N62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banks

Medium severity

N62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem seals

Medium severity

Buying a BMW Serie 6 E63/E64?

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Own a BMW Serie 6 E63/E64? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 reliable?

The only engine of the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 that we have documented, the BMW N62 / N63, has no high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict depends on the version: «Buy» for N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010); «With caution» for N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006). Outside the engine, the 6 Series E63/E64 has a complex premium-car profile: iDrive faults, active steering, electrics and several safety campaigns. The sources are of average quality.

What problems does the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the 6 Series E63/E64 has a complex premium-car profile: iDrive faults, active steering, electrics and several safety campaigns. The sources are of average quality. The most important documented faults are: battery drain and loose positive cable (electrical system, high severity), driver's airbag inflator (Takata campaign) (airbags and safety, high severity), brake servo oil (brakes, critical severity) and iDrive and CCD unit faults (electronics and infotainment, medium severity).[4][6][7]

What faults does the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: n62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banks (BMW N62 / N63, medium severity) and n62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem seals (BMW N62 / N63, medium severity).

Does the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the BMW Serie 6 E63/E64, such as recall for the battery's positive cable. Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW 745i (E65): Test über 100.000 kmAUTO ZEITUNG · Motoring press · published 12 January 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  2. BMW 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  3. BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  4. BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  5. BMW X5 E70 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  6. Pannes et fiabilité de la BMW Série 6 (2003-2011)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
  7. What are the most common problems with the BMW 6-Series?Breakerlink · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  8. BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  9. BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  10. Fiabilité Bmw Serie 5 (2003-2010) (410 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French