6 Series Reliability

[chuck92103]

Having owned a 98 540i in the past, and currently on my 4th bimmer, I know the first 1 or 2 model years tend to reveal more issues especially in the higher end vehicles.

My question is about the 2004 645. I have seen a lot of posts about i-Drive, gas mileage, etc.

Is this car as bad as everyone seems to be saying, or are the problems on par with the 530/540/M3's. All of these vehicles seem to have their own share of issues as well.

I would love to buy 645, but do not want to spend my life at the dealer. An issue here and there is no big deal, but having steering columns replaced, and computers crashing can be a bit much.

I have never had a bimmer strand me somewhere.

[SmoothCruise]

Having owned a 98 540i in the past, and currently on my 4th bimmer, I know the first 1 or 2 model years tend to reveal more issues especially in the higher end vehicles.

My question is about the 2004 645. I have seen a lot of posts about i-Drive, gas mileage, etc.

Is this car as bad as everyone seems to be saying, or are the problems on par with the 530/540/M3's. All of these vehicles seem to have their own share of issues as well.

I would love to buy 645, but do not want to spend my life at the dealer. An issue here and there is no big deal, but having steering columns replaced, and computers crashing can be a bit much.

I have never had a bimmer strand me somewhere.


My car has been quite reliable. I haven't had to have my steering column replaced, but I got 11k miles on my car, and not the 20-25k miles when the problem seems to occur.

I've had a few glitches that I am really annoyed with, considering my car is 6 months old, but it's nothing major. Let's see, 2-3 minor glitches with my convertible top. About 2-3 computer crashes in 6 months. And a malfunctioning coolant sensor. None of these things have caused me to be stranded in the middle of nowhere. They are just very annoying to have when you consider my car is about 6 months old. The computer crash is the iDrive, and has nothing to do with the computer engine management system. At least i don't think. It's just a bit disconcerting to be cruising on the highway, and then all of a sudden seeing your iDrive shut completely off.

Well, aside from the guys who have had steering column problems, I'd think most of the 6er owners here will probably tell you that their cars have been very reliable. The complaining probably reads worse than it really is. I think we are just a perfectionist bunch who demand no less, even from BMW.

[BillKach]

I have had my 2005 645 for 8 months and it has only been back to the dealer for 1 oil service. This is also my 4th bimmer and it is the most problem free of them all. To me it feels like they have a higher level of quality assurance and attention to detail on the higher end models.

[Malibubimmer]

I have had my 2005 645 for 8 months and it has only been back to the dealer for 1 oil service. This is also my 4th bimmer and it is the most problem free of them all. To me it feels like they have a higher level of quality assurance and attention to detail on the higher end models.
After reading all the horror stories about the 7, what with the up grades, iDrive catastrophes, and other bizarre mutli-system and multi-symptom problems that didn't exist when Bill Gates was dropping out of Harvard, I pray that the 650i has everything worked out. How has the experience been with cars with the 4.8 litre engine (I guess all in the 7er) so far?

[cobradav]

Another 8 month owner here, with 11,000 miles, 1 day in shop for cradle install, 1 day for correction of this install and a CIP upgrade, 4 days for my self induced problems. And no reason to expect any more trips other than for routine service. Will time any CIP upgrades with other service items. Recent engines have not had any real issues with the exception of a couple of specific build dates and some SBs issued for fixes. 4.8L ought to be solid with time in the X5 and 750 and built upon proven technology.

[Tim Kay]

Relatively speaking, considering production of 8,000+ 6ers a year in the U.S. and naturally, complaints will out number the voice of satisfied customers. I think what you read is a very, very small percentage of problems and the happy people, by far, out number the unfortunate few.

[gbelton]

Hello My Friends:

Here's a real life example of problems. I had my '05 645Cic for about 3 months and the issues came crashing down! The minor stuff you hear doesn't even campare and if you need reference run a search in this forum on 645Cic DEAD!:(

Now the good stuff... I am still very pleased with my repaired '05 645Cic. This situation I beleive is uncommon and I own several other BMW's without flaw. I am going to get rid of this '05 645Cic for a newly delievered '06 650Ci late this year.:D

It could be because I am insane or something but insane I will remain if I will let an issue like the one I experience turn my attention away from THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE...

Oh how I truly enjoy my driving experience. Good Luck my friend and I hope you make the right decision.

-GMAN

[Southern6er]

I've had mine for 2 months and have about 3,000 miles on it. Not enough time to have errors pop up, but my biggest gripe is the slowness of iDrive booting up (and the damn chime). Mechanically, it has been flawless and I've been quite happy with it.