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2005 645 Auto Box Questions

4K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  645/333 
#1 ·
Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2005 645ci Convertible and have been scanning through this forum for a while now.

I really love the car and don't regret purchasing one bit! Surprisingly it is very good on fuel too! I have wanted this car since it's release in 2004 and I have finally accomplished my dream.

I think this forum has the best 6 series specific content from all the forums I have visited. Maybe because it's such a rare care over in the UK that UK forums don't have enough owners present to build enough information and content?

I have a few question with regards to my 6, mostly to do with the gearbox.

- When you're at a traffic light, do you leave it in Drive or do you put it into Neutral? Would keep switching from Drive to Neutral at each light cause the gearbox to wear excessively?

- Sometimes When I'm rolling in traffic (less than 5 mph and no gas is being applied), the car vibrates. Is this common? It feels like the gearbox is causing the vibration.

- When I switch the car on during a cold morning, the revs obviously will start off high. when they start settling the car seems to vibrate for about 10/15 seconds then the vibration stops once the car begins to settle towards the normal idle rev. Is this normal?

I apologise for the large post and thank you all for your help and assistance - it is very much appreciated! :)

Hassan
 
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#2 ·
Clearly you are new to automatics! You don't need to put the car in neutral at traffics lights etc, just keep your foot on the brake or hold on the handbrake, I would only ever put it in neutral if I had a long wait ie train crossings etc.
The vibration at low speed could be a transmission issue but very difficult to diagnose via the forum as it could be a number of other things...
The rev changes are normal, and given you have a UK car it has the cold weather vents in front of the radiator to help when the engine is cold.
Outside of all of these it is a great car and just enjoy!!
 
#3 ·
These cars are not known for smooth transmissions. It took some time before I could drive my car without some hard shifts here and there. Since your car is 7 years old you may want to figure out if the tranny fluid has ever been replaced as well as the spark plugs. If the plugs are original you may not be firing as efficiently as you could be, thus rough idle and low speed operation. Congratulations on your new car. Enjoy!
 
#4 ·
Agree with Mulchman. Chek to see when a full tune-up was done on the car. Also feeling vibrations at low RPMs could be a bad engine/tranny mount as well. Congartulations on the car, you will enjoy it. The 6 is a nice ride :thumbup:. Post a few pics of her as well.
 
#5 ·
Congrats on the car! But good on fuel? I wish i could say the same :/ How much mpg are you getting?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Bimmer App
 
#6 ·
WOW thank you all for the warm welcome! :)

The car idles perfectly fine, no juddering or fluctuation of revs when he car is standing still. The vibration only happens when I'm creeping forward in traffic without any gas being applied. This problem is intermittent, only happens sometimes. I think I've noticed a pattern, it seems to happen when the car is warm (ie come of the motorway). The vibration is very noticeable, but only happens when you creep forward - Hope that makes sense!

I also notice sometimes when coming to a stop, when the car downshifts to 1st/2nd, the downshift feels rough/harsh causing the car to leap a bit (engine brake)? Is this normal?

I've read through a few threads about gearbox oil changes etc. I've read that if the car has exceeded 60k miles (mine is currently on 84k miles) it is not recommended to change the oil as it may result in harming the gearbox rather than doing it good as the oil has debris in there which helps protect worn components within the gearbox.

With regards to the MPG, I drive in rush hour traffic through the city for 10 miles and 10 miles on the motorway. I average 22mpg. On the same journey at the same time in my Nissan 350z I was getting a return of 23-24mpg. Considering the 6 is a convertible (heavier), bigger engine and an automatic; can't complain with the return!

According to my service history record book (my current mileage is 84k), the spark plugs were changed at 64k on 13/08/2009. The iDrive is showing the spark plugs have 44k miles remaining and it has been driven for 20k miles/3 years since they were changed. Does that tally up? How often do spark plugs need to be changed? These spark plugs were replaced at a Mercedes Specialist and not at BMW - would you think there is a possibility they replaced the spark plugs with the wrong ones?

Everything on my iDrive is showing 'OK'. Can the seller 'fiddle' with it to show 'OK' when it really isn't?

Photos are below:









 
#8 ·
Nice car and colour! With respect to the spark plugs the IDrive normally say's 60-70k, so that fits, the plugs are not standard plugs on these cars so it is worth a punt to have them checked and maybe replaced with the right ones, consider going to an independent BMW specialist with the correct equipment to read the error codes, this should also give you peace of mind for a nominal fee, at least you know.
You cannot mess around with anything to do with the IDrive hence my point to see an independent.
I would consider changing the transmission fluid, read the threads on here!!! You can only replace about 6 liters without a complete drain(which is very difficult even for a garage because of the torque converter). Be aware you can only use a very special oil in the auto-transmission, BMW sell it and yes it is £30 per ltr, but do not be fooled into using anything else, that will destroy the transmission. A transmission repair will be more than your car is actually worth, no debate!!
Good point to do a transmission reset just follow the guides lines (you can do it as often as you like, sometimes clears minor errors which do not come back).
Yes you will read lots about the car's issues, that is why forum's are here and this being the best of the best, but believe me you will never own a better car, I miss mine!!!
 
#7 ·
Yes, the plugs and oil intervals can be reset whenever you want to (Yorgi has a great DYI in the 6er DIY section). But I would not think that is the case.

Personaly I would change the tranny fluid. I'm sure you will hear many opinions, but that is mine. The rough shifting is normal. The car is down shifting to help you turn or slow down. As you get used to the way the car drives it will just get smoother.

One other thing you should do is reset the transmission. Turn the ignition on (engine off) and hold the gas peddle to the floor for 60 seconds. That will reset the tranny and it will start to learn your style of driving.
 
#11 ·
Yes, the plugs and oil intervals can be reset whenever you want to (Yorgi has a great DYI in the 6er DIY section). But I would not think that is the case.

Personaly I would change the tranny fluid. I'm sure you will hear many opinions, but that is mine. The rough shifting is normal. The car is down shifting to help you turn or slow down. As you get used to the way the car drives it will just get smoother.

One other thing you should do is reset the transmission. Turn the ignition on (engine off) and hold the gas peddle to the floor for 60 seconds. That will reset the tranny and it will start to learn your style of driving.
Thank you for taking the time out and providing me with the helpful advice. I will reset the transmission when I use it next! I didn't know it was that simple!!!

With regards to the oil, I will speak to my local BMW specialist :)

Nice car and colour! With respect to the spark plugs the IDrive normally say's 60-70k, so that fits, the plugs are not standard plugs on these cars so it is worth a punt to have them checked and maybe replaced with the right ones, consider going to an independent BMW specialist with the correct equipment to read the error codes, this should also give you peace of mind for a nominal fee, at least you know.
You cannot mess around with anything to do with the IDrive hence my point to see an independent.
I would consider changing the transmission fluid, read the threads on here!!! You can only replace about 6 liters without a complete drain(which is very difficult even for a garage because of the torque converter). Be aware you can only use a very special oil in the auto-transmission, BMW sell it and yes it is £30 per ltr, but do not be fooled into using anything else, that will destroy the transmission. A transmission repair will be more than your car is actually worth, no debate!!
Good point to do a transmission reset just follow the guides lines (you can do it as often as you like, sometimes clears minor errors which do not come back).
Yes you will read lots about the car's issues, that is why forum's are here and this being the best of the best, but believe me you will never own a better car, I miss mine!!!
Thank you for the compliments :) Yes this was the colour I was after, sets the car off well - especially with the black roof!

That puts my mind at rest then!

Is it a big job to check the spark plugs? Will it be a large cost?

So you're the second member to suggest changing the transmission oil, will definitely look into this!

I noticed the sheer amount of info available on here on the 6 series compared to other forums in the UK! Everyone on here seem really helpful too!

What made you change your car? Are you considering buying another one?
 
#9 ·
Bmw 650 2005

Hi does anyone out there know why my car will turn over but not start. Shows transmission error on dash ie exclamation mark inside jagged circle. Owned car for many years and only use in weekend however took to bmw specialist couple of weeks ago as car wouldn't start and they checked battery and said wasn't satisfactory so I had new battery put in snd now this has happened ......again. Any ideas as I am wanting to use over xmas holidays and booked in thursday but...... thx if anyone has any ideas.
 
#10 ·
Hi does anyone out there know why my car will turn over but not start. Shows transmission error on dash ie exclamation mark inside jagged circle. Owned car for many years and only use in weekend however took to bmw specialist couple of weeks ago as car wouldn't start and they checked battery and said wasn't satisfactory so I had new battery put in snd now this has happened ......again. Any ideas as I am wanting to use over xmas holidays and booked in thursday but...... thx if anyone has any ideas.
Check the PM I sent you.
 
#12 ·
Hi Hassann and welcome. I'm new ish to 6 ownership and agree that this site is great for helping people like us. Yorgi's DIY guides have been great so far with pads and disks and resetting the idrive after changing the plugs.

BMWland in the UK is sponsored by my local dealer and they do offer special rates for genuine parts, could be worth a look.

Nice car and the best colour combination (same as mine) but I have different wheels.

Kev
 
#14 ·
Hi Hassann and welcome. I'm new ish to 6 ownership and agree that this site is great for helping people like us. Yorgi's DIY guides have been great so far with pads and disks and resetting the idrive after changing the plugs.

BMWland in the UK is sponsored by my local dealer and they do offer special rates for genuine parts, could be worth a look.

Nice car and the best colour combination (same as mine) but I have different wheels.

Kev
Hi Kev, yeah Yorgi is unbelievably clever - don't think there's anything he don't know!! On top of that he is very helpful too!

Could you please PM with the details of your local dealer who provides special rates for BMWland members? If I ever require any parts in the future I will give them a shout :) Thank you!

Thank you matey - Always wanted grey! Even my previous 350z was grey with orange leather :D

Hi ! This is the best forum anywhere including other BMWs and other manufacturers, some of the guys are really worth listening to, very knowledgeable, not everyone will agree to everything but they do come to a consensus which will put you on the right track!!
When I had my 645Ci I had bought all of the parts necessary to do the transmission oil change, i.e. Transmission pan, mechatronics sleeve and oil 6 litres of special oil I mentioned (it is very difficult to buy), sadly I sold my car and so they just sit in my garage, will sell it all one day!
The 6 Series is the best car I have ever owned, I sold it for a 3.0ltr Z4 (E89), the worst car I have ever owned sold it after 6 months and now have a Mercedes 350 CDI E class convertible ( 2 months ago)
There were very specific reasons I sold it, there are many threads on the subject, but it came down to personal choice in the end !!! Would I buy another 6 Series YES !!! but only when the 2011-12 come into my price bracket as I will never ever buy a brand new car!!!
I have and continue to enjoy this forum and kick in when I think I can add value or an opinion, but still enjoy reading about new peoples experiences.....as they fall in love with the car......
That is very true...it's quite enlightening to know there are individuals out there who are willing to help just for pure satisfaction and no other gain. I will do my best to add value to this forum myself also (once I've gained enough knowledge!)

How much you looking to sell these transmission oil change parts for? I may consider taking them off your hands...

I was close to purchasing a Z4 3.0 myself! My heart was always set on the 6 series so I thought I'd just got with my original choice - always wanted since it was first released! Listening to your feedback, I'm glad I didn't go for the Z4! You ain't the only one to complain about it!

You have made a good choice, I LOVE the E350 Convertible! I've driven one before - Loved it! What colour is it?

I am curious as to why you sold it, I will have a look through your threads :thumbup:
 
#15 ·
Does the auto box allow the 6 series to roll backwards slightly on a hill? I'm sure mine rolled backwards slightly (unless I was imagining things!?). I had to tap the gas to keep the car steady on the hill but as soon as I tapped it ever so slightly, the car then stayed in one position and didn't roll back.

Is this even possible?
 
#16 · (Edited)
Hi! You do get some roll back on very steep hills, I got used to it and used the handbrake, it is also about selecting first if it is really steep via the manual mode!
My Mercedes is Iridian silver with a black roof and black leather interior.
Before I tell you what I would want for the parts I suggest that you contact your local BMW parts department and get the prices, a) the transmission pan b) mech sleeve c) some spare bolts ( you may need to mod these if you have the smaller headed bolts which is 24 bolts) d) 6 ltrs of transmission oil. Then when you have an idea you will hopefully appreciate what I would like to get for them and believe me it will be a good price. There are some really good threads on the E60 forum on how to change the oil, plus one or two on YOUTUBE.
You can buy aftermarket parts but they are definitely not the same quality.
PS I have some beige mats and a nearside front brake calliper which I replaced all of the bushes, pig of a job but done and ready to fit to another car, forgotten what other bits unless I go and do a walk around my garage lol
 
#17 ·
Oh! That's quite surprising! I thought it was either my gearbox was faulty or I was imagining things! The reason why I was so confused is because I used to own a 330ci with an auto box and it NEVER rolled back no matter how steep the hill was, it always held the car in place or rolled forward if it was downhill.

Your E Class sounds like a very nice car, I love them!!

Thank you mate, I will have a look at prices etc :)

I'm guessing you know your way around cars quite well? Did you do a lot of the work yourself?
 
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