buying a 6 series

PhoenixGG

Member
Hi guys

I have been seeing a lot of 2006-2008 model 6 series for sale for under R300k. Some even with very low mileage. how bad is the maintenance on them? Are they worth buying?
 

Nikhil

Honorary ///Member
Depends which one you looking at. Look at it this way a 318i is cheaper to maintain day to day than an M3.
 

Gbmw

///Member
Mines now got 63 300km 06 Model. She comes out every 2nd or 3rd weekend so no headaches or heavy costs. Well she's thirsty when pushed.

I changed to 20's and a eibach kit, and she's still easy on the tyres.

Parts are hectic tho, paid R580.00 for the bonnet washer nozzle cap. Was quoted R13k yes R13k for the cup holder (found one at scrap yard at R280 ).

But for a coupe.....what a car :=):
 

Hugo_za

Well-known member
Loved mine, hated the problems and maintenance. Shocks only available through BMW, and come in at a hefty R18k. Electronics can go crazy too, though I was relatively lucky with mine. Older models start to develop some issues with the convertible top modules and roof seats which could lead during heavy rain. Amazingly rewarding drive though :) Mine (645ci Vert) was my daily driver, and fuel economy is appalling in Jo'burg traffic.

It's a premium car, which you could pick up super cheap, but expect to pay premium prices for parts and maintenance.
 

Andre S

New member
PhoenixGG said:
Hi guys

I have been seeing a lot of 2006-2008 model 6 series for sale for under R300k. Some even with very low mileage. how bad is the maintenance on them? Are they worth buying?

I have a 2006, 650i with 56k on the clock. Have owned a number of premium german brands out of their motorplans and the BMW's maintanance cost is very similar to the rest. Yes, new parts are expensive, most are only available through agents but overall the same maintanance costs as all the other. This car has "condition based" maintanance schedule. In other words the car's computer decide when things must be replaced based on your driving style, time lapsed etc. So far the normal oil and filter services have cost me no more than R4k max. You can do it cheaper but i like to have the agent service record in my book. I've recently damaged the plastic covers on my driver door mirror. Agents quoted R2100 + Vat. Then still needing a colour coding paint job and fitment. I've searched high and low for second hand parts but nothing. This is the downside of this model. Spare parts are far and few.
 

mrstevens

New member
Great car to drive but...

- Heavy on petrol, especially in traffic... can easily his 18l / 100kms
- Well-documented problem where water gets into the boot section where the amp and TV / radio unit are
- Replacement parts are expensive - and being a well-stocked car there are a lot of gadgets which can go wrong (and will over time)

Rear tyre replacement on my 650 Cab - R11k
Front tyre replacement - R6k
Amp - Far too much to recall... even a second hand one was R3k
Intermittent problem with the car starting - R12k

BMW quoted me over R50k to extend the motorplan for one year.

Go in expecting to cough up loads of money when something breaks. General services are not expensive in my view, it's the unexpected things which will dent your wallet.

Would I do it again? No, I'd get a VW Polo Diesel...
 

Hugo_za

Well-known member
I made my comment in May last year, and want to add something now.

Parts are expensive, BUT if you are handy with Google and a wrench then you can (A) get parts really cheap and (B) save buckets on labor cost. Sure, there are things that will cost you a pretty penny if they go wrong, but realistically what car today does not have these issues?

The 7-series is so far the most complex car I have owned, yet it's the most hassle free because I don't sweat the little things. If you look after the car it will look after you. Brakes, oil, plugs and filters can all be done yourself. Just keep the parts invoices :)

Would I get an E63/64 again? Definitely. It is going to be a classic, and bang-for-buck it is hard to beat at the current prices.
 

skank

New member
ET was here said:
mrstevens said:
Would I do it again? No, I'd get a VW Polo Diesel...

that about sums it up

I would actually prefer an 80's 6-series shark though

Hahahahah!! 80's Sharks are not much cheaper! :D

R14k + VAT for upper rubber door seals springs to mind.
 
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