2006 BMW 650Ci
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2006 BMW 650Ci, categorized by component. The 2006 BMW 650Ci is a luxury coupe known for its stylish design and powerful engine. The primary engine option is a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. All models are rear-wheel drive. Some owners praise the car’s smooth ride and powerful engine, while others dislike its higher maintenance costs and some electronic quirks. A six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission was available.
Engine
N62B48 (4.8L V8)
- Valve Stem Seal Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke upon startup (especially after the car has been sitting), and fouled spark plugs.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak at the rear of the engine, overheating, low coolant warning. The coolant transfer pipe runs under the intake manifold, making replacement labor-intensive.
- Solution: Replacement of the coolant transfer pipe. Upgraded aluminum pipes are often used to prevent future issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Pan Gasket)
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or oil pan gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $500 - $1,500. Oil pan gasket: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery light on, weak battery, car not starting, electrical malfunctions.
- Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 6HP26 (6-Speed Automatic)
- Slipping and Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, especially when cold, “Transmission Malfunction” warning on the iDrive screen.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change (may temporarily improve symptoms). More permanent solutions include valve body rebuild or replacement, or complete transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid/filter: $300 - $500. Valve body: $1,500 - $3,000. Transmission replacement: $4,000 - $7,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak near the transmission pan, difficulty shifting.
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic sleeve. This requires dropping the transmission pan.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Manual Transmission
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: “ARS Malfunction” warning, excessive body roll during cornering, clunking noises from the suspension. The ARS system uses hydraulic actuators to control body roll.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the specific component failure (hydraulic pump, valve block, sway bar actuator). Replacement of the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the failed component, ranging from $500 to $3,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Car sagging in the rear, air compressor running constantly, “Selflevel Susp. Inact.” warning.
- Solution: Replacement of the air springs, air compressor, or ride height sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Air springs: $500 - $1,500 per pair. Air compressor: $500 - $1,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response, screen flickering, complete system failure. This can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and vehicle settings.
- Solution: Software update (may temporarily improve performance). Replacement of the iDrive control unit (CCC) in some cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $150 - $300. CCC replacement: $1,000 - $2,500+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight, difficulty starting, electrical system malfunctions. This can be caused by a faulty module not going into sleep mode.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic drain (often requires specialized equipment and knowledge of BMW electrical systems). Repair or replacement of the faulty module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause).
- Recalls: None Found
- Comfort Access Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Key not being recognized, door handles not locking/unlocking properly.
- Solution: Replace door handle sensor, key fob battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Convertible Top Issues (if applicable)
- Description/Symptoms: Top not opening or closing properly, hydraulic leaks, error messages.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the hydraulic system, replacement of hydraulic hoses, pump, or cylinders.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside headlight housing.
- Solution: Replace headlight seals, replace headlight housing.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Comfort Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Lumbar support failure, seat motors failing.
- Solution: Replace motor, replace lumbar support bladder.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 BMW 650Ci, while a stylish and powerful car, is known for some common issues that can lead to significant repair costs. Engine problems like valve stem seal failure and coolant leaks are prevalent and expensive to fix. Transmission issues, especially with the automatic transmission, can also be costly. Electrical issues, particularly with the iDrive system and battery drain, are also frequently reported. Suspension problems are less common, but the ARS system can be expensive to repair. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchase decision and budget for maintenance.