2008 BMW 650i

The 2008 BMW 650i is a luxury grand tourer known for its blend of performance and comfort. It came standard with a 4.8-liter V8 engine producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the 650i for its stylish design, powerful engine, and comfortable ride, while common complaints included high maintenance costs and occasional electrical gremlins.

Engine

N62 4.8L V8

• Valve Stem Seal Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust upon startup, especially after the car has been sitting for a while.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive process.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Transfer Pipe Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, low coolant warning light. The coolant transfer pipe runs under the intake manifold and can become brittle with age, leading to leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the coolant transfer pipe. Requires removal of the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil warning light. Common leak locations include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per leak location, depending on the severity and location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light on dashboard, dimming headlights, car struggling to start or not starting at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

• Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, slipping between gears, transmission malfunction warning light. Often caused by low fluid, worn valve body components, or worn solenoids.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, valve body repair or replacement, or full transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 for fluid/filter, $1,000 - $3,000+ for valve body work, $4,000 - $8,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, difficulty shifting, transmission malfunction warning light. The mechatronic sleeve seals the electrical connector to the transmission and can leak over time.
  • Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic sleeve and transmission fluid service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, poor handling, unstable feeling during cornering, ARS warning light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the ARS system, which may involve replacing the ARS hydraulic pump, sway bar actuators, or pressure sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the failed component.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front or rear suspension, vibrations at highway speeds, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: iDrive screen freezing, rebooting, or displaying error messages. Problems with the navigation, radio, or other iDrive functions.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the iDrive controller, or replacement of the entire iDrive system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, car failing to start, needing to jump-start the car frequently. Caused by parasitic drain from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain, which may involve replacing a faulty module or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Comfort Access Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty locking or unlocking the car using the Comfort Access system, failure of the door handles to respond, key fob not being recognized.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty door handle sensors or antennas, reprogramming of the Comfort Access system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per door handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues (Convertible Models)
  • Description/Symptoms: Convertible top failing to open or close properly, hydraulic leaks, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of hydraulic lines, pump, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the failed component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, clicking noises from the seat motor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or gear.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, sticking, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof tracks, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 BMW 650i, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is prone to a number of common issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, electrical system, and convertible top (if applicable). The most severe and costly problems often involve the engine (valve stem seals, coolant leaks) and transmission (slipping/harsh shifting). Electrical gremlins, while less severe individually, can be frequent and frustrating. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in the cost of preventative maintenance and repairs when considering a purchase.