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2012 BMW 650i

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2012 BMW 650i is a luxury grand tourer available as a coupe or convertible. This model year features a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It blends performance with comfort, appealing to drivers who appreciate a sporty driving experience and high-end features. Some owners find the car visually striking and appreciate its powerful engine and smooth ride. Criticisms sometimes include the complexity of the iDrive system and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

N63B44O0 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Turbocharger oil lines may need replacement as well.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can originate from the coolant expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking components, such as the expansion tank, hoses, or water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ depending on the source of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Stem Seal Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, especially on startup after the car has been sitting.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This is a labor-intensive repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noise from the turbochargers, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $5000+ per turbocharger.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP Automatic Transmission

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, or a complete loss of gear.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body. In some cases, flushing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter can temporarily alleviate symptoms, but is not a permanent fix.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, rough shifting, transmission malfunction warning. The mechatronic sleeve seals the transmission control unit (TCU) to the transmission housing.
    • Solution: Replacing the mechatronic sleeve and associated seals, along with a transmission fluid flush.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Adaptive Drive/Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dash related to the suspension system, ride height problems, uneven ride quality, or clunking noises from the suspension. This system can be prone to sensor failures, damper failures, and hydraulic leaks.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the specific issue using BMW-specific diagnostic tools, and replacing faulty components (sensors, dampers, hydraulic lines).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per component, depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • iDrive System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience glitches, screen freezing, or complete failure. This can affect navigation, audio, climate control, and other vehicle functions.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the iDrive control unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the severity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity. This can be due to a faulty module not entering sleep mode, or a parasitic draw from an electrical component.
    • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the parasitic draw and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the draw.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Multiple sensors can fail, including but not limited to: ABS sensors, wheel speed sensors, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, etc. This results in incorrect readings and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Convertible Top Issues (Convertible Models Only)
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the convertible top to open or close correctly, unusual noises during operation, leaks.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the hydraulic system, replacing faulty sensors or motors, or realigning the top mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, or at all, due to motor failure in the power seat mechanisms.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or the entire seat adjustment mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking in the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (often very expensive).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 650i offers a blend of luxury and performance, but is known for some issues. The engine is prone to oil and coolant leaks, as well as turbocharger issues, which can lead to costly repairs. The transmission may develop valve body problems. Electrically, the iDrive system and various sensors can fail. Suspension issues relating to the adaptive suspension can also be costly. These issues range from moderate to severe and can result in significant repair expenses. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified BMW mechanic.

BMW, 650i
BMW 650i 2012
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