2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe

The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe. It offers a blend of performance and comfort, making it a desirable vehicle for many. The 640i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine, producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available are the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8, producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbo diesel, producing 309 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s elegant design, comfortable ride, and powerful engine, but some dislike its high maintenance costs and complex electronics.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55)

• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common in the N55 engine, particularly from the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gasket and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Nockenwellen Steuerung) system controls valve timing. Faulty solenoids can cause rough idling, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. A check engine light is likely to illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty VANOS solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electric water pump is known to fail prematurely on the N55 engine. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the electric water pump and thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit inside the 8-speed transmission can leak fluid from the electrical sleeve (the connector that passes through the transmission housing). This leads to oil loss and potential transmission malfunction.
  • Solution: Replacing the Mechatronic sleeve. This often involves dropping the transmission pan and replacing fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh Shifting/ Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing harsh shifting or hesitation, particularly when the transmission is cold. This can be caused by worn solenoids in the valve body or degraded transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush, or replacing the valve body. In some cases, a software update can help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush: $200 - $400, Valve Body Replacement: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with air suspension can experience issues such as air leaks, compressor failure, and uneven ride height. The rear suspension is more prone to issues
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, compressor, or air lines as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air Strut: $800 - $1500+ per strut, Compressor: $700 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, leading to a dead battery, especially if the car is left unused for extended periods. This can be caused by various modules not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty module, parasitic draw) and repair or replace the component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the source; $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• iDrive System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This may affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require replacing the iDrive control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update: $100 - $300, iDrive Control Unit Replacement: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues (Comfort Access)
  • Description/Symptoms: The comfort access door handles, which allow keyless entry, are known to fail. The handle may not respond, or the system may falsely detect the key and repeatedly lock/unlock the doors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing it to become stuck or make excessive noise when opening or closing.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. Engine oil leaks, transmission problems, and electrical gremlins are among the most frequent complaints. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements, such as air suspension struts or iDrive control units. Addressing these issues can be costly, so a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.