2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe
The 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe is a luxury four-door coupe known for its stylish design and powerful performance. It offers a blend of sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. Engine options for the 2013 model year included a 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 producing 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 producing 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in later versions. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s elegant aesthetics, powerful engine, and luxurious interior, however, potential downsides often cited include high maintenance costs, electrical issues, and some reliability concerns.
Engine
4.4L Twin Turbo V8 (N63TU)
- Oil Leaks from Valve Stem Seals
- Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup, especially after the car has been sitting for a while. Oil consumption increases.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals, which is a labor-intensive job.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from various points in the cooling system, including the coolant expansion tank, hoses, and radiator. Overheating can occur if the coolant level drops too low.
- Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the affected components. This may involve replacing hoses, the expansion tank, the radiator, or even the water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the component and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbochargers, reduced power, check engine light illuminated.
- Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause of the turbocharger issue. Repair could involve replacing the turbocharger itself, or addressing related issues such as oil supply lines or vacuum leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per turbocharger (there are two).
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Rough Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, hesitation when accelerating, particularly between certain gears. Can become more pronounced as the transmission warms up.
- Solution: Some owners have had success with transmission fluid changes. In other cases, valve body replacement or full transmission rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ for fluid change, $1,500+ for valve body replacement, $4,000+ for transmission rebuild.
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, failure to shift, or getting stuck in a gear. Error codes related to the transmission may be present.
- Solution: Replacement of the mechatronic unit, which is the electronic control unit for the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Adaptive Damper Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride, clunking noises from the suspension, warning lights on the dashboard related to the adaptive suspension system.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected adaptive damper(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per damper, including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is parked for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain and whether a new battery is needed.
- Recalls: None Found
- iDrive System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system may freeze, crash, or exhibit intermittent functionality.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update may resolve the issue. More serious problems may require replacement of the iDrive control unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150 for software updates. $800 - $2,000+ for control unit replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Issues (Comfort Access)
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles with comfort access stop working or become intermittent. The door may not unlock when the handle is touched.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected door handle(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per handle.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the sunroof mechanism. This may involve cleaning and lubrication, or replacement of damaged components such as the motor, tracks, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the extent of the damage.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe, while a luxurious and enjoyable vehicle, can present owners with a range of potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly for the V8 model, tend to be the most expensive to address. Electrical and suspension issues are also common. The overall cost of ownership can be relatively high due to these potential repairs. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic is highly recommended.