The BMW 640i, a grand tourer known for its blend of luxury, performance, and style, has been a popular choice for discerning drivers since its introduction. However, like any vehicle, certain model years have proven to be more reliable and desirable than others. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best and worst years for the BMW 640i, helping potential buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential headaches.
BMW 640i Model Years: A Quick Overview
| Model Year | Notable Features/Changes | Potential Issues/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | First year of the F12/F13/F06 6 Series generation; N55 inline-6 engine; available as coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe. | Potential for early-year teething issues; N55 engine prone to oil leaks and occasional valvetronic issues. |
| 2013 | Minor improvements over 2012 model. | Similar issues to 2012, but potentially fewer due to some early problems being addressed. |
| 2014 | Introduction of xDrive (all-wheel drive) option. | Increased complexity with xDrive system potentially leading to additional maintenance. N55 engine issues persist. |
| 2015 | Minor cosmetic updates; upgraded iDrive system. | N55 engine issues still possible, but generally fewer reported instances. |
| 2016 | Last year of the N55 engine; otherwise, largely the same as 2015. | While the N55 engine's issues are well-documented, this year may have benefited from refinements over its lifespan. |
| 2017 | Introduction of the B58 inline-6 engine, a significant upgrade over the N55. | B58 engine generally more reliable, but still a relatively new engine with potential long-term unknowns. Initial model year quirks are possible. |
| 2018 | Minor updates and refinements. | B58 engine reliability improves; fewer reported issues compared to 2017. |
| 2019 | Last year of the F12/F13/F06 generation; limited production. | Potentially the most reliable year of the F12/F13/F06 generation due to accumulated refinements. Fewer cars available, potentially commanding a premium. |
Detailed Explanations
2012: As the inaugural year for the F12/F13/F06 6 Series, the 2012 model introduced the N55 inline-6 engine, a turbocharged powerplant known for its strong performance. While a desirable car overall, first-year models often experience teething issues, common to new designs and manufacturing processes. Potential buyers should be aware of this and carefully inspect the car's service history.
2013: The 2013 model year brought minor improvements over the 2012 model. While the fundamental design remained the same, some of the initial production issues may have been addressed. However, the N55 engine continued to be the primary engine option, meaning potential buyers should still be wary of the engine's common problems.
2014: 2014 marked the introduction of xDrive, BMW's all-wheel-drive system, as an option for the 640i. This added a layer of complexity to the vehicle and could potentially lead to additional maintenance costs. While xDrive improves traction and handling in adverse conditions, it also introduces more components that can fail. The N55 engine issues continued to be a concern.
2015: The 2015 model year featured minor cosmetic updates and an upgraded iDrive system, enhancing the car's overall appeal. While the core mechanics remained largely unchanged, the N55 engine issues were reported less frequently compared to earlier years, suggesting some improvements in reliability.
2016: The 2016 640i represents the final year of the N55 engine. While the engine's common issues were well-documented by this point, some argue that refinements over its lifespan may have resulted in a more reliable version compared to earlier iterations. Regardless, a thorough inspection and service history review is crucial.
2017: A pivotal year, 2017 saw the introduction of the B58 inline-6 engine, a significant upgrade over the N55. The B58 is generally considered to be more reliable and powerful than its predecessor. However, as a relatively new engine, its long-term reliability was still unknown. Initial model year quirks are always a possibility with new engine designs.
2018: With the B58 engine now in its second year, the 2018 640i saw improvements in reliability. Fewer issues were reported compared to the 2017 model, suggesting that BMW had ironed out some of the initial teething problems. This makes the 2018 model a generally safer bet than the 2017.
2019: As the last year of the F12/F13/F06 generation, the 2019 640i potentially represents the most reliable version of this model. Due to accumulated refinements and fewer cars produced, this year may be highly sought after. However, finding a well-maintained 2019 640i might require some patience and potentially command a premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which BMW 640i model year is the most reliable? The 2019 model year is generally considered the most reliable due to accumulated refinements over the F12/F13/F06 generation's lifespan.
- What are the common problems with the N55 engine? The N55 engine is known for oil leaks, valvetronic issues, and occasional problems with the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Is the B58 engine more reliable than the N55? Yes, the B58 engine is generally considered to be more reliable and more powerful than the N55.
- Is xDrive worth the extra cost and potential maintenance? It depends on your driving needs and climate. If you live in an area with frequent snow or ice, xDrive can be a valuable asset.
- What should I look for when buying a used BMW 640i? Thoroughly inspect the car's service history, check for any signs of leaks, and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified BMW mechanic.
Conclusion
Choosing the right BMW 640i model year can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the earlier models (2012-2016) offer a more affordable entry point, be prepared for potential maintenance related to the N55 engine. The 2017-2019 models, particularly those with the B58 engine, offer improved reliability and performance, making them the recommended choices for buyers seeking a grand tourer with fewer potential headaches.