BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 (2003–2010)
2003 BMW Serie 6 problems
The 2003 BMW Serie 6 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the BMW N62 / N63. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2003 cars, such as battery drain and loose positive cable.
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2003 BMW Serie 6 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 7 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.12 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension9.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.41 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system7.91 fault
- Headlights and lights8.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior9.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.4 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.91 fault
BMW N62 / N63 engine in the 2003 BMW Serie 6
Names: 645Ci · 650i
- With caution
N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006)
320–333 hp · N62B44
A 100,000 km test of a 745i recorded no engine defects, but the sources cite coolant loss from hoses (Gebrauchtwagenberater and Auto Bild) and, to a lesser extent, valve stem seals (Auto Bild): both points need checking.[4][5][6]
Faults that affect 2003 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingN62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banksOn the N62 V8, coolant loss from cracked hoses or pipes is typical, especially on the earliest units. Replacing them is laborious: the hose between the banks means removing a good part of the engine.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem sealsOn the N62 V8, the valve stem seals can harden with age and cause oil consumption with blue smoke. It is not a widespread fault: several German guides describe the engine as solid.
Faults outside the engine in the 2003 BMW Serie 6
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemBattery drain and loose positive cableThe battery and alternator are frequently cited by Fiches-auto, and there is a recall for the battery's positive cable, which can work loose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyDriver's airbag inflator (Takata campaign)BMW issued a recall for cars built between 2003 and 2018, including the 6 Series, for the propellant in the driver's airbag inflator.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentiDrive and CCD unit faultsThe iDrive in the E63/E64 6 Series can stop responding or go black; Fiches-auto records a CCD unit replaced at around 119,000 km.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringActive steering (AFS) faultThe active steering on the E63/E64 can trigger a fault warning and, according to Gebrauchtwagenberater, shift the steering wheel position by up to 90 degrees.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater in the headlightsHeadlights with water inside have been reported on the E63/E64; one 650i owner quotes around €3,000 for replacing the headlights.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 BMW Serie 6 reliable?
The 2003 BMW Serie 6 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the BMW N62 / N63. It has no documented serious faults for the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2003 cars, such as battery drain and loose positive cable.
What faults does the 2003 BMW Serie 6 have?
The most important ones documented for 2003 cars are: battery drain and loose positive cable (electrical system, high severity), driver's airbag inflator (Takata campaign) (airbags and safety, high severity), n62 coolant loss from hoses and the pipe between the cylinder banks (BMW N62 / N63, medium severity), n62 blue smoke and oil consumption from hardened valve stem seals (BMW N62 / N63, medium severity) and iDrive and CCD unit faults (electronics and infotainment, medium severity).
Own a 2003 BMW Serie 6? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
- BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
- BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
- BMW 745i (E65): Test über 100.000 kmAUTO ZEITUNG · Motoring press · published 12 January 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
- BMW 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
- BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German