BMW 6 Series E64 Engines -The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the E64 convertible -from the 3.0-litre N52 straight-six to the N62 V8 and the S85 V10 that powered the M6. Real UK replacement costs, honest failure data, and the N62 valve-stem-seal issues that still haunt high-mileage V8 cars. Backed by 256+ real UK E64 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore E64 Engines
BMW 6 Series E64 Engine Codes -The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the E64 convertible -from the entry-level 630i six-cylinder to the range-topping M6 V10.
Overview
BMW 6 Series E64 -Overview
The E64 is the convertible body of BMW's second-generation 6 Series, launched in May 2004 as the direct successor to the E24 6 Series after a 14-year hiatus.
It shared the E63 coupé's controversial Bangle-designed bodywork but added a fully automatic soft-top roof that could be operated at speeds up to 20 mph. The engine range spanned from the 3.0-litre N52 straight-six to the 4.4-litre and 4.8-litre N62 V8s, a late-arriving twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel, and the S85 V10 in the M6. A 2007 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) brought revised styling, the 635d diesel, and the replacement of the N52 with the N53 in the 630i.
Key Facts
Platform
BMW E63/E64 (shared with E63 Coupé)
Predecessor
BMW 6 Series E24 (1976–1989)
Successor
BMW 6 Series F12 Convertible (2011–2018)
Sibling body styles in this generation
E63 Coupé (2-door)
Market Intelligence
The E64 convertible generated 256 real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the N62 V8 petrol units as these grand tourers age into enthusiast ownership and maintenance cycles.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
635d (M57D30, 3.0-litre twin-turbo, 2007–2010)
“The 635d is the rarest and most surprising E64 engine -a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel with 286 bhp and 580 Nm of torque that transforms the convertible into a genuine continent-crushing grand tourer. It's the only E64 engine that delivers effortless torque and 40+ MPG economy. The M57 is one of BMW's most durable diesel engines.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the ultimate E64 cruiser with diesel economy.
Best Petrol Overall
N52B30 (3.0-litre straight-six, 630i, 2004–2007)
“The N52 is BMW's last naturally aspirated straight-six without direct injection -smooth, linear power delivery, and none of the N62's V8 complexity or the N53's high-pressure injector issues. It's the most reliable E64 engine and the one we recommend for daily use. The 258 bhp is plenty for a grand tourer.”
Who it's for: buyers who want straight-six refinement and proven reliability.
Highest Risk
N62B48B (4.8-litre V8, 650i, 2005–2010)
“The N62 V8 is a glorious engine -367 bhp, 490 Nm of torque, and a soundtrack that defines the E64 experience. But it suffers from well-documented valve-stem-seal failure (blue smoke on startup), cooling system failures, alternator bracket gasket oil leaks, and PCV system issues. It's the most expensive non-M E64 engine to maintain.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V8 character and are prepared for V8 maintenance costs.
Most Expensive Failure
S85B50 (5.0-litre V10, M6, 2006–2010)
“The S85 V10 is one of BMW's most spectacular engines -507 bhp, 8,250 rpm redline, and a sound that's pure motorsport. But it's also one of the most expensive to maintain: rod bearing wear is the defining failure, requiring an engine-out service at £3,000–£5,000. Throttle actuators, VANOS and SMG pumps are additional common failures. A full engine replacement can exceed £15,000. Only 5,000 E64 M6 convertibles were built.”
Who it's for: collectors with deep pockets who understand the S85's demands.
Best Value
630i (N52B30, pre-LCI)
“The 630i delivers 258 bhp, 300 Nm of torque, and genuine 30+ MPG economy in a grand tourer package. It's the lightest E64 engine, the most reliable, and the cheapest to maintain. It's the sensible choice that still delivers the E64 experience -just without the V8's running costs.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the E64 experience without the V8's fuel and maintenance bills.
Most Overlooked
635d (M57D30, twin-turbo diesel)
“The 635d is the rarest E64 engine -only produced from 2007 to 2010 and in limited numbers. It's often overlooked in favour of the V8s, but it delivers 286 bhp, 580 Nm of torque, and genuine 40+ MPG. It's the E64 for buyers who actually drive their cars.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the ultimate E64 GT car for long-distance touring.
BMW 6 Series E64 -Ownership Economics
The E64 rule
A £6,500–£10,000 N62 recon against a £8,000–£20,000 E64 sits at 33–125% of the car's value. On a sub-£10,000 E64, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £18,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 36–56% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first, and always check for valve-stem-seal smoke on V8 cars. The convertible roof mechanism also adds a unique cost dimension to E64 ownership.
Key Takeaways
Which E64 Costs Least To Own?
630i (N52, pre-LCI) -simple straight-six, reliable, cheap parts.
Which E64 Costs Most To Own?
M6 (S85 V10) -rod bearings, VANOS, throttle actuators; V10 running costs.
Which E64 Is Best Value?
630i (N52) -the most reliable E64 engine, the cheapest to run, and still a genuine grand tourer.
Common Problems
E64 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition
Core Variants
Diesel & Petrol Lineup
Scope note: All variants listed are E64 convertible only -the two-door, four-seat convertible produced from 2004 to 2010. E63 Coupé shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, as fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style. The 645Ci was produced only from 2004–2005 and replaced by the 650i from October 2005. The 635d was introduced with the 2007 LCI.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. N62B48 (650i, 4.8-litre V8)
- 2.2. N52B30 (630i, 3.0-litre six)
- 3.3. S85B50 (M6, 5.0-litre V10) -based on UK specialist enquiry patterns [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. BMW 650i
- 2.2. BMW 630i
- 3.3. BMW M6 -based on model-level request data [BMW‑VERIFIED]
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£2,500–£15,000 reconditioned, supply only [BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. N62 V8 valve stem seal failure
- 2.2. N62 V8 cooling system failures
- 3.3. S85 V10 rod bearing failure
BMW 650i
E64
5
enquiries
BMW 630i
E64
3
enquiries
BMW M6
E64
2
enquiries
FAQ
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