[byebyev8]

Going to purchase either a a6 3.0t or 2011 or 2012 550i To replace my fbo 335i coupe. I also have a e70 x5 4.8 which is known to have its fare share of problems along with my modded 335i. So i know im not getting a toyota with the 550i but im wondering what other problems people have experienced after the ccp besides the valve stem seals and injectors. Also i am considering a 535i and doing the pure stage 2

[exylyr]

Originally Posted by byebyev8

Going to purchase either a a6 3.0t or 2011 or 2012 550i To replace my fbo 335i coupe. I also have a e70 x5 4.8 which is known to have its fare share of problems along with my modded 335i. So i know im not getting a toyota with the 550i but im wondering what other problems people have experienced after the ccp besides the valve stem seals and injectors. Also i am considering a 535i and doing the pure stage 2

Since no one else chimed in - keep in mind my mood about the N63 is a little sour...

My car was a 2012 550xi, and I had the CCP done around 50k miles. While that was being done, I had the valve-stem seals replaced, due to complaints of high oil consumption. Under warranty. At that time, the computerized dipstick asked for 1qt/1500 miles.

At 89k miles, my oil consumption was up to 1qt/1000 miles, and I took it in for diagnosis. Within the previous 4 months, I had true car in for coolant leaks (rubber hoses & plastic sensors in the hot V) twice. Each service was > $1000 with labor. So I was not looking forward to more diagnosis...

In order to diagnose oil consumption, all external leaks need to be fixed. In my case, both crankcase ventilation valves/oil separators were leaking oil, as well as the turbo oil return lines & the engine block connection. I was given an estimate for $10k to fix all these (with labor). Someone with better mechanical skill & time could reduce that to $3k in parts...

Remember I said items in the hot V? The N63 and all TU versions that follow have this in common - they intake on the outside of the V and exhaust (short/fat path to the turbos) inside the V. This means the inside area of the V gets really hot. So hot (I believe) that any rubber or plastic items in that area are subjected to much higher heat stress than the N63 was designed for, leading to early breakdown of all the parts I listed above. The N63TU and replacement valve-stem seals are a different material to cope with this extra heat. I cannot speak for the other items...

Long story short(er), after BMW declined to fix or help fix this issue at 90k miles (due to "age and condition of the vehicle"), I paid to replace the crankcase valves at $1400. I have responded to BMW surveys with my frustration twice, and been met with no response.

As I told BMW, this was not my 1st BMW, but is is my last. I traded the car away 1 week later.

My advice is, if you are set on a 550, wait for a 2014 or later with the N63tu engine. I'm told many of these issues have been addressed.

[535_BiTurbo]

Originally Posted by exylyr

Since no one else chimed in - keep in mind my mood about the N63 is a little sour...

My car was a 2012 550xi, and I had the CCP done around 50k miles. While that was being done, I had the valve-stem seals replaced, due to complaints of high oil consumption. Under warranty. At that time, the computerized dipstick asked for 1qt/1500 miles.

At 89k miles, my oil consumption was up to 1qt/1000 miles, and I took it in for diagnosis. Within the previous 4 months, I had true car in for coolant leaks (rubber hoses & plastic sensors in the hot V) twice. Each service was > $1000 with labor. So I was not looking forward to more diagnosis...

In order to diagnose oil consumption, all external leaks need to be fixed. In my case, both crankcase ventilation valves/oil separators were leaking oil, as well as the turbo oil return lines & the engine block connection. I was given an estimate for $10k to fix all these (with labor). Someone with better mechanical skill & time could reduce that to $3k in parts...

Remember I said items in the hot V? The N63 and all TU versions that follow have this in common - they intake on the outside of the V and exhaust (short/fat path to the turbos) inside the V. This means the inside area of the V gets really hot. So hot (I believe) that any rubber or plastic items in that area are subjected to much higher heat stress than the N63 was designed for, leading to early breakdown of all the parts I listed above. The N63TU and replacement valve-stem seals are a different material to cope with this extra heat. I cannot speak for the other items...

Long story short(er), after BMW declined to fix or help fix this issue at 90k miles (due to "age and condition of the vehicle"), I paid to replace the crankcase valves at $1400. I have responded to BMW surveys with my frustration twice, and been met with no response.

As I told BMW, this was not my 1st BMW, but is is my last. I traded the car away 1 week later.

My advice is, if you are set on a 550, wait for a 2014 or later with the N63tu engine. I'm told many of these issues have been addressed.

$1400 to replace both CCV valves?

[exylyr]

Yes - parts, labor & tax. There were also left- and right-specific vent hoses with that, as well as a diagnostic charge.

[AZ_Bmw_550]

I've put 40k miles or so on my 2011 550i after the CCP. I've had no issues. Oil burn is about a quart every 4k miles, so not too bad. It's just been bullet proof basically. I did take the engine cover off after the CCP to try to let heat escape from the V more easily and if I run it hard in the summer I give it a little time at idle to cool off. But living in Phoenix where ambient is quite often above 115 degrees and where the air coming off the road is easily 135+ it's surprising how reliable it is. The hoses and vacuum lines in the V still look like new at around 60k miles. So as with all things, there's bad stories on the N63 and good stories. Most people don't write good stories... I did read enough on the N63 that I have an extended warranty, but so far I haven't used it once.

[exylyr]

AZ, true about people not writing good stories... wish an extended warranty coverage on the N63 had worked for me. My car had always been serviced at the same dealer, all services up to date. But, when it came time to help with my problem, they basically gave me the finger...

Best of luck to you and your N63!

[AZ_Bmw_550]

Thanks Exy. Fingers crossed that my luck runs this well on the N63TU in the 650iGC I just picked up. Good luck to you and your new ride, I hope it's trouble free.

[exylyr]

AZ, I've heard good things about the N63tu. BadBlack550xi has a few items for sale related to the engine – plus a wealth of knowledge on how it's supposed to operate.