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Model reliability

BMW 645 reliability

The BMW 645 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 30% of 1,815 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old
30% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 1,815 MOT tests of BMW 645s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 3× as oftenSRS malfunction indicator lamp2.8% vs 0.9%Fix about £30
Fails 41% more oftenRigid brake pipes2.4% vs 1.7%Fix about £120
Fails 60% more oftenFront and rear fog lamps1.6% vs 1%Fix about £30
Fails 10× as oftenWheel condition1% vs 0.1%
Advised 3× as oftenFluid leaks27.7% vs 10.1%
Advised 51% more oftenSuspension arms18.3% vs 12.1%
Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes17.1% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Safety recalls

29 DVSA recalls for the BMW 645

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2026/0542 Mar 2026Built 2021–2023Replace the Engine Starter Motor

The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GT · 3 vehicles

R/2025/34918 Dec 2025Built 2010–2017Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)

Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE · 319 vehicles

R/2025/40527 Oct 2025Built 2018–2020Replace the Engine Starter Motor

For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.

Fix: Replacement of the starter motor.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GT · 967 vehicles

R/2024/40321 Oct 2024Built 2010–2017Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5

Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.

Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE · 1,275 vehicles

R/2024/1911 May 2024Built 2010Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.

Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE · 1 vehicles

R/2023/01624 Jan 2023Built 2012–2017A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES COUPE · 2,276 vehicles

R/2022/25522 Aug 2022Built 2017–2020Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold

Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GT · 322,745 vehicles

R/2022/2061 Aug 2022Built 2011–2018The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE · 319,399 vehicles

R/2021/21314 Jun 2021Built 2017–2018The exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time�and cause thermal incident.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE · 18,330 vehicles

R/2019/3689 Dec 2019Built 2018–2019The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 53 vehicles

R/2019/19529 Jul 2019Built 2002–2010Possible corrosion of the bulkhead connector of the positive battery cable

The branch-off point of the main battery cable may corrode

Fix: The branch-off point will be checked and reworked appropriately depending on the level of corrosion present

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 121,849 vehicles

R/2019/0571 Mar 2019Built 2010–2011Auxiliary water pump's electronic circuit board could lead to a short circuit

The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.

Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 5,866 vehicles

R/2018/3417 Dec 2018Built 2011–2017Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 225,449 vehicles

R/2018/26015 Oct 2018Built 2018Software fault in crankshaft sensor

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 1,642 vehicles

R/2018/21120 Aug 2018Built 2018Software fault with crankshaft sensor

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 4,025 vehicles

R/2017/2441 Sept 2017Built 2017Front seat fixing mechanism may be insecure

Due to a fault in the supplier's production process the bolt on the outer side of the seat mechanism on both front seats might not have been fixed properly. In cases where the bolt loosens the customer would be alerted by noise coming from the seat and a noticeable increase in seat clearance/movement. If this is ignored by the customer the securing bolt on the outer side of the seat might come off. If the securing bolt comes off the seat can move backwards in a rear end crash situation.

Fix: The bolt on the seat mechanism will be checked for excessive clearance and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 50 vehicles

R/2017/13211 Apr 2017Built 2010–2011Driveshaft universal joint may break

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 10,849 vehicles

R/2017/01110 Jan 2017Built 2016Airbags may not deploy

The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.

Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 668 vehicles

R/2014/06828 Jul 2014Built 2009–2011Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 2,967 vehicles

R/2012/10926 Sept 2012Built 2012Engine may fail

In individual cases the oil pump may no longer provide the required oil pressure. This may cause severe engine damage. Additionally the occurrence of critical driving situations cannot be ruled out because the oil pressure may drop suddenly while driving. The driver will usually notice a drop in the engine oil pressure due to the check control message ''Low oil Pressure''. It is also possible the engine block will be damaged and as a result engine oil may be lost.

Fix: The oil pump will be replaced with the correct version.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 80 vehicles

R/2012/03924 May 2012Built 2003–2010Risk of fire

The positive battery cable routed from the vehicle battery to the engine bay consists of one cable in the luggage compartment and one cable in the underbody. Both cable are connected by a screw connection and covered by a plastic cover. In single cases the plastic cover may have been fitted incorrectly during the vehicle production. Over time an incorrectly fitted cover could cause the screw connections to come loose leading to an increased resistance also humidity may affect the connection and cause high resistance and drop in current. This can lead to the vehicle not starting and in extreme cases the connection could over heat leading to the possibility of a fire in the luggage area.

Fix: The clips on the battery will be checked the cover replaced and sealed.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 128,701 vehicles

R/2012/04927 Apr 2012Fire may occur

Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.

Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 21 vehicles

R/2011/14717 Nov 2011Built 2007–2011Short circuit may occur

Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 557 vehicles

R/2011/13212 Oct 2011Pedestrian safety system may not perform correctly

The pedestrian safety function in the bonnet may fail to trigger.

Fix: Replace the pedestrian safety sensor system.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE · 520 vehicles

R/2010/15111 Nov 2010Built 2001–2009Possible reduction in brake servo assistance

It is possible that engine oil can enter the brake servo via the brake vacuum pump and vacuum hose. If this occurs it could damage the brake servo membrane which may leak so causing a reduction in braking assistance and a requirement to apply increased pedal force to achieve the same braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified servo hose. In addition the checking of the brake servo for contamination and replacement if required.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 10,567 vehicles

R/2008/10015 Jul 2008Built 2008Rear axle carrier may fail

It has been identified that defects in a material joint may have resulted during the heat treatment of individual components of the rear axle carrier. This may result in failure of the holders of the links and struts even under normal driving conditions. Should the holder of a link fail whilst the vehicle is in motion the handling characteristics of the vehicle would undergo an unexpected change which could result in an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked and if necessary fitted with a quality assured rear axle carrier.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 665 vehicles

R/2006/1196 Jul 2006Rear shock absorber mounting may fail

It has been identified that the lower rubber mounting on the metal bush of the rear shock absorbers may fail to meet the quality requirement. Dependant on the mileage and operating conditions the rubber mounting may come completely free from the shock absorber. If this occurs the bodywork would no longer be supported above the wheels causing it to come into contact with the wheel concerned. Should this occur the possibility exists that a critical driving condition might occur or even the risk of an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear shock absorbers checked and replaced if necessary.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 3,743 vehicles

R/2006/0864 May 2006Built 2006Rear tyre may have sudden loss of tyre pressure

There is a possibility that the tyres on the affected vehicles may have been damaged when they were fitted to the rim. If the tyres have been damaged this may lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the rear tyres.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace all the tyres

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 11 vehicles

R/2004/13114 Jul 2004Built 2004Possibility of inadvertnent loss of engine power

Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.

Recalled models: 6 SERIES · 231 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a BMW 645 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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