E63 650i experience and buying advice sought!
Discussion
Evening all,
I'd like to lean on your collective experience of early 650is. I'm seriously considering buying one to replace my E46 328i, but it's a big jump in the type of car, the amount it's worth, and the amount it's capable of bending me over for! I'm spending £7-9k and there is some choice at this money. Mileage doesn't worry me too much (unless it should on these?), and ideally I want a pre-March 06 car.
I've been able to find out a decent amount of information about the spec available, and some potential issues - oil leaks, iDrive etc - but with them being quite a rare car, real buying advice is proving hard to come by. I went to look at a nice, low-mileage 645ci this afternoon to give myself a baseline to work from. Ideally I'd like a 650i, but realistically 10% capacity/power/torque is a fair tradeoff for an otherwise perfect car, so that's not a must. My impressions:
I'd love to hear from owners, tell me about your cars and what issues you've had, what you'd look at if buying another and things like that. I seem to have a decent picture of servicing costs, and know to check the iDrive for mileage remaining to key items, but it's the unexpected stuff I'm interested to hear more about. A quick word on your typical driving patterns and your fuel economy would be interesting too - I'm prepared for 20mpg, don't worry, but more would be nice
Anything you can share much appreciated, or perhaps you're thinking about selling yours.. On a related note, if anyone wants to buy my E46 328i, do get in touch.
I'd like to lean on your collective experience of early 650is. I'm seriously considering buying one to replace my E46 328i, but it's a big jump in the type of car, the amount it's worth, and the amount it's capable of bending me over for! I'm spending £7-9k and there is some choice at this money. Mileage doesn't worry me too much (unless it should on these?), and ideally I want a pre-March 06 car.
I've been able to find out a decent amount of information about the spec available, and some potential issues - oil leaks, iDrive etc - but with them being quite a rare car, real buying advice is proving hard to come by. I went to look at a nice, low-mileage 645ci this afternoon to give myself a baseline to work from. Ideally I'd like a 650i, but realistically 10% capacity/power/torque is a fair tradeoff for an otherwise perfect car, so that's not a must. My impressions:
- Doesn't feel anywhere near as big as I expected, which is good
- The engine is bloody lovely. Flexible, sounds great without being intrusive, ample power in this application. Idles very low and very smoothly. Like it a lot.
- Gearbox is better than I expected, though bit of a delay in manual shifts. Does respond well to being in Sport mode. Doesn't downshift on the overrun or at light throttle very smoothly. Decisions in normal auto mode pretty good.
- Ride actually very good considering 19" RFTs, would be great on 18s with sensible tyres. Well damped, very little body roll but absorbs small imperfections well.
- Well-refined in most NVH areas, wind noise especially good, but road noise poor - again, tyres, Bridgestones are bad, RFTs are worse, 275 section rears finishes it off! Again, sure it'd be fine on conventional tyres.
I'd love to hear from owners, tell me about your cars and what issues you've had, what you'd look at if buying another and things like that. I seem to have a decent picture of servicing costs, and know to check the iDrive for mileage remaining to key items, but it's the unexpected stuff I'm interested to hear more about. A quick word on your typical driving patterns and your fuel economy would be interesting too - I'm prepared for 20mpg, don't worry, but more would be nice
Anything you can share much appreciated, or perhaps you're thinking about selling yours.. On a related note, if anyone wants to buy my E46 328i, do get in touch.
Edited by McSam on Friday 20th November 19:20
Whilst I have not owned one I spent a lot of time researching them.
Engines are pretty reliable. The 650 engine is a big step up in terms efficiency over 645 and a friend who had one did not find it that difficult to achieve 30mpg on a run.
Buy on condition, but at the price point you are looking at I would get a lower mileage 645 with all the toys.
Engines are pretty reliable. The 650 engine is a big step up in terms efficiency over 645 and a friend who had one did not find it that difficult to achieve 30mpg on a run.
Buy on condition, but at the price point you are looking at I would get a lower mileage 645 with all the toys.
Whilst I have not owned one I spent a lot of time researching them.
Engines are pretty reliable. The 650 engine is a big step up in terms efficiency over 645 and a friend who had one did not find it that difficult to achieve 30mpg on a run.
Buy on condition, but at the price point you are looking at I would get a lower mileage 645 with all the toys.
Engines are pretty reliable. The 650 engine is a big step up in terms efficiency over 645 and a friend who had one did not find it that difficult to achieve 30mpg on a run.
Buy on condition, but at the price point you are looking at I would get a lower mileage 645 with all the toys.
Thanks for the reply. I had heard hints about the 4.8 being a more efficient engine, but hard info seems difficult to come by and I haven't heard from anyone who's owned both - fuel economy is so variable with a car like this, it's hard to be sure! Still, all the more reason to want one over a 4.4, and I'd be lying if I didn't say the draw of it being the fastest non-M BMW is significant too.
Have you looked at a few cars? How much of an impact does mileage have on them? I'm no stranger to it, my current cars are on 161k and 180k, but a 6er is a different ownership proposition so I'm limiting my search to around 120k. Prices seem very low at the moment - there are quite a few 650is to choose from under £9k and within that mileage. I hope nobody goes and buys it after I post, but I really like this 650i, the only thing it lacks is the glass roof and the mileage is at the limit of what I want to do.
In the 645ci corner, you get this for very similar money but 40k lighter off.
The trouble seems to be that if you spend more, you just get newer, not lower mileage - that doesn't help, as while the tax isn't hardly going to be the biggest running cost, I don't much fancy deliberately choosing a car that's over £200pa worse off just for being six months newer.
Have you looked at a few cars? How much of an impact does mileage have on them? I'm no stranger to it, my current cars are on 161k and 180k, but a 6er is a different ownership proposition so I'm limiting my search to around 120k. Prices seem very low at the moment - there are quite a few 650is to choose from under £9k and within that mileage. I hope nobody goes and buys it after I post, but I really like this 650i, the only thing it lacks is the glass roof and the mileage is at the limit of what I want to do.
In the 645ci corner, you get this for very similar money but 40k lighter off.
The trouble seems to be that if you spend more, you just get newer, not lower mileage - that doesn't help, as while the tax isn't hardly going to be the biggest running cost, I don't much fancy deliberately choosing a car that's over £200pa worse off just for being six months newer.
Be wary of smoke at idle. Sellers will tell you it's knackered CCVs, which are a cheap replacement. In that scenario walk right away as it's likely valve steam seals, which can be a £3,500 job at BMW and anybody with half a brain would replace CCVs for £50, it's a 40 min job.
I went for a 645ci at £9,000 which is fully loaded and is spotless from nose to tail. The auto box is admittedly a bit dim-witted when not in sport mode and the dynamic handling pack is a must imho. Having the glass roof makes a big difference too - makes for a much lighter cabin area. 19" rims really look the part - style 121 ellipsoids are most appropriate - and on decent non RFT rubber the ride is much improved.
I ended up going for the 645 because the insurance and tax worked out much cheaper (VED is £290) and given nearly all my mileage is motorway, 30mpg at a steady 85mph cruise is entirely doable.
Only other consideration I would make, and this is a purely personal preference, is go as far below 100k mileage as is possible if it hasn't had the valve stem seals done, that way the really expensive known weak point on the N62 engine is covered under the comprehensive BMW Insured Warranty. I've got a friend who bought his at 80k and is now up to 150k and it still drives great and at 72k I'm head over heels for mine!
I went for a 645ci at £9,000 which is fully loaded and is spotless from nose to tail. The auto box is admittedly a bit dim-witted when not in sport mode and the dynamic handling pack is a must imho. Having the glass roof makes a big difference too - makes for a much lighter cabin area. 19" rims really look the part - style 121 ellipsoids are most appropriate - and on decent non RFT rubber the ride is much improved.
I ended up going for the 645 because the insurance and tax worked out much cheaper (VED is £290) and given nearly all my mileage is motorway, 30mpg at a steady 85mph cruise is entirely doable.
Only other consideration I would make, and this is a purely personal preference, is go as far below 100k mileage as is possible if it hasn't had the valve stem seals done, that way the really expensive known weak point on the N62 engine is covered under the comprehensive BMW Insured Warranty. I've got a friend who bought his at 80k and is now up to 150k and it still drives great and at 72k I'm head over heels for mine!
Some really good info there Theophany, thank you - I had read something about the valve stem seals, it seemed quite rare, but what you're saying suggests it might affect quite a few cars?
I'm certainly planning on either tan interior or the glass roof, preferably both, I like airy interiors and it's already going to be lower and more enclosed than my E46 (which is tan with sunroof!). There are quite a few 650is that fit in the £290 tax bracket, about a year's worth of production so I'm aiming for one of those. Good to hear first-hand about improvements without RFTs, too. I don't believe there's anywhere to store a spare on these, though? I don't consider having one actually in the boot space as a reasonable option.
I'm certainly planning on either tan interior or the glass roof, preferably both, I like airy interiors and it's already going to be lower and more enclosed than my E46 (which is tan with sunroof!). There are quite a few 650is that fit in the £290 tax bracket, about a year's worth of production so I'm aiming for one of those. Good to hear first-hand about improvements without RFTs, too. I don't believe there's anywhere to store a spare on these, though? I don't consider having one actually in the boot space as a reasonable option.
McSam said:
Some really good info there Theophany, thank you - I had read something about the valve stem seals, it seemed quite rare, but what you're saying suggests it might affect quite a few cars?
I'm certainly planning on either tan interior or the glass roof, preferably both, I like airy interiors and it's already going to be lower and more enclosed than my E46 (which is tan with sunroof!). There are quite a few 650is that fit in the £290 tax bracket, about a year's worth of production so I'm aiming for one of those. Good to hear first-hand about improvements without RFTs, too. I don't believe there's anywhere to store a spare on these, though? I don't consider having one actually in the boot space as a reasonable option.
The valve steam seals are widely known as a weak point and you'll find people who have suffered the problem on any number of BMW forums. That being said, the people who don't have the problem don't join forums to moan about not having it which can make it appear more of a prevalent issue than it really is. After a test drive, leave the car to idle for a few minutes, then blip the throttle - if there is an issue developing you'll know about it very quickly!I'm certainly planning on either tan interior or the glass roof, preferably both, I like airy interiors and it's already going to be lower and more enclosed than my E46 (which is tan with sunroof!). There are quite a few 650is that fit in the £290 tax bracket, about a year's worth of production so I'm aiming for one of those. Good to hear first-hand about improvements without RFTs, too. I don't believe there's anywhere to store a spare on these, though? I don't consider having one actually in the boot space as a reasonable option.
As to room for a spare, there isn't any as where you'd normally find a spare or space saver wheel is entirely taken up by the battery. Perhaps one of those foam repair kits might be an investment, just to get you home or to a nearby garage? If you go down the insured warranty route, you can also opt to have the BMW emergency assist service to get you home, though I'm not sure how it is priced relative to your average breakdown cover.
Other than that, all the usual checks apply - if it has an added option, make sure it works (particularly adaptive headlights). It's a 10-ish year old car, but if they're looked after they're pretty low hassle to run. It's a big V8, RWD tourer so as long as you go in eyes wide open to fuel and tyres, I think you'll be a very happy bunny!
That's what I was thinking about the valve stem seals, really, it's hard to tell how many cars it really afflicts just by forum searches - thanks for the advice on checking for potential trouble though, very useful. Seems what I'd read about the spare wheel is correct, I think you're right, carry tyre foam for mild incidents and have breakdown cover for bigger ones. I might buy a spare full-size wheel and keep that at home for convenience too - I'm used to having loads, as my track day car is the same fitment and tyre size as my road car, but they won't work on a 6er!
My biggest problem so far is knowing how to even find all of the options, there are so many! Best bet seems to be feeding the chassis number into the online build checker and working from that. How does one test the adaptive headlights? Do they still move when applying lock while the car is stationary?
Fuel-wise, I only do around 8000 miles a year so if I can average 20mpg then I'm not bothered. It'd be nice if it'll do 30ish at an 80mph cruise, especially as I do a 420-mile run up to Scotland once a year and would consider it a failing if it wasn't possible on one tank! As for tyres, obviously it depends on the compound but maybe 8k from rears in normal use, bit more from fronts? I would hope to run the 18s for cost and ride quality anyway, so long as there's no issue retrofitting these to a Sport that came with 19s.
My biggest problem so far is knowing how to even find all of the options, there are so many! Best bet seems to be feeding the chassis number into the online build checker and working from that. How does one test the adaptive headlights? Do they still move when applying lock while the car is stationary?
Fuel-wise, I only do around 8000 miles a year so if I can average 20mpg then I'm not bothered. It'd be nice if it'll do 30ish at an 80mph cruise, especially as I do a 420-mile run up to Scotland once a year and would consider it a failing if it wasn't possible on one tank! As for tyres, obviously it depends on the compound but maybe 8k from rears in normal use, bit more from fronts? I would hope to run the 18s for cost and ride quality anyway, so long as there's no issue retrofitting these to a Sport that came with 19s.
Re adaptive headlights, don't check them whilst parked and engine running as you'll find only one light moves, this is so you don't blind oncoming traffic if you were pulling out of a parking space.
Best way to see them work is on a dark B road with main beam on, I struggle to notice the difference any other time though.
They also only work with the light switch set in the 'auto' position, not normal 'on' and if there's any faults the small green light that's next to 'auto' will flash and it'll show up on idrive.
I've a 550i so practically the same car, I can vouch for the engine I've had mine over a year with no issues apart from a small oil leak coming from vacuum pump area that cost about £60 to fix.
Best way to see them work is on a dark B road with main beam on, I struggle to notice the difference any other time though.
They also only work with the light switch set in the 'auto' position, not normal 'on' and if there's any faults the small green light that's next to 'auto' will flash and it'll show up on idrive.
I've a 550i so practically the same car, I can vouch for the engine I've had mine over a year with no issues apart from a small oil leak coming from vacuum pump area that cost about £60 to fix.
I did a run up to Edinburgh from central London a few weeks ago. On a full tank I got to the Abingdon junction of the A74 and refuelled as I had about a 20 mile range left. That being said, a long empty stretch of the M6 through Cumbria didn't help my economy on that particular run... 
Ah, thanks philmots. Was hoping there was a way to check them without driving the car at night, as I'm obviously hoping to do viewings in the daytime, but if any faults usually show up then it should be OK. How have you found the ownership experience with your 550i? Am I about right on fuel/tyre consumption mentioned above? Do you get yours serviced at BMW, specialist, DIY?
I'm wondering what the impact of DIY servicing would be on residuals. Most of the cars for sale seem to be very much dealer-kept, and only a tiny proportion are being sold privately. I suppose if I'm keeping it for the foreseeable future it won't matter quite so much, but otherwise I'm curious how an "enthusaist owned and maintained" car would stack up against one with dealer/specialist history.
I'm wondering what the impact of DIY servicing would be on residuals. Most of the cars for sale seem to be very much dealer-kept, and only a tiny proportion are being sold privately. I suppose if I'm keeping it for the foreseeable future it won't matter quite so much, but otherwise I'm curious how an "enthusaist owned and maintained" car would stack up against one with dealer/specialist history.
Theophany said:
I did a run up to Edinburgh from central London a few weeks ago. On a full tank I got to the Abingdon junction of the A74 and refuelled as I had about a 20 mile range left. That being said, a long empty stretch of the M6 through Cumbria didn't help my economy on that particular run...
Heh, yes, that section does flow rather nicely at high speed I absolutely love mine, I'd be tempted out of it by a black 650 sport but I'd regret it straight away as I need the practicality of the Touring.. That and it's so rare makes it a great ownership car.
It's not cheap to run, mine has averaged exactly 20.25mpg in the year I've had it which works out at 27.1p per mile (v power) and tax is £505, but in the scheme of things that isn't too tragic as it's only ~£200 more than something else tasty but lower groups. I'm lucky that mine's on the square set up 245/40/18 and tyres are very cheap, it's currently on runflats but I'll replace them with Pilot Supersports next summer which are only around £120 each..
I bought mine with a full dealership history, even invoices for tyres from main dealers! It looks good, it was maintained money no object.. I took mine out of dealers now and use a local BMW specialist, personally I think it's better having a pile of invoices for genuine parts, quality oil etc along with their invoice of fitting etc.. But if it was services like either of the above I'd jump at a car..
If it was serviced by a backstreet type place, had fitted the cheapest filters and oils that euro car parts can supply etc then I wouldn't want that type of car, it looks to me like cost cutting and an owner who just doesn't care enough... All my opinion though that.
Main dealer servicing can also be cheaper....! Do the reg check, one the guys got a right surprise.
It's not cheap to run, mine has averaged exactly 20.25mpg in the year I've had it which works out at 27.1p per mile (v power) and tax is £505, but in the scheme of things that isn't too tragic as it's only ~£200 more than something else tasty but lower groups. I'm lucky that mine's on the square set up 245/40/18 and tyres are very cheap, it's currently on runflats but I'll replace them with Pilot Supersports next summer which are only around £120 each..
I bought mine with a full dealership history, even invoices for tyres from main dealers! It looks good, it was maintained money no object.. I took mine out of dealers now and use a local BMW specialist, personally I think it's better having a pile of invoices for genuine parts, quality oil etc along with their invoice of fitting etc.. But if it was services like either of the above I'd jump at a car..
If it was serviced by a backstreet type place, had fitted the cheapest filters and oils that euro car parts can supply etc then I wouldn't want that type of car, it looks to me like cost cutting and an owner who just doesn't care enough... All my opinion though that.
Main dealer servicing can also be cheaper....! Do the reg check, one the guys got a right surprise.
Thanks Phil, more valuable info, much appreciated! I did notice how cheap Pilot SuperSports are in the 18" size, they would be great on it.
As a car I was quite keen on has unfortunately sold before I could get down to view it, I'm waiting for another ideal one to come up.. it's amazing how quickly you can get really picky on spec!
As a car I was quite keen on has unfortunately sold before I could get down to view it, I'm waiting for another ideal one to come up.. it's amazing how quickly you can get really picky on spec!
Hi Sam,
I responded to your mail earlier, before I saw this post. Obviously you have done your research, so a lot of my comments you already know.
The headlights need to be set to auto to check the swivel function and when going from straight ahead to around a corner, you see them swivel. Most noticeable at low speed. Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2's seem to last about 16k on the back and 20k on the front and they are leagues ahead of the RFT's. I use mine mainly for work and mostly on motorways.
MPG difference between the 650 and my wife's 2002 330 convertible is about 2 mpg over the course of a week on the same journey.
Options I really like are Heads up display and Adaptive cruise. Alas, I cannot comment on the cup holder, as the tight git who specced mine omitted it.
When researching mine, I came across a lot of posts of electrical issues arising from wet carpets in the front and rear foot wells. Also check the spare wheel well for damp (blocked sunroof drain). Gearbox sump will leak if it has not been replaced with the updated design.
Check that battery recall has been done. My weekly run is about 600 miles with 80% at an alleged 85 and the remainder tootling about (no big jams), 27mpg is the average over the last 3k miles, but the roads have been slippy.
If you do go non RFT's keep an old tyre in the garage, as most tyre places do not have the right size in stock.
Good luck.
I responded to your mail earlier, before I saw this post. Obviously you have done your research, so a lot of my comments you already know.
The headlights need to be set to auto to check the swivel function and when going from straight ahead to around a corner, you see them swivel. Most noticeable at low speed. Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2's seem to last about 16k on the back and 20k on the front and they are leagues ahead of the RFT's. I use mine mainly for work and mostly on motorways.
MPG difference between the 650 and my wife's 2002 330 convertible is about 2 mpg over the course of a week on the same journey.
Options I really like are Heads up display and Adaptive cruise. Alas, I cannot comment on the cup holder, as the tight git who specced mine omitted it.
When researching mine, I came across a lot of posts of electrical issues arising from wet carpets in the front and rear foot wells. Also check the spare wheel well for damp (blocked sunroof drain). Gearbox sump will leak if it has not been replaced with the updated design.
Check that battery recall has been done. My weekly run is about 600 miles with 80% at an alleged 85 and the remainder tootling about (no big jams), 27mpg is the average over the last 3k miles, but the roads have been slippy.
If you do go non RFT's keep an old tyre in the garage, as most tyre places do not have the right size in stock.
Good luck.
Edited by gf15 on Tuesday 24th November 22:10
I've owned a 645and 650 in both hard and soft top versions, I loved them all but the 645 had a number of issues , oil leaks and adaptive drive gremlins, all fixed under bmw warranty but I'd not have been happy had it been my own money or indeed if I'd needed it as daily driver. I px ed it for an ex demo 650 which was totally reliable and astonishingly frugal on motorway runs, over 30 mpg , the 650 convertible that came next was also trouble free except for I drive failures requiring manual rebooting occasionally and a new nav drive required after a year or so. The Bluetooth phone connection was useless on motorways, maybe the extra noise from the hood but ultimately I swapped it for an X5 for just this problem.
One thing I'd be very careful on is inspecting for crash repairs , wings are composite and I've seen some shocking paint mismatches. Avoid anything "modded" and keep to straight full history cars and you should be fine.
Good luck
One thing I'd be very careful on is inspecting for crash repairs , wings are composite and I've seen some shocking paint mismatches. Avoid anything "modded" and keep to straight full history cars and you should be fine.
Good luck
I have a 2005 645, bought at the start of the year to replace my X6.
I've had a large bill for oil leaks from the rocker covers, it's apparently quite common but they're a pain to do.
Mine also has a weep coming from the gearbox sump, it's plastic and warps over time. Not a fortune to fix though as there are non BMW parts available for half the cost. I'll know more about it next week when mine gets replaced.
I paid nearly £10k, I decided to get the best 645 I could find rather than getting a leggy 650.
It currently has 55k miles on it with a decent history. HUD is nice too.
I changed from runflats to normal tyres on the 19" wheels and it's made the ride quite a bit more comfortable, it also generates more grip in the wet but that may just be new tyres.
Overall I love the thing. I don't mind the high fuel costs because I don't do many miles and prefer the driving I do to be enjoyable rather than cheap.
Would I buy another? I think I would. It provides pretty much all I want from a car just now.
I've had a large bill for oil leaks from the rocker covers, it's apparently quite common but they're a pain to do.
Mine also has a weep coming from the gearbox sump, it's plastic and warps over time. Not a fortune to fix though as there are non BMW parts available for half the cost. I'll know more about it next week when mine gets replaced.
I paid nearly £10k, I decided to get the best 645 I could find rather than getting a leggy 650.
It currently has 55k miles on it with a decent history. HUD is nice too.
I changed from runflats to normal tyres on the 19" wheels and it's made the ride quite a bit more comfortable, it also generates more grip in the wet but that may just be new tyres.
Overall I love the thing. I don't mind the high fuel costs because I don't do many miles and prefer the driving I do to be enjoyable rather than cheap.
Would I buy another? I think I would. It provides pretty much all I want from a car just now.
Edited by Speed addicted on Saturday 28th November 16:23
From a previous 645 owner....
19" eliipsoid wheels are prone to cracking
Bridgestone RFTs are expensive - £315 each on the £270 front so make sure you have lots of tread
Geabox can have issues, look for hesitation or feel of wanting to change gear at a constant 30mph cruise. Other check is to run hard through the gears and look for a hard change - mine had it between 4th and 5th about 85mph and you know when it does! Diagnosed as mechtronix unit breaking down - £2.5k for a replacement box. Meant to be sealed for life but a few people recommend a gearbox flush and oil change around 75k and costs about £300
Check drivers seat back bolster for what looks like a fag burn. It's down to the heated seat element being too close to the leather causing a hole to be burnt though and can burn you in not careful
Get a car with the cup holder - I know it sounds daft but it's a real PITA not to have one!!
Exhaust IPAs a bit too muted for my liking
Excellent VFM though - a lot of car for the cash
19" eliipsoid wheels are prone to cracking
Bridgestone RFTs are expensive - £315 each on the £270 front so make sure you have lots of tread
Geabox can have issues, look for hesitation or feel of wanting to change gear at a constant 30mph cruise. Other check is to run hard through the gears and look for a hard change - mine had it between 4th and 5th about 85mph and you know when it does! Diagnosed as mechtronix unit breaking down - £2.5k for a replacement box. Meant to be sealed for life but a few people recommend a gearbox flush and oil change around 75k and costs about £300
Check drivers seat back bolster for what looks like a fag burn. It's down to the heated seat element being too close to the leather causing a hole to be burnt though and can burn you in not careful
Get a car with the cup holder - I know it sounds daft but it's a real PITA not to have one!!
Exhaust IPAs a bit too muted for my liking
Excellent VFM though - a lot of car for the cash
Merry Christmas, everyone!
I hate it when a thread like this disappears without a conclusion, so here's mine a 2004 645Ci, picked it up two days ago and I'm already in love. Thank you very much indeed for your collective experience, it was a great help in knowing what to look out for and I think - hope! - I've ended up with the right car. After a viewing and near commitment on a 650i that turned out to be a complete nightmare, I realised that a properly nice one would be both rare and probably out of my budget, so I've plumped for a 645Ci in a colour combination and spec that I really like instead. Readers' Cars thread to follow!
Thanks once again for all your input, and have a V8 Christmas!
I hate it when a thread like this disappears without a conclusion, so here's mine
a 2004 645Ci, picked it up two days ago and I'm already in love. Thank you very much indeed for your collective experience, it was a great help in knowing what to look out for and I think - hope! - I've ended up with the right car. After a viewing and near commitment on a 650i that turned out to be a complete nightmare, I realised that a properly nice one would be both rare and probably out of my budget, so I've plumped for a 645Ci in a colour combination and spec that I really like instead. Readers' Cars thread to follow!Thanks once again for all your input, and have a V8 Christmas!
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