New shape M6 or 640d as a daily driver?

New shape M6 or 640d as a daily driver?

Author
Discussion

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Saturday 4th April 2015
quotequote all
Hoggers said:
I had the DTUK diesel tunng box one on the 640d. Very good it was too. No issues with the 640d and its straight line pace with or without the box. I'm selling the box if anyone wants it btw
Did you opt for the Power of Eco tuning box?

Any impact on MPG and roughly what sort of step up in annual insurance costs does it equate to?

Hoggers

47 posts

111 months

Saturday 4th April 2015
quotequote all
Maybe a marginal reduction on mpg but nothing dramatic. I drove it quite hard wink I paid about £80 a year extra on Admiral. Actually, my M6 insurance was less than the 640d + tuning box... but I'm a 42 year old with no points. I had the full power box on 3+2 setting. I've spoken to another member who used the same box and felt this was the best combo.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Saturday 4th April 2015
quotequote all
Funny you should say that re insurance - just had my renewal come through £400 for a 535d whereas my old RS6 on the exact same usage and terms £330 dropping to £300... Go figure.

notax

Original Poster:

2,091 posts

238 months

Saturday 4th April 2015
quotequote all
Talking of good deals on insurance - insuring my £50k Ferrari F355 cost me £300 a year too! Shame that now I've sold it, it's worth over £80k. Hey ho.

Anyway, back to the topic in hand. I test drove an F Type V8S and an M6 back to back today. F Type was first and I was very impressed, didn't feel like a convertible with the roof up, sounded mega with it down. Only real issues for me being the crazy monthly cost they quoted and the nagging feeling that I could really do with 4 seats occasionally.

Then took the M6 for blast. Bloody hell it is quick! I'm used to driving fast cars, but even so this was pretty much up there with any other road car I've driven. The gear change is epic too. After the F Type it did feel a little lacking in theatre but the interior quality and overall driving experience was very, very impressive. I'm going to speak to Oracle on Tuesday and see how the financing would work out. The logical thing to do would be to keep my leased C63 AMG coupe until it ends in September - it's only costing me £570pm. But I do really like the full spec and colour of the M6 I drove today... I guess whether I keep the C63 a bit longer (whilst M6s continue to depreciate) or opt for the M6 now, it isn't too bad a choice to have to make!

The car I saw is the San Marino blue one at Ripley (owned by a very good chap by the way) Anyone know how common San Marino M6 are as it is my preferred colour?

cerb4.5lee

30,192 posts

179 months

Sunday 5th April 2015
quotequote all
notax said:
The car I saw is the San Marino blue one at Ripley (owned by a very good chap by the way) Anyone know how common San Marino M6 are as it is my preferred colour?
The M6 is a pretty rare car as it is and like you San Marino is my fave colour.

S800VXR

5,876 posts

199 months

Monday 6th April 2015
quotequote all
Il add to this as picked up my 650i last week. I did drive the 640d and it is impressive full stop but...... It's still a diesel and if you do want to play and actually leave your boot in for more than 2 gear changes the 650i is so much more. Loads of tuning starting to filter out (588whp with upgraded turbos etc) so I'd plum for one of them. M6 is also good but not as rare and I get the impression you have to prove yourself to others due to the badge....

K&L

23 posts

210 months

Monday 6th April 2015
quotequote all
I love the M6 and I've been sorely tempted to buy one but I think I've found a decent alternative option. I got an ex demo 640d M Sport last year, and ex demo M135i a couple of months ago.
I'm doing +20K miles per year so now I can split it between the 2 cars. The 640d has all the power you'll really use on the road, and to be honest, I keep getting caught speeding in it anyway.
I know the M6 performance will be better and with a sportier delivery, but I get to scratch that itch with the M135i and it means we have 2 cars (that we need) and I can split the miles between the 2 for commuting.
I swapped out the run flats on the 640d (it's on 20"s) for some Bridgestone Potenzas and the ride, handling and grip (in the dry at least) are vastly improved, although I am having recurring balancing issues with these tyres (another story).
The M135i is so much fun that I've just bought a facelift model to be delivered in about 8 weeks time! The 3 rear seats often come in handy too.

I'd still absolutely love an M6, but reckon this is a good compromise, and if you're buying 2nd hand, you could get some real bargains now.

If you do go for the M6 though and run high miles, you should take the extended service pack and the 20" alloys hate a kerb, so the insurance for those is worth considering also.

Hoggers

47 posts

111 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
[quote=K&L]I love the M6 and I've been sorely tempted to buy one but I think I've found a decent alternative option. I got an ex demo 640d M Sport last year, and ex demo M135i a couple of months ago.
I'm doing +20K miles per year so now I can split it between the 2 cars. The 640d has all the power you'll really use on the road, and to be honest, I keep getting caught speeding in it anyway.
I know the M6 performance will be better and with a sportier delivery, but I get to scratch that itch with the M135i and it means we have 2 cars (that we need) and I can split the miles between the 2 for commuting.
I swapped out the run flats on the 640d (it's on 20"s) for some Bridgestone Potenzas and the ride, handling and grip (in the dry at least) are vastly improved, although I am having recurring balancing issues with these tyres (another story).
The M135i is so much fun that I've just bought a facelift model to be delivered in about 8 weeks time! The 3 rear seats often come in handy too.

I'd still absolutely love an M6, but reckon this is a good compromise, and if you're buying 2nd hand, you could get some real bargains now.

If you do go for the M6 though and run high miles, you should take the extended service pack and the 20" alloys hate a kerb, so the insurance for those is worth considering also.
[/quote]

I agree with this - if you're doing high mileage the 640d is ideal for weekdays with another much sportier car for weekends. I'm doing 10k a year mileage and wanted to stick with one car so the M6 was the best package for me over my previous 640d.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.

HoHoHo

14,980 posts

249 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.


Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.
How quick is a 370bhp 640d/535d to 62mph and 100mph?
I'm assuming the 62mph is sub 5 seconds (just) and the 100mph well below 11 seconds?
M5 is what 8 seconds to 100mph utterly different league - though can you use the difference in performance on the open road?

HoHoHo

14,980 posts

249 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.
How quick is a 370bhp 640d/535d to 62mph and 100mph?
I'm assuming the 62mph is sub 5 seconds (just) and the 100mph well below 11 seconds?
M5 is what 8 seconds to 100mph utterly different league - though can you use the difference in performance on the open road?
It's not about speed, it's about the way it delivers it and the driving characteristics.

Edited to add, have either a new M5 or M6 on a good long extend weekend drive and you'll understand just how different they are to drive than a 535D or 640D.

I'm not knocking those cars but the M cars are a different car much like your 535D is different to a 520D


Edited by HoHoHo on Tuesday 7th April 10:23

theboss

6,878 posts

218 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.
How quick is a 370bhp 640d/535d to 62mph and 100mph?
I'm assuming the 62mph is sub 5 seconds (just) and the 100mph well below 11 seconds?
M5 is what 8 seconds to 100mph utterly different league - though can you use the difference in performance on the open road?
You absolutely can certainly use the difference in performance on the open road. I live in A-road dawdling hell and the M5 opens up passing opportunities which would be non-existent or marginal in the diesel. I said the same thing re 335xd in another post. It is absolutely devastatingly quick to cover ground even in the face of endless Sunday drivers, and is totally relaxed and effortless in the progress.

You also get a sense of occasion driving the M, that the diesel cannot possibly replicate. It's the first car I've had that I've wanted to just get in and drive for the sheer hell of it.

For comparison mine is having its running in service today. I've just been given a 4-series convertible loaner with all the M-performance trim, which looks great. It's a beautiful sunny day in Shropshire and my wife and girls just took one look at the convertible and demanded that we go for a drive into Wales and find somewhere for lunch. The problem is, its a 420d, and I feel thoroughly unenthusiastic about going anywhere in it! If I had the M5 on the drive I'd be out the door in a flash.

HoHoHo

14,980 posts

249 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
theboss said:
Welshbeef said:
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.
How quick is a 370bhp 640d/535d to 62mph and 100mph?
I'm assuming the 62mph is sub 5 seconds (just) and the 100mph well below 11 seconds?
M5 is what 8 seconds to 100mph utterly different league - though can you use the difference in performance on the open road?
You absolutely can certainly use the difference in performance on the open road. I live in A-road dawdling hell and the M5 opens up passing opportunities which would be non-existent or marginal in the diesel. I said the same thing re 335xd in another post. It is absolutely devastatingly quick to cover ground even in the face of endless Sunday drivers, and is totally relaxed and effortless in the progress.

You also get a sense of occasion driving the M, that the diesel cannot possibly replicate. It's the first car I've had that I've wanted to just get in and drive for the sheer hell of it.

For comparison mine is having its running in service today. I've just been given a 4-series convertible loaner with all the M-performance trim, which looks great. It's a beautiful sunny day in Shropshire and my wife and girls just took one look at the convertible and demanded that we go for a drive into Wales and find somewhere for lunch. The problem is, its a 420d, and I feel thoroughly unenthusiastic about going anywhere in it! If I had the M5 on the drive I'd be out the door in a flash.
I wanted to mention about using power and you're spot on. The M5 (and M6) have so much grunt you can see a gap and just go for it, much like I could in my 997...............but the M5 is quicker!

theboss

6,878 posts

218 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
HoHoHo said:
theboss said:
Welshbeef said:
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
Surely a mapped 640d has the measure of most requirements for a daily driver --- actually beyond what the best vast majority of people need.
As far as sped/comfort etc. it absolutely does have.

But it's not an M6 and that's a different animal and one that if you can run one is worth every penny. Would I rather have a 535D M Sport rather than my F10 M5? Sure it's a great car, but it's not an M5 which is in a different league.
How quick is a 370bhp 640d/535d to 62mph and 100mph?
I'm assuming the 62mph is sub 5 seconds (just) and the 100mph well below 11 seconds?
M5 is what 8 seconds to 100mph utterly different league - though can you use the difference in performance on the open road?
You absolutely can certainly use the difference in performance on the open road. I live in A-road dawdling hell and the M5 opens up passing opportunities which would be non-existent or marginal in the diesel. I said the same thing re 335xd in another post. It is absolutely devastatingly quick to cover ground even in the face of endless Sunday drivers, and is totally relaxed and effortless in the progress.

You also get a sense of occasion driving the M, that the diesel cannot possibly replicate. It's the first car I've had that I've wanted to just get in and drive for the sheer hell of it.

For comparison mine is having its running in service today. I've just been given a 4-series convertible loaner with all the M-performance trim, which looks great. It's a beautiful sunny day in Shropshire and my wife and girls just took one look at the convertible and demanded that we go for a drive into Wales and find somewhere for lunch. The problem is, its a 420d, and I feel thoroughly unenthusiastic about going anywhere in it! If I had the M5 on the drive I'd be out the door in a flash.
I wanted to mention about using power and you're spot on. The M5 (and M6) have so much grunt you can see a gap and just go for it, much like I could in my 997...............but the M5 is quicker!
Its quite hard to convey to people who haven't had the pleasure of getting to grips with one. Welshbeef - to put things into perspective as I know you have/had one - my brother had an MTM C5 RS6 which I've had the pleasure of driving (before he swapped it for the proverbial F31 335xd) and the M5 would destroy it on a dry road. Even in a like for like bhp scenario its the instant accessibility of the power which is hard to describe. It probably didn't help that I drove the RS6 as if I were always expecting the gearbox to suddenly end up in my lap hehe

Edited by theboss on Tuesday 7th April 11:27

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
theboss said:
Its quite hard to convey to people who haven't had the pleasure of getting to grips with one. Welshbeef - to put things into perspective as I know you have/had one - my brother had an MTM C5 RS6 which I've had the pleasure of driving (before he swapped it for the proverbial F31 335xd) and the M5 would destroy it on a dry road. Even in a like for like bhp scenario its the instant accessibility of the power which is hard to describe. It probably didn't help that I drove the RS6 as if I were always expecting the gearbox to suddenly end up in my lap hehe

Edited by theboss on Tuesday 7th April 11:27
I do know what you mean - even at trivial speeds its instantly up to pace and you wonder why people are dawdling (but then realise actually they are doing the best they can with their current vehicle).

Though at what point is enough power?ie if they made a 700bhp OEM M5 F10 would you really opt for it over the 560bhp one? Laws of diminishing returns.

HoHoHo

14,980 posts

249 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
theboss said:
Its quite hard to convey to people who haven't had the pleasure of getting to grips with one. Welshbeef - to put things into perspective as I know you have/had one - my brother had an MTM C5 RS6 which I've had the pleasure of driving (before he swapped it for the proverbial F31 335xd) and the M5 would destroy it on a dry road. Even in a like for like bhp scenario its the instant accessibility of the power which is hard to describe. It probably didn't help that I drove the RS6 as if I were always expecting the gearbox to suddenly end up in my lap hehe

Edited by theboss on Tuesday 7th April 11:27
I do know what you mean - even at trivial speeds its instantly up to pace and you wonder why people are dawdling (but then realise actually they are doing the best they can with their current vehicle).

Though at what point is enough power?ie if they made a 700bhp OEM M5 F10 would you really opt for it over the 560bhp one? Laws of diminishing returns.
someone said sometime ago said:
Too much horsepower is never enough biggrin
wink

SFO

5,162 posts

182 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
S800VXR said:
Il add to this as picked up my 650i last week.
how do you find the exhaust? Does it have the sport exhaust?

can you have sport exhaust on, but suspension in comfort?

unlike M6, 650 does not have exhaust/engine sound from the speakers.

S800VXR

5,876 posts

199 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
SFO said:
S800VXR said:
Il add to this as picked up my 650i last week.
how do you find the exhaust? Does it have the sport exhaust?

can you have sport exhaust on, but suspension in comfort?

unlike M6, 650 does not have exhaust/engine sound from the speakers.
For now ive tie wrapped the secondary flap open on the tail pipes as it is rather quiet. It won't harm anything nor give any performance gain but it does sound nice on a cold start and gives a little more voice than stock.

theboss

6,878 posts

218 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
quotequote all
HoHoHo said:
Welshbeef said:
theboss said:
Its quite hard to convey to people who haven't had the pleasure of getting to grips with one. Welshbeef - to put things into perspective as I know you have/had one - my brother had an MTM C5 RS6 which I've had the pleasure of driving (before he swapped it for the proverbial F31 335xd) and the M5 would destroy it on a dry road. Even in a like for like bhp scenario its the instant accessibility of the power which is hard to describe. It probably didn't help that I drove the RS6 as if I were always expecting the gearbox to suddenly end up in my lap hehe

Edited by theboss on Tuesday 7th April 11:27
I do know what you mean - even at trivial speeds its instantly up to pace and you wonder why people are dawdling (but then realise actually they are doing the best they can with their current vehicle).

Though at what point is enough power?ie if they made a 700bhp OEM M5 F10 would you really opt for it over the 560bhp one? Laws of diminishing returns.
someone said sometime ago said:
Too much horsepower is never enough biggrin
wink
The general consensus is that in standard form they are putting out >560bhp and can obviously be remapped straight up into the 600's. Whilst I don't think a 700bhp or 800bhp M5 would be unusable i.e. 'too much' to the extent that its a bad thing, I certainly don't drive mine wishing for more power.

It does alter your perception of speed not just because it gets there so quickly and effortlessly, but because you're so well insulated. I now know why HUD is standard spec because if it weren't projected right there in front of you it would be very easy to underestimate your speed.

I'm always patient with people driving to the best of their abilities and/or at the limits but where the car really does come into its own is when you have multiple dawdlers (the usual 45mph in NSL brigade) - with the ability to pass people so effortlessly its surprising how much more rapidly you can cover ground. It's like being released from the mercy of those who are not only insistent on pottering around at slow speeds but also unwilling to help anyone pass or who will put their foot down immediately on realising what you're doing. Dare I say, its probably a taste of the same sort of freedom bikers enjoy. My F10 is very subtle indeed but interestingly, I had a few knowing nods from oncoming bikers today.