Why is the 6 series so cheap and why haven't I got one yet..

[Schermerhorn]

MDMetal said:

Are these recommended to use super unleaded? The MPG doesn't seem too bad vs my 350z which does say you really should use unleaded so the cost saving of a 6 series running regular unleaded probably offsets the lower MPG. (Man maths in full operation)

Not sure. I have always used super unleaded and V Power.

[hornetrider]

MDMetal said:

Are these recommended to use super unleaded?

Nope.

[MDMetal]

Perfect and the real world MPG is better than my 350z apparently so I'd be stupid not to buy one really....

[VolvoT5]

Devil2575 said:

Because it's got a big torquey engine with a reasonably wide power band so it's not like you're going to be changing gear all the time.
Autos get worse mpg
Autos on older cars especialy ones like this are just something else to go wrong and BMWs "sealed for life" policy means that failures are not unheard of.

I can understand why someone would want a manual in a sporty MX5 or similar, but I just can't see the point in a big heavy luxury car like this.... With the amount of traffic in this country excessive gear changing is almost mandatory... why spoil the car by having to hop on and off the (no doubt heavy) clutch all the time. Big lazy engine is perfect for a slush box.

I don't know about this particular model but many "sealed for life" boxes can have the fluid changed to prolong life....... and as if a clutch/DMF/gearbox never goes wrong on a manual either....

Worse MPG? So what, this is going to do barely 25 mpg if you are lucky... 10% either way makes no difference.

[Devil2575]

O

VolvoT5 said:

I can understand why someone would want a manual in a sporty MX5 or similar, but I just can't see the point in a big heavy luxury car like this.... With the amount of traffic in this country excessive gear changing is almost mandatory... why spoil the car by having to hop on and off the (no doubt heavy) clutch all the time. Big lazy engine is perfect for a slush box.

I don't know about this particular model but many "sealed for life" boxes can have the fluid changed to prolong life....... and as if a clutch/DMF/gearbox never goes wrong on a manual either....

Worse MPG? So what, this is going to do barely 25 mpg if you are lucky... 5% either way makes no difference.

Perhaps the difference is that I don't live in the South East so I don't spend much time in heavy traffic.
Also just because a car isn't a sports car doesn't mean you can't enjoy changing gear.

[VolvoT5]

Devil2575 said:

Perhaps the difference is that I don't live in the South East so I don't spend much time in heavy traffic.
Also just because a car isn't a sports car doesn't mean you can't enjoy changing gear.

I didn't realise Coventry was in the South East....

There are 108 cars under 10k on autotrader and only 5 listed as manual. In fact even with no price limit there are only 8 manuals out of 600 odd.

So I will have to agree to disagree I think....

[Funk]

bks. Time to put a 645i convertible on the Next Car List.

[Patrick Bateman]

Some people don't always drive in heavy traffic and can actually enjoy changing gear?

[anonymous-user]

Devil2575 said:

Because it's got a big torquey engine with a reasonably wide power band so it's not like you're going to be changing gear all the time.
Autos get worse mpg
Autos on older cars especialy ones like this are just something else to go wrong and BMWs "sealed for life" policy means that failures are not unheard of.

'Sealed for life' with an easy to order service kit - bloody manf/dealers....

[Devil2575]

VolvoT5 said:

Devil2575 said:

Perhaps the difference is that I don't live in the South East so I don't spend much time in heavy traffic.
Also just because a car isn't a sports car doesn't mean you can't enjoy changing gear.

I didn't realise Coventry was in the South East....

There are 108 cars under 10k on autotrader and only 5 listed as manual. In fact even with no price limit there are only 8 manuals out of 600 odd.

So I will have to agree to disagree I think....

I never commented on the popularity of the manual.

I don't know what traffic is like where you live but it isn't that bad where I am.

I also don't mind if you disagree

[sjj84]

I've wanted one of these for a while now. Prices don't seem to have dropped much, I can assure you that'll change as soon as I get one, then they'll be worth peanuts, that's how it seems to go when I pick a car.

[minerva]

I've asked this before, but a manual one of these mig make a drift car/track car. Relatively unstressed v8, 1600kg of which we could lose 200 just with interior stripping.....

[hornetrider]

VolvoT5 said:

I can understand why someone would want a manual in a sporty MX5 or similar, but I just can't see the point in a big heavy luxury car like this.... With the amount of traffic in this country excessive gear changing is almost mandatory... why spoil the car by having to hop on and off the (no doubt heavy) clutch all the time. Big lazy engine is perfect for a slush box.

I don't know about this particular model but many "sealed for life" boxes can have the fluid changed to prolong life....... and as if a clutch/DMF/gearbox never goes wrong on a manual either....

Worse MPG? So what, this is going to do barely 25 mpg if you are lucky... 10% either way makes no difference.

You desire less involvement when driving your car which is fine, some desire more, which is also fine. Different strokes for different folks.

[gazchap]

I *cannot* stop looking at 650i's on AutoTrader now.

I've only just paid off a load of debt, last thing I need is to get in a load more :P

[fizz47]

I have had a 630i for the last three years...

I have to say its a great car and am so glad that I purchased it- Even though the car is 10 years old, it still has a presence which many newer cars cannot compete against. Once you sit in the car you feel that your driving a premium car and everytime I spend a few weeks away from home I really look forward to getting back into the car.

Before anyway says I am biased because I own the car I have have driven quite a few cars to compare against- ( spent a minimum of 2 weeks with these cars)

BMW New shape 640d (M sport) - Feels much more roomier inside and great engine but when siiting inside doesnt feel as the car has as much presence,
Nissan 370Z - Wouldnt even consider it a competitor and no where as comfortbale or nice on the inside.
BMW M6 Gran Coupe - If I could afford it - this would be my choice of car
Porsche Boxster - Disappointed and didnt live up to my expectations. I get a better sense of occasion sitting in my 630.
Bentley Continental Supersports- Unbelievablly amazing car and makes my 630 feel like the spare parts that bentley threw away...


Depsite being fortunate enough to spend some decent time in other cars and having something to compare against the 630 has been great. 95% of the time the car dooesnt feel underpowered. The power is usable in every day conditions and I have never felt I should have gone for the V8. Personally, for me it was a good balance between economy and having a grand tourer.

Overall in 3 years im averaging around 30 mpg which is a 50/50 mix between inner-city town driving and motorway ( Surprisingly the MPG was better than my old BMW 318i E46)

Even though I was in my late 20s when I first purchased the car the insurance whas cheaper than the 318i - apparently not a lot of people in my demographic own one- so statistically im a low risk.

The bad:

I hate run flats.
Tyres costing £285 per corner
No cup holder.
Cramped in the back

If you can find a good independant than maintenance can be no more than much smaller cars.

I am looking to sell it now, but am strugling to find another car within a reasonable budget that will provide the same level of luxury, comfort etc. The only car that seems to come close is the Mercedes CL..

[J4CKO]

You have looking as well, ten grand gets something very, very nice, I think values will stay the same for these, five grand is the bottom of the market, they are robust and capable of high mileages with few major issues, they may not be the best looking BMW coupe ever but they definitely have presence and are distinctive.

So, this or an E46 M3, to be honest I would be looking at these, I have a 350Z at the moment so could be tempted but for my rural commute I should perhaps go smaller and lighter than the 350Z rather than bigger and possibly even a bit heavier, I love the idea but suspect it may be too much of a GT for the use I would give it.

[MarshPhantom]

J4CKO said:

You have looking as well, ten grand gets something very, very nice, I think values will stay the same for these, five grand is the bottom of the market, they are robust and capable of high mileages with few major issues, they may not be the best looking BMW coupe ever but they definitely have presence and are distinctive.

The new 6 makes the old one look good.

[J4CKO]

MarshPhantom said:

J4CKO said:

You have looking as well, ten grand gets something very, very nice, I think values will stay the same for these, five grand is the bottom of the market, they are robust and capable of high mileages with few major issues, they may not be the best looking BMW coupe ever but they definitely have presence and are distinctive.

The new 6 makes the old one look good.

A bit like the new Z4 does with the old one, a neighbour has a white convertible new shape one, white is not a great colour for them, too big and the car is just less distinctive, I do like the Bangle era BMW's and I liked the Fiat Coupe, I would rather have some awkward angles than something a bit forgettable and safe, the Gran Coupe however is rather nice though, that works much better.

Obviously the 645i etc will never be as slinky as the old six series but I think it is maturing into a bit of a future classic.

[J4CKO]

Devil2575 said:

O

VolvoT5 said:

I can understand why someone would want a manual in a sporty MX5 or similar, but I just can't see the point in a big heavy luxury car like this.... With the amount of traffic in this country excessive gear changing is almost mandatory... why spoil the car by having to hop on and off the (no doubt heavy) clutch all the time. Big lazy engine is perfect for a slush box.

I don't know about this particular model but many "sealed for life" boxes can have the fluid changed to prolong life....... and as if a clutch/DMF/gearbox never goes wrong on a manual either....

Worse MPG? So what, this is going to do barely 25 mpg if you are lucky... 5% either way makes no difference.

Perhaps the difference is that I don't live in the South East so I don't spend much time in heavy traffic.
Also just because a car isn't a sports car doesn't mean you can't enjoy changing gear.

Yes, I thought that, get a slightly ruder exhaust and enjoy rev matching and getting it to crackle and pop on the overrun, at the end of the day its a 5 series underneath so should be fairly talented handling wise so I am sure it could do a bit of back road quick stuff even if not its natrual habitat.

[cerb4.5lee]

MarshPhantom said:

The new 6 makes the old one look good.

I cant agree with that, the old one has a little more character(read quirky) but its not pretty at all and the new one is far better looking to my eyes, I would love a M6 in the old shape but I still struggle with its looks, maybe I am not a big Bangle styling fan though because I never liked the look of my Z4M from the front either.