RE: BMW 650i: PH Carpool
Discussion
I have a 2005 645 and echo most of the OPs opinions. Its a car I've always liked but never got round to buying, this changed in March when I needed a cheaper car to replace my 3 year old X6 40d due to the oil industry downturn. I only do about 5k mikes a year so the fuel consumption isn't really an issue.
I ended up buying in London (I live in Aberdeen) to get the car I wanted. 55k miles, stratus grey, with Hud.
I expected to feel a bit cheated due to swapping to a 10 year old car but I really don't. Not having a monthly payment is also nice.
I've had a couple of large bills due to leaking rocker covers (you need to drop the engine to fix) and the first garage messing up the job so it needed done twice.
Now I have a fast comfortable car that no-one believes is 10 years old!
I ended up buying in London (I live in Aberdeen) to get the car I wanted. 55k miles, stratus grey, with Hud.
I expected to feel a bit cheated due to swapping to a 10 year old car but I really don't. Not having a monthly payment is also nice.
I've had a couple of large bills due to leaking rocker covers (you need to drop the engine to fix) and the first garage messing up the job so it needed done twice.
Now I have a fast comfortable car that no-one believes is 10 years old!
I've been tempted by these for quite some time. You can get 645ci's for around the £5k mark, and the cheapest 650i that I've come across is around £8k.
Good cars, but probably not cheap when big things go wrong and the 4.4 engines do have their issues.
There was one at the car wash the other week. Space Grey with the 19" ellipsoid alloys and upgraded exhaust. Sounded lovely and also looked imposing However, the cabin was a bit of a let down. It was black leather but the seat base was grey plastic, which felt and looked cheap and tacky. Also, surprised that the rear windows don't open on them? Was this standard on all cars or was there and option available to have opening rear windows?
AFAIK, the E30, E36, E46, E24, E31 8 Series, etc coupes all had either pop out rear windows, or drop down as in the case of the 8 series.
Good cars, but probably not cheap when big things go wrong and the 4.4 engines do have their issues.
There was one at the car wash the other week. Space Grey with the 19" ellipsoid alloys and upgraded exhaust. Sounded lovely and also looked imposing However, the cabin was a bit of a let down. It was black leather but the seat base was grey plastic, which felt and looked cheap and tacky. Also, surprised that the rear windows don't open on them? Was this standard on all cars or was there and option available to have opening rear windows?
AFAIK, the E30, E36, E46, E24, E31 8 Series, etc coupes all had either pop out rear windows, or drop down as in the case of the 8 series.
An interesting read and a lovely car. Big N/A engines 'FTW' as they say.
Strangely enough I have literally just put a deposit down on an E39 530i Sport Touring myself, in grey. I think they still look great but you have to look hard to find one that's been well looked after all its life now.
Strangely enough I have literally just put a deposit down on an E39 530i Sport Touring myself, in grey. I think they still look great but you have to look hard to find one that's been well looked after all its life now.
Harry Jones said:
I would agree, real world mixed MPG in the 650i is going to 20-25 at best...
I'm currently averaging 36 in my 335d
10-15 MPG extra translates into 50% less fuel at the pump!
Some good lease deals on the new 640d... Must be a fantastic engine
The 640d engine is good for a diesel...but sadly its still a diesel and it cannot hold a candle to the 4.8 V8 petrol in the 650i and I have experienced both engines...the V8 petrol sounds absolutely lovely...the diesel sounds appalling. I'm currently averaging 36 in my 335d
10-15 MPG extra translates into 50% less fuel at the pump!
Some good lease deals on the new 640d... Must be a fantastic engine
Thanks guys we do appreciate the comments!
As for the 530i well it's proving to be more trouble than the old P38 so that'll teach me for attempting to be sensible! I'll happily submit a carpool for Each of them if it interests anyone!
The n62 really is a superb engine in either the 5 6 or 7 but the 6 is surprisingly light compared to the other two.
And the 635d suffers in weight over the v8 as well.
Real world for me long term over 7k miles and a year is just over 28mpg, I would amazed if a 635d long term is more than 35mpg
As for the 530i well it's proving to be more trouble than the old P38 so that'll teach me for attempting to be sensible! I'll happily submit a carpool for Each of them if it interests anyone!
The n62 really is a superb engine in either the 5 6 or 7 but the 6 is surprisingly light compared to the other two.
And the 635d suffers in weight over the v8 as well.
Real world for me long term over 7k miles and a year is just over 28mpg, I would amazed if a 635d long term is more than 35mpg
This really isn't helping my temptation to finally sell my E46 328i and get a 645/650i. Brilliant value at the minute, and I'm another one who actively disliked the styling when the car was launched but now really rather like it. I'm not sure when this transition happened, but it seems Bangle was ahead of the curve.
Spec aside, anything in particular to look out for when buying?
Spec aside, anything in particular to look out for when buying?
It is an interesting point about the styling I do agree that it was well ahead of it's time, to be fair the e60 and e65 were much the same and still look fresh now. I would of course say the e63 looks the best but dad still has an early e65 and despite being 13 years old and done 150k it looks great and still goes well. They make much younger cars look dated I think, the I drive ccc in mine does let it down a bit but late cars got cic which is an improvement but to be fair I've had no issues with ccc and it was able to take me to Bruges Brussels Interlaken Zurich and Como without any issues last year and the logic 7 stereo is very good (compared to what I'm used to!)
As to what to look for, I looked at one and it had a failed wheel bearing and I've heard of other but it's nothing major. Other complaints come from minor oil leaks, my research pointed that the 4.4 unit was more prone than the 4.8 but no real reason why. Also auto gearboxes are sealed for life, lots of opinions on this and they can begin to leak oil which can accelerate wear and also as with most bmws cooling systems they do run quite warm which can put strain on hoses and radiators.
However it's nothing catastrophic and as long as things are looked after like any 10 year old car they can be fine. However neglected and abused might cause problems. They are also by standard on run flats I have chosen to ditch them and felt it helps the ride and handling some people might feel I've deviated from bmw spec other will applaud I suppose it's personal preference but there is no spare/space saver or anywhere to put one so be warned!
They are very similar to an E60 so most things apply to both cars.
One final point I was advised against active steering as it's just something to go wrong. Cost of steering racks increase dramatically. I'm not going to say it's not with having as it is surprisingly quite nice to drive one like that
As to what to look for, I looked at one and it had a failed wheel bearing and I've heard of other but it's nothing major. Other complaints come from minor oil leaks, my research pointed that the 4.4 unit was more prone than the 4.8 but no real reason why. Also auto gearboxes are sealed for life, lots of opinions on this and they can begin to leak oil which can accelerate wear and also as with most bmws cooling systems they do run quite warm which can put strain on hoses and radiators.
However it's nothing catastrophic and as long as things are looked after like any 10 year old car they can be fine. However neglected and abused might cause problems. They are also by standard on run flats I have chosen to ditch them and felt it helps the ride and handling some people might feel I've deviated from bmw spec other will applaud I suppose it's personal preference but there is no spare/space saver or anywhere to put one so be warned!
They are very similar to an E60 so most things apply to both cars.
One final point I was advised against active steering as it's just something to go wrong. Cost of steering racks increase dramatically. I'm not going to say it's not with having as it is surprisingly quite nice to drive one like that
t would be churlish IMO.quavey said:
One final point I was advised against active steering as it's just something to go wrong. Cost of steering racks increase dramatically. I'm not going to say it's not with having as it is surprisingly quite nice to drive one like that
Yes! A friend has an E60 with the active steering and it is up there with some of the worst steers I've ever experienced along with the cars that Vauxhall/Opel produce. Avoid!Great write up, Cheers.
I have had my 2005 650 for 4 years and run the mileage up from ~48k to 137k. Supremely comfortable and yet sporty. I think the must have options are the Professional Sat Nav, HUD, active cruise, upgraded leather, logic 7 & comfort access, which with a few other bits and bobs came to over £12k of extras. If only the original owner had splashed out an extra £90 for the cup holder :-(
It is very well built, no squeaks or rattles and is all aluminum (bonnet, roof, doors, rear wings and chassis) or composite plastic (bumpers, font wings and boot). No rust!
I did not like the looks to start with, but they have grown on me and I think it has aged well. MPG over 90k miles is ~27mpg (very little town driving). v8 sounds wonderful and has loads of low down torque with a strong top end. My one tended to have a low speed patter on the RFT's and is infinitely better on Goodyear AS2's.
Pic of mine below is Monaco blue which is a very dark blue but lighten up in bright sunshine.
Rear seats are perfect (Ok, perfect for two cocker spaniels) and even after 4 years it still gives me a buzz every time I start it.
I have had my 2005 650 for 4 years and run the mileage up from ~48k to 137k. Supremely comfortable and yet sporty. I think the must have options are the Professional Sat Nav, HUD, active cruise, upgraded leather, logic 7 & comfort access, which with a few other bits and bobs came to over £12k of extras. If only the original owner had splashed out an extra £90 for the cup holder :-(
It is very well built, no squeaks or rattles and is all aluminum (bonnet, roof, doors, rear wings and chassis) or composite plastic (bumpers, font wings and boot). No rust!
I did not like the looks to start with, but they have grown on me and I think it has aged well. MPG over 90k miles is ~27mpg (very little town driving). v8 sounds wonderful and has loads of low down torque with a strong top end. My one tended to have a low speed patter on the RFT's and is infinitely better on Goodyear AS2's.
Pic of mine below is Monaco blue which is a very dark blue but lighten up in bright sunshine.
Rear seats are perfect (Ok, perfect for two cocker spaniels) and even after 4 years it still gives me a buzz every time I start it.
gf15 said:
Great write up, Cheers.
I have had my 2005 650 for 4 years and run the mileage up from ~48k to 137k. Supremely comfortable and yet sporty. I think the must have options are the Professional Sat Nav, HUD, active cruise, upgraded leather, logic 7 & comfort access, which with a few other bits and bobs came to over £12k of extras. If only the original owner had splashed out an extra £90 for the cup holder :-(
It is very well built, no squeaks or rattles and is all aluminum (bonnet, roof, doors, rear wings and chassis) or composite plastic (bumpers, font wings and boot). No rust!
I did not like the looks to start with, but they have grown on me and I think it has aged well. MPG over 90k miles is ~27mpg (very little town driving). v8 sounds wonderful and has loads of low down torque with a strong top end. My one tended to have a low speed patter on the RFT's and is infinitely better on Goodyear AS2's.
Pic of mine below is Monaco blue which is a very dark blue but lighten up in bright sunshine.
Rear seats are perfect (Ok, perfect for two cocker spaniels) and even after 4 years it still gives me a buzz every time I start it.
I'm clearly playing at it! I've taken mine from 55k to 62k over the past year. I do like the blue and yours looks very nice.I have had my 2005 650 for 4 years and run the mileage up from ~48k to 137k. Supremely comfortable and yet sporty. I think the must have options are the Professional Sat Nav, HUD, active cruise, upgraded leather, logic 7 & comfort access, which with a few other bits and bobs came to over £12k of extras. If only the original owner had splashed out an extra £90 for the cup holder :-(
It is very well built, no squeaks or rattles and is all aluminum (bonnet, roof, doors, rear wings and chassis) or composite plastic (bumpers, font wings and boot). No rust!
I did not like the looks to start with, but they have grown on me and I think it has aged well. MPG over 90k miles is ~27mpg (very little town driving). v8 sounds wonderful and has loads of low down torque with a strong top end. My one tended to have a low speed patter on the RFT's and is infinitely better on Goodyear AS2's.
Pic of mine below is Monaco blue which is a very dark blue but lighten up in bright sunshine.
Rear seats are perfect (Ok, perfect for two cocker spaniels) and even after 4 years it still gives me a buzz every time I start it.
I had an 04 645Ci for just over a year - stonking value for money and with my private plate on it very few people realised it was a 10yr old car.
Ellipsoid alloys are fragile - I had 2 that cracked and tyres aren't the cheapest (£315 per rear) - the standard exhaust was a bit too muted for me but running and servicing costs were not too bad considering the performance and comfort available. I had to get out of mine due to a failing gearbox but am tempted to go back to another.
Not sure whether the 650 really justifies the price hike over the earlier 645 - both are quite capable of ludicrous speed but would definitely seek one with a cup holder next time!!
Ellipsoid alloys are fragile - I had 2 that cracked and tyres aren't the cheapest (£315 per rear) - the standard exhaust was a bit too muted for me but running and servicing costs were not too bad considering the performance and comfort available. I had to get out of mine due to a failing gearbox but am tempted to go back to another.
Not sure whether the 650 really justifies the price hike over the earlier 645 - both are quite capable of ludicrous speed but would definitely seek one with a cup holder next time!!
. Useful though but did get in the way a bit too. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff