640d GC 4days in (possibly still the best car in real world)

[blindswelledrat]

edo said:

I have had my 640d (Coupe) for just over 2 years, personal lease, and it goes back in August.

I am absolutely stumped as to what to replace it with. If anyone thinks I havent had a spread of (petrol and diesel) cars, please check my 40+ car history in my profile.

Perhaps try a car that isn't German?
Quite an odd unswerving loyalty to any car as long as it is German there!
Edit: Not completely fair, looking a bit closer there is all sorts in there.
But seriously, for your everyday car have you considered something non-german like a Lexus?

Edited by blindswelledrat on Friday 25th April 12:42

[Ares]

blindswelledrat said:

edo said:

I have had my 640d (Coupe) for just over 2 years, personal lease, and it goes back in August.

I am absolutely stumped as to what to replace it with. If anyone thinks I havent had a spread of (petrol and diesel) cars, please check my 40+ car history in my profile.

Perhaps try a car that isn't German?
Quite an odd unswerving loyalty to any car as long as it is German there!
Edit: Not completely fair, looking a bit closer there is all sorts in there.
But seriously, for your everyday car have you considered something non-german like a Lexus?

Edited by blindswelledrat on Friday 25th April 12:42

Problem is, there is very little that can hold a candle to the Germans (bigotry aside ;-) ). Jaguar are getting there, few others even come close.

Lexus may be fine cars, but they are dull and dull can be to drive (LFA not withstanding, obviously) and not much better to look at, although improving. The only real Japanese rival to the larger german saloons is the GS Hybrid.

[sparks_E39]

Massive fan of German cars here too. BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi and VW. They all make some brilliant cars (and some absolute turds too of course) They make more of my favourite cars than any other country though. Not adverse to Jaguar though, I find Lexus a little dull.

[blindswelledrat]

Ares said:

Problem is, there is very little that can hold a candle to the Germans (bigotry aside ;-) ). Jaguar are getting there, few others even come close.
.

How do you know if you don't try them?
With regards to driving 'fun' I never see the relevance when you are comparing the relative merits of one 2 tonne diesel cruiser versus another.
If aesthetics are an issue then surely a Quattroporte/Ghibli are worth a try?
Jag XJ is a stunning car and objectively I would have though most people would find it infinitely more desirable than a 6 series - particularly when you don't have to worry about depreciation and running costs as it will be in warranty?

I know it boils down to taste and preference ultimately but it is this cast iron belief that 'very little can hold a candle to the Germans' that I just don't get

[Ares]

blindswelledrat said:

Ares said:

Problem is, there is very little that can hold a candle to the Germans (bigotry aside ;-) ). Jaguar are getting there, few others even come close.
.

How do you know if you don't try them?
With regards to driving 'fun' I never see the relevance when you are comparing the relative merits of one 2 tonne diesel cruiser versus another.
If aesthetics are an issue then surely a Quattroporte/Ghibli are worth a try?
Jag XJ is a stunning car and objectively I would have though most people would find it infinitely more desirable than a 6 series - particularly when you don't have to worry about depreciation and running costs as it will be in warranty?

I know it boils down to taste and preference ultimately but it is this cast iron belief that 'very little can hold a candle to the Germans' that I just don't get

I've tried loads.

The Maserati QP is stunning....but not something I could consider as a real alternative to the 640d or similar. Italian V8 Supercar heart might stir the passion, but from a reliable, common-sense daily driver it's a high-risk and very expensive strategy. The New Ghibli looks as if it will be the 'heart' purchase to the German's 'Head' purchase.

The XJ is lovely.....although externally dating ahead of its time - the interior is amazing though. It's dynamically and technically inferior to it's German cousins though. In my opinion at least. I drive that and the XF. Was left underwhelmed.

As for the merits of 2-tonne diesels..... That is the market that 'real world'/every day common sense sits within. 20mpg, £500 services and £400/yr tax are a big issue when you can get 40-50mpg, free servicing and £140/yr tax.....especially when performance is in at least a similar league.

Trying different cars is a LOT of fun though!

[BlimeyCharlie]

Ares said:

Sorry, I got bored reading your 400 word moan. Did you say anything other than a whinge that it's a diesel? Please paraphrase if you did. Or ignore the thread if you didn't. TAGL.

In any regard, it's not like I bought a Volvo.

No I'll agree with you about not buying a Volvo.
However, I've managed to buy a 911 Turbo AND a Volvo and still have change for an M3 for what you've paid for your 'economical' 640d. Check out my pat on my back. A back pat, a bit like like camping people wear.
None of my cars will depreciate either. The amount of depreciation on your 640d in the first year would get you a nice ten year old M3. Year 2 another M3, and so the pattern continues.

But if you are happy then that is really what it is about. Honestly.

I still don't 'get' why people bang on about fuel economy but buy a car that depreciates at such an alarming rate? Am I missing something here?

On the plus side, I've read your original post again. I struggled to avoid concluding that there is a hidden agenda, either a 'budding' motoring journalist or some kind of marketing stunt. Well, not a stunt, as they are traditionally interesting.

[blindswelledrat]

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

[edo]

blindswelledrat said:

edo said:

I have had my 640d (Coupe) for just over 2 years, personal lease, and it goes back in August.

I am absolutely stumped as to what to replace it with. If anyone thinks I havent had a spread of (petrol and diesel) cars, please check my 40+ car history in my profile.

Perhaps try a car that isn't German?
Quite an odd unswerving loyalty to any car as long as it is German there!
Edit: Not completely fair, looking a bit closer there is all sorts in there.
But seriously, for your everyday car have you considered something non-german like a Lexus?

Edited by blindswelledrat on Friday 25th April 12:42

Well I road tested a Maserati Ghibli diesel the other day, but whilst "ok", the quality left a lot to be desired in places, and although the 8 speed auto is shared with my 6 series, the engine was WAY behind the 40d (and even the 30d) and with modest extras the car was half as much again to lease, requires servicing twice as often, and has limited dealer network.

I have tried a few Lexi, but they just dont do it for me, and I dont like the new front end styling at all.

I wouldnt touch french, they cant make cars for sh*t (IMHO), so it doesnt leave much but the germans TBH.

Next option is to replace Boxster AND 640d with a 991.....

[edo]

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

Can afford a bit more on fuel, which is why an M5 or 991 are possibly an option come Sept. The 640i at time of getting the 40d was loads more to lease, more to run, and no nicer to drive in the real world, and actually slightly slower. 50i loads more to buy/lease/run and at limited increase in performance.

[HoHoHo]

edo said:

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

Can afford a bit more on fuel, which is why an M5 or 991 are possibly an option come Sept. The 640i at time of getting the 40d was loads more to lease, more to run, and no nicer to drive in the real world, and actually slightly slower. 50i loads more to buy/lease/run and at limited increase in performance.

I have an M5 on lease and it's not much more than the OP's monthly figure (based on 12k non-maintained)

Its a fecking beast and I love the GC 640D but the M5 is such a great package.

Problem I have is where do I go from here? Had 911's and don't really want to go back - shame BMW don't have a 650D

[edo]

HoHoHo said:

edo said:

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

Can afford a bit more on fuel, which is why an M5 or 991 are possibly an option come Sept. The 640i at time of getting the 40d was loads more to lease, more to run, and no nicer to drive in the real world, and actually slightly slower. 50i loads more to buy/lease/run and at limited increase in performance.

I have an M5 on lease and it's not much more than the OP's monthly figure (based on 12k non-maintained)

Its a fecking beast and I love the GC 640D but the M5 is such a great package.

Problem I have is where do I go from here? Had 911's and don't really want to go back - shame BMW don't have a 650D

Can you point me at your lease company pls?

[HoHoHo]

edo said:

HoHoHo said:

edo said:

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

Can afford a bit more on fuel, which is why an M5 or 991 are possibly an option come Sept. The 640i at time of getting the 40d was loads more to lease, more to run, and no nicer to drive in the real world, and actually slightly slower. 50i loads more to buy/lease/run and at limited increase in performance.

I have an M5 on lease and it's not much more than the OP's monthly figure (based on 12k non-maintained)

Its a fecking beast and I love the GC 640D but the M5 is such a great package.

Problem I have is where do I go from here? Had 911's and don't really want to go back - shame BMW don't have a 650D

Can you point me at your lease company pls?

BMW

[edo]

HoHoHo said:

edo said:

HoHoHo said:

edo said:

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

Can afford a bit more on fuel, which is why an M5 or 991 are possibly an option come Sept. The 640i at time of getting the 40d was loads more to lease, more to run, and no nicer to drive in the real world, and actually slightly slower. 50i loads more to buy/lease/run and at limited increase in performance.

I have an M5 on lease and it's not much more than the OP's monthly figure (based on 12k non-maintained)

Its a fecking beast and I love the GC 640D but the M5 is such a great package.

Problem I have is where do I go from here? Had 911's and don't really want to go back - shame BMW don't have a 650D

Can you point me at your lease company pls?

BMW

lol, ok!

[HoHoHo]

edo said:

lol, ok!

12k p/a

£650 per month/6 down 35 month contract

M5 in the drive

Cost less than the depreciation to have the car for 3 years.

Happy days

Obviously cost depends on spec and I have 20" + sun protection. Other than that off the shelf.

[blindswelledrat]

edo said:

Well I road tested a Maserati Ghibli diesel the other day, but whilst "ok", the quality left a lot to be desired in places, and although the 8 speed auto is shared with my 6 series, the engine was WAY behind the 40d (and even the 30d) and with modest extras the car was half as much again to lease, requires servicing twice as often, and has limited dealer network.

Bitterly disappointed to hear that. I naively thought it would really challenge the Germans.

edo said:

I have tried a few Lexi, but they just dont do it for me, and I dont like the new front end styling at all.

UNderstand that completely. I massively want to like them more and the IS range is just about becoming desirable but the bigger ones don't do it for me either.

edo said:

I wouldnt touch french, they cant make cars for sh*t (IMHO), so it doesnt leave much but the germans TBH.
.....

Agree with French. Didn't need to say it.
I agree with most of what you say but given that a lot of it is down to taste, I find it strange that it seems that you will like anything German.
But now Ive typed that Ive suddenly realised that I think there are no Mercs on your list? I was about to say that most people either like Mercs and hate BMWs or vice cersa

[Ares]

BlimeyCharlie said:

Ares said:

Sorry, I got bored reading your 400 word moan. Did you say anything other than a whinge that it's a diesel? Please paraphrase if you did. Or ignore the thread if you didn't. TAGL.

In any regard, it's not like I bought a Volvo.

No I'll agree with you about not buying a Volvo.
However, I've managed to buy a 911 Turbo AND a Volvo and still have change for an M3 for what you've paid for your 'economical' 640d.

But you are talking old, very old cars if you can get all three for £52k. You can't compare 2nd hand with new.

BlimeyCharlie said:

None of my cars will depreciate either. The amount of depreciation on your 640d in the first year would get you a nice ten year old M3. Year 2 another M3, and so the pattern continues.

But if you are happy then that is really what it is about. Honestly.

I still don't 'get' why people bang on about fuel economy but buy a car that depreciates at such an alarming rate? Am I missing something here?

Yes. Missing something big time. Aside from the fact that it's on a PCP so I'm not paying any depreciation, the amount I've paid (financed) for a brand new car is less than I would have paid for a 9-12 month old car with a similar spec. So the amount of depreciation will be near enough zero in that first year.

BlimeyCharlie said:

On the plus side, I've read your original post again. I struggled to avoid concluding that there is a hidden agenda, either a 'budding' motoring journalist or some kind of marketing stunt. Well, not a stunt, as they are traditionally interesting.

No. I'm a guy with a car. Talking about the car on a car forum. Sharing experiences about owning a car with people who read posts on a car forum.....the majority of which seem to be appreciative.

[edo]

blindswelledrat said:

edo said:

Well I road tested a Maserati Ghibli diesel the other day, but whilst "ok", the quality left a lot to be desired in places, and although the 8 speed auto is shared with my 6 series, the engine was WAY behind the 40d (and even the 30d) and with modest extras the car was half as much again to lease, requires servicing twice as often, and has limited dealer network.

Bitterly disappointed to hear that. I naively thought it would really challenge the Germans.

edo said:

I have tried a few Lexi, but they just dont do it for me, and I dont like the new front end styling at all.

UNderstand that completely. I massively want to like them more and the IS range is just about becoming desirable but the bigger ones don't do it for me either.

edo said:

I wouldnt touch french, they cant make cars for sh*t (IMHO), so it doesnt leave much but the germans TBH.
.....

Agree with French. Didn't need to say it.
I agree with most of what you say but given that a lot of it is down to taste, I find it strange that it seems that you will like anything German.
But now Ive typed that Ive suddenly realised that I think there are no Mercs on your list? I was about to say that most people either like Mercs and hate BMWs or vice cersa

We've had 2, (gen 1 SLK and Gen 2 SLK).

My lack of Mercs has not been helped by the dealers who have all been woeful. I tried to test drive a few before the 640d and got nowhere.

Would consider an E63 or CLS63. Quite like the idea of the A45, but I cant stand the ipod stuck to the dash nav screen.

[Ares]

blindswelledrat said:

Ares I was really referring to the other chap who appears to lease new cars every 2/3 years. Reliability and longevity are not really an issue as everything is in warranty and realistically even the least reliable cars almost never break down when new.

Same with the MPG to an extent. I agree that sub 20 mpg in a petrol Quattroporte would be tiresome, but there are always happy mediums. I would venture that if someone can afford £19000 over the three years then the £3k difference over the period between fueling a 20mpg car and a 40mpg car is not that bigger deal? (not quite sure if my maths is right but you get the point)
EIther way I think the Ghibli and perhaps the QP now do a diesel variant?

True, but factor in three times the RFL, £1000s in servicing....plus £1800-2000 saved per year on fuel (based on 12k/yr). £3k would possibly not even cover the additional costs in the first years motoring costs. And thats before you factor in the £20k+ extra cost to buy it in the first place.

[anonymous-user]

I'll offer a slightly different view, some 6 months in, of owning a Carbon Black 640d M Sport GC. I like the car, mostly, it has a decent mix of performance and economy, and it looks great, inside and out.

But the build quality is shameful, it has more squeeks and rattles at 6 months than my Datsun did at 2 years. It is back in the garage, yet again, next week, to replace the entire infotainment system, and to try and get the nasty rattly seat fixed after they couldn't fix it last time.

If I could reject this PoS I would happily, but I'm too late for that - I'm therefore trying to negotiate with the garage to get rid and replace with something that works - the only issue being it will have to be another BMW. And I'm not happy with that.

Never again.

[HoHoHo]

had ham said:

I'll offer a slightly different view, some 6 months in, of owning a Carbon Black 640d M Sport GC. I like the car, mostly, it has a decent mix of performance and economy, and it looks great, inside and out.

But the build quality is shameful, it has more squeeks and rattles at 6 months than my Datsun did at 2 years. It is back in the garage, yet again, next week, to replace the entire infotainment system, and to try and get the nasty rattly seat fixed after they couldn't fix it last time.

If I could reject this PoS I would happily, but I'm too late for that - I'm therefore trying to negotiate with the garage to get rid and replace with something that works - the only issue being it will have to be another BMW. And I'm not happy with that.

Never again.

That's a real shame..........perhaps a Friday car!

I'm sure if you get another it would be a totally different experience