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

[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.

[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.

[Ares]

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.

Thats a real shame. I guess all cars have Friday cars, and everyone owns a Friday car. I've been blown away by the build quality on mine, so far. A real leo up from the 530d.....but I'm less than a month in!

I've had two Friday cars.

Merc ML500 that had constant niggling build and engine issues, the dealer was crap and so I swore off Mercs.
Lotus Exige 111S that had roof and engine issues. Dealer was great about it so I swapped for Exige.


Good luck in sorting!

[Ares]

veevee said:

Ares said:

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.

For this to work you'd need to pay the ask prices for both. You got a discount, can't imagine that the AUC wouldn't get a discount either; especially as there are lots in/coming into the network at the moment.

I started off looking at AUC. I could have got £2k off the AUC price (minimal margin for the dealer) rather than £23k. And APR would have been almost 4 times higher.

Even allowing for that discount, the price of 9-12mth old like-for-like spec cars to mine was near identical, certainly within £2-5k.

[Ares]

had ham said:

Thanks, it happens - the dealer has next week to sort it, or the car goes - thinking X5 or M4....

If you need the 4 doors (and 5 seats) the 4 is coming out as a Gran Coupe.

[Ares]

T16OLE said:

OP can we have an update on how you're getting on with your 640d after a few years?

I'm in the market for one and would be interested to hear your thoughts

2 years (to the day, pretty much) and I've covered 25,000 miles. Car is still as tight and still impresses as much as with day 1. Build quality has been epic, zero issues, car still looks and feels brand new.

I've added the Schnitzer performance upgrade (now 380bhp and c550lb ft) plus the Schnitzer springs - all in all about a £3k cost. Difference is to take a great car and make it even better. I've also dumped the runflats and put Michelin SuperSports on. Big difference.

Pros
Performance. It's a very quick car, especially after it's tweaks. It needs a true performance car to better it. Even as standard, it could keep my neighbours 997 Carrera (non-S) honest pulling off a roundabout. The gearbox is brilliant, instant shifts that you can't hear/feel make for seamless performance.
Fuel. It defies physics. mpg improved after the performance upgrade, but I average c600 miles per tank. Equates to low/mid-40s. Mid-50s on a decent run is common....but it will plummet into the 20s when really pushing on.
Looks. Still turns heads, and in my opinion, is still one of the best looking cars in the BMW range. The recent facelift has changed pretty much nothing which shows how strong it's design is.
Practicality. the boot is cavernous, and for a 'swoopy' coupe bodyshape, it has good accommodation for 4.
Dashboard is a league ahead in build and design. Full contrast-stitched leather dash and huge screen make it a very special place to be.

Cons
Not many. It is only a four-seater car. The fifth seat is comprised and whilst my 7yr old is fine on it, it wouldn't be good for an adult.
Size. It's still a big car. c1800kg and 5 metres in length.
20" wheels look great, but are magnets to even low kerbs.
Fuel.... Diesel haters will just hate it. Let them.


All in all, probably the best all round car I've ever had. My Exige and Caterham were better for a moorland blast. My ML500 was better for carrying my bike. But as an all-round car, this takes some beating. I still truly don't think there is a car that is obviously better at doing what it does.

[Ares]

T16OLE said:

Ares said:

2 years (to the day, pretty much) and I've covered 25,000 miles. Car is still as tight and still impresses as much as with day 1. Build quality has been epic, zero issues, car still looks and feels brand new.

I've added the Schnitzer performance upgrade (now 380bhp and c550lb ft) plus the Schnitzer springs - all in all about a £3k cost. Difference is to take a great car and make it even better. I've also dumped the runflats and put Michelin SuperSports on. Big difference.

Pros
Performance. It's a very quick car, especially after it's tweaks. It needs a true performance car to better it. Even as standard, it could keep my neighbours 997 Carrera (non-S) honest pulling off a roundabout. The gearbox is brilliant, instant shifts that you can't hear/feel make for seamless performance.
Fuel. It defies physics. mpg improved after the performance upgrade, but I average c600 miles per tank. Equates to low/mid-40s. Mid-50s on a decent run is common....but it will plummet into the 20s when really pushing on.
Looks. Still turns heads, and in my opinion, is still one of the best looking cars in the BMW range. The recent facelift has changed pretty much nothing which shows how strong it's design is.
Practicality. the boot is cavernous, and for a 'swoopy' coupe bodyshape, it has good accommodation for 4.
Dashboard is a league ahead in build and design. Full contrast-stitched leather dash and huge screen make it a very special place to be.

Cons
Not many. It is only a four-seater car. The fifth seat is comprised and whilst my 7yr old is fine on it, it wouldn't be good for an adult.
Size. It's still a big car. c1800kg and 5 metres in length.
20" wheels look great, but are magnets to even low kerbs.
Fuel.... Diesel haters will just hate it. Let them.


All in all, probably the best all round car I've ever had. My Exige and Caterham were better for a moorland blast. My ML500 was better for carrying my bike. But as an all-round car, this takes some beating. I still truly don't think there is a car that is obviously better at doing what it does.

Thanks for the update, it's good to hear the 'honeymoon period' did wear off, I'll very shortly be after a coupe.

Mine is the 4-door Gran Coupe. The seats and access to the seat in the rear of the coupe are very tight.

And the honeymoon period didn't wear off

[Ares]

Patch234 said:

Congrats on own?ng a car you really l?ke. Shame about the 12 pages of moan?ng and groan?ng by people who dont even own the car. More p?cs and thoughts on dr?v?ng please OP

Good luck w?th her

It's a diesel that is faster than most petrols. Haters are gonna hate

[Ares]

Swervin_Mervin said:

Interesting to read, especially after being underwhelmed by the quality in a recent F10 courtesy car. The 6GC has always been on my list as one I'd like to own, but it would have to be either the 40 or 50i for me as I've done the diesel thing and it's just not to my liking.

I even found myself looking recently at used petrol examples, but they really seem to be holding their value next to the diesel variants. I guess I'll just have to keep squirreling away the pennies. They are a cracking looking car.

I had a 530d previously. The 6 is a league ahead build wise, but then ditto the RRP!

I likewise thought I had done the diesel thing with the 530d....and drove the 640d and 640i back-to-back. The diesel is the better car. I get repeatedly flamed for saying so, but it just is. Even in standard guise it is quicker and the engine/gearbox match are far far better.

The 650i would be a difference case I have zero doubt

[Ares]

Helicopter123 said:

I've had a look at these but had to concluded that one would be financial suicide, either new or used.

Not if you let BMW FS bribe you and take the financial risk. Even after interest, the total I will pay, if I pay the below at the end, is just over £25k less than the car's list price at the time.

The best cash discount at the time was £18k.


Sometimes only idiots pay cash for cars!

[Ares]

Helicopter123 said:

Panamera the obvious alternative and it feels like a step-up again inside, but I can't reconcile myself to the looks.

Forgot to add....agree on the Panamera inside. I did drive one, just for curiosity. Felt heavier (is heavier) and engine is the poor relation (I was comparing diesels). Very nice though - but was also going to be £15k more.

The looks are just starting to grow on me, especially the higher models...but the Oil Burner does get the runt spec.

[Ares]

CypherP said:

I recently bought one of these (Coupe) but the same spec. Completely mirror your comments both early on and since. Having come from a 370Z, I find the comfort a delight and don't feel like I've sacrificed any power or excitement.

Very pleasant place to be and like others have said, depends what you want out of a car. I now do more miles and needed something less 'raw' given the amount of traffic I sit in.

I love the 640d. Incredibly versatile car and one of the best I've owned, albeit short so far.

Try adding the Schnitzer kit ;-)

(and swapping to non-RFT)

[Ares]

CypherP said:

That's a good point actually. How are you finding the MIchelins? Are you still running them? I've been thinking recently about whether to continue with the RFTs or swap them out when they're due for replacement. What have you done now that you have no spare? Just sealant/compressor?

Given what I use it for, the Schnitzer kit may be a little more than I'd get out of it, but I might do it some time down the line when I've had 12 months to really understand it!

The Michelins are fantastic. A massive improvement on the RFT, and I changed all four for little more than the cost of the rears for RFT. Loads more grip, less noise and a real impact on the ride and improvement on steering feel. The car ride as if it the tyres are under inflated - no banging over potholes/lines in the road, but the steering is like they are overinflated, made it lighter but more communicative.

A definite win!

And I've gone for a sealant/compressor kit.

[Ares]

ORD said:

I don't really understand the coupe styling of such big cars. Given that it's an enormous bus of a thing, why sacrifice having good rear accommodation? It seems wasteful to me.

Thats the large GT/coupe shape. SL/XK/Maser/etc. Long nose, stylish body, decent boot, token rear seats.

At least with the 6 you have a rear-space option with the GC!

[Ares]

jogger1976 said:

Just found this thread. Two things I'd like to say:

1. What a stunning looking car OP. I've always thought these looked the business, and I fully believe your comments about the performance,BTW, as I witnessed one easily keep away from a baiting 997 as they both entered the M25 yesterday.

2. If all the trolls, haters and other assorted dheads could sod off to NP&E and leave the rest of us to it, that'd be great. Ta.

Edited by jogger1976 on Thursday 7th April 20:35

Thanks buddy. I concur

[Ares]

CypherP said:

ORD said:

I don't really understand the coupe styling of such big cars. Given that it's an enormous bus of a thing, why sacrifice having good rear accommodation? It seems wasteful to me.

Personally this is part of the appeal for me. I've always gone for a coupe over a saloon, just because I prefer the lines and style of a two door over a four. Don't disagree that the GC is more practical and has more usable space given the extra doors, but I like having a bloody great coupe.

The only thing I do wish I had was the panoramic sun roof, but given the lack of any reasonable weather in this country, I'm not lost without one.

Ares - Will definitely look at swapping out the RFTs if that's the kind of improvement you've seen from them!

I agree (although in the 6's case, I do think the GC looks better than the Coupe).....but large coupes should be all about impracticality, cars there just because, not because they make sense.

I remember a friend having a CL years ago. Huge car but comically tight in the back and tough to climb into. Kind of made it special.


I had a panoramic roof in my last car. Great in theory, and fun to have so much light....but not on sunny days where it just caused the climate control to work overtime.


...and definitely on dumping the RFT. Having defended RFT for 15yrs, I was amazed how much different they made on this - mostly due to the 30-profile tyres no doubt.

[Ares]

Helicopter123 said:

T16OLE said:

Helicopter123 said:

I've had a look at these but had to concluded that one would be financial suicide, either new or used.

Agree about the interior - it is a lovely place.

Panamera the obvious alternative and it feels like a step-up again inside, but I can't reconcile myself to the looks.

What's your reasons for the financial suicide?

Savage depreciation.

Depends if you judge on RRP or the actual price you pay!

[Ares]

dbdb said:

I like the 640GC - it's much more sleek than most other big saloons, which look heavy handed to me.

It is good to see you are still enthusiastic about the car two years on. I haven't spotted this thread before and the attempts to puncture your joy in some of the earlier replies are baffling to me and quite disconcerting.

Thanks.

It comes with the territory of buying a fast diesel. The Diesel haters do whatever it takes to discredit...usually without ever having driven one

[Ares]

CypherP said:

Ares said:

Thanks.

It comes with the territory of buying a fast diesel. The Diesel haters do whatever it takes to discredit...usually without ever having driven one

More often than not that is the case. I've certainly not owned a diesel before, but to have found such a good all-rounder (albeit a pricey alternative) means more than spending half the amount on an 'A-B diesel'.

Ares - any other options on your spec sheet that you haven't mentioned?

Comfort access and rear camera are really worth having. Comfort Seats likewise. Piano black trim is essential (checker/aluminium stuff looks crap) and 20" wheels are de rigour but the car looks dire on the std 19".

Beyond that, the Schnitzer performance and suspension modifications are the best things on my spec sheet.

[Ares]

FWIW said:

Ares said:

Depends if you judge on RRP or the actual price you pay!

So, what do you think your 6 is worth now? How much of a depreciation hit have you taken?

Auto trader tell me this:


Total I'll have paid for the car (including interest and assuming I buy it at the end of the agreement) is just over £50,000. So on that, it's lost £17k in 2 years.

Is that any worse than other new cars in it's sector?

Edited by Ares on Tuesday 12th April 11:54