Dilemma, E46 M3 vs E63 645Ci

[Stick Legs]

Slightly odd dilemma, I have a yearning for a nice BMW coupe for between £10k and £15k.

I like the idea of an E46 M3 as it is well regarded and the spiritual sucessor to my old 635CSi.
However I have noticed the very tempting price of E63's.

I know they will never compare to the sheer driving excitment of an M3 but are they really a complete disaster either?

I'm guessing that the low price is due to the potential they have for generating big bills if some of the electrical equipment fails with age, correct me if I am wrong.

For the record I like the style of the 6 and the way they drive, I also like for very different reasons the styling of the M3 and the much more intense driving experience they offer.

Experience of each would be appreciated.

[ecain63]

My father inlaw has a 645ci and loves it. There have been a few minor niggles over the last 50k but nothing more than you'd get in any other BMW. Just make sure the idrive works as it was thus model that inherited the crappy version. Latest software update also reduces risk of failure.

Eddie

[m3mjw]

Buy the M3 mate. You will not be disapointed. Real world much more fun. The 6 will be more refined but M3 more smiles. I have no experience of the 6 but have recently gone from an e46 M3 to an E60 M5. M5 awesome but cant use the power 95% of the time M3 you can use it 95% of the time. Regrets I have a few....

[krisdelta]

Completely different cars, drive both and ignore what your head says

[gaz1234]

krisdelta said:

Completely different cars, drive both and ignore what your head says

he will buy the m

[Stick Legs]

Drove an M3 today, very nice, quick and fun. I felt it would be surprisingly capable.

645Ci tomorrow...


Better be good!

[ecain63]

Stick Legs said:

Drove an M3 today, very nice, quick and fun. I felt it would be surprisingly capable.

645Ci tomorrow...


Better be good!

The 645 will be a totally different experience if im honest. Its more of a wafter, but still very quick. Much more low down grunt than the M3 but not so much raw pace up top. Treat it as a GT rather than a sports car and you wont be dissapointed. They sound lovely too.

[3ftandclean]

Interesting dilemma. As they're very different cars I suppose it depends on your driving needs and preferences.
Personally I love the M but I imagine the 6 would be fun as well.
They really are contrasting cars but both fabulous prospects.

[Crackie]

A 650i is in budget; quicker and a little less thirsty than a 645. Most of the early 6 series niggles should have been dealt with too .

The M3s engine/throttle response might make a 645/650 feel relatively soft but it depends what you're looking for tbh. If it were a concern, I'm sure a 645i/650i could be made more urgent with a good remap, that would be an interesting compromise imho.

Edited by Crackie on Tuesday 13th March 07:45

[Stick Legs]

Driven the M3 today and the 645Ci yesterday; as was suggested chalk and cheese but both appealing.

The M3 was a great car, but a little uncompromised for my taste.

The 645Ci was quite simply one of the most accomplished cars I have ever driven. Utterly smitten.

Called up just now to put a deposit on the 645 and the one I drove has gone. :-(

So off to the classifieds!

Thanks for your help.

[gaz1234]

Stick Legs said:

Driven the M3 today and the 645Ci yesterday; as was suggested chalk and cheese but both appealing.

The M3 was a great car, but a little uncompromised for my taste.

The 645Ci was quite simply one of the most accomplished cars I have ever driven. Utterly smitten.

Called up just now to put a deposit on the 645 and the one I drove has gone. :-(

So off to the classifieds!

Thanks for your help.

im very surprised, i was looking at the 645 and m. the 645 is the place to be in terms of comfort. it unfortunately for its size was really only a 2 seater and massively long. it also had a smooth but quiet v8, again, sounded good but just not quite the same as the m. on a day to day 30+ miles a day would be easier to live3 with and nicer to have. i wasnt over impressed with the i-drive.
the m just was so much more rev happy and sounded so much more racy. i had to have one!

both are very good.

[ecain63]

Stick Legs said:

Driven the M3 today and the 645Ci yesterday; as was suggested chalk and cheese but both appealing.

The M3 was a great car, but a little uncompromised for my taste.

The 645Ci was quite simply one of the most accomplished cars I have ever driven. Utterly smitten.

Called up just now to put a deposit on the 645 and the one I drove has gone. :-(

So off to the classifieds!

Thanks for your help.

What's your spec requirements ref the 645i? My inlaw is hankering for a new 640d so might sell his. Only done 48k and wheels just been refurbed. Atlantic metalic blue, all niggles sorted.

[Stick Legs]

ecain63 said:

Stick Legs said:

Driven the M3 today and the 645Ci yesterday; as was suggested chalk and cheese but both appealing.

The M3 was a great car, but a little uncompromised for my taste.

The 645Ci was quite simply one of the most accomplished cars I have ever driven. Utterly smitten.

Called up just now to put a deposit on the 645 and the one I drove has gone. :-(

So off to the classifieds!

Thanks for your help.

What's your spec requirements ref the 645i? My inlaw is hankering for a new 640d so might sell his. Only done 48k and wheels just been refurbed. Atlantic metalic blue, all niggles sorted.

V8 Petrol, under 10K, no active steering and preferably the early ellipsoid alloys. Plenty on here so just choosing and ringing around.

[ecain63]

Bit like this one: