635d Cabriolet buying, owning and living with
Discussion
I am thinking of selling my E63 as I am now doing much longer journeys, fuel consumption cannot be ignored, over delicious sounding thumping V8 performance.
I am thinking of a 635d Cabriolet.
Any longer-term owners like share some experiences. True MPG on the motorway, range on one tank of fuel, servicing costs, reliability, what to watch out for?
Thanks for you help
I am thinking of a 635d Cabriolet.
Any longer-term owners like share some experiences. True MPG on the motorway, range on one tank of fuel, servicing costs, reliability, what to watch out for?
Thanks for you help
It's about purpose, the 650i, 645i are wonderful things, but when pushing on very thirsty. My E63 is magnificant but a £700 fuel bill over 4 days driving.
I drive long distances across Europe. My record is 950 miles in a day, in an Audi A8 V8 4.2 Tdi.
So range, high-speed economy and top down on occasions would be fun.
I also own a 630i, which is my wife car, which is such an underrated thing. I have owned several BMW diesel's, 2.0, 3.0 and the same engine in X3 3.0Sd, which was DMS and could outrun, I kid you not, a Ferrari 360.
Just want to hear from owners as this is a car I intend to use daily and do serious distances. I suspect it's a no brainer.
Do iPhones connect OK with the later media centers, so you can play music etc.
What goes wrong as the miles stack up, if anything?
I apprecaite you help
I drive long distances across Europe. My record is 950 miles in a day, in an Audi A8 V8 4.2 Tdi.
So range, high-speed economy and top down on occasions would be fun.
I also own a 630i, which is my wife car, which is such an underrated thing. I have owned several BMW diesel's, 2.0, 3.0 and the same engine in X3 3.0Sd, which was DMS and could outrun, I kid you not, a Ferrari 360.
Just want to hear from owners as this is a car I intend to use daily and do serious distances. I suspect it's a no brainer.
Do iPhones connect OK with the later media centers, so you can play music etc.
What goes wrong as the miles stack up, if anything?
I apprecaite you help
I currently have a 6 (but M6), and had a 335d, so kind of got both bases covered...
The 635d engine will be the 286hp variety, and you’ll have the 6-speed zf box.
Obviously, these have been remapped by many people, but I never did mine. Your choice, any E64 convertible will be outside of mfr warranty (can still be Mondial of course) by now. Suppose it depends whether you’re going down the AUC route when buying, or not.
Anyway, the engine is well proven to have a few foibles.
Assuming a 15 gal tank, getting 750 was possible with restraint (but not at 80). If the gearing is the same, expect to get maybe 37 instead of 40, as the 6-conv is 1800kg (IIRC) to the 3-series’ 1650kg. So maybe hitting 700 to a tank.
You already know the 6-series stuff in terms of cockpit, etc...
HTH
The 635d engine will be the 286hp variety, and you’ll have the 6-speed zf box.
Obviously, these have been remapped by many people, but I never did mine. Your choice, any E64 convertible will be outside of mfr warranty (can still be Mondial of course) by now. Suppose it depends whether you’re going down the AUC route when buying, or not.
Anyway, the engine is well proven to have a few foibles.
- the thermostats go, so engine doesn’t get up to temperature. DIY-able if you’re so inclined, or an hour or so from a garage.
- glowplugs can go at higher mileage. Even at -12, you’d rarely see the glowplug light come on when starting, but once they’re on the way out, the remaining have to work harder. If I remember correctly, if the controller goes (as well / or), then it can still start, but with #1 contributes greatly to...
- DPF - the dreaded filter... the logic requires temperatures to be high to do the regen, both the above can prevent it, so you want to check the hidden menu and make sure car is getting up to temp... Of course, higher mileage cars may need a new DPF eventually anyway.
- Red boost hose. Shouldn’t be an issue by the time the 635d appeared, but it can work loose (bottom left of engine if you’re looking under the bonnet). If not sealed correctly, then efficiency drops.
- vacuum pipes - they’re rubber, and they perish over time. There’s lots of them with the twin turbos, car will feel flat & reluctant to rev, or lag >2k, boost! depending on which are perished...
- Ideally zf box has fluids & filter changed at 50k mile interval.
- Hydro unit (does abs/traction) - the 6-cyl version will go sooner or later. BMW want much moolah, but there’s a place called ECUtesting (i think, always get it wrong), who’ll sort it - there’s many threads on it.
Assuming a 15 gal tank, getting 750 was possible with restraint (but not at 80)
. If the gearing is the same, expect to get maybe 37 instead of 40, as the 6-conv is 1800kg (IIRC) to the 3-series’ 1650kg. So maybe hitting 700 to a tank.You already know the 6-series stuff in terms of cockpit, etc...
HTH
Bogracer said:
I would like a 640d, but I just cannot quite stretch to a good one. But, with the same budget I can buy the very best incarnation 635d.
A couple of things 640d v 635d1. 8 speed gearbox Anazing bit of kit v 6 speed which is fine
2. 286bhp v 313bhp out of the box
3. The newer one looks much prettier
4. Much more modern tech
5. 640d should be able to achieve 50mpg no problems on the drives you mention likely much more the 635d will be less economical.
6. The 640d 8th Gear is really low rpm @70mph the 6 speed is higher.
7. Newer so more appealing.
8. Air cooled seats
9. You can remap to 400bhp if you choose
I’ve had a coupe 635d late 2007 model for 6 months. 90% motorway and average of 38mpg over a 40 mile each way commute. Easily over 42mpg on long runs I’ve done. Glow plugs, controller and hoses have been changed on mine by previous owner, tyres are not cheap either. Drives extremely well and lots of effortless performance, so much so that I’ve not bothered remapping. Hardly use the sport button as I’m on the motorway a lot, but when you do it makes it more lively. Earlier Idrive I have is a bit commodore64 compared to newer models, has Bluetooth and aux/usb.
Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Edited by S8QUATTRO on Friday 5th January 07:57
S8QUATTRO said:
I’ve had a coupe 635d late 2007 model for 6 months. 90% motorway and average of 38mpg over a 40 mile each way commute. Easily over 42mpg on long runs I’ve done. Glow plugs, controller and hoses have been changed on mine by previous owner, tyres are not cheap either. Drives extremely well and lots of effortless performance, so much so that I’ve not bothered remapping. Hardly use the sport button as I’m on the motorway a lot, but when you do it makes it more lively. Earlier Idrive I have is a bit commodore64 compared to newer models, has Bluetooth and aux/usb.
Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Is your asking price inline with OP?Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Edited by S8QUATTRO on Friday 5th January 07:57
He’s after a car with lots of work done and it appears you have had it done so a nice upside for him.
As with most BMW's a complete no-brainer. I loved the Audi A8 as an uber wafting craft, but it was dynamically flawed, but it was forgiven. This is the 1st Mercedes I have owned the E63, and it is so charismatic, with the stonking V8. Pit it against the BMW M5 and the M5 is a much more polished car. I got to that point "I cannot have another BMW" and well the equivalent used E63 was some £10k less than an M5
But, I cannot resist the depth of BMW's engineering. Even the 'ploddy' 320d touring was a dynamic and involving delight. BMW's are a benchmark for a reason.
I will edge up to 640d, but a nice 635d at £15k for the very best looks like a lovely thing. As for tech, I both my last cars I have never even fired up the OB SATNAV, preferring the much more intelligent, traffic and police spotting Waze on the iPhone.
I appreciate the tips.
Meanwhile, I don't want to sell my E63, it has 16 month's Mercedes Warranty and is the more desirable performance edition. 50,000 miles, black, black leather . . . Polished twice a month. It's just wasted on the ploddy journeys I make now. So if anyone wants's a nice one?
Meanwhile, if anyone gets wind of a nice unmolested 09-10 plate 635d Cab, with a black interior and all the toys. I have cash.
But, I cannot resist the depth of BMW's engineering. Even the 'ploddy' 320d touring was a dynamic and involving delight. BMW's are a benchmark for a reason.
I will edge up to 640d, but a nice 635d at £15k for the very best looks like a lovely thing. As for tech, I both my last cars I have never even fired up the OB SATNAV, preferring the much more intelligent, traffic and police spotting Waze on the iPhone.
I appreciate the tips.
Meanwhile, I don't want to sell my E63, it has 16 month's Mercedes Warranty and is the more desirable performance edition. 50,000 miles, black, black leather . . . Polished twice a month. It's just wasted on the ploddy journeys I make now. So if anyone wants's a nice one?
Meanwhile, if anyone gets wind of a nice unmolested 09-10 plate 635d Cab, with a black interior and all the toys. I have cash.
S8QUATTRO said:
I’ve had a coupe 635d late 2007 model for 6 months. 90% motorway and average of 38mpg over a 40 mile each way commute. Easily over 42mpg on long runs I’ve done. Glow plugs, controller and hoses have been changed on mine by previous owner, tyres are not cheap either. Drives extremely well and lots of effortless performance, so much so that I’ve not bothered remapping. Hardly use the sport button as I’m on the motorway a lot, but when you do it makes it more lively. Earlier Idrive I have is a bit commodore64 compared to newer models, has Bluetooth and aux/usb.
Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Would you mind posting some pics? I love the 6 series, I have a daily battle with house deposit vs 6 Series. I have rightmove and autotrader open in two tabs 99% of the day!Best thing is how solid they feel and the quality of the interior. Like an E39, even the heavy steering feel.
Previously had a Merc cls 320 cdi with the Brabus chip and that was not as quick or nicely made. Also had a black edition A4 but that felt cheap inside too, you can definitely tell it was. 50k plus car at some time. Hopefully changing up to a 640d this year as the prices have come down a lot now. 635d..very good car
Edited by S8QUATTRO on Friday 5th January 07:57
Taita said:
Would you mind posting some pics? I love the 6 series, I have a daily battle with house deposit vs 6 Series. I have rightmove and autotrader open in two tabs 99% of the day!
PH the other 1%? 
Almost the best angle (rear 3/4 from above resolves the muscular rear haunches beautifully) - at least, that’s what I’m told, I personally have all the design knowledge of a dead stick.
That’s why chrome (ok, shiny plastic) doesn’t work though!
I can recommend a convertible. I changed a long line of larger 5 and 3 Series Tourings for our current M235i Convertible. I actually think that the 6 Series looks extremely stylish in Convertible form. If money was no object, I'd probably have one in my garage as a Grand Tourer.
Positive feedback: I have the top down much more than I expected, especially in spring and autumn, and even carried the Christmas Tree home with the top down in 4°C in Advent. Having the top down changes many otherwise mundane trips into a much more pleasurable drive. And I find driving with the top down I'm a much more relaxed driver than usual - something about the experience is calming and all those annoying little frustrations from other drivers and the road conditions don't seem so important.
Positive feedback: I have the top down much more than I expected, especially in spring and autumn, and even carried the Christmas Tree home with the top down in 4°C in Advent. Having the top down changes many otherwise mundane trips into a much more pleasurable drive. And I find driving with the top down I'm a much more relaxed driver than usual - something about the experience is calming and all those annoying little frustrations from other drivers and the road conditions don't seem so important.
S8QUATTRO said:
The car I went to look at earlier, RRP £70k and they have that for £42k, there are a few others at similar prices on Autotrader at the moment
I think they look better than the Merc CLS and Audi A7 models
I would say not bad it has the usual options but i would hunt for a car with the comfort seats and adaptive headlights IMO (the adaptive system is cheap on the 6 series as they come standard with led following the LCI).I think they look better than the Merc CLS and Audi A7 models
Edited by S8QUATTRO on Friday 5th January 16:33
Charlie Croker mk2 said:
640d has the worlds best "D" engine bar non , its super quiet and so refined and smooth . Petrol engines just sound and feel like wiz along toys all fuss and revs !
As a 640d owner, I disagree.It still sounds like a van ontick over.
My old man has a Cayenne S Diesel, it`s 4.2 V8 Twin Turbo and is in another league, on tick over it genuinely does not sound like a diesel and not only sounds nice for a diesel, it sounds nice full stop.
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