Planning new car - 640d or 530d
Discussion
Hi all, not my usual forum, but I’ve been around for long enough to know there’s plenty of expertise at hand.
Anyway, my question is is there anyone on here who owns either of the above cars to give me their opinion? I’m looking to buy within the next 6 months so I’m starting to look around now and get a few test drives in.
My budget is around £30k so should be able to get a car less then 3 years old (pushing it a bit with a 640d).
I appreciate all comments, thanks for your time, Paul
Anyway, my question is is there anyone on here who owns either of the above cars to give me their opinion? I’m looking to buy within the next 6 months so I’m starting to look around now and get a few test drives in.
My budget is around £30k so should be able to get a car less then 3 years old (pushing it a bit with a 640d).
I appreciate all comments, thanks for your time, Paul
I’ve owned a 530d and test drove a 640d before settling on a 4 series (wanted something physically a bit smaller than either of your options).
For me it would be an easy choice; the 5 series has the later tech and is a lovely place to be but, though older, the 6 is just that bit more special. It’s more of an event to get into, drive, and get out of if you know what I mean?
When the new 5 becomes old tech, the 6 will still be special in terms of build quality etc.
For me it would be an easy choice; the 5 series has the later tech and is a lovely place to be but, though older, the 6 is just that bit more special. It’s more of an event to get into, drive, and get out of if you know what I mean?
When the new 5 becomes old tech, the 6 will still be special in terms of build quality etc.
agreed with the previous comments.
the old 6 series GC was a much more beautiful motor and special to be in than the comparable 5 series...until the G30 5-series was released (2016?) - its tech is far superior as I guess BMW were holding off on the 6 series until the 8 came along. Also the G30 has the most comfortable seats I have had in a BMW for a long time.
So I went for a 3 year old 5 series, and for a bit of fun went for the 540i.
Either way, you may find 20" optional wheels (with rubber bands for tyres) a bit of a pain on Norfolk B-roads, although the 5-sereis std suspension is very good. Also the 5 series didn't have fold-down seats as std (may or may not really be an issue). HUD is great though.
the old 6 series GC was a much more beautiful motor and special to be in than the comparable 5 series...until the G30 5-series was released (2016?) - its tech is far superior as I guess BMW were holding off on the 6 series until the 8 came along. Also the G30 has the most comfortable seats I have had in a BMW for a long time.
So I went for a 3 year old 5 series, and for a bit of fun went for the 540i.
Either way, you may find 20" optional wheels (with rubber bands for tyres) a bit of a pain on Norfolk B-roads, although the 5-sereis std suspension is very good. Also the 5 series didn't have fold-down seats as std (may or may not really be an issue). HUD is great though.
Having driven multiple G30/31's and being a 640d owner I thought the build quality on the G30 was s
te, also driven a G20 and it took me minutes to find just poor fit and finish.
The 6 is special all the time, I found and find most of the tech a bit of gimmick now. Very little of it actually enhances the experience of driving or makes driving easier. I also found the integration of the cruise control of the G30 in particular frustrating.
te, also driven a G20 and it took me minutes to find just poor fit and finish. The 6 is special all the time, I found and find most of the tech a bit of gimmick now. Very little of it actually enhances the experience of driving or makes driving easier. I also found the integration of the cruise control of the G30 in particular frustrating.
I just went through exactly the same process as you last year. I was coming out of a company G30 520d and was going for a 530d, a 540i or a 640d.
The G30 is a fabulous car and is just great at everything. But, the 6GC is a cool looking car, the interior feels more special and you don't see as many of them around. When I saw one on the road I did think it was one of the nicest looking BMWs. I ended up buying an AUC late 2017 640d GC. (pic below)
Compared to the G30 it does feel a little older to drive (heavier) and whilst very nice inside the switchgear etc.is from the F10 5 series. I found the seats far more comfortable than the standard sport seats in the G30. The back of a G30 I found particularly uncomfortable (too upright). The LCI 6 series cars like mine have the same infotainment as the first gen G30s with connected drive and all that stuff as well as the full digital dash.
To drive it is very impressive. A very nice (fake) noise and goes very well indeed. I get over 40 MPG as well.
In summary, G30 is a more modern feeling and easier to live with car. 6GC feels and looks more special. You should be able to get what you want for £30k
The G30 is a fabulous car and is just great at everything. But, the 6GC is a cool looking car, the interior feels more special and you don't see as many of them around. When I saw one on the road I did think it was one of the nicest looking BMWs. I ended up buying an AUC late 2017 640d GC. (pic below)
Compared to the G30 it does feel a little older to drive (heavier) and whilst very nice inside the switchgear etc.is from the F10 5 series. I found the seats far more comfortable than the standard sport seats in the G30. The back of a G30 I found particularly uncomfortable (too upright). The LCI 6 series cars like mine have the same infotainment as the first gen G30s with connected drive and all that stuff as well as the full digital dash.
To drive it is very impressive. A very nice (fake) noise and goes very well indeed. I get over 40 MPG as well.
In summary, G30 is a more modern feeling and easier to live with car. 6GC feels and looks more special. You should be able to get what you want for £30k
I'm a 640d GC owner having come from an F31 330d.
It's a lovely car to own and the best bit of advice I have is to drive it in a relaxed manner. They are big cars and if you start to press on the size is really noticeable.
Build quality is superb. I went out for a meal the other week with some friends that I hadn't seen since the first lockdown and they commented on how nice it was to be a passenger in the First Class seat in the back.
I still miss the estate car and do keep looking at 3 and 5 series tourers.
It's a lovely car to own and the best bit of advice I have is to drive it in a relaxed manner. They are big cars and if you start to press on the size is really noticeable.
Build quality is superb. I went out for a meal the other week with some friends that I hadn't seen since the first lockdown and they commented on how nice it was to be a passenger in the First Class seat in the back.
I still miss the estate car and do keep looking at 3 and 5 series tourers.
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