650i What are they like to own?
Discussion
For some reason recently, i'm being drawn to 650i's at the moment. Maybe it's because they seem a pretty good deal price wise. Have been really pleased with the Z4 coupe but after a couple of years, looking for a change. Initially thought they would be too heavy, lacking feedback and slightly dull coming from the stiffly sprung coupe, but i'm still being drawn to them.
After some views from owners - What are they like to own and use on a daily basis?
What sort of mpg's are you getting around town and on long runs etc? and how much are you generally being charged for tyres and inspection / oil services?
Do you find them fun to drive, or slightly remote and "big" for the roads, or can you still chuck them about a bit?
After some views from owners - What are they like to own and use on a daily basis?
What sort of mpg's are you getting around town and on long runs etc? and how much are you generally being charged for tyres and inspection / oil services?
Do you find them fun to drive, or slightly remote and "big" for the roads, or can you still chuck them about a bit?
I have run mine for 45k so feel able to comment. It is a fabulous grand tourer so if you do quite a bit of motorway driving then expect a very relaxed drive with about 24mpg on super unleaded and great soundtrack. It handles pretty well if you put it in sport mode which tightens the steering up and around town consumption drops to 15mpg
Running costs aren't too bad but you MUST check the i-drive system to see how long it is until things need doing. Most people focus on minimising cost to buy but forget that in the i-drive menu are front brakes (£5-700) rear brakes (£4-£600) spark plugs (£350) oil change (£250) inspection service (£240) brake fluid (£220) microfilter (£135) all of which are on varying intervals so find one that has been fully maintained by a main dealer and kept under BMW warranty as you know those will not have cut corners. Tyres are £600 a pair rears and £550 a pair fronts - wear depends on how you drive but for my motorway use I comfortably get 20k out of a set
In summary, these are now a huge bargain if you want something with a fabulous engine, huge refinement and sensible running costs. If you want an out and out sports car then its not for you, but the 6 series does feel special compared to say a 3 series every time you get in it and the standard of interior finish is far better and the fact that it has composite body panels means even a secondhand 6 series will not have all those annoying little dents from car parks and a good detailer should be able to make it look like new. Even insurance is sensible
Running costs aren't too bad but you MUST check the i-drive system to see how long it is until things need doing. Most people focus on minimising cost to buy but forget that in the i-drive menu are front brakes (£5-700) rear brakes (£4-£600) spark plugs (£350) oil change (£250) inspection service (£240) brake fluid (£220) microfilter (£135) all of which are on varying intervals so find one that has been fully maintained by a main dealer and kept under BMW warranty as you know those will not have cut corners. Tyres are £600 a pair rears and £550 a pair fronts - wear depends on how you drive but for my motorway use I comfortably get 20k out of a set
In summary, these are now a huge bargain if you want something with a fabulous engine, huge refinement and sensible running costs. If you want an out and out sports car then its not for you, but the 6 series does feel special compared to say a 3 series every time you get in it and the standard of interior finish is far better and the fact that it has composite body panels means even a secondhand 6 series will not have all those annoying little dents from car parks and a good detailer should be able to make it look like new. Even insurance is sensible
I get about 17mpg around town driving sensibly, which isn't great, but I can get around 30mpg at 70mph on the motorway. On a fast motorway run that falls to maybe 24mpg. So the range is about 400 miles on a long trip, but as low as 220 for me when driven in town, which is a bit of a pain.
I've not driven a Z4, I went from an E90 330i to the 650i and for me the power delivery is just so different. The 650 is silky smooth, it gets you to 3 figure speeds with no drama at all, whereas with the 330, although slower, you're far more aware of the speed and acceleration.
I took my 650 cab up to the Scottish Highlands last summer and the car was just superb. It ate up the motorway miles and perfomed just as well on the twisty bits through the hills. I'm looking forward to doing the same trip this year.
A 650 is surprisingly not that much heavier than your Z4, but at almost a metre longer, it is on the large side. You did say you were looking for a change though.
I've not driven a Z4, I went from an E90 330i to the 650i and for me the power delivery is just so different. The 650 is silky smooth, it gets you to 3 figure speeds with no drama at all, whereas with the 330, although slower, you're far more aware of the speed and acceleration.
I took my 650 cab up to the Scottish Highlands last summer and the car was just superb. It ate up the motorway miles and perfomed just as well on the twisty bits through the hills. I'm looking forward to doing the same trip this year.
A 650 is surprisingly not that much heavier than your Z4, but at almost a metre longer, it is on the large side. You did say you were looking for a change though.
FesterNath said:
Composite body panels? You sure about that, and that such a panel won't dent?!
My wife hit a pheasant last year, the front panel wasn't dented, it just deformed and bounced back. The paint wasn't so resilient though and the panel needed a respray. I haven't got any parking dings so far, so maybe there is some benefit there.FesterNath said:
Composite body panels? You sure about that, and that such a panel won't dent?!
Yes thanks, very sure If you want the whole rundown, bonnet and doors are aluminium, front valance is thermoplastic and the boot, bumpers and 4 remaining side panels are composite making up about 70% of the length of each side of the car. You can't dent composite, you can only crack it just like a bath.
These are expensive materials which is just one of many hidden areas that make the 6 series special compared to lower series in the range
A truely fabulous car. Been my every day driver for 3 years.
I've not had one bad comment whilst owning it and many, many people have gone out of their way to say what a lovely car it it...from kids to grannies.
It is a BIG car though and pretty heavy so def more of a tourer than a spoerts car. Has TINY back seats...certainly not a 4 seater in any way (not that it's billed as such, just don't mistake it for one...) Wife and sister in law fit very snugly in the back (both 5'2" and pretty skinny) and other sister in law and hubby fit...just...with GREAT protest...to the point they actually refuse lifts (though they are 5'10 and 6'3 respectively)
Mine is a 645 so benefits from the lower tax band. Been very reliable for the 3 years i've had it...puncture in the (then) brand new front tyre was a £270 shock (runs on run flats). Servicing 4-500 a pop not too bad for a car of this original cost. Insurance for me just over £350 this year, 550 year before, 650 year before that :-)
Supposed to be selling it now as the wife does not want to lean in to put a baby seat in the back seat :-(
Bought her a Focus ST for the kid but not managed to put the advert for the 6 in Autotrader yet ;-)
Good luck.
I've not had one bad comment whilst owning it and many, many people have gone out of their way to say what a lovely car it it...from kids to grannies.
It is a BIG car though and pretty heavy so def more of a tourer than a spoerts car. Has TINY back seats...certainly not a 4 seater in any way (not that it's billed as such, just don't mistake it for one...) Wife and sister in law fit very snugly in the back (both 5'2" and pretty skinny) and other sister in law and hubby fit...just...with GREAT protest...to the point they actually refuse lifts (though they are 5'10 and 6'3 respectively)
Mine is a 645 so benefits from the lower tax band. Been very reliable for the 3 years i've had it...puncture in the (then) brand new front tyre was a £270 shock (runs on run flats). Servicing 4-500 a pop not too bad for a car of this original cost. Insurance for me just over £350 this year, 550 year before, 650 year before that :-)
Supposed to be selling it now as the wife does not want to lean in to put a baby seat in the back seat :-(
Bought her a Focus ST for the kid but not managed to put the advert for the 6 in Autotrader yet ;-)
Good luck.
I Went form a Z4 to a 650 sport.
Too heavy, lacking feedback and slightly dull? Yes sorry it is, but it is also very fast!
The problem is the Z4 was the sort of car you could go and have some fun on a 20 mile drive. The 6 is sort of car you could go and have some fun crossing continents. It handles well, stops well, goes well, but it takes it all in its stride it all comes very easy.
I find myself with classic FM on wafting along, then looking in the mirror and there is someone in full attack trying to keep up behind me.
As for costs, well its never done anything interesting there ether. The automatic steering adjust went crazy once, but it fixed its self.
On a long motorway trip I can get 32mpg, but I do stick to 65-70. And my normal mpg is around 22mpg, so its not too bad.
But over all, I have had it for over 2 years now and I think I like it.
Too heavy, lacking feedback and slightly dull? Yes sorry it is, but it is also very fast!
The problem is the Z4 was the sort of car you could go and have some fun on a 20 mile drive. The 6 is sort of car you could go and have some fun crossing continents. It handles well, stops well, goes well, but it takes it all in its stride it all comes very easy.
I find myself with classic FM on wafting along, then looking in the mirror and there is someone in full attack trying to keep up behind me.
As for costs, well its never done anything interesting there ether. The automatic steering adjust went crazy once, but it fixed its self.
On a long motorway trip I can get 32mpg, but I do stick to 65-70. And my normal mpg is around 22mpg, so its not too bad.
But over all, I have had it for over 2 years now and I think I like it.
Major Fallout said:
Too heavy, lacking feedback and slightly dull? Yes sorry it is, but it is also very fast!
The problem is the Z4 was the sort of car you could go and have some fun on a 20 mile drive. The 6 is sort of car you could go and have some fun crossing continents. It handles well, stops well, goes well, but it takes it all in its stride it all comes very easy.
I find myself with classic FM on wafting along, then looking in the mirror and there is someone in full attack trying to keep up behind me.
I'll agree with that. When driving, you can feel the size and weight of the car. Even with Sport engaged, the DBW throttle and auto box means it isn't really a car for hustling too much.The problem is the Z4 was the sort of car you could go and have some fun on a 20 mile drive. The 6 is sort of car you could go and have some fun crossing continents. It handles well, stops well, goes well, but it takes it all in its stride it all comes very easy.
I find myself with classic FM on wafting along, then looking in the mirror and there is someone in full attack trying to keep up behind me.
I also agree with the other comment, it is a superb GT car. Not long after we got ours we went to visit some family in mid France. This is a journey we do frequently and takes best part of a day to do. The 650 took it in it's stride and it was akin to travelling there in your sofa!
It always draws a look too. I'm not sure if it's a "flash w
ker" one or a "what on earth BMW is that?" one though... (Personally, I love it from most angles, although the front 3/4 catches it out some times.Lostprophet said:
what is the depreciation like if you get a 2008 650i cab now for about £28k? £ years from now prob £16k for private sale?
Do you think the new 6 series will hit the used prices harder on the older 6?
£28k AUC? You'll lose £8-10k in a year IMO. I'm quite glad I have a GFV on mine as I think the PX price in 2 years could be rather shocking.Do you think the new 6 series will hit the used prices harder on the older 6?
Edit: Good forum here: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?... Ignore the chrome 22s (most users are American!) I've found it to be the best source for info on the E63/E64.
Lostprophet said:
On a 28k 650 how is it possible to lose 8k in one year?
It isn't in short at that pricepoint whilst a newer model would lose that when you drive it home as initial depreication is savage.First up, the new 6 series will not impact pricing much as they will start at £60k+ which will not impact on a 3 year old model at £28k, it will hit pricing of later 2009 models which dealers are optimistically pricing at around £48k at present.
I have no seen a nice spec 2008 advertised at £28k yet either - there was a nice one at a Lotus dealer for around £33k but £28k seeemd to be the mark for a low mileage 07 or 57 plate last time I looked and £20k that has been suggested is pricing on a 2006/7 with 60k+ on the clock. Cabs are presently trading at a historically low spread to coupes and will at worst see pricing static over the next 4 months (rhather than depreciate further as they lost so much in November / December) or so as the panic to buy 4x4's finishes and at the first sign of warm weather attention turns to cabs. If you can find a nice one for £28k then do it, you won't regret it, but do get a high spec car and make sure it does not have any of the large service items coming up
I think it might be a good thing for someone like me. with a budget of £28k I can pick up a 2008 650i convert with lowish mileage. I am sure this will soften the price. Historically this has always been the case with BMW cars; new one comes out then the old one drops in value. I do not why this would be different here.
I suspect there are a lot of hopeful 650i owners about. Auto Express reckon prices will fall in their recent 6-series used car article.
I suspect there are a lot of hopeful 650i owners about. Auto Express reckon prices will fall in their recent 6-series used car article.
Gunk said:
I drove a friends 635i coupe about 6 months ago and was very underwhelmed with it, I thought it lacked a sense of occassion and felt very big and clumsy.
IMO The smaller 335i coupe is a much better car.
Do you mean a 630i or 635d?IMO The smaller 335i coupe is a much better car.
The 630i would feel underwhelming as that engine really doesn’t suit the car IMHO.
Trust me a 650ci of 645ci is not underwhelming at all. I do over 700 miles a week in my 645ci and I like the fact you don't see many on the road compared to a 3 series. It's a great GT crusier just a bit thristy.
The GMan said:
Do you mean a 630i or 635d?
The 630i would feel underwhelming as that engine really doesn’t suit the car IMHO.
Trust me a 650ci of 645ci is not underwhelming at all. I do over 700 miles a week in my 645ci and I like the fact you don't see many on the road compared to a 3 series. It's a great GT crusier just a bit thristy.
What mpg do you get on a weekly basis then on that mileage?The 630i would feel underwhelming as that engine really doesn’t suit the car IMHO.
Trust me a 650ci of 645ci is not underwhelming at all. I do over 700 miles a week in my 645ci and I like the fact you don't see many on the road compared to a 3 series. It's a great GT crusier just a bit thristy.
Lostprophet said:
What mpg do you get on a weekly basis then on that mileage?
22-24 mpg on the motorway. When I'm home on a weekend though it's more town driving and I get 15-17mpg.This morning I got 330 miles out of a full tank. Think it was showing about 40 miles left in the tank when I parked up.
Edited by The GMan on Tuesday 1st February 14:44
Gunk said:
I drove a friends 635i coupe about 6 months ago and was very underwhelmed with it, I thought it lacked a sense of occassion and felt very big and clumsy.
IMO The smaller 335i coupe is a much better car.
I drove a 630i convert, sure it was physically big but it felt nice to be in a big car. I have a S2000 so I enjoyed the drama of the 6’s exhaust and the nice engine note. I actually like the luxury of the car and felt it had all the power I needed. I am however going to opt for a 650i I reckon. The additional power would be lovely (yet to drive the 650i). IMO The smaller 335i coupe is a much better car.
The 335i is very rapid and it does feel amazing to drive such a turned on car but look at the interior, also there are so many of them about. That I think numbs the experience more than a bigger 650i. Each to their own!
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