BMW 640I or 640d ?

[nw28840]

Change of jobs means a 28 mile commute to Heathrow Airport, looking at either continuing to run my 2005 630i convertible or "upgrading" to a 2011-2013 640i or 640d convertible. The 630i is a great car, owned for 2.5 years, good spec and i get 25 mpg so far (only done 3 days this week) , I'm just itching to change cars.

Is the commute long enough to go diesel ? Is it enough miles for a diesel engine? It's all motorway (M3/M25) and will mostly be a straight run due to working shifts.

I've only been looking at the petrol, but noticed there seem to be far more diesels for sale. I've not owned a diesel car for 20 years - last was a brand new Audi a3 1.9 tdi company car when they first came out.

I'm after a car with all the toys (Heads up, Adaptive cruise etc...).

Thoughts ?

[Eddieslofart]

Petrol, the end.

[pvogue]

650i

[nw28840]

Actually looked at the 650i also , I'm not sure it's worth the extra expense for the commute although i wouldn't rule it out if i found the right car.
My plan is to buy a second more p/h friendly car for days off.

The search is for 6 series cars from 2011 onwards with good history and lots of options (must include heads up display as have it on my current car).

Not that many cars out there that fit the bill - hence why i started to consider the diesel version.

I just have no idea whether a diesel engine will suffer problems with a 28 miles commute (+- 30 minute journey).

[Smuler]

28 miles one way , all on motorway , be shameful if that harmed a modern diesel !

I do that (both ways) one of many various journeys , now topping 20,000 miles p/a. No problems I’m aware of after 34k mikes. And it’s a crappier 4 cylinder.

Still Wouldn’t choose diesel , when there is a 6 cylinder petrol option , but can understand your reasons and , same as me, it’s only going to be your “commuting car” so not so big a real.
6 cylinder diesels don’t sound too bad , but check you’re as happy with the sound if you’re going for a vert.

Though If you’re mainly on m/ way now , will you use it top down (as) much could be another question?

[Mike335i]

I'd go 640i, nicer engine and plenty of power. Also has rarity on its side.

Either way they are both nice.

[nw28840]

Thanks all, will stick to looking for a petrol car as the preferred option.

[Charlie Croker mk2]

640d is much more relaxed and quieter at speed than the 640i which is revy and whiney at the same time . But its the diesels torque which with its 8 speed zf ( never in the wrong ratio ) gearbox and circa 310bhp with a co2 of 145 that make it a unique car . £155 road tax and 600 + mile to a tank as well . You will have to hunt down a petrol powered on as they weren't popular new - I wonder why LOL

[Francis85]

Go for diesel.

If you want a petrol you don't ask.

Edited by Francis85 on Thursday 8th November 00:20

Edited by Francis85 on Thursday 8th November 00:21

[Mr Tidy]

Francis85 said:

Go for diesel.

If you want a petrol you don't ask.

Edited by Francis85 on Thursday 8th November 00:20

Edited by Francis85 on Thursday 8th November 00:21

Go for petrol!

If you even consider diesel you might as well leave here and go to mumsnet.

[cerb4.5lee]

I think if its between the 640d and 640i then the 640d just edges it for me, the torque and autobox make a very good combo. With it being a convertible though it would have to be the 640i(or 650i). I've never really understood the diesel/convertible combo.

[p1stonhead]

Francis85 said:

Go for diesel.

If you want a petrol you don't ask.

Probably sums it up.

[Nath911t]

640i

You just need to chose which colour

[jv021]

Go petrol... I bought a 640i last year and have not regretted it.

I tried a 640d, its is seriously good but just did not feel right in that type of car.

Both engines are very good, the 640i to me is more refined, makes a better sound (if you have sports exhaust it does pop and bang in sport mode) and is not too bad on fuel (c.30-32mpg).

Test both and you'll know what makes most sense

I've had a f10 530d, wife has an x3 30d so i'm not averse to owning a derv.

Ps. get one on 19's ride is far more comfortable...

[Swervin_Mervin]

Are the 650s still one to avoid because of the N63 issues or were they resolved in the later releases?

[parabolica]

I went 645ci to 640i and loved the car, although I missed the V8 burble. 640i is a very competent cruiser and pretty well speced at base, but you're seriously reducing your chances if HUD is a must, esp pre-LCI cars (2011 - 2013ish). A 650i or a 2014+ car is much more likely to have it but they seem to command a hefty premium over the 3lr straight 6. Sold my 640 to scratch the Z4 itch back in May; the dealer I sold the car to had it until around a month ago. There isn't huge demand for the petrol 6 series so finding them shouldn't be an issue, but finding an exact spec might be tricky.

Pro-tip, don't get a black one. It was the only thing I didn't like about the car; the Carbon black was a bugger to keep clean. Tanzanite blue FTW, although it is very rare.

Swervin_Mervin said:

Are the 650s still one to avoid because of the N63 issues or were they resolved in the later releases?

Not an issue with the current gen x50i engine.

[Chestrockwell]

It’s a tricky one, the 6 is a heavy car, the convertible would be even heavier so diesel suits it better but you want a convertible which defeats the purpose.

I think you should drive both and decide which one you prefer.

Only thing I have to say would be to try get a 2014+ 6 with the updated idrive. The ones with the bigger swivel wheel are the newer versions.

[interstellar]

I am also considering a 640i.

I have just moved from a F80 M4 to a M135 as I do 20k a year. The M4 was awesome but the depreciation was going to hurt doing 20k a year and the M135 although it's a great car its a bit small for me so I either go back to an older M4 where the depreciation isn't as bad or one of these as for 25k you get a lot of car.

I have never loved diesels so its only the 640i for me in msport trim. Am going to look and drive one tomorrow and think it will be a comfortable place for 20k a year mostly motorways.

Any negatives?

[parabolica]

interstellar said:

I am also considering a 640i.

I have just moved from a F80 M4 to a M135 as I do 20k a year. The M4 was awesome but the depreciation was going to hurt doing 20k a year and the M135 although it's a great car its a bit small for me so I either go back to an older M4 where the depreciation isn't as bad or one of these as for 25k you get a lot of car.

I have never loved diesels so its only the 640i for me in msport trim. Am going to look and drive one tomorrow and think it will be a comfortable place for 20k a year mostly motorways.

Any negatives?

Comfy, but not very exciting to drive. It is a very wide car so even on a decent A road, making progress was still a lot of work.

[cerb4.5lee]

The ride on 20" wheels with run flats is pretty punishing on broken roads too. The steering is completely lifeless as well. I adore the looks of this shape 6 series big time for sure though.

They make a very good mile muncher imo.