635D or 640D

[Nigel_O]

I could do with a bit of guidance from knowledgeable BMW PH'ers about the pros and cons between a 635D and a 640D

I expect to have about £10k in cash, and I'm torn between the availability of a 2008-2010 635D at £7k - £9k with some cash left over, or finding another £4k - £5k and going for a 2012/ 2013 640D.

Everything I've read says the 640 is clearly the better car, but is it really THAT much better?

Bear in mind I'm coming from a mega-mile Alfa GT diesel and you can see that even a slightly-tired 635D is going to seem epic compared with the rattly old four-pot I'm used to.

I'm not scared of high mileage (that Alfa is currently on 255,000!) but I'm targetting sub-100k for a 635 and 50-70k for a 640

The availability of remaps is pretty tempting too - it had a hugely positive effect on the Alfa and from what I've read, remaps on the 6-series diesels can turn an already rapid car into something quite entertaining.

For what its worth, I think the 640D is a very attractive car, with huge presence. However, I have a bit of a soft-spot for the Bangle car as well - especially from the rear three-quarter angle.

Any guidance is much appreciated

[rassi]

Yes, the 640d is that much better, if only for the cabin and the ZF8.

[BFleming]

They're completely different cars - the 635d is the E63, whilst the 640d is the F13. I would always go newer as the jump in tech (and the aforementioned gearbox) is huge between the 2 models.

[naturalaspiration]

I would get the cheaper 635d - the engine inside is the indestructible M57 block with no chain issues to worry you - also design wise on a different planet compared to the bland, albeit more competent and much bigger, 640d. Once the latter depreciates another 5k or so - and this will be fast with all Euro 5 diesels (E63 will depreciate less in absolute terms) then you can hop over with no need for stretching. The E63, especially facelift, is a masterclass of art in motion - looks so much better in flesh than on photos - just like E85/6.

[S8QUATTRO]

Owner of both here, did about 40k miles in a 635d and it was faultless.

Pro's - Fantastic build quality, felt solid and chunky, very quick and great mpg, dated sat nav but used my phone anyway. Have a watch of this video on

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vgJ49NDbvs

I only had to replace the tyres and a couple of services over the 12-18 months I had it. Loved it but fancied the newer model, cant really think of anything bad about it. Easily did 35-38mpg driving mix of mway/local roads. I think they have a really classy shape.

Bought a 640d Sport in October 2018, had 2 months sat at BMW under the EGR recall, new cooler and valve, new tyres, service, 7000 miles in, lovely interior, massive infotainment screen, great stereo, looks great and very different to the 635d. A decent one can be bought for £14-15k check the egr job has been done. Auto box with the different modes is very quick and smooth, more toys, HUD, Reverse Cam etc

Better on fuel, driven same as the 635d, can easily get 600ish miles from a tank. Very quick but not the ride is harsh on 20 inch alloys and runflats

Not so great - has the vibration at 70mph, does not feel as well built and solid as the old one. They have problems with seat frames and can move slightly.

Both great cars.

Edited by S8QUATTRO on Thursday 30th May 13:53

[S8QUATTRO]

Well over a year on, 640d sold. Look great but not as fun to drive as the 635d...

Now back to looking for a nicely looked after 635d as it was that good a car

[VeeTenM]

Looking for an LCI 640d myself, already have an E63 M6 which will never be sold.

Think the runflats need to be ditch for proper tyres for a better ride.

[parabolica]

I went from a 645ci to a 640i; I loved both of them but the F13 model is the vastly better car. Given a late 2009/2010 E63 is based on a car that was in development around 2001/2002, all the electricals, mechanicals and ergonomics of the 2012 car are in a different league. I did miss the V8 rumble from my 645 though.

Never driven the diesel variants of either so can't comment on that I'm afraid.