640D Gran Coupe - Buying Advice
Discussion
I’m looking at the 640D as potentially my next car in the Gran Coupe form. Will be a 2015/16
Are there any owners here that can share their experiences. I keep hearing horror stories relating to Chains stretching and total engine failure as a result, is this relevant to the 640D or older models?
Are there any common issues that I need to check before buying? I will be getting a full history and under 40k on the clock.
Are there any options that you would say is a must or I should consider?
Thanks all
Are there any owners here that can share their experiences. I keep hearing horror stories relating to Chains stretching and total engine failure as a result, is this relevant to the 640D or older models?
Are there any common issues that I need to check before buying? I will be getting a full history and under 40k on the clock.
Are there any options that you would say is a must or I should consider?
Thanks all
The 40D has the N57 engine. It is not the N47, but it does share some of the same issues with the timing chain, but to a much lesser extent (due to a slightly different design). At those years though the changes BMW made to them should be all on that engine anyway.
Either way make sure that the oil is changed above the CBS schedule every 10k and it should help reduce some of the potential issues.
EGR Valves and Coolers - those years potentially fall within the EGR Cooler Recall so check if it is under it and equally has it had it done. That being said the EGR Valve and Coolers are known irrespective of year to be a weak point, a tech I know described them really as a "service item" now, from his perspective BMW should be adding them to a checklist during servicing as they are such a vital component that regularly causes issues (usually due to the valve becoming covered in carbon deposits and becoming stuck.
Seat issues with rails and rattles generally earlier cars but a generally known one.
20" inch wheel problems - bending and generally more likely to cause a harsher ride.
Wheel vibration at higher speed - this is a really common one many have suffered with it for a variety of reasons but usually the source is down to the wheels or tyres in many cases, either because the wheels are bent slightly, tyres out of shape or nothing more (and I know of a number of people) poor balancing because so many tyre fitters are out and out lazy.
The roof weatherstrips can sometimes bubble around the edges, water drip trays (a rubber seal going from each side) on the plastic boot sometimes come away at the edges and are becoming more common as a failure point.
Either way make sure that the oil is changed above the CBS schedule every 10k and it should help reduce some of the potential issues.
EGR Valves and Coolers - those years potentially fall within the EGR Cooler Recall so check if it is under it and equally has it had it done. That being said the EGR Valve and Coolers are known irrespective of year to be a weak point, a tech I know described them really as a "service item" now, from his perspective BMW should be adding them to a checklist during servicing as they are such a vital component that regularly causes issues (usually due to the valve becoming covered in carbon deposits and becoming stuck.
Seat issues with rails and rattles generally earlier cars but a generally known one.
20" inch wheel problems - bending and generally more likely to cause a harsher ride.
Wheel vibration at higher speed - this is a really common one many have suffered with it for a variety of reasons but usually the source is down to the wheels or tyres in many cases, either because the wheels are bent slightly, tyres out of shape or nothing more (and I know of a number of people) poor balancing because so many tyre fitters are out and out lazy.
The roof weatherstrips can sometimes bubble around the edges, water drip trays (a rubber seal going from each side) on the plastic boot sometimes come away at the edges and are becoming more common as a failure point.
Ninja59 said:
The 40D has the N57 engine. It is not the N47, but it does share some of the same issues with the timing chain, but to a much lesser extent (due to a slightly different design). At those years though the changes BMW made to them should be all on that engine anyway.
Either way make sure that the oil is changed above the CBS schedule every 10k and it should help reduce some of the potential issues.
EGR Valves and Coolers - those years potentially fall within the EGR Cooler Recall so check if it is under it and equally has it had it done. That being said the EGR Valve and Coolers are known irrespective of year to be a weak point, a tech I know described them really as a "service item" now, from his perspective BMW should be adding them to a checklist during servicing as they are such a vital component that regularly causes issues (usually due to the valve becoming covered in carbon deposits and becoming stuck.
Seat issues with rails and rattles generally earlier cars but a generally known one.
20" inch wheel problems - bending and generally more likely to cause a harsher ride.
Wheel vibration at higher speed - this is a really common one many have suffered with it for a variety of reasons but usually the source is down to the wheels or tyres in many cases, either because the wheels are bent slightly, tyres out of shape or nothing more (and I know of a number of people) poor balancing because so many tyre fitters are out and out lazy.
The roof weatherstrips can sometimes bubble around the edges, water drip trays (a rubber seal going from each side) on the plastic boot sometimes come away at the edges and are becoming more common as a failure point.
Thats it all covered really, check the recall is done / is the car affected. Can be a pain in the arse waiting for bits sometimes if its got to go into BMW. Either way make sure that the oil is changed above the CBS schedule every 10k and it should help reduce some of the potential issues.
EGR Valves and Coolers - those years potentially fall within the EGR Cooler Recall so check if it is under it and equally has it had it done. That being said the EGR Valve and Coolers are known irrespective of year to be a weak point, a tech I know described them really as a "service item" now, from his perspective BMW should be adding them to a checklist during servicing as they are such a vital component that regularly causes issues (usually due to the valve becoming covered in carbon deposits and becoming stuck.
Seat issues with rails and rattles generally earlier cars but a generally known one.
20" inch wheel problems - bending and generally more likely to cause a harsher ride.
Wheel vibration at higher speed - this is a really common one many have suffered with it for a variety of reasons but usually the source is down to the wheels or tyres in many cases, either because the wheels are bent slightly, tyres out of shape or nothing more (and I know of a number of people) poor balancing because so many tyre fitters are out and out lazy.
The roof weatherstrips can sometimes bubble around the edges, water drip trays (a rubber seal going from each side) on the plastic boot sometimes come away at the edges and are becoming more common as a failure point.
Otherwise extremely capable, good looking car that also low tax and returns 40mpg with a nice high quality interior...check seats dont rattle/move when driving
Also, not all have lumbar support.
Bonnet struts are a servicable item and need replaced after 4yrs ?, I didn't notice any difference and never got them done but they are date stamped. However I did notice the boot struts wearing after 2 years. They were replaced under warranty as the boot wouldn't open fully on its own (spring loaded not electric).
I would agree on the 20"s bending I had one bend on me and I don't think it ever rode right after it despite numerous checks, tyre replacement balancing etc.
They are excellent cars and the only reason I got out of mine was for a more family friendly M car.
I would agree on the 20"s bending I had one bend on me and I don't think it ever rode right after it despite numerous checks, tyre replacement balancing etc.
They are excellent cars and the only reason I got out of mine was for a more family friendly M car.
Make sure it has the MSport package with the HUD, 20" wheels, HK audio etc - and also the interior revision with the thinner, squarer bezel around the screen (and digital dials). I think it really lifts the interior.
The OEM 20" SportMaxx runflats have terrible ride quality and seem at odds with the overall ethos and dynamics of the car. Swap them out for something a bit more compliant.
Don't bother mapping it. I did so to try it more urge in 8th gear at motorway speeds in comfort mode, but it made b-gger all difference bar kicking down a lot more. In other gears it has more than enough poke anyway.
Rear seats are quite sculpted so the backrests of childseats tend to sit 'proud'. Likewise my wife, MIL and brother found the front passenger side cramped and uncomfortable.
Of all the cars i've owned, it was the one that got the most compliments from colleagues and passers-by.
EDITED TO ADD: On short-ish journeys they aren't much more economical than a petrol car with decent performance. Expect low 30s. On longer trips on a light throttle they will give very good MPG in the mid to high 40s.
The OEM 20" SportMaxx runflats have terrible ride quality and seem at odds with the overall ethos and dynamics of the car. Swap them out for something a bit more compliant.
Don't bother mapping it. I did so to try it more urge in 8th gear at motorway speeds in comfort mode, but it made b-gger all difference bar kicking down a lot more. In other gears it has more than enough poke anyway.
Rear seats are quite sculpted so the backrests of childseats tend to sit 'proud'. Likewise my wife, MIL and brother found the front passenger side cramped and uncomfortable.
Of all the cars i've owned, it was the one that got the most compliments from colleagues and passers-by.
EDITED TO ADD: On short-ish journeys they aren't much more economical than a petrol car with decent performance. Expect low 30s. On longer trips on a light throttle they will give very good MPG in the mid to high 40s.
Edited by KPB1973 on Thursday 27th June 09:26
Are you absolutely sure you need diesel? I had a 640i with the 3l turbo petrol engine and got pretty good mpg (although admittedly not as good as the diesel would get over a higher mileage) and pretty pain free experience for the 3 years I had it. The LCI cars which you'll be looking at come pretty well equipped as standard, most options were cosmetic or ancillary, like connected drive etc.
Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
parabolica said:
Are you absolutely sure you need diesel? I had a 640i with the 3l turbo petrol engine and got pretty good mpg (although admittedly not as good as the diesel would get over a higher mileage) and pretty pain free experience for the 3 years I had it. The LCI cars which you'll be looking at come pretty well equipped as standard, most options were cosmetic or ancillary, like connected drive etc.
Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
I agree with this, the diesel 640d is just as capable, but unless the mileage is at least 12K per year, it would be best to get the petrol as it is just that bit nicer.Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
Thanks all for the comments. I now have a good list of things to check.
I am considering the petrol but the torque on the 640D and a bigger pool of the 640D’s to choose from makes it easier to choose the spec, colour etc.
From a ride point and cost point I would like 19’s instead of 20’s. But most higher spec ones seem to have the 20’s on so might have to except that. Or swap them for 19’s at a later date.
Again appreciate the advice and comments.
Cheers all
I am considering the petrol but the torque on the 640D and a bigger pool of the 640D’s to choose from makes it easier to choose the spec, colour etc.
From a ride point and cost point I would like 19’s instead of 20’s. But most higher spec ones seem to have the 20’s on so might have to except that. Or swap them for 19’s at a later date.
Again appreciate the advice and comments.
Cheers all
rayyan171 said:
parabolica said:
Are you absolutely sure you need diesel? I had a 640i with the 3l turbo petrol engine and got pretty good mpg (although admittedly not as good as the diesel would get over a higher mileage) and pretty pain free experience for the 3 years I had it. The LCI cars which you'll be looking at come pretty well equipped as standard, most options were cosmetic or ancillary, like connected drive etc.
Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
I agree with this, the diesel 640d is just as capable, but unless the mileage is at least 12K per year, it would be best to get the petrol as it is just that bit nicer.Would recommend the 19s over 20s btw; even with runflats the ride was silky smooth; whereas the 20s thumped over everything.
I've just bought a 2013 640d GC from a dealer which considering I went in to purchase a newer X5 or 5 series touring it was quite a shock, as the ultimate decision was with the wife who drives it during the week. We had the choice of 2, the Deep sea blue one with ivory interior we bought or a newer one in carbon black and black interior. The wife wasn't having any of that, too dark inside for her. We also have 2 other BM's in the household and both are black.
So far it's night and day from our previous E70 X5, more mpg mid to late 30's around town compared to 25's for the X5, road tax of £160 a year as opposed £550. It's fitted with 19 inch wheels but coming from an X5 shod in 20's I'm pleased to have a more of a compliant ride. I was worried that the down sizing in car (physical space) would affect our packing for the annual jaunt to the South of France but a trial loading of the luggage, I was suitably impressed. So far so good and it's really nice to be in a car again which has plenty of get up and go.
Best of luck with your search, I'm sure you won't regret it.
So far it's night and day from our previous E70 X5, more mpg mid to late 30's around town compared to 25's for the X5, road tax of £160 a year as opposed £550. It's fitted with 19 inch wheels but coming from an X5 shod in 20's I'm pleased to have a more of a compliant ride. I was worried that the down sizing in car (physical space) would affect our packing for the annual jaunt to the South of France but a trial loading of the luggage, I was suitably impressed. So far so good and it's really nice to be in a car again which has plenty of get up and go.
Best of luck with your search, I'm sure you won't regret it.
KPB1973 said:
The OEM 20" SportMaxx runflats have terrible ride quality and seem at odds with the overall ethos and dynamics of the car. Swap them out for something a bit more compliant.
What 20inch run flats would you recommend over the SportMaxx?Edited by KPB1973 on Thursday 27th June 09:26
farbbm said:
I've just bought a 2013 640d GC from a dealer which considering I went in to purchase a newer X5 or 5 series touring it was quite a shock, as the ultimate decision was with the wife who drives it during the week. We had the choice of 2, the Deep sea blue one with ivory interior we bought or a newer one in carbon black and black interior. The wife wasn't having any of that, too dark inside for her. We also have 2 other BM's in the household and both are black.
So far it's night and day from our previous E70 X5, more mpg mid to late 30's around town compared to 25's for the X5, road tax of £160 a year as opposed £550. It's fitted with 19 inch wheels but coming from an X5 shod in 20's I'm pleased to have a more of a compliant ride. I was worried that the down sizing in car (physical space) would affect our packing for the annual jaunt to the South of France but a trial loading of the luggage, I was suitably impressed. So far so good and it's really nice to be in a car again which has plenty of get up and go.
Best of luck with your search, I'm sure you won't regret it.
Thanks, looks nice in Deep Sea Blue. I also reckon driving one to the south of France would be fun and relaxing. So far it's night and day from our previous E70 X5, more mpg mid to late 30's around town compared to 25's for the X5, road tax of £160 a year as opposed £550. It's fitted with 19 inch wheels but coming from an X5 shod in 20's I'm pleased to have a more of a compliant ride. I was worried that the down sizing in car (physical space) would affect our packing for the annual jaunt to the South of France but a trial loading of the luggage, I was suitably impressed. So far so good and it's really nice to be in a car again which has plenty of get up and go.
Best of luck with your search, I'm sure you won't regret it.
Don't rule out the 640i, I tried both and bought a 640i.
640d is brilliant, but the petrol just sounds and feels better.
If you need to have a huge range, then the 640d will easily give 550+ miles per tank and the 640i will get 400 at a push.
I've had a 530d prior to the 6er and did over 80k with no issues and my wife's x3 30d is 2 years /30k in, again with no issues, so I'd assume the 40d is similar bar the EGR issue.
I opted for 19' wheels as the 640d I tried had 20's and the ride was harsh over the roads I used regularly, 19's make a big enough difference.
Spec wise surround view is helpful as the 6er GC is huge and visibility in tight car parks could be better (folding mirrors are a must have). HUD is awesome as are the LED headlights. HK hifi make sense over the standard setup. Avoid a black interior as it makes the car a bit too dark, I went for cinnamon leather and that looks fab! Blind spot monitor is a bit of a gimmick but nice to have as are soft close doors.
Overall, it is a very nice cruiser and is a nice place to be during long journeys. Can't think of much else in the same price bracket that covers as many bases!!
640d is brilliant, but the petrol just sounds and feels better.
If you need to have a huge range, then the 640d will easily give 550+ miles per tank and the 640i will get 400 at a push.
I've had a 530d prior to the 6er and did over 80k with no issues and my wife's x3 30d is 2 years /30k in, again with no issues, so I'd assume the 40d is similar bar the EGR issue.
I opted for 19' wheels as the 640d I tried had 20's and the ride was harsh over the roads I used regularly, 19's make a big enough difference.
Spec wise surround view is helpful as the 6er GC is huge and visibility in tight car parks could be better (folding mirrors are a must have). HUD is awesome as are the LED headlights. HK hifi make sense over the standard setup. Avoid a black interior as it makes the car a bit too dark, I went for cinnamon leather and that looks fab! Blind spot monitor is a bit of a gimmick but nice to have as are soft close doors.
Overall, it is a very nice cruiser and is a nice place to be during long journeys. Can't think of much else in the same price bracket that covers as many bases!!
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