E63 6 Series - Decisions, Decisions......
Discussion
Having looked around at various cars, i think that the best car to fit my needs is either a Z4 coupe or 6 series. Considering just the 6 series, and thinking about cost to buy, insure, fuel and tax, a 645ci and 630i are going to cost me about the same.
But which to buy? I know the 645 has the right number of cylinders and carries more "PH Man Points" but my experience of BMW V8s is not good (I had an E32 740i that cost me £600 to sort out a sticky EPV). The last BMW I had was an E46 so I don't know much about the E63. So:
- Is one a better drive than the other?
- Which is the more reliable engine, the I6 or the V8?
- Are there any other significant cost differences between the two with regards to parts / servicing?
- The 645s are likely to be MY2004/5 with 60k on the clock. The advice used to be to change ATF in an autobox ASAP, is this still true? What are these 'newer' boxes like for reliability?
- Do they all come with run flats?
- Any other achilles heels to check for when viewing?
Also I looked at Parkers as a source of data for fuel consumption (I've found it close match to what I get), what sort of consuption are owners on here getting with their 6s? Is the 630i significantly better than a 645ci?
A lot of questions I know but thanks for your help in advance.
But which to buy? I know the 645 has the right number of cylinders and carries more "PH Man Points" but my experience of BMW V8s is not good (I had an E32 740i that cost me £600 to sort out a sticky EPV). The last BMW I had was an E46 so I don't know much about the E63. So:
- Is one a better drive than the other?
- Which is the more reliable engine, the I6 or the V8?
- Are there any other significant cost differences between the two with regards to parts / servicing?
- The 645s are likely to be MY2004/5 with 60k on the clock. The advice used to be to change ATF in an autobox ASAP, is this still true? What are these 'newer' boxes like for reliability?
- Do they all come with run flats?
- Any other achilles heels to check for when viewing?
Also I looked at Parkers as a source of data for fuel consumption (I've found it close match to what I get), what sort of consuption are owners on here getting with their 6s? Is the 630i significantly better than a 645ci?
A lot of questions I know but thanks for your help in advance.
Hello Stuart!!
Small world eh.
One of our customers had a 645i and ran it for 3 years and loved it, he was not sure when he first got it and thought he was going to chop it in pretty quick, but in the end the longest he had kept a car by a long shot.
When he changed he went to a 630i, thought the lighter engine may make it a bit more nimble and save him a few pennies at the pumps. However, he said the big creamy V8 suited the 6 series better and the 6 pot while never really struggling in the slightest just wasn't right for that car.
He also said that he went from 23mpg to 25mpg so really not worth worrying about.
He is now in a 650i by the way, swapped the 630i for one about 7 months into ownership of the 6cyl, which I think says it all.
It is not a lightweight sports coupe, it is a GT and the V8 is perfect for that.
Can't help you with reliability, but never heard anything bad on the recent V8s, mind you not that many with them I guess.
Small world eh.
One of our customers had a 645i and ran it for 3 years and loved it, he was not sure when he first got it and thought he was going to chop it in pretty quick, but in the end the longest he had kept a car by a long shot.
When he changed he went to a 630i, thought the lighter engine may make it a bit more nimble and save him a few pennies at the pumps. However, he said the big creamy V8 suited the 6 series better and the 6 pot while never really struggling in the slightest just wasn't right for that car.
He also said that he went from 23mpg to 25mpg so really not worth worrying about.
He is now in a 650i by the way, swapped the 630i for one about 7 months into ownership of the 6cyl, which I think says it all.
It is not a lightweight sports coupe, it is a GT and the V8 is perfect for that.
Can't help you with reliability, but never heard anything bad on the recent V8s, mind you not that many with them I guess.
I have a 645 and it is a very well put together car!
Mine has only done 18k miles so reliability has not been a problem.
On a motorway run not hanging about it will do 28 mpg but a bit thirsty round town.
Have had mine 5 years and it's a car that grows on you and when you go to look and drive other cars thats when you realise why the car was £60k new!
Mine has only done 18k miles so reliability has not been a problem.
On a motorway run not hanging about it will do 28 mpg but a bit thirsty round town.
Have had mine 5 years and it's a car that grows on you and when you go to look and drive other cars thats when you realise why the car was £60k new!
Lostprophet said:
I too am deciding between the 650i and other options... CLS500 and the E-class 350CDI.
Different cars with different appeal.
2007 CLS500 approx £20k
2008 650i soft-top £30k-ish
2009 E-class coupe £35k
Tricky!
I drove the 630i, felt nice. Good sound but I felt it needed more power.
630 a little asthmatic, especially with the cabrio being a fair bit heavier than the coupe. Different cars with different appeal.
2007 CLS500 approx £20k
2008 650i soft-top £30k-ish
2009 E-class coupe £35k
Tricky!
I drove the 630i, felt nice. Good sound but I felt it needed more power.
Go the whole hog old chap and spend £35k+ on an M6 cabrio, you know you need a V10 in your life!
Saying that in everyday driving I don`t think the 650i feels "wanting"!
Lostprophet said:
I too am deciding between the 650i and other options... CLS500 and the E-class 350CDI.
Different cars with different appeal.
2007 CLS500 approx £20k
2008 650i soft-top £30k-ish
2009 E-class coupe £35k
Tricky!
I drove the 630i, felt nice. Good sound but I felt it needed more power.
CLS and E class coupe same same Different cars with different appeal.
2007 CLS500 approx £20k
2008 650i soft-top £30k-ish
2009 E-class coupe £35k
Tricky!
I drove the 630i, felt nice. Good sound but I felt it needed more power.
gizlaroc said:
Well after 15 years of BMWs I have bought a Merc E Class and love it.
Would actually find it hard not to have a Merc of some sort now, will probably get another BMW shortly but will keep the E Class as it does certain things so much better.
They are great mile munchers!Would actually find it hard not to have a Merc of some sort now, will probably get another BMW shortly but will keep the E Class as it does certain things so much better.
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