06 BMW 650i

[swagmeister]

Bought a new to me 06 BMW 650i. Very impressed with it. Seems to be quite a rare car too. I done a national search on Autotrader and couldn't find a like for like anywhere in the UK ( well at least listed on Autotrader ). There seemed to be very few 650's, of those even fewer in Coupe guise, and of those few none that had the same spec as mine. In that I mean none had Night Vision camera, HUD and Soft Close doors. 61k miles and immaculate.

[swagmeister]

A44RON said:

Looks fantastic

How are you finding it so far?

So far phenomenal. The more I spent time in and around the car the more I cant believe the condition. Trawled back previous MOT,s and receipts and it seems to have done on average 4k mile a year for most of the last 8 years. Still OCD with MPG but again, the more stories I hear the more at ease I feel. Im 10 miles each way to work, split 50-50 between 30mph and 70mph roads. Average consumption appears to be 22.7 mpg - I spend £40 a week on fuel and that covers the bulk of my weekend too. My friend spends £75 a week, doesn't travel significantly more than me and drives an 09 320 auto. SO I'm thinking all things considered Im doing OK.
Its quite funny when its washed and looking its best, it does get admiring looks, I've noticed people looking at the front, more so the night vision camera and assisted cruise control thingumy - to be fair they look like hidden stealth lights from some sort of undercover vehicle.
Plans for the car ? none that I can think of. Im happy with the big 19" alloys, it doesnt need any go faster tat stuck on. I wouldnt pay the money for an exhaust, I prefer the quiet ride and the subtle rumble when floored.
Spend 90% of my driving time in normal mode and every now and then press the sport button for a giggle.
Gripes ? I need an updated sat nav disk - I bought a copy off what seemed a reputable company- it worked for a day. I also need black floor mats as the light cream will get very dirty very quickly. Still looks like new thanks to the dealer giving them a good shampoo.
I've always been a Merc guy past 8 cars, C, CLS, CLK , SLK , E and had my heart set on an S class next - until the 650 came along. Big question now is where do I go form here ? Unsure an S class would give me the same within the same budget. Not sold on Audi.
So I reckon next car , £15k budget , what do you guys think would be a sideways move or upwards move from the 650 within this budget ?

[swagmeister]

SamGTV said:

That's a tough question!

15k, for wafting and similar spec a diesel 7 series?

I think you should put a bit more in and go for a Maser Quatroport... Bentley Turbo?

It's so tough to get more car for the money than you have!

Bentley running costs scare the living daylights out of me. I don't have a good wage. My car is my hobby as I don't do golf, fishing, the gym, lads nights outs, etc etc all my spare money goes to my car. So long as my bills are paid, my house is clean and tidy and I have a standard of living I am comfortable with, the rest pays the car. I fear a Bentley would ruin me if it were to develop issues. true the same could be said for the 6 series, every car has a point where it could bite you at any given time.
Had a look at Maserati but I think for my budget the interiors look almost 80's. Might just be my search results but thats an off putting thing for me. Good thing is any change is at least end of the year so plenty of time to research.

[swagmeister]

Barchettaman said:

I can´t see why you´d consider selling it TBH. If you can continue to afford the running costs it sounds pretty much perfect.

Barchettaman, I seem to change cars annually, always have. Who knows what the end of the year will bring. I might be so smitten or unsure where to head next I may keep the 6. Following on from some previous posts - 05 \06 Maserati's are looking VERY tempting. The interior seems to have got better as the years progressed. Hmmmmmmm as a side comment my best mate keeps telling me to look at Audi S8's like the one he has. Which to be honest is stunning, but unlike him I dont have £50k to throw at a car.
Anyone else want to contribute with some detail on what they have managed to buy away from the mainstream for say £15k ?

[swagmeister]

Andy665 said:

I'd have thought a Mercedes CL would be a logical step from the 650 - probably a slight step sideways and upwards

Good call - just realised this thread has went from my new pride and joy towards its replacement rapidly. To confirm Im totally smitten with the 6 , Id say best car Ive ever owned and thats over 50 cars. Im looking forward to the end of the month and hope to attend my first Tartan Tarmac breakfast meet and see how the car is received among the plethera of Lotus, Porsche Lambos etc that attend.

[swagmeister]

GH421 said:

A friend of mine had this which I borrowed for a few days. The car is immense, I would look at an exhaust upgrade because the stock system is a bit somber for what this car is capable of.

On another note you need to be careful with throttle inputs as I've had a few hairy moments around roundabouts without really pushing it. (even with TC on).

I have an S class and though it's a lovely car I would settle for the 6 series for the smiles.

Very interesting comments re the S class GH421 as Ive been hankering for an S Class for my past 4 or 5 cars but none around at the time within budget and that weren't intergalactic miles so settled for something else that would catch my eye. Still an itch I will have to scratch at some point.

[swagmeister]

SamGTV said:

To be fair your other half is obviously an understanding type who appreciates your passion for cars and I'm sure she respects that this is your only vice... therefore, take the £15k and finance a bit more and go crazy!

If normal maths won't make it work then simply use advanced maths, or man maths as it's commonly known.

I think her patience is wearing thin :-) been giving it some thought, I think next step will be a newer 6 in Convertible form - or a 740 / 750.

[swagmeister]

I'm actually looking forward to having a good drive in it. Due to time of year, bad weather, just changing job etc All I have done since getting the car is visit family all within a 4 mile radius and the commute to work and back 10 miles each way. Will be interested to see the fuel consumption on a long 70mph drive. Been looking over my folder of receipts etc and the last service included a gearbox oil and filter service so thats that box ticked.