440i or 430i

[racingmule]

Has anyone test driven the two? One's 325bhp vs 252bhp, what's the difference in power feel like? Also, is there much difference in mpg between the 440i and 430i?

I've been tempted by the 435d, amazing power, but think now's probably not a great time to invest in diesel.

[racingmule]

had ham said:

... the 'feel' is in my opinion light years apart - more responsive, far better sounding, meatier delivery, etc, etc..

Thanks, that what was exactly what I was looking for, the throttle response.

moffat said:

As above there is a HUGE difference.

Remember the B58 is easily capable of pushing out 400bhp+ if needed too.

I've just ordered a 440i coming from a 640d (C63 before that) and the test drive in a M240i sold the engine to me and that was without the M Performance Power kit, it was bloody awesome for a non M car!

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place. If I understand right the 640d and the 435d engines are the same. It was the diesel torque that excited me.

I don't do much mileage at all, run around town and the odd camping trip. So the 440i would be a good option.

Maracus said:

If the new VED rules bother you, the 440i is over £40k list so it falls into the higher bracket if buying new now. £9k+ off list as well

I've been offered one at 20% off list price which brings it below £40k. Do they apply the VED rules to the list price?

[racingmule]

Holy moly

I just looked at the new VED rules. £500 for the first year thereafter £140. Plus an additional £310 per year. Thats £810 in the first year, and £450 thereafter. Thats a total of £2610 over five years.



I'm really hoping they start putting down some good roads for that money.

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

[racingmule]

moffat said:

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

Really ? Not even in narrow inner-city London side roads with traffic going both ways ?

cerb4.5lee said:

The biggest problem with the 640d is it feels like a boat in the corners and it's woeful steering only adds to the problem, it's a very good cruiser but it isn't in any way enjoyable to throw around for me.

It reminds me of a car that's built for America and it's only really designed for straight roads, so that's enough for me to prefer a smaller/lighter car.

Yes, precisely. However, given its look, power and refinement I'd happily give up the absence of agility if I could get it to work on the often gridlocked narrow backstreets where I live. Here even an extra 7 cm width can make a huge difference. However, I literally drool each time I see one go by.

[racingmule]

So I checked out the 440i Gran Coupe and 440i Coupe and must admit I love the look of the coupe over the Gran Coupe. Much sleeker.

However, and I know the purist will mock me for this, I would like the Xdrive, about once a year I drive through snow and sleety conditions. Besides I'm slightly nervous about all that power coupled with my twitchy right foot, and the possibility of my rear end ending up in a ditch.

[racingmule]

Thanks folks, If I go for the 440i then I'll get winter tyres. I have read that winter tyres are more effective then AWD, and that the raised Xdrive suspension does affect the handling.

They had a 2017 Valentino Orange (think burnt tanned orange) 440i coupe in the showroom, pre-reg and loaded at only £37k. The colour was a head turner but too loud for me.

[racingmule]

moffat said:

I thought the orange was a new LCI colour for the SE only? I know Snapper Rocks Blue is the new 4er M Sport colour.

Not enough colour choices for me.

Ideally I would have liked a dark metallic grey (like singapore grey), Imola red as I have now or metallic white (no longer on non-M's).

Grigio Telesto is my favourite colour, but not at £3500!!!

Yes the colour choices are really poor. Just looked up Grigio Telesto and wow, yes please. I wish they did more off black colours. I was told the Valentino Orange was a one off they did for the showroom.

I'm thinking about getting the car wrapped in a dark grey, I wonder if an aftermarket Grigio Telesto is possible.

I was also tempted by the white they had in the showroom with a body kit, though it was only a 430i :

[racingmule]

Thanks, I'll probably go for a 440i.

[racingmule]

Test drove a 435d xdrive today and I was very severely disappointed. In contrast to the refined 640d, the 435d was a clattery diesel and the ride didn't feel at all planted. In fact the car felt jumpy/bouncy when overtaking at speed, possibly due to the Xdrive.

Real shame as I really wanted to like the 435d with it's promise of low down torque. In fact it didn't even feel particularly pleasant to drive around town. I'm hoping I can find a 440i to test drive, otherwise I might have to look elsewhere (the Mercedes c43 is an option).

[racingmule]

I've decided reluctantly to go for the marque I was desperately trying to avoid. I test drove a twin turbo Mercedes C250d coupe and it blew me away. Felt like a 3 litre. I imagine the C300 petrol coupe is even better.

So it's either a c300 coupe or a 3 litre e-class coupe.

I think BMW need to up their game. The handling, design and interior quality really lets them down.

[racingmule]

moffat said:

A few things:

1. Avoid the C300h, has a dreadful diesel engine and the car WEIGHS too much
2. Drive the petrol C's first, the only decent example is the C43 or above
3. The bad handling only affects xDrive cars, certainly much better on the 440i
4. If you can't find a 440i drive a M240i to experience the engine (that's what I did)
5. The interior can be made as good as or better than the C Class if you spec it right e.g. Merino leather and leather dash

Thanks Moffat - I'll keep an eye out for a m240i if I can't find a 440i to test drive. Shame about the Xdrive, makes the car feel unsafe at speed.

Regards the Merc C class, yes the C300h is the saloon diesel hybrid, awful. Whereas the C300 is the petrol 2 litre coupe. Supposed to be punchy.

But ofcourse the C43 3 litre petrol is the sweet one. It's so difficult to find petrol cars to test drive. Even merc only had the diesel versions as demos.

Edited by racingmule on Thursday 27th April 17:42

[racingmule]

If you scroll through this thread there's a link & contact details for a BMW dealer offering a discount of £36k - and two month lead time.