435d or 640d?

[mc_blue]

Hi all,

Sorry for the boring thread but interested in the relative merits of both. I will mainly be doing a mixture of local and motorway driving - around 15000 miles pa and it will be a company car probably on contract hire.

435d

Pros

4 wheel drive
Quicker and smaller
Possibly a better drive

Cons

Relatively expensive on monthly lease
Quite common - the shape as opposed to this specific model

640d

Better looking?
Better interior
Better options including pana roof and B&O
More car for the money

Cons

Too big
Not as agile

[cringle]

Depends what you're after as you already know. I have a 640d at the moment, lovely cruiser, extremely refined but not something you can really throw about. Which is why I've ordered an M4! However if a cruiser is what you're after then you can't go wrong, also the cabin is a cut above the 4 series with lovely little touches and you usually get nice extras like soft close doors etc

[mc_blue]

M4 would be nice but probably a bit juicy for me driving up and down the motorway also comparatively expensive?

I think I'll have to test drive both the 4 and 6 then report back here.

[JNW1]

mc_blue said:

M4 would be nice but probably a bit juicy for me driving up and down the motorway also comparatively expensive?

I think I'll have to test drive both the 4 and 6 then report back here.

Pity Alpina don't appear to do a D4 as I suspect that would fit your requirements quite nicely! A D3 would almost certainly be a better car to drive than either a 435d or a 640d but it's a saloon or a touring if you go that route; I guess the discount available would also be rather less than with a "normal" BMW model.

[Jon1967x]

See your point, 4 is still selling at top dollar, the 6 is now heavily discounted. I've a 6 gran coupe and the 6 is in a different class to the older 3 coupes I've owned and the current 3 saloon I've driven, but the 6 is BIG. Personally, and I did, go for the 6, its more distinctive, will always be less common, and for all but the most spirited drives probably better.

[bad company]

I am looking at similar cars as the lease on my 640d Convertible ends in May. Looking another the same or a 435 Convertible.

The Audi S5 is also worth a look. Nice looking, fast and sounds great.

[Tea Pot One]

I was thinking 435d but looking at the prices for the 640d I think I would be seriously tempted. I hated the old 6 series and love the new one ... but they are big !! I would suggest they are better value for money at the moment but that is relative as neither are exactly cheap !

[Wills2]

640d would be my choice, see if you can sit in them side by side as it were, night and day in terms of interior.

The 4 series looks like they lifted the interior from the 1 series which is crazy for a 40-50k car.

[PhilRS]

Horses for courses: 640d is an extremely comfortable/frugal GT that can be considerably tightened for "spirited driving." My other car is a Porsche Cup so this solves the equation nicely for me. The era of the "ideal compromise" is definitely behind us in my view.

BTW buy a 640d with active suspension & B&O. Both are worthwhile for enjoyment. Panoramic sunroof makes the cabin less clautrophobic (roofline is low as standard).

[anonymous-user]

I have a 640d Gran Coupe, and I love it, it's a great drive, and the interior is superb - far,far nicer than the 4.

However, it is big, long and wide, and it's very clearly a GT. I'd imagine the 435 to be somewhat more nimble.

[bad company]

I have been using a 640d convertible for nearly 2 years. It's a great drive, fast and frugal. As previously stated the only downside for me is its size. Don't know how I would cope without the front & rear parking aids.

[mc_blue]

Wills2 said:

640d would be my choice, see if you can sit in them side by side as it were, night and day in terms of interior.

The 4 series looks like they lifted the interior from the 1 series which is crazy for a 40-50k car.

Agree with this - the 4 Series interior isn't all that but would certainly be improved by Individual leather (not yet an option though). This with the red plastic does not impress me - to be honest I think my E92 interior looks more resolved and is better made.

[Wills2]

mc_blue said:

Agree with this - the 4 Series interior isn't all that but would certainly be improved by Individual leather (not yet an option though). This with the red plastic does not impress me - to be honest I think my E92 interior looks more resolved and is better made.

I was really disappointed with the interior not just design but the quality of the materials and the feel of the switch gear "cheap" was the word that sprung to mind.

I agree the e92 is better quality.

[bad company]

Another consideration for me is that we want to be able to carry our bikes. The 4 series can be specified with a retractable tow bar but the 6 in M Sport mode apparently cannot.

[mc_blue]

I know I'm in BMW here but is the Cayman an option? I need to decide if two seats is viable enough for me then think this could be in with a shout for something completely different.

[Wills2]

The new one is fabulous.

[anonymous-user]

Interesting you should say that - I thought it was utterly bereft of any personality. Sure, it handles brilliantly, and goes quite well, but the engine is soulless, and it was IMO, very sterile.

And of course it still looks very dated, an awful looking thing.

[Foretrees]

i would give the 640d a series consideration in terms of current value for money, looks and grunt, however it depends on what you need, i travel around 400 miles a week and really enjoy everything about the car. the 4 also looks great and an M4 will be next on my list come the time, good luck!

[mc_blue]

Sorry to all the BMW fans out there - I've defected and bought a Porsche Cayman S. Not the sensible choice (compared to 435d or 640d) but fantastic in every way and what do you work for otherwise!

[JNW1]

mc_blue said:

Sorry to all the BMW fans out there - I've defected and bought a Porsche Cayman S. Not the sensible choice (compared to 435d or 640d) but fantastic in every way and what do you work for otherwise!

It's not a rehearsal so good on you! The BMW oil burners make sense if you're doing lots of long distance miles but as driving machines they're not a patch on a Cayman S - enjoy!