BMW 640d - Dailly Commuter
Discussion
I started a new job just over 2 months ago which requires 2-3 days a week in the office, I've ended up buying two different cars for the purpose of commuting and long story short both have been a disaster. In my naivety I assumed a fairly cheap, 100k French car would do the trick. Clearly not.
So last week I began hunting for something comfortable, capable of good fuel economy, didn't have to be fast but interesting at least. Also, given the issues I've had with traders, relatively and without question, German built!!
Deliberated over a Merc CLS but most of the 2nd gen don't have three back seats, E Class I'm always mindful of being an ex-cab, 5 series didn't tickle my pickle but the 6 series did and the Gran Coupe offered the practicality, so I went on the hunt.
I found this very lovely example 10 minutes from where my office is. It's a 2013 BMW 640d Gran Coupe M-Sport with 83k on the clock. I will be honest, I'm not sure on which options are ticked on it as it's a well spec'd car as standard but it is in Deep Sea Blue with an ivory white interior.
Main criteria for a commuter was decent fuel economy, comfort and a bit interesting. I think this ticks the boxes.
First impressions. It's more comfortable than my 08 650 and I'd say it's equally fast if not faster. I was a bit shocked by how well it moves for a car that's over 15ft long. The interior is lovely, it's just at that tipping point where screens started to dominate so it has a decent looking iDrive screen but analogue dials with digital bits integrated with them.
Also, the more I look at it the better looking it seems. Compared to some modern BMWs it's actually a very subtle looking car but has some real presence. It's deceptively massive as when you're in it, it doesn't feel like a big car.
So, let's hope it's reliable and capable of a few miles. I'll probably be doing 12k a year commuting plus a few local miles but I think this will do the job!!
So last week I began hunting for something comfortable, capable of good fuel economy, didn't have to be fast but interesting at least. Also, given the issues I've had with traders, relatively and without question, German built!!
Deliberated over a Merc CLS but most of the 2nd gen don't have three back seats, E Class I'm always mindful of being an ex-cab, 5 series didn't tickle my pickle but the 6 series did and the Gran Coupe offered the practicality, so I went on the hunt.
I found this very lovely example 10 minutes from where my office is. It's a 2013 BMW 640d Gran Coupe M-Sport with 83k on the clock. I will be honest, I'm not sure on which options are ticked on it as it's a well spec'd car as standard but it is in Deep Sea Blue with an ivory white interior.
Main criteria for a commuter was decent fuel economy, comfort and a bit interesting. I think this ticks the boxes.
First impressions. It's more comfortable than my 08 650 and I'd say it's equally fast if not faster. I was a bit shocked by how well it moves for a car that's over 15ft long. The interior is lovely, it's just at that tipping point where screens started to dominate so it has a decent looking iDrive screen but analogue dials with digital bits integrated with them.
Also, the more I look at it the better looking it seems. Compared to some modern BMWs it's actually a very subtle looking car but has some real presence. It's deceptively massive as when you're in it, it doesn't feel like a big car.
So, let's hope it's reliable and capable of a few miles. I'll probably be doing 12k a year commuting plus a few local miles but I think this will do the job!!
Looks good. I always like the shape, but it is just a bit too large for me. I have a 66 plate 335d, which has never missed a beat. I stick to Shell diesel, but it does like a tankful of BP ultimate diesel now and again. If you want to use runflats, i recommend Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 HRS.
Ruskie said:
Remap for extra ponies and extra MPG 
This engine certainly appears to be very responsive to a re-map. Just software alone sees about 370bhp and 510lbs-ft. I'll see how the mpg goes for now, I'll bung it in Eco mode on Monday and take it to the office. I'm not hugely worried about performance as it really shifts for what it is.
Pica-Pica said:
Looks good. I always like the shape, but it is just a bit too large for me. I have a 66 plate 335d, which has never missed a beat. I stick to Shell diesel, but it does like a tankful of BP ultimate diesel now and again. If you want to use runflats, i recommend Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 HRS.
It is a big old thing. Luckily where I park at work, we have our own car park and the spaces are pretty generous. Plus I get in early so there is one very nice, tucked away space. I will likely put V-Power in most of the time or at least every other fill up. Especially it's £1.93 a litre. Thing is when I was starting this new job I was expected in 5 days a week but in reality it's turned out to be 3 days at most so if I can get 50mpg I'm happy. Noted on the run flats mate. I don't believe it has them any more but will check today. The reason why I suspect they're been ditched is that someone has had the sense to buy a spare wheel for it. Admittedly, it's on a matt in the middle of the boot but it does mean I can swap to a spare wheel which it otherwise wouldn't have had!
That's lovely and another 6 series in Deep Sea Blue Metallic. I've just bought an E63 635d in the same colour; it's stunning when it's fully washed/polished and in the sun 
I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
Nice purchase, I'm really regretting getting mine in black as all I see are the little scratches and imperfections! I think the 640d shifts the weight better than the 640i like mine, but I do nowhere near enough mileage to justify a diesel! I'm slowly working through all the kinks of older car ownership, diff mounts, engine mounts, water pump etc but its such a nice car to drive. Enjoy!
danb79 said:
That's lovely and another 6 series in Deep Sea Blue Metallic. I've just bought an E63 635d in the same colour; it's stunning when it's fully washed/polished and in the sun
I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
It is a lovely colour and really suits the car. Your E63 looks excellent too. I'm yet to wash it myself but there are a few little blemishes that will certainly polish out easily enough. Nothing wild and I suspect any marks will come off with a hand polish. I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
I have a Stratus Grey E64 but have a massive soft spot for the coupes though.
Will definitely be on the servicing. It was serviced a couple of months ago so about 1,500 miles ago. I'll be aiming to service every 8-9k miles. I need to double check the history to see if the gearbox was serviced.
dtulip8 said:
Nice purchase, I'm really regretting getting mine in black as all I see are the little scratches and imperfections! I think the 640d shifts the weight better than the 640i like mine, but I do nowhere near enough mileage to justify a diesel! I'm slowly working through all the kinks of older car ownership, diff mounts, engine mounts, water pump etc but its such a nice car to drive. Enjoy!
They do look slick in black though, I'm not sure the blue will be much better for showing dust and marks but both colours look good when they're clean. Definitely don't want a diesel if you're not doing regular long drives. The bulk of my driving is on the M5 so makes sense, the diesel does feel remarkably light in terms of getting up and moving but I suspect that's the torque. 7 5 7 said:
These have aged so well! Really nice OP
They have, the previous generation looks fairly dated now albeit quite unique with it's Bangle design but this one still looks to be completely modern. Even the interior feels modern, the only give away is that there are still manual controls!! Alex_225 said:
danb79 said:
That's lovely and another 6 series in Deep Sea Blue Metallic. I've just bought an E63 635d in the same colour; it's stunning when it's fully washed/polished and in the sun
I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
It is a lovely colour and really suits the car. Your E63 looks excellent too. I'm yet to wash it myself but there are a few little blemishes that will certainly polish out easily enough. Nothing wild and I suspect any marks will come off with a hand polish. I'd highly recommend servicing the car to within an inch of it's life - full engine flush, oil & filter change, maybe look to add Liqui Moly Ceratec as it does quieten and smoothen out the engine; exactly what it's designed to do. Diff fluid change, ZF8 service ASAP (unless it's already been done) and if it's not on RFTs already; then keep it that way, the ride is so much better without them (just have a decent tyre repair/inflator kit in the car at all times)
Looking forward to seeing how this progresses; bookmarked!
I have a Stratus Grey E64 but have a massive soft spot for the coupes though.
Will definitely be on the servicing. It was serviced a couple of months ago so about 1,500 miles ago. I'll be aiming to service every 8-9k miles. I need to double check the history to see if the gearbox was serviced.
I've already given my E63 a full decontamination and then polish with the DA; hard cut and then cut & finish. Took me a whole day and it absolutely knackered me out haha
danb79 said:
Lovely stuff - I service our cars every 6 months (oil & filter); just peace of mind, more so as x2 oil & filter changes is less than 1 tank of premium fuel, and more important!
I've already given my E63 a full decontamination and then polish with the DA; hard cut and then cut & finish. Took me a whole day and it absolutely knackered me out haha
Definitely can't hurt if you're using the car regularly. My 650 is due a fresh MOT and service in August, despite using it a little to go to work these last two months, I've only covered about 3,000 miles. I will likely SORN it for winter now I've got the 640 though. I'll aim for the 8k mark in this one though but I'll aim to service it before the winter this time round. I've already given my E63 a full decontamination and then polish with the DA; hard cut and then cut & finish. Took me a whole day and it absolutely knackered me out haha
I bet that was tiring but totally worth it. The warm weather doesn't make car washing entirely joyous but it's satisfying to get done. I bet yours is looking spot on with a full polish! Did you wax or coat it? I still love a wax.
Alex_225 said:
danb79 said:
Lovely stuff - I service our cars every 6 months (oil & filter); just peace of mind, more so as x2 oil & filter changes is less than 1 tank of premium fuel, and more important!
I've already given my E63 a full decontamination and then polish with the DA; hard cut and then cut & finish. Took me a whole day and it absolutely knackered me out haha
Definitely can't hurt if you're using the car regularly. My 650 is due a fresh MOT and service in August, despite using it a little to go to work these last two months, I've only covered about 3,000 miles. I will likely SORN it for winter now I've got the 640 though. I'll aim for the 8k mark in this one though but I'll aim to service it before the winter this time round. I've already given my E63 a full decontamination and then polish with the DA; hard cut and then cut & finish. Took me a whole day and it absolutely knackered me out haha
I bet that was tiring but totally worth it. The warm weather doesn't make car washing entirely joyous but it's satisfying to get done. I bet yours is looking spot on with a full polish! Did you wax or coat it? I still love a wax.
danb79 said:
Wax; Soft99 Fusso Dark - superb stuff when used sparingly
One of those waxes I keep meaning to try but not got round to. Big fan of the Dodo Juice waxes and Collinite 845 is a favourite. That said, the Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic wax (bottle not spray) is very good and super easy to use. Alex_225 said:
danb79 said:
Wax; Soft99 Fusso Dark - superb stuff when used sparingly
One of those waxes I keep meaning to try but not got round to. Big fan of the Dodo Juice waxes and Collinite 845 is a favourite. That said, the Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic wax (bottle not spray) is very good and super easy to use. https://www.amazon.co.uk/KOCHCHEMIE-Protectorwax-W...
I add it to an old snow foam canon, dilute it to the measurements and then apply it (avoiding the windscreen as best as I can); rinse and then towel dry. Similar to AGs Polar Seal really
First proper jaunt in the 6 today into the office. Was a lovely relaxing drive which is exactly what I needed. For the sake of MPG I tend to waft rather than hurry on the M5 but given this was my average in Eco mode, I think that's pretty respectable for a car this size and also this quick.
It seems to give 40mpg at 40-50mph when cold and the range/mpg improves as it warms up. Did 45 miles and had 20 miles more in the range by the time I arrived. I'd say there is probably 700 miles to a tank.
The only thing I would say is 8 gears feels unnecessary. Don't get me wrong the gear changes are quick and almost unnoticeable. If I'd been told it had a dual clutch transmission, I wouldn't have argued it. But when you want to gear down and you have to change three gears because it's trundling in 8th at 40mph, it seems daft. That said, maybe I'm just used to a 6 speed auto in my 650 that definitely doesn't try and save you fuel
Managed to get my head round most of the features inside. No touch screens which is nice but still a balance of digital screen vs analogue and a lot of fiddly menus, oh and avoid the voice command it is crap.
But it does have a handy hard drive built in and as someone who still buys CDs and rips them to high bitrate MP3s, it meant I could load it full of my go to artists. I can still play off a separate USB but I can update that on the fly a bit easier.
I believe the car has a stereo upgrade, not the Harmon Kardon one but it seemed to have one on the build sheet. Either way, it's got really good audio quality.
It seems to give 40mpg at 40-50mph when cold and the range/mpg improves as it warms up. Did 45 miles and had 20 miles more in the range by the time I arrived. I'd say there is probably 700 miles to a tank.
The only thing I would say is 8 gears feels unnecessary. Don't get me wrong the gear changes are quick and almost unnoticeable. If I'd been told it had a dual clutch transmission, I wouldn't have argued it. But when you want to gear down and you have to change three gears because it's trundling in 8th at 40mph, it seems daft. That said, maybe I'm just used to a 6 speed auto in my 650 that definitely doesn't try and save you fuel
Managed to get my head round most of the features inside. No touch screens which is nice but still a balance of digital screen vs analogue and a lot of fiddly menus, oh and avoid the voice command it is crap.
But it does have a handy hard drive built in and as someone who still buys CDs and rips them to high bitrate MP3s, it meant I could load it full of my go to artists. I can still play off a separate USB but I can update that on the fly a bit easier.
I believe the car has a stereo upgrade, not the Harmon Kardon one but it seemed to have one on the build sheet. Either way, it's got really good audio quality.
Alex_225 said:
I'm not sure on which options are ticked on it as it's a well spec'd car as standard but it is in Deep Sea Blue with an ivory white interior.
Very nice, I have the same engine in my 535d.It looks to be standard throughout, don't see any optional extras.
VIN build: https://bimmer.work/vin/d0083c042a053496875b0121cf...
Original brochure: https://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/0114/BMW_6S_Gran_Co...
Alex_225 said:
First proper jaunt in the 6 today into the office. Was a lovely relaxing drive which is exactly what I needed. For the sake of MPG I tend to waft rather than hurry on the M5 but given this was my average in Eco mode, I think that's pretty respectable for a car this size and also this quick.
It seems to give 40mpg at 40-50mph when cold and the range/mpg improves as it warms up. Did 45 miles and had 20 miles more in the range by the time I arrived. I'd say there is probably 700 miles to a tank.
The only thing I would say is 8 gears feels unnecessary. Don't get me wrong the gear changes are quick and almost unnoticeable. If I'd been told it had a dual clutch transmission, I wouldn't have argued it. But when you want to gear down and you have to change three gears because it's trundling in 8th at 40mph, it seems daft. That said, maybe I'm just used to a 6 speed auto in my 650 that definitely doesn't try and save you fuel
Managed to get my head round most of the features inside. No touch screens which is nice but still a balance of digital screen vs analogue and a lot of fiddly menus, oh and avoid the voice command it is crap.
But it does have a handy hard drive built in and as someone who still buys CDs and rips them to high bitrate MP3s, it meant I could load it full of my go to artists. I can still play off a separate USB but I can update that on the fly a bit easier.
I believe the car has a stereo upgrade, not the Harmon Kardon one but it seemed to have one on the build sheet. Either way, it's got really good audio quality.
Sounds all good; good album playing there too It seems to give 40mpg at 40-50mph when cold and the range/mpg improves as it warms up. Did 45 miles and had 20 miles more in the range by the time I arrived. I'd say there is probably 700 miles to a tank.
The only thing I would say is 8 gears feels unnecessary. Don't get me wrong the gear changes are quick and almost unnoticeable. If I'd been told it had a dual clutch transmission, I wouldn't have argued it. But when you want to gear down and you have to change three gears because it's trundling in 8th at 40mph, it seems daft. That said, maybe I'm just used to a 6 speed auto in my 650 that definitely doesn't try and save you fuel
Managed to get my head round most of the features inside. No touch screens which is nice but still a balance of digital screen vs analogue and a lot of fiddly menus, oh and avoid the voice command it is crap.
But it does have a handy hard drive built in and as someone who still buys CDs and rips them to high bitrate MP3s, it meant I could load it full of my go to artists. I can still play off a separate USB but I can update that on the fly a bit easier.
I believe the car has a stereo upgrade, not the Harmon Kardon one but it seemed to have one on the build sheet. Either way, it's got really good audio quality.
A few things I'd do - contact Rusty @ satnavupgrades.co.uk to get you sorted with the latest maps via USB
You won't need to upload music to the HDD unless you really want to; in our F31 with the HK system, everything I have plays via my mobile, via Bluetooth etc and shows on the screen when in Media and connected to 'External Devices'
And re the ZF8; it's a superb box and very much tuneable, xHP - if you wanted to go down that route. Having been out in an F30 330d that had the box remap plus a Stage 1, IMO it's well worth it. Something I was going to do with the F31 until I donated it to the wife, and she's happy with it as it is
I'll be getting a Stage 1 and xHP remap done to my 635d once I've overhauled the cooling system etc
OP, you will find the 8 gears fine, in fact you should not really notice them. If you want to go down two gears, say for a quick overtake, just knock the selector lever to the left into sport mode, that will dop you down two gears, and put the revs at around 2000, works superbly - just remember to knock it back to D. I have often left it in S, easily done with the smooth 6 engine.
I tried Eco mode, but i just leave it in comfort now and select sport as above if needed. Oh, i did not like the 'coasting' in eco mode, it feels odd, but you can turn that off in one of the menus. The speed warning chime is helpful, the default setting is 75 mph, but I have reset mine to 78mph.
I tried Eco mode, but i just leave it in comfort now and select sport as above if needed. Oh, i did not like the 'coasting' in eco mode, it feels odd, but you can turn that off in one of the menus. The speed warning chime is helpful, the default setting is 75 mph, but I have reset mine to 78mph.
Edited by Pica-Pica on Monday 20th July 14:54
QuartzDad said:
Alex_225 said:
I'm not sure on which options are ticked on it as it's a well spec'd car as standard but it is in Deep Sea Blue with an ivory white interior.
Very nice, I have the same engine in my 535d.It looks to be standard throughout, don't see any optional extras.
VIN build: https://bimmer.work/vin/d0083c042a053496875b0121cf...
Original brochure: https://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/0114/BMW_6S_Gran_Co...
danb79 said:
Sounds all good; good album playing there too
A few things I'd do - contact Rusty @ satnavupgrades.co.uk to get you sorted with the latest maps via USB
You won't need to upload music to the HDD unless you really want to; in our F31 with the HK system, everything I have plays via my mobile, via Bluetooth etc and shows on the screen when in Media and connected to 'External Devices'
And re the ZF8; it's a superb box and very much tuneable, xHP - if you wanted to go down that route. Having been out in an F30 330d that had the box remap plus a Stage 1, IMO it's well worth it. Something I was going to do with the F31 until I donated it to the wife, and she's happy with it as it is
I'll be getting a Stage 1 and xHP remap done to my 635d once I've overhauled the cooling system etc
Will definitely have a look into the maps updates. I tried the trip to work today and it was ok but can't hurt to get an update. A few things I'd do - contact Rusty @ satnavupgrades.co.uk to get you sorted with the latest maps via USB
You won't need to upload music to the HDD unless you really want to; in our F31 with the HK system, everything I have plays via my mobile, via Bluetooth etc and shows on the screen when in Media and connected to 'External Devices'
And re the ZF8; it's a superb box and very much tuneable, xHP - if you wanted to go down that route. Having been out in an F30 330d that had the box remap plus a Stage 1, IMO it's well worth it. Something I was going to do with the F31 until I donated it to the wife, and she's happy with it as it is
I'll be getting a Stage 1 and xHP remap done to my 635d once I've overhauled the cooling system etc
Music wise, I'm going to sound like a right tart but I have most of my music on my phone (MP3s) but I re-ripped my favourite artists to higher quality files. Those are the ones I've copied onto the HDD in the car, I've got a separate USB stick I'll play directly from. My phone is a good backup for playing from Bluetooth though.
What difference does a map on the gearbox make? I'm massively impressed with it already so I'm intrigued how it improves. Obviously a map on the engine would make a marked difference, huge chunk of power and torque. As it is this 640d is faster than my 650 petrol from the previous generation although doesn't sound as good! haha
Pica-Pica said:
OP, you will find the 8 gears fine, in fact you should not really notice them. If you want to go down two gears, say for a quick overtake, just knock the selector lever to the left into sport mode, that will dop you down two gears, and put the revs at around 2000, works superbly - just remember to knock it back to D. I have often left it in S, easily done with the smooth 6 engine.
I tried Eco mode, but i just leave it in comfort now and select sport as above if needed. Oh, i did not like the 'coasting' in eco mode, it feels odd, but you can turn that off in one of the menus. The speed warning chime is helpful, the default setting is 75 mph, but I have reset mine to 78mph.
Yeah I'm sure I'll get used to it in no time. Also as I'm doing the boring commute, I stuck it in Eco mode. I've found with most fairly modern autos, if you put them in Sport they tend to hold onto the gears in the same way I would if I was driving a manual. Not to thrash it but to benefit from engine braking and responsiveness. I found that when I drove a Merc GLC300 as well. I guess fuel efficiency is partly about maintaining rolling speeds. I tried Eco mode, but i just leave it in comfort now and select sport as above if needed. Oh, i did not like the 'coasting' in eco mode, it feels odd, but you can turn that off in one of the menus. The speed warning chime is helpful, the default setting is 75 mph, but I have reset mine to 78mph.
I wasn't sure if it coasted but I've had that feature in a VW hire car we had. It was ok until you're on a fairly steep motorway like the M5 past Bristol where you're having to brake to slow it down whilst it coasts in neutral. Will see how I fair on the way home. If I can still hit 50mpg+ in comfort mode then I'll be happy.
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