BMW 635D...how good?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm seriously thinking about getting a 635D but would really like to know how good they are from anyone with a bit of ownership experience?
It'd probably be a £12k ish car with around 100k miles on the clock. I do 80 miles per day round trip with a mixture of A and B roads / deal with ice and a bit of snow in the winter time too.
I'd be looking to pile on at least another 100k miles but are there any known big problems that will occur, if so, are they expensive to put right? I'm looking for reletively trouble free motoring that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. My other option is an Audi A5 3.0 TDi QUATTRO.
Cheers,
MHM
I'm seriously thinking about getting a 635D but would really like to know how good they are from anyone with a bit of ownership experience?
It'd probably be a £12k ish car with around 100k miles on the clock. I do 80 miles per day round trip with a mixture of A and B roads / deal with ice and a bit of snow in the winter time too.
I'd be looking to pile on at least another 100k miles but are there any known big problems that will occur, if so, are they expensive to put right? I'm looking for reletively trouble free motoring that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. My other option is an Audi A5 3.0 TDi QUATTRO.
Cheers,
MHM
motorheadman said:
Hi all,
I'm seriously thinking about getting a 635D but would really like to know how good they are from anyone with a bit of ownership experience?
It'd probably be a £12k ish car with around 100k miles on the clock. I do 80 miles per day round trip with a mixture of A and B roads / deal with ice and a bit of snow in the winter time too.
I'd be looking to pile on at least another 100k miles but are there any known big problems that will occur, if so, are they expensive to put right? I'm looking for reletively trouble free motoring that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. My other option is an Audi A5 3.0 TDi QUATTRO.
Cheers,
MHM
Well I own it's 5 series brother (2008 535D LCI Tourer). Performance is pretty mental for a diesel, the mid range acceleration is quite nuts and makes it perfect for long motorway drives. Very comfortable and has all the gadgets you want - bluetooth, sat nav, decent stereo, cruise control, xenon headlights, etc. I've had it just over 3 years and it's been very good but I'm going to sell it this year. It's coming up for around 75k miles and my main reasons for selling are paranoia about huge bills that could come about from here on.I'm seriously thinking about getting a 635D but would really like to know how good they are from anyone with a bit of ownership experience?
It'd probably be a £12k ish car with around 100k miles on the clock. I do 80 miles per day round trip with a mixture of A and B roads / deal with ice and a bit of snow in the winter time too.
I'd be looking to pile on at least another 100k miles but are there any known big problems that will occur, if so, are they expensive to put right? I'm looking for reletively trouble free motoring that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. My other option is an Audi A5 3.0 TDi QUATTRO.
Cheers,
MHM
Stuff to look for in high milers:-
DPF (diesel particulate filter) - known to clog up, BMW will want to replace the whole thing = 4 figure bill, indy might be able to remove and clean it.
Thermostats - know to start leaking round the seals meaning the engine never fully gets up to temperature. Won't run DPF regeneration if the engine isn't hot enough leading to the above.
Glow plugs - they fail but the computer doesn't tell you, guess what - failed glow plug = no DPF regen.
Swirl flaps - if you read to much on the Internet you'll convince yourself that these will disintegrate and destroy the engine + turbo. You can have them removed, I haven't, but I wouldn't like to say how big an issue these really are?
Injectors - can be a bit flaky, had 2 replaced on mine luckily under warranty, potential big bill otherwise.
Gear box - BMW say sealed for life, many other recommend an oil change at 75k. The ZF box is strong but if not maintained could generate some big bills.
Electrics - very complicated and much electronic stuff to go wrong. Get occasional odd warnings on mine like "Gear Box Selector Fault" but the selector is still working fine, had the "high battery discharge" one a few times, another odd one about not being able to read the key even though it was in the slot and the car was running! Other known issue with the tourer (so won't affect the 635) it the wiring going through the tailgate, already my heated rear screen doesn't work
So in my mind modern diesels and high mileage don't mix, but then again it may all just be paranoia brought about by motoring forums and my 535D should be good for at least 250k without any major failures. Who knows?
I intend to go back to petrol with my next car.
I purchased a 2010. 635d 2 half years ago with 75k it now has 105k ,service costs have been ok and the only reason I've had it serviced at a dealer is for resale value
I've always done my own spannering and like the previous posts my thermostats were shot at 90k ( common with the the 3.0 diesel
Genuine BMW items were 70 quid ,also I changed the glow plugs and controller a further 100 pounds, when I brought the car the amp was faulty so I replaced that as well
Tyres are non runflat bridgestones with some goo in the boot ,they seem to last 25k
I also had the gearbox oil and control solenods changed at 95 k. It wasn't totally necessary ,more preventative maintenance
Fuel is between 32 Town and 44 on a run
It's not the most practical car and you won't throw it around like a 335d but it's still fun to drive the interior is one of the best in a BMW ,there aren't many about and it looks and feels a bit special
Build quality is good , the body and interior still clean up well and it drives like a 40k car , another 100k should be achievable
,
Brakes can be expensive and I would get one with the later I drive and logic 7 stereo if you like your sounds
Go for a test drive and see if it's for you
I will probably buy a 640d next
I've always done my own spannering and like the previous posts my thermostats were shot at 90k ( common with the the 3.0 diesel
Genuine BMW items were 70 quid ,also I changed the glow plugs and controller a further 100 pounds, when I brought the car the amp was faulty so I replaced that as well
Tyres are non runflat bridgestones with some goo in the boot ,they seem to last 25k
I also had the gearbox oil and control solenods changed at 95 k. It wasn't totally necessary ,more preventative maintenance
Fuel is between 32 Town and 44 on a run
It's not the most practical car and you won't throw it around like a 335d but it's still fun to drive the interior is one of the best in a BMW ,there aren't many about and it looks and feels a bit special
Build quality is good , the body and interior still clean up well and it drives like a 40k car , another 100k should be achievable
,
Brakes can be expensive and I would get one with the later I drive and logic 7 stereo if you like your sounds
Go for a test drive and see if it's for you
I will probably buy a 640d next
Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 15th March 14:51
Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 15th March 16:03
Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 15th March 16:05
Edited by jayx73 on Tuesday 15th March 16:09
At 80 miles per day you won't have dpf issues, providing the engine has had high quality oil and filter changes and the rest of the car has been looked after you should be on a winner.
A BMW 3lt diesel will last well beyond 300k miles if as above. My 635d is low mileage at 38k, a 2010 reg Sport Edition with some of the M bits as fitted to the run out cars (last of the model). I intend to keep this car for many more years, I prefer the looks to the current 3 series look alike 640. Up to 45 mpg, comfortable motorway/ continental grand cruiser, not for throwing around, after all it does weigh 1.76 tons. Well appointed interior, all the goodies, good looks, great presence.
You may have picked up that I like my car.
A BMW 3lt diesel will last well beyond 300k miles if as above. My 635d is low mileage at 38k, a 2010 reg Sport Edition with some of the M bits as fitted to the run out cars (last of the model). I intend to keep this car for many more years, I prefer the looks to the current 3 series look alike 640. Up to 45 mpg, comfortable motorway/ continental grand cruiser, not for throwing around, after all it does weigh 1.76 tons. Well appointed interior, all the goodies, good looks, great presence.
You may have picked up that I like my car.
They are no more expensive to maintain than any other diesel BMW ,the technology is all the same just a different body
Have a read of the forums , thermostats and glow plugs are common on the diesels and as ZF say the gearboxes are not sealed for life .f
As for driving on ice and snow , anything with rwd and 275 section rear tyres will struggle , but the DSTC works well in the rain
Have a read of the forums , thermostats and glow plugs are common on the diesels and as ZF say the gearboxes are not sealed for life .f
As for driving on ice and snow , anything with rwd and 275 section rear tyres will struggle , but the DSTC works well in the rain
Edited by jayx73 on Thursday 17th March 06:41
Edited by jayx73 on Thursday 17th March 06:47
Well I've been running a 635D on a 10 plate since 2012 and I have to say I love the car. I bought it with 18,000 on the clock and is now coming up 31,000 so I don’t do a lot of miles. Technically I’ve had absolutely no issues with the car at all, although I did have a painful issue with a leak, exacerbated by the fact that I didn’t notice it for quite a while and I couldn’t understand why I was getting condensation inside the front and rear screen (durr). Turned out it was actually a plastic film that separates the door frame from the panel which I think hadn’t been glued on properly. BMW was pretty good and repaired it and also renewed the rear carpet gratis.
It was previously owned by BMW UK and my only annoyance is that it has every available option fitted except head-up display and Harmon Kardon sound - as it was owned by BMW I have no idea why they didn’t go the whole hog and put these on as well. I'd like the HUD but it's not a realistic after factory install.
The car's quick, very frugal (I get around 29 to 33 mpg around town and on a long run it will easily hit the high 40s). I very much like the cockpit and the fact that I can get four people in it. It’s true the back seats don’t give a huge amount of legroom but it’s plenty enough to ferry my two teenage kids around and would easily accommodate smaller adults for brief journeys. The boot is pretty cavernous and I find it exceptionally easy to drive with the seats being very comfortable and supportive.
I like the fact that you can either drive it like a gentleman’s carriage or as a sports car, it’s equally happy doing either. Every now and again I think about changing it and each time I just can’t do it. I’m well aware that plenty of people on Pistonheads (and more generally) think the car is pig ugly but I disagree. I like the aggressive front and actually find the old shape more attractive than its rather anodyne replacement (IMHO). Admittedly, it took a while to get used to the whale tail. As a car in London it’s also relatively rare, I don’t seem to see that many around. All in all, from my experience I can heartily recommend it.
Cheers…Rod
It was previously owned by BMW UK and my only annoyance is that it has every available option fitted except head-up display and Harmon Kardon sound - as it was owned by BMW I have no idea why they didn’t go the whole hog and put these on as well. I'd like the HUD but it's not a realistic after factory install.
The car's quick, very frugal (I get around 29 to 33 mpg around town and on a long run it will easily hit the high 40s). I very much like the cockpit and the fact that I can get four people in it. It’s true the back seats don’t give a huge amount of legroom but it’s plenty enough to ferry my two teenage kids around and would easily accommodate smaller adults for brief journeys. The boot is pretty cavernous and I find it exceptionally easy to drive with the seats being very comfortable and supportive.
I like the fact that you can either drive it like a gentleman’s carriage or as a sports car, it’s equally happy doing either. Every now and again I think about changing it and each time I just can’t do it. I’m well aware that plenty of people on Pistonheads (and more generally) think the car is pig ugly but I disagree. I like the aggressive front and actually find the old shape more attractive than its rather anodyne replacement (IMHO). Admittedly, it took a while to get used to the whale tail. As a car in London it’s also relatively rare, I don’t seem to see that many around. All in all, from my experience I can heartily recommend it.
Cheers…Rod
I was never particularly keen on the looks when I bought mine 5 years ago, but they do grow on you and have aged quite nicely IMHO. When you wash it, you notice a lot of very nice details. I am now at almost 150k and it seems to be wearing very well.
Like a previous poster, I am at a loss of what to replace it with that is noticeably better for what I need. The HUD was not important to me, but it is one of those extras that once you have had a car with it, you would really miss it.
Dynamic drive makes a big difference when cracking on. I would recommend the 6'er.
Like a previous poster, I am at a loss of what to replace it with that is noticeably better for what I need. The HUD was not important to me, but it is one of those extras that once you have had a car with it, you would really miss it.
Dynamic drive makes a big difference when cracking on. I would recommend the 6'er.
You have to realise thermostats are consumables on every vehicle. It just happens that on some diesels when they wear out it has knock on issues ie DPF not regenerating (but to change them isn't a lot).
On the miles you'll be doing it will be fine and naturally will regen when on those M way drives.
Certainly go for the HDD idrive if you can.
If it's got fresh discs and pads they should see you another 70k on pads and 120k ish on discs.
Tyres really wear well on BMWs in my experience
Personally I really like the 640d sport looks but that's not in budget
On the miles you'll be doing it will be fine and naturally will regen when on those M way drives.
Certainly go for the HDD idrive if you can.
If it's got fresh discs and pads they should see you another 70k on pads and 120k ish on discs.
Tyres really wear well on BMWs in my experience
Personally I really like the 640d sport looks but that's not in budget
I ran a 2010 635M Sport for a couple of years.
Very capable car, but oh so dull. Cabin very cramped in the rear and tech dated even in 2010...
Living in the North East Scotland we did see snow and the car was hopeless, as you would expect. Leave it at home.
Was 100% reliable but would not have another.
It's a cruiser so ok on an A road but no fun on a B road. Quite a bit bigger and heavier than you would think.
Very capable car, but oh so dull. Cabin very cramped in the rear and tech dated even in 2010...
Living in the North East Scotland we did see snow and the car was hopeless, as you would expect. Leave it at home.
Was 100% reliable but would not have another.
It's a cruiser so ok on an A road but no fun on a B road. Quite a bit bigger and heavier than you would think.
Helicopter123 said:
I ran a 2010 635M Sport for a couple of years.
Very capable car, but oh so dull. Cabin very cramped in the rear
It's a cruiser so ok on an A road but no fun on a B road. Quite a bit bigger and heavier than you would think.
I echo all of this and have a 640d, the Diesel engine doesn't help much with the enjoyment factor either and it's only real talent is cruising, you would hate the 640d even more because it's a fair bit heavier than the 635d. Very capable car, but oh so dull. Cabin very cramped in the rear
It's a cruiser so ok on an A road but no fun on a B road. Quite a bit bigger and heavier than you would think.
cerb4.5lee said:
I echo all of this and have a 640d, the Diesel engine doesn't help much with the enjoyment factor either and it's only real talent is cruising, you would hate the 640d even more because it's a fair bit heavier than the 635d.
Personally for a run of the mill car /non sports car I don't think there is a nicer rear end of a car in production today. Welshbeef said:
Personally for a run of the mill car /non sports car I don't think there is a nicer rear end of a car in production today.
I agree and the way the car looks is the favourite bit for me and it's not often that I've said that about a BMW, I really love the side profile too. You need to get one buddy in the future because I know how much you love the 535d so I think you would love it
I only bought mine in November, it was a spur of the moment impulse buy. I saw it on my local BMW forecourt and had to have it. What a revelation! 2010 635d Sport. Had it remapped and it's crazy fast. Previously had Audis, Mercs etc but this car wins hands down. I've never enjoyed a car so much. Wether it's a spirited hoon around Cornwalls twisties, a gentle trip away with my girlie or a rapid late night drive long distance.
This thread has been great, there's nothing I think I want to replace it with so I'm going to carry out all of the various recommendations re gearbox oil, thermostats, hoses etc.
I've been looking at XKR's, Maseratis, 997's etc. All at least twice the money. I think it may be a good idea then I look out the window and I don't think I could bear to say goodbye.... I adore the look of the facelift model. The bonnet looks mega and everything I have tested neither makes sense nor excites me the same. This car really does it all for me. I never see another here in Cornwall.
As for driving in the snow, I came home from London last weekend and it was fine. Just putting it out there: there were 80 people rescued at Okehampton. It was bloody carnage. We drove through most of them on our way home. I don't think it's the fault of the vehicle. Gentle inputs people, not revving the nuts off it!
Thanks to everyone who made the comments above. Great source of intelligent info :-)
This thread has been great, there's nothing I think I want to replace it with so I'm going to carry out all of the various recommendations re gearbox oil, thermostats, hoses etc.
I've been looking at XKR's, Maseratis, 997's etc. All at least twice the money. I think it may be a good idea then I look out the window and I don't think I could bear to say goodbye.... I adore the look of the facelift model. The bonnet looks mega and everything I have tested neither makes sense nor excites me the same. This car really does it all for me. I never see another here in Cornwall.
As for driving in the snow, I came home from London last weekend and it was fine. Just putting it out there: there were 80 people rescued at Okehampton. It was bloody carnage. We drove through most of them on our way home. I don't think it's the fault of the vehicle. Gentle inputs people, not revving the nuts off it!
Thanks to everyone who made the comments above. Great source of intelligent info :-)
mjmcleod said:
I only bought mine in November, it was a spur of the moment impulse buy. I saw it on my local BMW forecourt and had to have it. What a revelation! 2010 635d Sport. Had it remapped and it's crazy fast. Previously had Audis, Mercs etc but this car wins hands down. I've never enjoyed a car so much. Wether it's a spirited hoon around Cornwalls twisties, a gentle trip away with my girlie or a rapid late night drive long distance.
This thread has been great, there's nothing I think I want to replace it with so I'm going to carry out all of the various recommendations re gearbox oil, thermostats, hoses etc.
I've been looking at XKR's, Maseratis, 997's etc. All at least twice the money. I think it may be a good idea then I look out the window and I don't think I could bear to say goodbye.... I adore the look of the facelift model. The bonnet looks mega and everything I have tested neither makes sense nor excites me the same. This car really does it all for me. I never see another here in Cornwall.
As for driving in the snow, I came home from London last weekend and it was fine. Just putting it out there: there were 80 people rescued at Okehampton. It was bloody carnage. We drove through most of them on our way home. I don't think it's the fault of the vehicle. Gentle inputs people, not revving the nuts off it!
Thanks to everyone who made the comments above. Great source of intelligent info :-)
Interesting, mine was replaced by a 997 and I found that massively more enjoyable to actually drive, quicker, lighter, more connected. Each to their own I guess! This thread has been great, there's nothing I think I want to replace it with so I'm going to carry out all of the various recommendations re gearbox oil, thermostats, hoses etc.
I've been looking at XKR's, Maseratis, 997's etc. All at least twice the money. I think it may be a good idea then I look out the window and I don't think I could bear to say goodbye.... I adore the look of the facelift model. The bonnet looks mega and everything I have tested neither makes sense nor excites me the same. This car really does it all for me. I never see another here in Cornwall.
As for driving in the snow, I came home from London last weekend and it was fine. Just putting it out there: there were 80 people rescued at Okehampton. It was bloody carnage. We drove through most of them on our way home. I don't think it's the fault of the vehicle. Gentle inputs people, not revving the nuts off it!
Thanks to everyone who made the comments above. Great source of intelligent info :-)
Helicopter123 said:
I ran a 2010 635M Sport for a couple of years.
Living in the North East Scotland we did see snow and the car was hopeless, as you would expect. Leave it at home.
Any RWD car with proper winter tyres on is instantly transformed from hopeless into immense fun. Just go for the narrowest tyres allowed as per the manual.Living in the North East Scotland we did see snow and the car was hopeless, as you would expect. Leave it at home.
)rdysan said:
Well I've been running a 635D on a 10 plate since 2012 and I have to say I love the car. I bought it with 18,000 on the clock and is now coming up 31,000 so I don’t do a lot of miles. Technically I’ve had absolutely no issues with the car at all, although I did have a painful issue with a leak, exacerbated by the fact that I didn’t notice it for quite a while and I couldn’t understand why I was getting condensation inside the front and rear screen (durr). Turned out it was actually a plastic film that separates the door frame from the panel which I think hadn’t been glued on properly. BMW was pretty good and repaired it and also renewed the rear carpet gratis.
It was previously owned by BMW UK and my only annoyance is that it has every available option fitted except head-up display and Harmon Kardon sound - as it was owned by BMW I have no idea why they didn’t go the whole hog and put these on as well. I'd like the HUD but it's not a realistic after factory install.
The car's quick, very frugal (I get around 29 to 33 mpg around town and on a long run it will easily hit the high 40s). I very much like the cockpit and the fact that I can get four people in it. It’s true the back seats don’t give a huge amount of legroom but it’s plenty enough to ferry my two teenage kids around and would easily accommodate smaller adults for brief journeys. The boot is pretty cavernous and I find it exceptionally easy to drive with the seats being very comfortable and supportive.
I like the fact that you can either drive it like a gentleman’s carriage or as a sports car, it’s equally happy doing either. Every now and again I think about changing it and each time I just can’t do it. I’m well aware that plenty of people on Pistonheads (and more generally) think the car is pig ugly but I disagree. I like the aggressive front and actually find the old shape more attractive than its rather anodyne replacement (IMHO). Admittedly, it took a while to get used to the whale tail. As a car in London it’s also relatively rare, I don’t seem to see that many around. All in all, from my experience I can heartily recommend it.
Cheers…Rod
Hi. Do you still own this car. Just looking at getting a 635d in red and wondered if you still owned yours and had any problems..It was previously owned by BMW UK and my only annoyance is that it has every available option fitted except head-up display and Harmon Kardon sound - as it was owned by BMW I have no idea why they didn’t go the whole hog and put these on as well. I'd like the HUD but it's not a realistic after factory install.
The car's quick, very frugal (I get around 29 to 33 mpg around town and on a long run it will easily hit the high 40s). I very much like the cockpit and the fact that I can get four people in it. It’s true the back seats don’t give a huge amount of legroom but it’s plenty enough to ferry my two teenage kids around and would easily accommodate smaller adults for brief journeys. The boot is pretty cavernous and I find it exceptionally easy to drive with the seats being very comfortable and supportive.
I like the fact that you can either drive it like a gentleman’s carriage or as a sports car, it’s equally happy doing either. Every now and again I think about changing it and each time I just can’t do it. I’m well aware that plenty of people on Pistonheads (and more generally) think the car is pig ugly but I disagree. I like the aggressive front and actually find the old shape more attractive than its rather anodyne replacement (IMHO). Admittedly, it took a while to get used to the whale tail. As a car in London it’s also relatively rare, I don’t seem to see that many around. All in all, from my experience I can heartily recommend it.
Cheers…Rod
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