640d to 440i - have you, or would you?
Discussion
I've been using a F13 640d for my most-weekly 500-mile round trip commute. It's really good at it, fast on the motorway, reasonably fun on the windy A road bits, reassuring at overtaking on the straights, and a lovely place to spend 4 hours across the board. It does 36-38mpg for the trip.
But, it's nearly 12 years old and closing in on 100k, and stuff is starting to need fixing. Plus, I get a certain amount of diesel guilt, and it seems inelegant at best to have a 1800kg car to shift a single person if there's a viable alternative.
Everything I'd looked at previously was either too expensive or obviously not as good, but the 440i coupes are edging into the viable cost-to-change window, and they do look like they'd be as fast and close enough on the economy with the saving in petrol.
Does anyone have experience of both cars or especially of switching between the two? Main concerns are will the 440i feel cramped - I'm 6'3" and I have the seat fully back in the 640d, and does it feel as nice a place to sit? I'm not worried about boot space, and I think I can live with the slightly shorter range.
But, it's nearly 12 years old and closing in on 100k, and stuff is starting to need fixing. Plus, I get a certain amount of diesel guilt, and it seems inelegant at best to have a 1800kg car to shift a single person if there's a viable alternative.
Everything I'd looked at previously was either too expensive or obviously not as good, but the 440i coupes are edging into the viable cost-to-change window, and they do look like they'd be as fast and close enough on the economy with the saving in petrol.
Does anyone have experience of both cars or especially of switching between the two? Main concerns are will the 440i feel cramped - I'm 6'3" and I have the seat fully back in the 640d, and does it feel as nice a place to sit? I'm not worried about boot space, and I think I can live with the slightly shorter range.
I think you will miss the quality feel that you get in the 6 series.
I have a 640d GC as my daily car and generally do 250-500 miles a week myself and sit there in comfort plodding along enjoying the nice interior and effortless driving style of the car.
In August last year I was given an M4 Comp as a courtesy car whilst mine had some bodywork attended to and whilst it was a superb car to drive it didn't feel that special inside part from the seats and engine. It was just like my F31 that I part exchanged for the 6 series albeit rather quick but I don't think the black on black colour scheme helped either.
So try a 4 series, you might like it or you might think it is a bit of a step down.
I have a 640d GC as my daily car and generally do 250-500 miles a week myself and sit there in comfort plodding along enjoying the nice interior and effortless driving style of the car.
In August last year I was given an M4 Comp as a courtesy car whilst mine had some bodywork attended to and whilst it was a superb car to drive it didn't feel that special inside part from the seats and engine. It was just like my F31 that I part exchanged for the 6 series albeit rather quick but I don't think the black on black colour scheme helped either.
So try a 4 series, you might like it or you might think it is a bit of a step down.
I am on my second 640d GC. I had a 2013 one owned for 4 years and currently own a 2018 LCI version which I have had for the last 3 years. I had a 4 series GC while my previous one was in for some cosmetic repairs albeit it a 430d. It was okay but it felt very low rent compared to the 6 and I was very happy to get my car back. I am thinking of a change but nothing comes close for the money. I keep looking at petrol 8 series both coupe and GC (I realise these are not smaller than the 6) but even in coupe form I don't think 8 is as nice as the 6 to look at and when I drove an 840i (a dealer lent more for the weekend) it actually felt a bit flat in everyday driving compared to the 640d..
Thanks both, that was roughly what I was thinking. I've had a 66 plate 330d rental and that felt noticeably lower rent, but I had seen the suggestion that 4 series were a bit nicer than 3s.
The 640d is absurdly effective at what it does. It's pretty impressive work for BMW that there's still no obvious improved replacement for a 12-year-old car.
The 640d is absurdly effective at what it does. It's pretty impressive work for BMW that there's still no obvious improved replacement for a 12-year-old car.
E63eeeeee... said:
Thanks both, that was roughly what I was thinking. I've had a 66 plate 330d rental and that felt noticeably lower rent, but I had seen the suggestion that 4 series were a bit nicer than 3s.
The 640d is absurdly effective at what it does. It's pretty impressive work for BMW that there's still no obvious improved replacement for a 12-year-old car.
The 4 is exactly like a 3, there is no discernible difference other than the shape.The 640d is absurdly effective at what it does. It's pretty impressive work for BMW that there's still no obvious improved replacement for a 12-year-old car.
Having had a couple of 3 Series in the past and now a 5 Series there is quite a big jump in how they drive. For what you describe I wouldn't go to a 4, for the seats alone but also the long distance refinement.
I used to have a F13 640d and I've now got a F82 M4. The 640d did have a lovely interior for sure, but the M4 is miles better to drive though for me(the 640d always felt big/heavy and it had one of the worst EPAS that I've ever used). The 4 series interior does feel low rent after the 6 series to be fair.
I did 20k in a my 640d and it was the interior that was the best and the mpg. Drove a friends M4 also like someone else on here and the interior didn’t feel as luxurious. Obviously was a much much more exciting drive but for everyday and 500miles per week you can’t beat the 6. The 640 didn’t feel and solid as the older 635d (more chunky e39 type drive) so I sold mine and bought a late 35d. Worse on fuel but more fun to drive and nicer heavier steering. The 640d almost has an electric car vibe as it’s effortless but a little bland imo.
The 8 is too far a stretch for me so I’m thinking Panamera next for my daily commute. Will get an 8 one day..
The 8 is too far a stretch for me so I’m thinking Panamera next for my daily commute. Will get an 8 one day..
Unfortunately, much as it looks like a great car, the M4 probably isn't a viable option. Apart from Cat something cars they're about three times what the 640d is worth, consumption looks like low 30s, and with the M tax on top that's not going to add up. I do occasionally try to come up with a way to make an M2 work, but I think that would have to be if the next job has a shorter commute, the M cars normally hold their value pretty well, but I think putting 1500-2000 miles a month on them would mean losing a fair bit in depreciation too.
E63eeeeee... said:
Unfortunately, much as it looks like a great car, the M4 probably isn't a viable option. Apart from Cat something cars they're about three times what the 640d is worth, consumption looks like low 30s, and with the M tax on top that's not going to add up. I do occasionally try to come up with a way to make an M2 work, but I think that would have to be if the next job has a shorter commute, the M cars normally hold their value pretty well, but I think putting 1500-2000 miles a month on them would mean losing a fair bit in depreciation too.
Yes and I wasn't suggesting the M4, I was just trying to give you an idea because I'd moved into a very similar car to the 440i in terms of size/weight and interior quality(or lack of!). 
The M Tax is booting me on the backside for its next service as you mention, so I've temporarily fell out with the bloody thing being completely honest as well!
Have a 2016 640d, in my opinion it feels much more special inside than the equivalent age 3 or 4 series. I think it looks better than the 4 series gran coupe too, although the 4 series coupe (non gran) does look nice.
Take a 4 for a drive, it'll be more fun and it'll sound better that's for sure. But for the motorway miles the 640 wins in my view.
I keep toying with getting something newer but the 640d does things so well. Would like an 8 series one day but the cost difference is vast and I'm not really sure it's enough of an upgrade to justify it.
Take a 4 for a drive, it'll be more fun and it'll sound better that's for sure. But for the motorway miles the 640 wins in my view.
I keep toying with getting something newer but the 640d does things so well. Would like an 8 series one day but the cost difference is vast and I'm not really sure it's enough of an upgrade to justify it.
Speed1283 said:
I keep toying with getting something newer but the 640d does things so well. Would like an 8 series one day but the cost difference is vast and I'm not really sure it's enough of an upgrade to justify it.
I'd love an 8 series one day as well and they always turn my head when I see one. I've not been following the prices of them though, but I'd imagine them to be still expensive. They seem quite rare too I reckon. I went from an E63 645 to an F32 D4. Leaving aside the engine & ride because the Alpina is by design a league or more ahead, the 6 has more presence and is more unique on the road. My D4 is white and I've losty count of the number of times I went to the wrong car in the work car park. Inside, they're both a "standard" BWM cabin and as they were my 3rd & 4th BMWs respectively I didn't really notice much of a change.
I'm 6' 2" and "powerfully built" and I don't feel cramped in a 4 series cabin. I don't remember having the seat right back in the 6 and I don't in the 4, but I do have them quite low down so that might make a difference. I will say that there isn't room behind me for an adult in the 4, but 6 was really a 2+2 anyway. The boot is a bit narrower but not much and in reality you probably wouldn't notice, execpt for the loss of the hatch back.
I know I'm biased but I am going to say it anyway, if you are considering a 440 for the driving you do I would have a look at an Alpina B4 or D4. 2nd hand prices are there or there abouts the same and the engine and ride deserve the reputation they have. I was looking for a 3 or 4 40d when I changed because I was getting 28mpg from my 6 on a 280mile / week commute and I had the same thoughts the OP did. The Alpina I bought popped up as recommended on AT and I haven't looked back. The only thing I miss from my 645 is the V8 engine note and the D4 gets pretty close when I'm hustling. 4 hours pass in the blink of an eye and it has that special car appeal that a 6 brings. At the same time a colleague with a similar build bought an M4 and handed it back after 6 months as he couldn't get on with the ride.
When you go for sunday lunch a 440 wears M & S lingerie under the Per Una clothing, an M4 wears an Ann Summers corset top over leather trousers and a B4 wears Agent Provecteur under a cashmere dress.
I'm 6' 2" and "powerfully built" and I don't feel cramped in a 4 series cabin. I don't remember having the seat right back in the 6 and I don't in the 4, but I do have them quite low down so that might make a difference. I will say that there isn't room behind me for an adult in the 4, but 6 was really a 2+2 anyway. The boot is a bit narrower but not much and in reality you probably wouldn't notice, execpt for the loss of the hatch back.
I know I'm biased but I am going to say it anyway, if you are considering a 440 for the driving you do I would have a look at an Alpina B4 or D4. 2nd hand prices are there or there abouts the same and the engine and ride deserve the reputation they have. I was looking for a 3 or 4 40d when I changed because I was getting 28mpg from my 6 on a 280mile / week commute and I had the same thoughts the OP did. The Alpina I bought popped up as recommended on AT and I haven't looked back. The only thing I miss from my 645 is the V8 engine note and the D4 gets pretty close when I'm hustling. 4 hours pass in the blink of an eye and it has that special car appeal that a 6 brings. At the same time a colleague with a similar build bought an M4 and handed it back after 6 months as he couldn't get on with the ride.
When you go for sunday lunch a 440 wears M & S lingerie under the Per Una clothing, an M4 wears an Ann Summers corset top over leather trousers and a B4 wears Agent Provecteur under a cashmere dress.
Collectingbrass said:
At the same time a colleague with a similar build bought an M4 and handed it back after 6 months as he couldn't get on with the ride.
The ride is my biggest gripe in the M4 as well, although the ride was also crap in the F13 640d because of the runflats and the 20" wheels too. I'd love to try an Alpina because I always read good things about the ride in them.
Thanks, the Alpina is definitely an interesting shout. I've always liked the idea behind the Alpinas, it was basically what I was looking for with the 550i, but I'm not usually a massive fan of the styling additions. That said, there's a stunning green D4 on Motors, which I think would do very nicely if I wasn't trying to get away from diesel. I'll definitely keep an eye out for a B4, couldn't see one for sale anywhere at the moment. The other nice thing about Alpinas is that they seem to hold value well with higher mileage.
I'm a bit meh about the 8 series. I've only seen a couple on the road and they do look really smart close up, but a bit forgettable from a distance and I prefer the 6 for reasons I can't really put my finger on. They're also definitely too expensive for now. I never really envisioned buying a coupe for practical reasons before until the 640d turned out to be so obviously the right answer, but I don't think I'd be able to justify it without the commute, so I'll probably end up going back down to one expensive practical and vaguely sensible car, and some cheap fun cars, not sure an 8 is ever likely to fit into that model.
I'm a bit meh about the 8 series. I've only seen a couple on the road and they do look really smart close up, but a bit forgettable from a distance and I prefer the 6 for reasons I can't really put my finger on. They're also definitely too expensive for now. I never really envisioned buying a coupe for practical reasons before until the 640d turned out to be so obviously the right answer, but I don't think I'd be able to justify it without the commute, so I'll probably end up going back down to one expensive practical and vaguely sensible car, and some cheap fun cars, not sure an 8 is ever likely to fit into that model.
Just seen this and I'm in the same boat. Been thinking of getting something newer than my 12 640d like either a 440 GC or 840d or even an M3. I have a F30 330i and whilst the 3 is nice to chuck around, the interior is noticably worse. I can't think of anything else to get as the F3x are not as nice inside.
May just wait a few years for the 840d to be a more realistic price for me.
May just wait a few years for the 840d to be a more realistic price for me.
I'm also in the same boat due to ULEZ....owned my 640d for over 5 years and 50K miles now and can't think of anything I want to change to.
My thinking sways between M235/240, 435/440, M4, Audi TTS, Mercedes CLA45 but I'm getting nowhere!
None of them seem to justify the (at least) double price difference between existing 640 and whatever I move to (except maybe an M4, but then fuel economy sways the thinking)
My thinking sways between M235/240, 435/440, M4, Audi TTS, Mercedes CLA45 but I'm getting nowhere!
None of them seem to justify the (at least) double price difference between existing 640 and whatever I move to (except maybe an M4, but then fuel economy sways the thinking)
river_rat said:
None of them seem to justify the (at least) double price difference between existing 640 and whatever I move to (except maybe an M4, but then fuel economy sways the thinking)
That is what I love so much about the 640d too, and you get so much car for the money. Fuel wise the 640d did 40mpg overall, and the M4 is doing 29mpg overall. 29mpg is decent enough for the performance that the M4 offers I think...well a lot better than the 17/18mpg that the E92 M3 offered me anyway! cerb4.5lee said:
That is what I love so much about the 640d too, and you get so much car for the money. Fuel wise the 640d did 40mpg overall, and the M4 is doing 29mpg overall. 29mpg is decent enough for the performance that the M4 offers I think...well a lot better than the 17/18mpg that the E92 M3 offered me anyway!
Interesting as I went from an E92 M3 to the 640 after getting fed up using a full tank of fuel every week! Still not sure I 'need' the performance of an M4 for my commute though, the 640 is plenty quick enough 90% of the time.river_rat said:
Interesting as I went from an E92 M3 to the 640 after getting fed up using a full tank of fuel every week! Still not sure I 'need' the performance of an M4 for my commute though, the 640 is plenty quick enough 90% of the time.
The E92 M3 certainly does like a drink as you say! I used to really enjoy the mid range overtaking quality with the 640, plus strangers would always give me a positive comment about it(more than any car I've had to be honest).
The performance of the M4 is laugh out loud for me, and I just love how you can either just ride the torque with minimal revs for overtakes, or absolutely floor it and use the revs. The engine is just ace in my opinion and it really is the best of both worlds I reckon.
Like you mention with the performance of the M4, you do sometimes feel a bit like a caged animal in it though, and the only way to really enjoy it is to turn a blind eye to speed limits/risk your licence. Obviously that isn't ideal to be fair.
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