05-15-2017, 11:30 PM | #1 |
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A used 640 convertible - Questions
Hi,
The Mrs and I have recently acquired a brand new X5 as a family car, and I really loved the overall experience, so much so that I am looking to change my own personal car (a lexus) to either a 6 or 4 convertible. The lexus drives like a tank, never broke down, and genuinely a solid reliable car. As with all budget constraints, I am leaning towards a 2011/12 640 convertible or a more recent 16 430/440 convertible. I am a bit of a aesthetic modder, and really love the 6 series in terms of how it looks over the more docile looking 4. I got a few queries. 1) Reliability of a 6 series, vs a 3/5 series. 2) The soft top convertible. I had driven a 2012 audi soft top and it leaked, and am genuinely fearful of a soft top, which is why the 4 is considered. Although I heard that the next 4 will be soft top as well, due to driving dynamics. 3) Parts for after market modding. There seems to be an equal balance of M Sport vs non Msport models in Australia. Are after market parts such as the m sport front bumper, and m performance kidney grills and mirrors, readily available? I am based in Australia, but I am happy to hear comments from around the globe. Thanks in advance.
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05-16-2017, 03:32 PM | #2 |
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1) Not sure about the 3-er, but the 6 and 5 are practically identical as far as reliability goes. Avoid the N63 engines and look for either a N55 (6 cyl) or N63tu (8 cyl). Not sure about model years where you live but here in the U.S., current 6 started in 2012 for the convertible.
2) Why not look into a coupe to avoid potential long term soft top issues? 3) Mod parts (lips, diffusers) are generally available for M-sport models with very few to no options for base models General consensus is that most newer model BMW's will never compare to a Lexus as far as being low maintenance and super reliable. Between the wife and I, we've had 2 Lexus', 1 MB and 4 BMW's in about 7 years so I know how reliable Lexus' are. The Lexus' were the only cars we've felt comfortable owning past 100k miles. That being said, we still love our beemers and would never trade them in for a Lexus. |
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05-16-2017, 05:58 PM | #3 |
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Cheers Ndinh. That's good feedback, and I appreciate you taking time to craft it.
Noted on the 6 cylinder engine, was reading about it as well. The only reason for convertible really is just pure experience, perhaps a dose of mid life crisis, coupled with something I would add on my bucket list
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05-16-2017, 06:05 PM | #4 |
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The coupe is not a substitute for the rag top. Nothing is. My '14 never leaked and so far neither has my '17.
If it's on your list, unless your crystal ball is highly accurate, what are you waiting for?? |
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05-16-2017, 08:07 PM | #5 |
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Hello!
1) In my honest opinion, for the 6 at least, reliability is good if you avoid the aforementioned engine; N55 is a very proven one . I always did hear from my friends how one should "bump" the engine to the next level when going for a convertible, nonetheless, as a bottom line. Maybe it has to do with the power-weight / sound combination? 2) All soft tops will have some lemons.. so be sure to get CPO or one that has at least some warranty left on it! It really depends on how the previous owner (if used) cared for it as well. My rule of thumb is never get a pre-owned convertible, unless I am sure the past owner was very meticulous with his/her car. My friend got a 440 convertible for the very same reason, and he loves it. 3) All M parts are easily accessible through both dealers/ECS/etc. and ebay! If you are making a non-M packaged car into an M though, it will cost you a fortune from painting (only to find that the paint color differs due to age) and installing. That being said, if you are seriously leaning towards the M-look, better off searching for an already M-packaged vehicle!
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BMW 640 xDrive Coupe M Sport - Carbon Black/Cinnamon, M Performance Exhaust, CF Tips & Mirror Caps
Other: Infiniti Q50S Hybrid, MB C300 4Matic (Gone), MB CLA45 AMG (Gone) Photo of 6: http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=21703133 |
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05-19-2017, 07:59 AM | #6 |
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Much appreciated guys ...
Think I am set on getting one. The hunt begins
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06-07-2017, 01:55 AM | #7 |
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I just pulled the trigger and gotten myself a 640i f12 convertible.
Will post pics upon collection. This is a non m sport model, and I am exploring the idea of changing the front bumper to the M Sport. Is that actually doable and has there been a thread on this? Thanks in advance
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06-07-2017, 01:53 PM | #8 | |
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Current: 2009 Nissan GT-R | 2012 Converted | Cobb Tuned | AMS Downpipes | Armytrix Exhaust | AFE Intakes
| Forgestar F14 + Pirelli P Zero 295/305 -- Past: 2011 550i ///M Sport | 2010 M6 Coupe | 2004 BMW M3 Convertible | 2003 BMW 330i |
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06-07-2017, 03:35 PM | #9 |
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As flamelaucher mentioned, for F10's, you had 2 choices, go OE and buy the bumper plus a bunch of hardware or go aftermarket and buy Mtech stuff for much cheaper, which included everything needed. Unfortunately, for all 6-series cars, your only option is to go OE if you want to swap out the bumpers. There's a bunch of stuff that you would need replacing so in the end, it may not be worth it to you.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_8446 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_8550 Also, you'll need new air ducts and a new impact absorber. You can find a bunch of used Msport bumpers on ebay ranging from $200-$500. Some may be easily fixed and then just buy the additional parts. There's a duraflex version but I'd steer clear from anything Duraflex. I think there's also a CF lip made for non-Msport bumpers as well. |
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06-11-2017, 04:44 AM | #11 |
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Leave it as it's meant to be!
I'm on my second F12 640i SE and I think it looks best in this form - classic 'corniche cruiser' looks. Don't know about Australia but the SE is much rearer than the M Sport up here and I don't think the aggressive stance of the latter suits the car. However, that's just my opinion and I'm obviously in the minority but that suits me fine! For info, the only faults I had with my first 6 were a failed window lift and a headlight unit (both covered by extended warranty) no faults on the current car. |
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06-11-2017, 03:32 PM | #12 |
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Thanks Jon D. I appreciate the comment.
I have been always a tinkerer since my younger days, and as I get older, time becomes scarece, less adventurous, and that seems to evolve gradually to OFFFICIAL packages, to now the middle-aged-crisis convertible, which I am now seeing even lesser need for tinkering. :P But there is always a spark inside me that wants to change the grille to black grills, change the wheels to ride on 22, and slap on a few CF parts here and there. I am likely keeping as a weekend car anyway, under covers, for a few years. As also promised, the below is a pic of the car sitting pretty at the front. In the background, you will see the X5 as well r
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Last edited by Tripperhappy; 06-11-2017 at 09:07 PM.. |
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06-12-2017, 02:31 PM | #13 |
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My first 640i was on 20's and I rapidly tired of the crashy ride. I bought a set of 18" winter tyres and couldn't believe the improvements in ride, handling and steering feedback.
When I bought my new car last September I had no hesitation in ordering it with 18's - might not look quite as cool, but the car is a supremely comfortable long distance cruiser and combined with the adaptive drive plus variable dampers, it's as much of a flat-cornering sports car I could ever want. |
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06-12-2017, 06:27 PM | #14 | |
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I am ok with the harsher ride, but the tyre roar and the soft top convertible do let in more noise than my lexus. But the pull and acceleration of the 640 vs my lexus is quite stark.
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06-13-2017, 02:51 PM | #15 | |
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Talking of Lexus, I just drove the LC500 Sport+ - never knew steering, throttle response, ride and handling could be that good. I'm keenly awaiting the new 8 series but it'll have to be pretty special to beat the Lexus - amazing attention to engineering detail, only problem is that Japanese bling! |
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06-14-2017, 12:24 AM | #16 | |
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The Lexus LC500 is pretty good looking. If only Lexus did convertibles (besides the hideous LC250), I would have given them a second look. That said, the newly announced BMW 6 GT - wow, that's quite hideous too. I am happy to have not waited out on a new 6.
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06-14-2017, 04:05 AM | #17 |
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Hi Tripperhappy! Nice to see another Aussie on here. Beautiful car by the way, looks very crisp in white. I too just bought my wife a new white X5!
I'm 2 years into owning my MY14.5 640i Gran Coupe and absolutely love it. I like you find it hard to resist some soft modding. We are a bit limited for choice here for 6 Series parts as they are relatively rare breed here, but I have spent lots of time combing through ebay and the rest of the net for bits and pieces, so if there is anything you think I can help you with, yell out! There is a crowd here in Melbourne called Mars Performance which sell aftermarket M Sport and AMG body panels. Not sure if they have 6 Series parts in stock, but if not, I am sure they can get them. Cheers! |
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06-15-2017, 04:33 AM | #18 | |
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Yeah, I know of MARS, and some of the shops in Melbourne and over ebay. Somehow 6 non M Sport parts are very rare. I have the X5 decked in juicy M performance kits all acquired genuine through official dealers, and upgraded over time, but none to be had on the 6 series. Even Hamann ones are hard, they are all for M Sport. But the 6 non M sport is growing on me. I never liked anything too chromy but that has started to shift. The silhouette is still pretty sporty.
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06-15-2017, 06:49 AM | #19 | |
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06-15-2017, 01:55 PM | #21 |
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Of course, it's all down to personal preference but that's one of the main reasons why I stick with SE models. I had a 535 M Sport a while back - the demo I drove was SE and I liked the car but preferred the M look so that's what I ordered. Big mistake - the first moment I gripped (or tried to grip) the steering wheel when I took delivery, I kenw I'd never get on with that fat rim. I have average size hands but I can't get my fingers far enough around the wheel for comfort - always felt like I was steering with just my palms as opposed to hands.
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06-15-2017, 03:04 PM | #22 |
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