640d... I want one!

Dpfghela · 11-12-2023, 01:55 PM

Hello all,

Despite having three previous BM’s, I’m currently out of the marquee.

I’m itching to get back into the marquee and looking at the 6 series.

Despite there being loads about in 2019/2020, the supply is much more limited now.

Can I ask how owners are finding 7 year old cars. Particularly high miler’s… Are they holding up well?

Also… how essential and useful are…

HK upgrade
Surround View/rear view camera
VDC

swissfraser · 11-12-2023, 03:27 PM

I'd call all those things essential. These are BIG cars. I have a coupe and I struggle to work out where the corners are, whereas my previous 5 series was never any problem at all.

I bought one about 5 months back after a good few months of searching, ended up travelling a couple of hundred miles for one. Saw two before that and walked away from both as they were in terrible condition. All the big bits (engine, brakes etc) are fine, but I need a new blower motor, had to replace the washer bottle, had to disable the 'comfort access' and replaced a buckled wheel (£600 for a replacement). Add in new tyres all round and some premium oil and fair to say I've had to throw some cash at the car.

I do love it though and always wanted one (I have no kids, so it doesnt matter that the car is completely impractical) and certainly dont regret buying one. Mine's a 67 plate but it definitely doesn't feel like it. Nothing shakes or rattles, nothing seems loose. Keep looking and you'll definitely find one, just go in with your eyes open that it might cost you a few quid to get the car perfect, unless you're VERY lucky and buy one thats been well maintained.

swissfraser · 11-12-2023, 04:05 PM

Presume you've seen it already and dont know your budget, but this looks like a very safe purchase via bmw's approved used offering: https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202310183101390

scubachris · 11-12-2023, 05:14 PM

hi.
i have had a 2012 640d..a 2014 640d and currently a lovely 2017 67 reg 640d.
it took me 10 months to find current 67 reg..as you say not many around.
i have never seen one with vdc..extremely rare in uk.
hk is much beter than std sound system..i have b&o which is next step up but cost £3k extra ! so rare.i have comfort seats.100 times beter than std sports seats..they would be my best option...pano roof is really nice cos if you get black leather,the whole interior is black..very dark and morbid in my opinion,although some prefer it.comfort seats are also nappa leather which is much nicer.
i would certainly recomend finding a garage with a forte power clean machine and have the inlet manifold cleaned and then the dpf cleaned on the forte machine.
all 3 of mine seem to go thru egr valves every 30 or 40k miles..a recall for all 640ds replaced the egr cooler,but not the egr valve,the valve is approx £170 and if your keeping the car a while i would just put one on..i did.
then a generic stage 1 remap is £150..go for full power 375 to 385 bhp..eco is rubbish.makes it much smoother.more torque and 2 to 3 mpg increase too.
biggest bill on a highish miler is cam chain replacement..officially 90k miles to 120k miles but in reality they get noisy first.BUT the cam chains.yes 2,are between the gearbox and the engine..some garages take engine out,some manage just removing gearbox....gearbox service good idea approx 70k miles.£400 ish.
my independant specialist (ex bmw master tech) has 2 x 640ds.one 140k miles other 170k miles..both run perfect.no creaks or rattles ect..just effortless to drive.
full service history is essential ! run flat tyres are junk..19" wheels give a nicer ride.
be carefull with pearl colours.mine is tanzanite blue pearl.iv had 3 different paint shops do spray out samples,got 12 now and the colour just can not be matched !
i am averaging 41 mpg ..55mpg on motorways..
anything else you need to know just ask.

scubachris · 11-12-2023, 05:27 PM

as a rough guide...a 2017 car.mid spec.good condition with 70k miles is approx £20k...every 10k miles more than 70k knocks of £1000..and every 10k less miles add £1000
also every year older knock off £1000 per year.
heads up display and speed limit information is real good too.
a specialist engeneer near me straightens alloy wheels for £80,doesent mark or damage the paint.
brake discs are expensive too..
if you ring bmw info check 08003256000 option 1 they can check bmw service history for you and other info.
another big thing is milage blockers .i saw 3 cars with them on..

swissfraser · 11-13-2023, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubachris

i have never seen one with vdc..extremely rare in uk.

...the one I linked above has VDC. Mine has it too and I basically go everywhere in Comfort+ and couldn't live without it so definitely worth looking for. Mine was not advertised as having VDC so always worth asking for the spec sheet when enquiring after a vehicle (or the VIN if they'll share it)

PixelVogue · 11-13-2023, 12:29 PM

ive been looking for months, only last week there was a rare Sakhir orange one but was sold when I went to call up only had 44k on it up for £20k, apart from that same old rubbish up for sale for months.

swissfraser · 11-13-2023, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PixelVogue

ive been looking for months, only last week there was a rare Sakhir orange one but was sold when I went to call up only had 44k on it up for £20k, apart from that same old rubbish up for sale for months.

I had a look yesterday after seeing this thread and yeah, there's a few cars on autotrader that were there when I was looking 6 months ago. On the plus side, if you buy one of these in the UK you're unlikely to find yourself parked next to another one :-)

MoFoHo · 11-13-2023, 04:05 PM

My 2014 640D is holding up really well. Now on 92000 miles. The only things its cost me are tyres and bake pads/discs, a new battery, and of course servicing. An absolutely wonderful car, the kind of thing you make an excuse up for to go for a drive. The ONLY thing I don't like is the digital dashboard. It's way too bright, if you turn up the ambient dashboard lighting.

I'll echo the previous comments: these cars are REALLY difficult to manoeuvre around. My car has the reversing camera only. It really is difficult, sitting so low, to fathom where those front wheels are. Be careful.

The HK sound system is excellent. I stream music using bluetooth from the YouTube Music app on my phone. Only issue is, I have to set a playlist going before the drive - I can't control the app from the car. Well, only skipping tracks anyway. I've tried and tried to get apps on the car working with a USB connection (to my Android phone) but with no luck.

I have the 20" wheels, and I'd prefer 19" wheels. Late last year I put 2 new Michellin Pilot Sport 4s' on the rear. Glad to get rid of the awful fun-flats. I'll be replacing the front RFTs with MPS4s' when the time comes.

I had new OEM pads and discs fitted all round late last year. Expensive.

I did some basic coding: auto start remembers its last setting, added tyre temperatures to the TPMS screen, my fog lights come on when I unlock the car, the mirrors unfold automatically at a much slower speed...

My 640D has the ceramic controls, and the HUD. The HUD is amazing, I'd definately want that on my next car.

Oh and the headlights on this car, they are excellent, however it does mess with my brain a little, when they move around or change beam pattern, it's a bit weird.

I even have a yearly subscription to the connected services. I like being able to search for stuff online using the sat-nav, and the RTTI can really help you out...sometimes.

These cares are exceptionally rare in the UK. Folks just don't want big coupes anymore. I'm considering an M6 next!

swissfraser · 11-14-2023, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoFoHo

I stream music using bluetooth from the YouTube Music app on my phone. Only issue is, I have to set a playlist going before the drive - I can't control the app from the car.

Well I have some good news for you, it's dead easy to get Spotify on your iDrive. It was the first thing I did when I got mine. Check out https://github.com/BimmerGestalt/AAIdrive/ you can install the AAIdrive app from the google play store and its straightforward from there.

As your car is a little older you'll need to connect via usb, but that's not a massive chore.

MoFoHo · 11-14-2023, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swissfraser

Well I have some good news for you, it's dead easy to get Spotify on your iDrive. It was the first thing I did when I got mine. Check out https://github.com/BimmerGestalt/AAIdrive/ you can install the AAIdrive app from the google play store and its straightforward from there.

As your car is a little older you'll need to connect via usb, but that's not a massive chore.

I use Spotify to listen to podcasts, so I'll give it a try. Is it an app I need to install on my phone? Just had a read... I thought I was close to having other apps running on the 6 series, but the older (phone) app is no longer supported. Instead, the newer 'My Bmw' app is on my phone. I can't get the Connected Drive app to work at all now, as I can't register that app, with anything. I have installed it before, by downloading an APK from somewhere. Will this still work with only the My BMW app running?

swissfraser · 11-14-2023, 01:39 PM

Yeah, all you need is to install My BMW app, set that up (you already have I guess) and then install the AAIDrive app and you'll be up and running. I've not tried it with youtube music but wouldnt be surprised if that works too. I get alerts on my car now from my Ring security camera so no stretch to think youtube music will work.

MoFoHo · 11-14-2023, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swissfraser

Yeah, all you need is to install My BMW app, set that up (you already have I guess) and then install the AAIDrive app and you'll be up and running. I've not tried it with youtube music but wouldnt be surprised if that works too. I get alerts on my car now from my Ring security camera so no stretch to think youtube music will work.

I've tried and tried just now, but the app keeps on connecting, disconecting, and reconecting... an endless loop. Where are the apps then supposed to appear? I certainly see nothing in the Connections menu. I've added a screen grab from my phone. The app is telling me to enable apps in the car? I even tried an APK download of the older connections app, but that (being installed) killed the connection stone dead. Any ideas?

swissfraser · 11-15-2023, 04:00 AM

Looks like you're connected via bluetooth AND usb, that probably wont help matters much.

As for where to see the apps, when I go to 'media' menu, Spotify shows up in the list of sources.

Our cars aren't identical so I dont think I cant help you much, but google probably has the answers.

11-12-2023, 01:55 PM	#1
Dpfghela New Member 11 Rep 28 Posts Drives: BMW G20 320d Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Essex iTrader: (0)	640d... I want one! Hello all, Despite having three previous BM’s, I’m currently out of the marquee. I’m itching to get back into the marquee and looking at the 6 series. Despite there being loads about in 2019/2020, the supply is much more limited now. Can I ask how owners are finding 7 year old cars. Particularly high miler’s… Are they holding up well? Also… how essential and useful are… HK upgrade Surround View/rear view camera VDC
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11-12-2023, 03:27 PM	#2
swissfraser Private First Class 33 Rep 114 Posts Drives: F13 640d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Isle of Arran, Scotland iTrader: (0)	I'd call all those things essential. These are BIG cars. I have a coupe and I struggle to work out where the corners are, whereas my previous 5 series was never any problem at all. I bought one about 5 months back after a good few months of searching, ended up travelling a couple of hundred miles for one. Saw two before that and walked away from both as they were in terrible condition. All the big bits (engine, brakes etc) are fine, but I need a new blower motor, had to replace the washer bottle, had to disable the 'comfort access' and replaced a buckled wheel (£600 for a replacement). Add in new tyres all round and some premium oil and fair to say I've had to throw some cash at the car. I do love it though and always wanted one (I have no kids, so it doesnt matter that the car is completely impractical) and certainly dont regret buying one. Mine's a 67 plate but it definitely doesn't feel like it. Nothing shakes or rattles, nothing seems loose. Keep looking and you'll definitely find one, just go in with your eyes open that it might cost you a few quid to get the car perfect, unless you're VERY lucky and buy one thats been well maintained.
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-12-2023, 04:05 PM	#3
swissfraser Private First Class 33 Rep 114 Posts Drives: F13 640d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Isle of Arran, Scotland iTrader: (0)	Presume you've seen it already and dont know your budget, but this looks like a very safe purchase via bmw's approved used offering: https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202310183101390
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-12-2023, 05:14 PM	#4
scubachris Private 11 Rep 60 Posts Drives: bmw f13 640d Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: north yorkshire iTrader: (0)	hi. i have had a 2012 640d..a 2014 640d and currently a lovely 2017 67 reg 640d. it took me 10 months to find current 67 reg..as you say not many around. i have never seen one with vdc..extremely rare in uk. hk is much beter than std sound system..i have b&o which is next step up but cost £3k extra ! so rare.i have comfort seats.100 times beter than std sports seats..they would be my best option...pano roof is really nice cos if you get black leather,the whole interior is black..very dark and morbid in my opinion,although some prefer it.comfort seats are also nappa leather which is much nicer. i would certainly recomend finding a garage with a forte power clean machine and have the inlet manifold cleaned and then the dpf cleaned on the forte machine. all 3 of mine seem to go thru egr valves every 30 or 40k miles..a recall for all 640ds replaced the egr cooler,but not the egr valve,the valve is approx £170 and if your keeping the car a while i would just put one on..i did. then a generic stage 1 remap is £150..go for full power 375 to 385 bhp..eco is rubbish.makes it much smoother.more torque and 2 to 3 mpg increase too. biggest bill on a highish miler is cam chain replacement..officially 90k miles to 120k miles but in reality they get noisy first.BUT the cam chains.yes 2,are between the gearbox and the engine..some garages take engine out,some manage just removing gearbox....gearbox service good idea approx 70k miles.£400 ish. my independant specialist (ex bmw master tech) has 2 x 640ds.one 140k miles other 170k miles..both run perfect.no creaks or rattles ect..just effortless to drive. full service history is essential ! run flat tyres are junk..19" wheels give a nicer ride. be carefull with pearl colours.mine is tanzanite blue pearl.iv had 3 different paint shops do spray out samples,got 12 now and the colour just can not be matched ! i am averaging 41 mpg ..55mpg on motorways.. anything else you need to know just ask.
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-12-2023, 05:27 PM	#5
scubachris Private 11 Rep 60 Posts Drives: bmw f13 640d Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: north yorkshire iTrader: (0)	as a rough guide...a 2017 car.mid spec.good condition with 70k miles is approx £20k...every 10k miles more than 70k knocks of £1000..and every 10k less miles add £1000 also every year older knock off £1000 per year. heads up display and speed limit information is real good too. a specialist engeneer near me straightens alloy wheels for £80,doesent mark or damage the paint. brake discs are expensive too.. if you ring bmw info check 08003256000 option 1 they can check bmw service history for you and other info. another big thing is milage blockers .i saw 3 cars with them on..
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-13-2023, 12:29 PM	#7
PixelVogue Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 261 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	ive been looking for months, only last week there was a rare Sakhir orange one but was sold when I went to call up only had 44k on it up for £20k, apart from that same old rubbish up for sale for months.
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-13-2023, 04:05 PM	#9
MoFoHo Private 27 Rep 67 Posts Drives: BMW M6 Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M6 [7.00]	My 2014 640D is holding up really well. Now on 92000 miles. The only things its cost me are tyres and bake pads/discs, a new battery, and of course servicing. An absolutely wonderful car, the kind of thing you make an excuse up for to go for a drive. The ONLY thing I don't like is the digital dashboard. It's way too bright, if you turn up the ambient dashboard lighting. I'll echo the previous comments: these cars are REALLY difficult to manoeuvre around. My car has the reversing camera only. It really is difficult, sitting so low, to fathom where those front wheels are. Be careful. The HK sound system is excellent. I stream music using bluetooth from the YouTube Music app on my phone. Only issue is, I have to set a playlist going before the drive - I can't control the app from the car. Well, only skipping tracks anyway. I've tried and tried to get apps on the car working with a USB connection (to my Android phone) but with no luck. I have the 20" wheels, and I'd prefer 19" wheels. Late last year I put 2 new Michellin Pilot Sport 4s' on the rear. Glad to get rid of the awful fun-flats. I'll be replacing the front RFTs with MPS4s' when the time comes. I had new OEM pads and discs fitted all round late last year. Expensive. I did some basic coding: auto start remembers its last setting, added tyre temperatures to the TPMS screen, my fog lights come on when I unlock the car, the mirrors unfold automatically at a much slower speed... My 640D has the ceramic controls, and the HUD. The HUD is amazing, I'd definately want that on my next car. Oh and the headlights on this car, they are excellent, however it does mess with my brain a little, when they move around or change beam pattern, it's a bit weird. I even have a yearly subscription to the connected services. I like being able to search for stuff online using the sat-nav, and the RTTI can really help you out...sometimes. These cares are exceptionally rare in the UK. Folks just don't want big coupes anymore. I'm considering an M6 next! Attached Images
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11-14-2023, 01:39 PM	#12
swissfraser Private First Class 33 Rep 114 Posts Drives: F13 640d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Isle of Arran, Scotland iTrader: (0)	Yeah, all you need is to install My BMW app, set that up (you already have I guess) and then install the AAIDrive app and you'll be up and running. I've not tried it with youtube music but wouldnt be surprised if that works too. I get alerts on my car now from my Ring security camera so no stretch to think youtube music will work.
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote

11-15-2023, 04:00 AM	#14
swissfraser Private First Class 33 Rep 114 Posts Drives: F13 640d Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Isle of Arran, Scotland iTrader: (0)	Looks like you're connected via bluetooth AND usb, that probably wont help matters much. As for where to see the apps, when I go to 'media' menu, Spotify shows up in the list of sources. Our cars aren't identical so I dont think I cant help you much, but google probably has the answers.
	Appreciate 1 Dpfghela11.00 Quote