630i or 335d or ?

CountingCrows

Just after taking a deposit on my Golf GTI and I'm in the market for a new car.

Loved the DSG so ideally want a auto. My current thinking is to get either a BMW 630i or a 335d coupe. E.g 630i & 335d. Ideally a 2007 with full spec. Would really appreciate some advise on the merits of both cars or possible alternatives.

The 535d is bigger than I need (no kids) and from what I've read the A5 (2.7 or 3.0tdi) is a lesser driver than the 335d. I'm willing to fork out for 3.0tax but would still like something with manageable running costs, maybe that rules out the 630?

My daily commute is a round-trip of 40km, annual mileage around 15K km and my budget is 17K.

Eric Cartman

630i , much better car and its not running on tractor fuel, at 15k km a year it makes more sense too. Also they can be got quite cheaply here for the level of car your getting.

listermint

for me 630i yes


or 645 even better

dgt

You could go all out and source an E38 750i........ Just suggesting

Max Power1

If you are looking at a 6'er why not go for the 645i?

I have no kids either but personally I prefer the looks of the 535 to the 335.

I have to say, I would personally be looking at an M car if I had decided to pay top end tax and also MPG wasnt a concern. Currently I'm getting 31mpg (9.1 l/100km) with the 535d, and that is with a good mix of town driving, spirited driving, and long run cruise control driving.

renofan

You only live once so I suggest the 6 series. Why get a 3 or 5 series when they are everywhere (albiet smaller engines) where as the 6 series is a lot rarer.

CountingCrows

Max Power1 wrote: »

If you are looking at a 6'er why not go for the 645i?

I have no kids either but personally I prefer the looks of the 535 to the 335.

I have to say, I would personally be looking at an M car if I had decided to pay top end tax and also MPG wasnt a concern. Currently I'm getting 31mpg (9.1 l/100km) with the 535d, and that is with a good mix of town driving, spirited driving, and long run cruise control driving.

The V8 would be awesome but I think that would push me over the edge in running costs. Originally my plan was to get a E46 M3 but it would be wasted on my daily commute plus again the running costs. I agree the 535 msport is a better looking car and I would definitely consider it but the E60's are so common.

listermint

CountingCrows wrote: »

The V8 would be awesome but I think that would push me over the edge in running costs. Originally my plan was to get a E46 M3 but it would be wasted on my daily commute plus again the running costs. I agree the 535 msport is a better looking car and I would definitely consider it but the E60's are so common.

630i Vert then. For the weather thats in it

Tea 1000

All this talk about "This is too common" or "That is too common" when everything being suggested are Beemers!
How about this?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/Boxster/3.2-S-%23-/36313724379016150/advert?channel=CARS
Proper performance!

Tea 1000

Or you could try bargaining this guy down a little, this looks very fresh:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/S2000/2.0i-VTE/36513687071034330/advert?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true

Max Power1

CountingCrows wrote: »

The V8 would be awesome but I think that would push me over the edge in running costs. Originally my plan was to get a E46 M3 but it would be wasted on my daily commute plus again the running costs. I agree the 535 msport is a better looking car and I would definitely consider it but the E60's are so common.

520d e60s are very common. But I could count on one hand and probably not reach 5, the amount of 535d's i have seen in Ireland.

Victor Meldrew

Max Power1 wrote: »

If you are looking at a 6'er why not go for the 645i?

I have no kids either but personally I prefer the looks of the 535 to the 335.

After having had a few "big" cars, I am now firmly of the Chapman mantra of adding lightness..

I ditched an E60 for a E90 because I found the bulk of the larger car annoying. It did not strike me as annoying at first, but it niggled over time. The kids are small enough to put up and shut up...

Coming from a GTI, just be aware of that. A petrol will always be "nicer" but the Diesel will be more of a noisy brute, which the OP may or may not want..

Tea 1000

Max Power1 wrote: »

520d e60s are very common. But I could count on one hand and probably not reach 5, the amount of 535d's i have seen in Ireland.

That doesn't matter as far as wanting something aesthetically different is concerned though.

Max Power1

Tea 1000 wrote: »

That doesn't matter as far as wanting something aesthetically different is concerned though.

Kindof does tbh
If anything, it makes it better when you surprise the jap scrap with your performance

I'd love to have gotten an e60 m5 tbh, but the difference between 30 mpg and <20mpg is just too much. Maybe in a couple of years when they are cheaper!

Tea 1000

Max Power1 wrote: »

Kindof does tbh
If anything, it makes it better when you surprise the jap scrap with your performance

I'd love to have gotten an e60 m5 tbh, but the difference between 30 mpg and <20mpg is just too much. Maybe in a couple of years when they are cheaper!

It does matter if he doesn't like the look of E60's because they are too common. A 535d is still an E60, no matter who you surprise. And it's still a large family saloon, which is a big gap from an agile Golf GTI.

Viper_JB

I have a 535D at the moment, if I were in your position I'd go with an E46 M3....just a great car...very seriously considering picking one up myself, would have a load of cash left for tax and what ever else too.

Max Power1

Viper_JB wrote: »

I have a 535D at the moment, if I were in your position I'd go with an E46 M3....just a great car...very seriously considering picking one up myself.

There's one main reason I dont think I could ever own an e46 M3, and that is the e90 m3.

What sort of MPG are you getting out of the 535d btw? (Is it pre/post LCI)

CountingCrows

Max Power1 wrote: »

What sort of MPG are you getting out of the 535d btw? (Is it pre/post LCI)

Get your own thread Max
Anyone here owned/driven a 630i?

Viper_JB

Max Power1 wrote: »

There's one main reason I dont think I could ever own an e46 M3, and that is the e90 m3.

What sort of MPG are you getting out of the 535d btw? (Is it pre/post LCI)

The e90 m3 is great but I'd still prefer the look (and the price) of the E46, but the styling thing very personal.

I'd say on average I'm getting 35ish mpg - on the Cork - Dublin route would get about 45ish - motorway all the way though (pre-LCI 05 model)

listermint

Max Power1 wrote: »

There's one main reason I dont think I could ever own an e46 M3, and that is the e90 m3.

What sort of MPG are you getting out of the 535d btw? (Is it pre/post LCI)

The killed the masculinity from the M3 brand when they designed the E92 M3. Its just not as strong as previous and unfortunately its not different enough imo from the standard E92

Personally I think the e92 M3 is a fantastic looking car, nicer than the e46 M3 by quite a bit and the engine is a different class altogether.

On the 630i vs 335d, I'd go for the 335d personally will be a nicer drive, will be faster and do it a lot easier on your pocket the heavier petrol car. Powerful diesels are very cool also imo.

Max Power1

CountingCrows wrote: »

Get your own thread Max
Anyone here owned/driven a 630i?

It was semi linked

I have already a 535d so no need for a thread

Max Power1

listermint wrote: »

The killed the masculinity from the M3 brand when they designed the E92 M3. Its just not as strong as previous and unfortunately its not different enough imo from the standard E92

I agree it is a bit less distinctively sporty than the previous, but isnt that the original idea of the M cars, being Qs as opposed to obvious sportscars?

Sky Bald Armband wrote: »

Personally I think the e92 M3 is a fantastic looking car, nicer than the e46 M3 by quite a bit and the engine is a different class altogether.

On the 630i vs 335d, I'd go for the 335d personally will be a nicer drive, will be faster and do it a lot easier on your pocket the heavier petrol car. Powerful diesels are very cool also imo.

If it were my money and it were a straight choice between the two, an e92 335d would be my choice (But I would prefer the 645i over both)

whomitconcerns

2004 645i was just about to send up and noticed it was sold Nice though!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/6-Series/645i-COU/34413655470737510/advert?channel=CARS

Rare in manual 04 645i https://www.adverts.ie/car/bmw/6-series/2004-bmw-6-series-for-sale/3376085

Would really be able to enjoy the V8. Top band tax though :mad:

CountingCrows

cisk wrote: »

Rare in manual 04 645i https://www.adverts.ie/car/bmw/6-series/2004-bmw-6-series-for-sale/3376085

Would really be able to enjoy the V8. Top band tax though :mad:

4.5 V8 isn't a runner I'm afraid. Ideally I'd don't want to go beyond the 2,901 to 3,000 (€1,494) band.

Max Power1

CountingCrows wrote: »

4.5 V8 isn't a runner I'm afraid. Ideally I'd don't want to go beyond the 2,901 to 3,000 (€1,494) band.

I made the same call when buying my 5'er. Its funny how that last 100 odd euro makes such a mental difference

TouchingVirus

Max Power1 wrote: »

I made the same call when buying my 5'er. Its funny how that last 100 odd euro makes such a mental difference

That's because it's €300 now and liable to go up again in December

That 6 series looks pretty mint - I'd turn my head if I saw it

Max Power1

TouchingVirus wrote: »

That's because it's €300 now and liable to go up again in December

That 6 series looks pretty mint - I'd turn my head if I saw it

2901 - 3000 €1494
3001 - 15000 €1809


Copied from the motor tax website. Jesus I didnt know the gap was so much. Glad I decided not to stretch for an M5 now

drunkmonkey

Is it just me are 08 335d's and 535'd more or less non existent in ireland? On the hunt for one in a few weeks and there just not there..

Max Power1

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Is it just me are 08 335d's and 535'd more or less non existent in ireland? On the hunt for one in a few weeks and there just not there..

I was looking for 05-08 335/535d for the past few months. They are scarce in general, and scarcer still (oddly enough) on the CO2 scheme - where the tax is 50% of the pre emissions rate. I ended up going for a good spec 06 535d, here, but I was seriously considering going to the UK as there was next to no stock here.

I'd also look in the UK as there will be more stock, the spec will be better, and (assuming you wouldnt get raped on the VRT which is a large assumption) you should get at least a similar price to the ROI

drunkmonkey

Was tempted to go for a 07 myself but I can't bring myself to part with 15k for a 07 when a 08 has half the tax, there's a lovely blue one down in Wicklow with about 38,000 miles but I'm just afriad of the deprecation due to the high tax..anyone's for sale don't seem to be selling in 07 models, looking at the same cars for months and they haven't shifted...
Heading to the uk in a few weeks might see what I can source in a 08...

How's the 535? Any regrets about not getting a 335 or what swung you for the 5 series..

ballsymchugh

you'll be able to bargain the life out of a 630 owner. i have one. bought in the UK and imported when i moved home. then the cost of a nice car at home really began to bite. back in the UK now with the car imported to the UK again and not so annoying tax bands.
had it for sale before i moved back to the UK but no takers, even jokers in over a year.

Max Power1

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Was tempted to go for a 07 myself but I can't bring myself to part with 15k for a 07 when a 08 has half the tax, there's a lovely blue one down in Wicklow with about 38,000 miles but I'm just afriad of the deprecation due to the high tax..anyone's for sale don't seem to be selling in 07 models, looking at the same cars for months and they haven't shifted...
Heading to the uk in a few weeks might see what I can source in a 08...

How's the 535? Any regrets about not getting a 335 or what swung you for the 5 series..

Yes that was my decision too. It was either <12.5k for a pre emissions tax, or I was looking at v early 08 models but they were right on the cusp of what I could comfortably afford to borrow.

I'm glad I went for the 535, I prefer how it looks over the 3'er. Its a different car aimed at a different market - I love the strange looks I get at lights. The only, only thing I regret is that the 535 doesnt have the flappy paddle gearbox whereas most 335ds I looked at did.
If that is the only thing I regret, I reckon I did well :P

Ferris

What about a 335i?

CountingCrows

Ferris wrote: »

What about a 335i?

Definitely another car I'm considering, however the added economy and residuals of the 335d make it more appealing.

Matt Simis

CountingCrows wrote: »

Definitely another car I'm considering, however the added economy and residuals of the 335d make it more appealing.

Presumably it also costs more up front!?
Also dont overvalue the benefit of economy given your low annual mileage of 15k Km. Using my site: http://fuel.netcessible.com/FuelEuro/FuelEuro.htm and comparing a 335d getting 6.7 L/100km and a 335i getting 8.5 L/100km (googing suggests these are decent averages) the 335d only offers an annual saving of EUR516, which is insignificant as a deciding factor on a 15k purchase spread over a year (ie its 3cent difference a KM..).

Max Power1

Would have thought those were very optimistic L/100KM figures matt?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Having owned a 645ci and a 335i I would recommend the 335d myself. I have driven them and they are stupidly fast. The e92 is a more modern car, the 6 series is showing its age in terms of looks, performance, and interior comforts. The 6 series is a far less sporty drive. The suspension is soft without being that comfortable. Its an American car really. The e92 is a shaper drive, and the steering is far superior especially in msport form. There is also the fact that the 335d will remap into a torque animal for 250 euro once you get bored.

Matt Simis

Ada Ambitious Remote wrote: »

Having owned a 645ci and a 335i I would recommend the 335d myself.
..
The e92 is a shaper drive, and the steering is far superior especially in msport form. There is also the fact that the 335d will remap into a torque animal for 250 euro once you get bored.

But a 335i will do that too with a legit shot of hitting 400bhp with a bit of planning.. The 335d would be a sure thing if doing double his mileage though.

Max Power1 wrote: »

Would have thought those were very optimistic L/100KM figures matt?

Possibly, I just googled "good" economy figures for both and used owners own reported figures. If they both perform worse by approximately the same amount (say 25%) then the delta stays kinda the same though. :P

Supergurrier

Would love a 6 series with the 4.4 V8

Some day

That being said if I was stumping for a V8 a few years down the line I would be trying to source a holden monaro

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Matt Simis wrote: »

But a 335i will do that too with a legit shot of hitting 400bhp with a bit of planning.. The 335d would be a sure thing if doing double his mileage though.

True, the 335i remaps very well also. And given the fact that they are really cheap these days any saving on fuel would actually be minimal. the 335d has the advantage of better residuals and avoid a number of the issues with the 335i which are common: HPFP issues, injectors issues, turbo issues, wastegate rattle. Dont know about the newer single turbo variable vein turbo 335i.

listermint

Average 335D closer to 8 l/100km


http://www.fuelly.com/car/bmw/335d

CountingCrows

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/cars-for-sale/mercedes-sl-350/5256318

Very tempting

Tea 1000

CountingCrows wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/cars-for-sale/mercedes-sl-350/5256318

Very tempting

Saw that alright, there are a few of those coming up for small money. Lovely cars!

Max Power1 wrote: »

If I could convince myself to live with the top rate of motor tax I would at least want the v8 sl500!

I'd be the same normally, but apparently that 3.7 unit is reliable, where as the earlier V8's are quite troublesome.

listermint

CountingCrows wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.co.uk/cars-for-sale/mercedes-sl-350/5256318

Very tempting

They are a fine looking motor i have to say.

CountingCrows

I've pretty much decided on a 630i, unfortunately I can't find a single low mileage 335d coupé with the spec I'm after. Its down to these two at the moment;

07 630i - 70K miles with tax

07 630i facelift - 80K miles with BMW warranty

With both being in similarly good condition, is the 2nd car worth 1K more than the first?

daRobot

Would this be of interest?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-BMW-3-Series-335i-SE-2dr-Step-Auto-Stunning-Spec-And-Looks-Petrol-Grey-Auto-/321172069054?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac758dabe

VRT is 4k

L-M

I drove a 05 630i on a good few occasions. Loved it, great sound off that 6 cyclinder.

I would drive a very hard bargain though, that one took a long time to sell and I know another one that was forsale for over 5 years. (Gone of carzone now but I'm pretty sure it's still there).

On that basis, make sure you're happy before you commit. Can't see any reason why you shouldn't though.

CountingCrows

daRobot wrote: »

Would this be of interest?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-BMW-3-Series-335i-SE-2dr-Step-Auto-Stunning-Spec-And-Looks-Petrol-Grey-Auto-/321172069054?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac758dabe

VRT is 4k

Thanks but not after a convertible and if I'm going for a 3 series coupe, it would be the 335d (diesel).

CountingCrows

Limerick man wrote: »

I would drive a very hard bargain though, that one took a long time to sell and I know another one that was forsale for over 5 years. (Gone of carzone now but I'm pretty sure it's still there).

Agreed, I've been looking for almost 2 months now and none of them seem to be moving. Just wondering am I mad paying 17K for a highish mileage 630, will I ever shift it again?