Pros and cons of a used BMW 6 series gran coupe

carsfan2

Have been thinking of my next car and always had a soft spot for one of these.
These are 100k plus cars new but 3/4 year olds are mid/low 40's.
my thinking is that these are still very fresh cars that have lost loads in depreciation already,offer loads of performance and comfort with reasonable economy. Drove one a few years ago and thought it was nice but big on country roads.
Downside is that they are physically very big which could be a pain in town and could they lose a shed load of value over say two years or is the worst well over?
Also are they a bit too flash with a hint of lotto winner about them?
Any owners or people with experience of them here?
Any opinions appreciated.

bazz26

The 6 Series is now a discontinued model and is being replaced by the new 8 Series, so my main concern is that even a 40k example has a good bit of depreciation left in it even if it was originally a 100k car. If that isn't a concern then there are not much more cons outside the sheer size and bulk of them. Would you consider going to the UK for one?

MarkN here has the 2 door version so he would be able to speak from an ownership perspective.

Idbatterim

Why not just a slightly older one then? Also I really like the Audi A7 coupe, they are going for a tad over 20k now, e280 tax on the 3L diesel ... if you decide to change in a year or two, who wants to buy a 30k car privately? A dealer will rip you off on trade in. So you either stick with it for a good few years or just go another few years back

MarkN

M3 aside, best car I’ve ever had. Just love it. €10 per 100kms pretty much. Very few on the road, a very good looking car, from soft close doors to the heads up display, there’s a lot of class in them. Yes they’re bloody long, I clipped the front bumper in a car park 24 hours after I got mine as I was too busy minding the wheels and not the overall car. Serious road presence, I regularly get admiring looks in traffic and it ain’t me they’re looking at

€390 road tax for such a powerful car is an added bonus. Remember, they weigh nearly two tonnes but will do 0-60 in 5 seconds!!

If you go for a 40k+ one there is still the guts of €10,000 per year depreciation in them IMO. For the next two years anyway, after that it might slow a bit. The 635 I had before it, bought for 27, sold a year later for 18k but that was 9 years old to be fair.

One minute I love the idea of a G30 but then my heart says 6GC when the time comes that I need a 4 door. It’s sad that the 6 series as we’ve known it now since 2004 will be no more but I’m sure the 8 will be amazing.

You keep coming back to it so if I were you, I’d do it. A 2013 would save you another €8,000 potentially.

carsfan2

I know they’re coming to the end of their life but they still look great to me.
Is insurance a factor Mark on these?
Are the seats comfortable on longer journeys.One of the the reasons I am thinking of changing is that I injured my back last year and cannot get comfortable in the 3 series seats. Need lumbar support and more support under thighs.
10k a year depreciation sounds a lot though, I would have hoped for less.

Idbatterim

Wonder how much one can be imported for?

MarkN

Idbatterim wrote: »

Wonder how much one can be imported for?

Cheapest you can import a decent 2012 low mile coupe is currently about €28,000 all in without travel expenses. Add a bit more for the GC and obviously a few grand per year up then.

No issues with seats, wide backs on them, extendable part under the knees obviously, I’m sure some have massage function.

I’ve max NCB, no points, wife on policy and it was €990 fully comp with protected NCB.

If it were my money I’d go 2013 if you wanted the LCI and keep it at that. If you find a fresh one that’s been minded, what real benefit is a 14+ and then add in depreciation.

If you take mine that say could fetch 28 privately (maybe) will it drop to €20,000 by the end of the year? Well I’d hope not particularly when I’ll add max 6,000kms between now and then I’d say but better to be down that end than paying €45,000 or something for a 2014 (in Ireland anyway).

carsfan2

I have a 330e that I need to move on so was thinking of sticking to main Bmw dealers to also get the Bmw warranty.
I had a used x5 a few years ago that gave bother and that warranty saved me a fortune.
I’m beginning to think they’re just too big and flash for me and maybe spend a bit more and get into a 171 5 series might be better move.

Idbatterim

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201801253090237?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&sort=sponsored&postcode=ls298jn&make=BMW&price-from=19000&radius=1501&model=6%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&page=1

cheapest 2014 one in uk from dealer, 21k sterling...

bazz26

That's a SE which is worth a few grand less than M Sport. Not the most desirable of colours either which can influence the price.

Idbatterim

bazz26 wrote: »

That's a SE which is worth a few grand less than M Sport. Not the most desirable of colours either which can influence the price.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201711061006350?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&sort=sponsored&postcode=ls298jn&make=BMW&price-from=19000&radius=1501&model=6%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201802163794776?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&sort=sponsored&postcode=ls298jn&make=BMW&price-from=19000&radius=1501&model=6%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201802073503994?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&sort=sponsored&postcode=ls298jn&make=BMW&price-from=19000&radius=1501&model=6%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201801253090237?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&sort=sponsored&postcode=ls298jn&make=BMW&price-from=19000&radius=1501&model=6%20SERIES%20GRAN%20COUPE&page=1

few m sports in different colours there...

carsfan2

They really are a lot of car for the money but the sheer size still puts me off as well as the flashiness.
Watched a video review there with mat Watson on car buyer who reckons the surround view cameras are essential due to the width.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I had one for a brief period. Had it as a holding car for about 6 months. I let my head rule my heart and it seems like the car to have. Have had a lot of BMW over the years and I am a rabid fanboy. I reckon if there was a BMW wheely bin I would have it. I didnt particularly like it TBH. No disrespect to MarkN, his opinion means a lot round here and to me, but people like different cars, and this is my opinion. Its funny my best mate is mad for cars and always drives my new cars. Even though he could have driven it any day he was never bothered doing so...speaks volumes.

Pros.
1. Comfortable long distance Cruiser. Has a floaty ride.
2. Decent technology.
3. Nice Seats.
4. Looks good (but the bonnet is too long, somehow the proportions are not right, rear overhangs the rear wheel too much).
5. Chape tax.
6. Sounds good for a oil burner (its all artificial sound through the speakers, but still sounds good).


Cons:
1. Fuel economy nowhere near claim figures. I was getting in the mid 20's.
2. Ride is hard over bumps. The handling is floaty but without travel in the shocks. Worst of both worlds. My ride home take me over a long road of speed bumps and this is the slowest car I have had to get down that road.
3. Too long, 5m long causes issues over speed bumps . Never enter a tight multistory.
4. Depreciate a lot, I ditched mine after 6 months so didnt loose much. But all big non m beemers loose a ton of value.
5. Gearbox. It has 8 gears and its always changing up even in sports mode. Acceleration is fast enough but it doesn't feel fast. Its smooth without any drama. Never really urges you to press on, maybe its the breaks and weight I dont know but its a cruiser not a sports car.
6, Image - its an old mans car. Its what you buy when your pension kicks in and you need a nice car for your golf buddies and grandkids.

My advice get a 4 series grand coupe with a good engine and X-drive like a 435d X-drive. Pic of mine below, I traded it in and never even looks back at it.

carsfan2

Vanessa Attractive Drain wrote: »

I had one for a brief period. Had it as a holding car for about 6 months. Have had a lot of BMW over the years and I am a rabid fanboy. I reckon if there was a BMW wheely bin I would have it.

Pros.
1. Comfortable long distance Cruiser. Has a floaty ride

Was it a pain in town or parking?
Did you lose much when you sold it on?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

carsfan2 wrote: »

Was it a pain in town or parking?
Did you lose much when you sold it on?

Sorry updated to early, full reply there now.

carsfan2

Thanks for that mini review Fitzgeme. Confirms much of what I thought, although fab looking car.
Think that is enough to make me move on to something else.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

carsfan2 wrote: »

Thanks for that mini review Fitzgeme. Confirms much of what I thought, although fab looking car.
Think that is enough to make me move on to something else.

Hey man, dont take my word for it. Go drive one and see what you think. I was mostly going off car review myself that were generally very positive, its hard on a short test drive to get a feel for a car. I would try a 4 series GC as well, Audi A7 is a good option in this segment too and good value there.

Idbatterim

Vanessa Attractive Drain wrote: »

Hey man, dont take my word for it. Go drive one and see what you think. I was mostly going off car review myself that were generally very positive, its hard on a short test drive to get a feel for a car. I would try a 4 series GC as well, Audi A7 is a good option in this segment too and good value there.

A7 are class looking car, came out in 2011 I think dirt cheap motor tax too and going for very little now...

JoeA3

Vanessa Attractive Drain wrote: »

Hey man, dont take my word for it. Go drive one and see what you think. I was mostly going off car review myself that were generally very positive, its hard on a short test drive to get a feel for a car. I would try a 4 series GC as well, Audi A7 is a good option in this segment too and good value there.

The 4GC might not solve his back problems though as the interior (including seats) is largely similar to his current 3 series.

I must say my one gripe with the 4GC is on longer motorway runs, I've had cramp in my right leg, due to the lack of space to put the foot if on cruise control (no footrest on the RHS!).

carsfan2

I’ve had two 3 series so not sure I want to have same interior again although a 4 with full electric seats might be better than the manual sport seats.
Do the electric seats come with lumbar support Joe?
Might end up looking at Volvo 😕

JoeA3

carsfan2 wrote: »

I’ve had two 3 series so not sure I want to have same interior again although a 4 with full electric seats might be better than the manual sport seats.
Do the electric seats come with lumbar support Joe?
Might end up looking at Volvo 😕

No, strangely enough! I love that they’re electric as my wife is 5 foot nothing so re adjusting the seat in the last car after she’d driven it was always a pain. The bolsters are electric also (can adjust how tight they grip you) but no lumbar. I believe it’s actually a factory option that doesn’t get spec’d in many of them.

bazz26

Lumbar support was even an extra on the 5 Series, not sure if it's standard these days.

carsfan2

bazz26 wrote: »

Lumbar support was even an extra on the 5 Series, not sure if it's standard these days.

It’s now comes on the 5 but only if you spec memory seats.

bazz26

They upped it so over the F10 so as I have memory seats but no lumbar support.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

7 series? S class? 5 Series F10 is very comfy.

bazz26

Merc CLS?

digiman

Wait for the new 3 series later this year?

I’m looking forward to seeing what it looks like, I’d expect it to be very 5 series like which would be good.

carsfan2

I’ve had a couple of f10/11 5’s saloon and estate.
Very comfy but would probably go g30 5 if going there again.cls maybe but I think it’s dated badly.
Definitely won’t buy new again after the depreciation I’ve had on current 3 series.
No rush will see what happens, I just thought the 6 might tick a lot of boxes.

Hey I don’t want much: just comfort with speed,good handling,cheap to run and minimal depreciation!

MarkN

Interesting to hear your contrasting thoughts Fitz and thanks for your kind words about my opinion

It would be a bit of a floater compared to lots, it is without doubt a heavy car and feels it, it’s much more refined than the E63 (one of the first things I noticed when I changed).

I guess we all like different aspects of cars, I’m only 36 but suppose I’ve never felt old in it but would also agree it’s as much a cruiser as it is sports car. It probably looks more of a sports car than it drives but for me the main thing is straight line performance and the pull of her gets me every time.

I’m also driving the wife’s Qashqai for the rest of the week as I’m not dealing with getting stuck/laughed at in the BMW so that’s another thing to consider - Quattro might be handier,
I’d deffo look at the A7 Carsfan, lovely car.

carsfan2

A7 is another physically very big car.
I thought you test drove an A7 when you were looking Mark and came away underwhelmed? I wonder if the inside is not a bit dated too.
Looking on Carzone, Audi dealers are still looking for strong enough prices too especially now considering the new model is arriving.

bazz26

What about a new shape E Class? They look very smart in AMG Line trim, however the majority here seem to be 2.0 litre diesel.

2017 asking 43k:



https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1947404&r=s.php%3Fm%3D53%26o%3D448%26r%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

Obviously a Merc dealer will want a few more k for a similar model but I'm not sure if they offer the same type of warranty that BMW do on their AUC to justify it.

carsfan2

I persuaded my father last year when he changed his e class to buy a 5 series instead of another Mercedes.
He’s not really loving the 5 so If I turned up in a merc e class there would be family warfare.
Lovely cars though.

bazz26

Is his 5 a SE or M Sport? Would it interest you?

Mickiemcfist

bazz26 wrote: »

What about a new shape E Class? They look very smart in AMG Line trim, however the majority here seem to be 2.0 litre diesel.

2017 asking 43k:



https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1947404&r=s.php%3Fm%3D53%26o%3D448%26r%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

Obviously a Merc dealer will want a few more k for a similar model but I'm not sure if they offer the same type of warranty that BMW do on their AUC to justify it.

I've hated every non AMG merc since the 80s, but I drove a E300e in the UK recently. Just wow. Looks brill, goes like a rocket ship & has a great ride

Rowley Birkin QC

How has your experience been with the 330E?

carsfan2

He has se with a few extras but lovely car. In fairness he is starting to like it after nearly a year of ownership. He loves the way it drives but the three pointed star is more prestigious in his eyes and a better looking car to him. I still would have to move my 330e anyway if I bought it from him.

bazz26

I'm looking to move down from a biggish car next time myself but I'm coming round to those E Classes. They do look very well in AMG Line form and don't seem to look as bulky as previous versions but not sure they are really a driver's car though, definitely more for comfort.

Wailin

carsfan2 wrote: »

He has se with a few extras but lovely car. In fairness he is starting to like it after nearly a year of ownership. He loves the way it drives but the three pointed star is more prestigious in his eyes and a better looking car to him. I still would have to move my 330e anyway if I bought it from him.

In fairness, for the older gentleman I think the merc would always be the more traditional choice. Classier looking, in a more prestigious way, than any 5 series.

I never cast a second glance at mercs due to this perceived image Ive always felt they had. But lately Ive been eyeing the amg line...very stylish cars and im at that age now anyway!

A nicely specced G30 530d m sport carsfan?

bazz26

Problem is that a G30 530d is still going to be commanding upwards of low 60k here so it's a double edged sword when it comes to depreciation. If you want something that doesn't have heavy depreciation then you will pay more for it at the beginning. To minimise this to some extent then you probably need to import one.

NoBread

bazz26 wrote: »

I'm looking to move down from a biggish car next time myself but I'm coming round to those E Classes. They do look very well in AMG Line form and don't seem to look as bulky as previous versions but not sure they are really a driver's car though, definitely more for comfort.

The F10 5-series isn't much of a drivers car either though, it's very dull. At least the E-Class is composed and comfortable! It's a different take on a luxury saloon rather than a failed attempt at a good handling one!

MarkN

carsfan2 wrote: »

A7 is another physically very big car.
I thought you test drove an A7 when you were looking Mark and came away underwhelmed? I wonder if the inside is not a bit dated too.
Looking on Carzone, Audi dealers are still looking for strong enough prices too especially now considering the new model is arriving.

It was a Quattro, handling wise it was brilliant, the overall power compared to 635d was far less brutal and some of the interior I felt was so similar to an Audi A3 but to many other people it would be a flawless car, I was just being particularly fussy and probably wanted a 640 in my head anyway so was being overly negative. Put it this way, I’d look at one again.

carsfan2

Wailin wrote: »

In fairness, for the older gentleman I think the merc would always be the more traditional choice. Classier looking, in a more prestigious way, than any 5 series.

I never cast a second glance at mercs due to this perceived image Ive always felt they had. But lately Ive been eyeing the amg line...very stylish cars and im at that age now anyway!

A nicely specced G30 530d m sport carsfan?

Yes I keep thinking of a second hand one of these but I just don’t want to spend the money.
However 40k on a 2014 6 series versus 60k on a 2017 530?
Which car would lose more in the next 3 years?

JohnxF

Simple numbers - the more expensive call will always lose more value, but relatively they will lose roughly the same percentage of value. Lots of caveats of course....
Example below ... assume 15% depreciation in first year, 10% every additional year. In 5 years both lost half their value, dearer car loses 30k, cheaper one 20k.
Plug whatever numbers you want in - it's not hard to work out.

Start Price  40,000     60,000	
Year 1       34,000	51,000	15%
Year 2       30,600	45,900	10%
Year 3       27,540	41,310	10%
Year 4       24,786	37,179	10%
Year 5       22,307	33,461	10%
Year 6       20,077	30,115	10%

carsfan2

carsfan2 wrote: »

............
However 40k on a 2014 6 series versus 60k on a 2017 530?
Which car would lose more in the next 3 years?

2017 530 without a shadow of a doubt in € out of pocket terms. And of course the extra €20k that needs to be found/funded

there's no way the 2017 530 will just lose 20k over the next 3 years, you might get away with 20k on the 6.

Obviously buying a 4 year old 6 series does make you more likely to spend wads on some issue that crops up as well as the usual wear and tear that might be considerable on a 5 to 8 year old example going forward.

So the 530 might experience say €10k more depreciation but it might (well, probably will) cost a few thousand less in maintenance over the next 3 years.

carsfan2

Serious man maths needed to justify a g30 530d so.

Looking at Audi A7’s for sale, they are still very dear from main dealers but would expect them to come down with the new model arriving.

Wailin

It's impossible to avoid heavy depreciation when buying cars in that price range. Importing would be the only way to reduce it somewhat, as bazz already said. But that leaves the headache of trying to sell your own car privately, then days or even weeks without a car until you get what you want. What year is the 330e, 2015?

mickdw

The A7 looks cheap until you really go looking and then you find if you want a low mile quattro S line, there are not so many cheap ones.
I'd love a 640d but I'm a bit afraid of them in terms of going wrong. The dealer ones with the excellent warranty are too much money but I guess you can't have it every way. I'd go for 6 series coupe over the gc.
The GC to me seems very much stretched and the review by fitz above kinda suggests that it handles like it looks.
Has anyone driven both coupe and GC 6 series?

carsfan2

Wailin wrote: »

It's impossible to avoid heavy depreciation when buying cars in that price range. Importing would be the only way to reduce it somewhat, as bazz already said. But that leaves the headache of trying to sell your own car privately, then days or even weeks without a car until you get what you want. What year is the 330e, 2015?

330e is 162 reg. I am not interested in trying to actively sell privately. it is a great car but I have back/hip problem that the seat is exacerbating.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

mickdw wrote: »

I'd love a 640d but I'm a bit afraid of them in terms of going wrong.

To be fair to BMW F generation cars are much more reliable. They didnt totally change the engines so they are more reliable derivatives of the E generation engines, some timing belt issues but nothing major. As far as I know there are no major predictable weak points on the 640d.

I had 4 E generation cars - X5, M5, 645, 316. all had issues in my ownership (some major). I have had 3 F generation cars - 420d, 640d, M4,, and not a single issues except the aircon needing regassing on the 420d. Still I think if you need a car for transportation you should take a warranty on any BMW worth more than 30k.

carsfan2

I know you had a Porsche 911 fitzgeme, but have you had any other non Bmw cars?420d doesn’t sound like your regular cup of tea!
How long do you tend to hold on to a car for?
I have generally changed every couple of years but on occasion more quickly.
I get a lot of slagging from people over how regularly my car changes but I’ve not driven anything as exotic as you have.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

carsfan2 wrote: »

I know you had a Porsche 911 fitzgeme, but have you had any other non Bmw cars?420d doesn’t sound like your regular cup of tea!
How long do you tend to hold on to a car for?
I have generally changed every couple of years but on occasion more quickly.
I get a lot of slagging from people over how regularly my car changes but I’ve not driven anything as exotic as you have.

Had a 911, not my last I would say but I would not use one as a daily. 420d was a fine fine car, I had no issues with it, lacked some acceleration and specialness but I was coming off the back of a M5 and wanted to take a break from performance (read expensive) motoring. I do this swing in my head going from sensible motoring to stupid motoring. But as I get older I am beginning to realise that I need to love a car. If I dont then its a waste of money cause I end up changing in a few months and realising all the depreciation.

Shortest I held a car for was 5 months (the 640d) longest was 3 years. I run 2 cars at a time (3 at the moment). I am obsessed and choose cars over a lot of other things in life. I think once your honest with yourself about why you want a specific car then go for it. Sound to me like you like the pricing of a 640d and your fancy yourself in one....for me thats a good enough reason. Dont listen to teh internets or bullsh1tters like me...take the pleasure that is going out car shopping and deciding for yourself.