2015 640d gran coupe or g30 530d?

LillySV

Hi folks,

Looking for some good advice on a potential purchase I might make in early 2020. I’m considering buying either a 2015/2016 bmw 640d grand coupe m sport or a 2017 bmw 530d m sport and just looking for opinions on what these cars are like for drive reliability and which is basically the best buy? I’m aware that the 640d produces 312bhp vs the 530ds 260 bhp but in real world terms the 530d is newer so therefore I assume the difference in power and acceleration isn’t that much? The fact that the 530d is newer, I assume it will hold its value better also and will probably have a load of electric aids the 640d doesn’t? Appreciate some good advice on this

Heres Johnny

LillySV wrote: »

Hi folks,

Looking for some good advice on a potential purchase I might make in early 2020. I’m considering buying either a 2015/2016 bmw 640d grand coupe m sport or a 2017 bmw 530d m sport and just looking for opinions on what these cars are like for drive reliability and which is basically the best buy? I’m aware that the 640d produces 312bhp vs the 530ds 260 bhp but in real world terms the 530d is newer so therefore I assume the difference in power and acceleration isn’t that much? The fact that the 530d is newer, I assume it will hold its value better also and will probably have a load of electric aids the 640d doesn’t? Appreciate some good advice on this

I had a 530d up to a few weeks ago and it was a great car, mine was the 141 f10 msport whereas I presume yours is new model you are looking at

Pros for 5 series: newer tech, newer model, all the car you will ever need.
Pros for 6 series: rarer, probably better looking but thats opinion, more power although the 530d is certainly not lacking power

Day to day the 5 would be better to own as it wont have the compromises that come with owning a sporty looking coupe such as less space, especially in the rear

Although I would love a 6 series or an Audi A7, when it comes to buying I will probably always stick to the 5 series/A6 type of car. Just brilliant all rounders

However the 6 series has a bit more wow factor, theres your tradeoff

LillySV

Heres Johnny wrote: »

I had a 530d up to a few weeks ago and it was a great car, mine was the 141 f10 msport whereas I presume yours is new model you are looking at

Pros for 5 series: newer tech, newer model, all the car you will ever need.
Pros for 6 series: rarer, probably better looking but thats opinion, more power although the 530d is certainly not lacking power

Day to day the 5 would be better to own as it wont have the compromises that come with owning a sporty looking coupe such as less space, especially in the rear

Although I would love a 6 series or an Audi A7, when it comes to buying I will probably always stick to the 5 series/A6 type of car. Just brilliant all rounders

However the 6 series has a bit more wow factor, theres your tradeoff

Yea it’s the newer g30 530d I’m considering vs the 640d grand coupe..:. Fancy them both and find it hard to decide!! Money will probably help the decision I’m sure 😊

bazz26

I find the interior of the 640d has aged now as well as the tech. I have an F10 530d myself and it's no sports when it comes to handling. I drove a 640d and while it was quicker and more luxurious on the inside, it is also bigger and felt more cumbersome. Interior space is surprisingly restrictive aswell despite the big exterior. I haven't driven the G30 but apparently it's lighter and handles better than the previous generation 5 Series.

Best thing to do though is test drive both and see which one you like as ultimately you will know from that.

Heres Johnny

Go check out the back seats in a 640d GC and see if you can live with them as opposed to what you get in a 5 series. Factor that in as well as the cost as its a dearer car like for like, you will have to go back a year or more further than the 5 for same price, this wouldn't bother me though if I wanted a 6 series I'd just go back in years.

The back seats was a deal breaker for me though when I looked at these before and just ended up in a 5 series again. In fairness they'll do pretty much anything you want.

Next car, whether it's an A6 or a 5 series of its an ICE will probably be an avant or a touring, although I'd like to go phev which I don't think is available in estate form. I'm sure they will in future.

LillySV

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Go check out the back seats in a 640d GC and see if you can live with them as opposed to what you get in a 5 series. Factor that in as well as the cost as its a dearer car like for like, you will have to go back a year or more further than the 5 for same price, this wouldn't bother me though if I wanted a 6 series I'd just go back in years.

The back seats was a deal breaker for me though when I looked at these before and just ended up in a 5 series again. In fairness they'll do pretty much anything you want.

Next car, whether it's an A6 or a 5 series of its an ICE will probably be an avant or a touring, although I'd like to go phev which I don't think is available in estate form. I'm sure they will in future.

What’s ICE ? Yea I’ve a Labrador so 640d isn’t the best for her either! Haha.... ideally an X5 would’ve been the more suitable for me but they way too expensive. My main criteria is a 3 litre plus car that’s a good drive

LillySV

bazz26 wrote: »

I find the interior of the 640d has aged now as well as the tech. I have an F10 530d myself and it's no sports when it comes to handling. I drove a 640d and while it was quicker and more luxurious on the inside, it is also bigger and felt more cumbersome. Interior space is surprisingly restrictive aswell despite the big exterior. I haven't driven the G30 but apparently it's lighter and handles better than the previous generation 5 Series.

Best thing to do though is test drive both and see which one you like as ultimately you will know from that.

There’s lads arguing too about whether to go for the x drive or just the rear wheel drive version of the g30 530d

Heres Johnny

LillySV wrote: »

What’s ICE ? Yea I’ve a Labrador so 640d isn’t the best for her either! Haha.... ideally an X5 would’ve been the more suitable for me but they way too expensive. My main criteria is a 3 litre plus car that’s a good drive

Internal combustion engine......diesel or petrol with no electric capabilities. I have a labrador as well but she is fine in the back of a saloon, even though I know she shouldnt be there by law

LillySV

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Internal combustion engine......diesel or petrol with no electric capabilities. I have a labrador as well but she is fine in the back of a saloon, even though I know she shouldnt be there by law

They’re so clever they could nearly drive themselves anyways haha. Yea the 530d is more practical for that I suppose.. I do like the look of the 640d though! Cause it’s finished production I’m frightened it loose more value as time goes on

Heres Johnny

LillySV wrote: »

They’re so clever they could nearly drive themselves anyways haha. Yea the 530d is more practical for that I suppose.. I do like the look of the 640d though! Cause it’s finished production I’m frightened it loose more value as time goes on

Cant see value loss being much different on either to be honest........what are you talking here? 35k purchase price or thereabouts?

Budget for losing half the value in 3 years assuming you get a decent deal in the first place, thats what I always go by

So I would advise buying the car that suits you best, depreciation is a bit of an unknown the 5 series might be replaced anyway by the time you move it on again, and diesel might be even less desirable that it seems to be at the moment

I dont get the trend of diesels in such a premium thing as a 640d anyway, if you were spending money like that on a new car what do you care how much fuel it is using.

Think it was to get VRT down in Ireland and other equivalent European states that charge something similar.

I only bought diesels in last year or 2 as I was looking for a 5 series in around the 141 mark and couldnt find any petrols, same with the missus A6 which I have now. I do like them but I dont see why someone paying big money wouldnt just buy a petrol, government interference really.

LillySV

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Cant see value loss being much different on either to be honest........what are you talking here? 35k purchase price or thereabouts?

Budget for losing half the value in 3 years assuming you get a decent deal in the first place, thats what I always go by

So I would advise buying the car that suits you best, depreciation is a bit of an unknown the 5 series might be replaced anyway by the time you move it on again, and diesel might be even less desirable that it seems to be at the moment

I dont get the trend of diesels in such a premium thing as a 640d anyway, if you were spending money like that on a new car what do you care how much fuel it is using.

Think it was to get VRT down in Ireland and other equivalent European states that charge something similar.

I only bought diesels in last year or 2 as I was looking for a 5 series in around the 141 mark and couldnt find any petrols, same with the missus A6 which I have now. I do like them but I dont see why someone paying big money wouldnt just buy a petrol, government interference really.

Oh I’d love to get a petrol like an m3 as I’m in town half the time anyways... it’s the ridiculous vrt and car tax that stops me from doing that... govt has ****ed around so much in car market that they ensured paddy Irish man will never be able to buy a really nice car without paying out of their ears.... or unless your a big business man.... can get something nice and claim it as expense and pay no vat

Mooooo

530e maybe worth a try if in town a bit. Beshoffs have a couple in stock on their site anyway could get a test drive of em there along with a 640d in the one spot anyway.

aristotle25

If it was me I would go for the newer 2017 530 versus a 2015/2016 640. I would wather buy a 3 year old versus a 4/5 year old but what kind of mileage are on them?

There will still be some BMW manufacturer warranty on the 530? Usually it is a 3 year warranty?

I have the G30 530 but never sat inside a 640 so can't really compare. I have my doubts on how well the 6 series will age in terms of looks, its a personal thing but I like them less the more I see them. It should be easier to sell a 530 I would have thought, just a bigger market for them versus 6 series. But buy the one you like is the main thing.

Coming from an e60 to the G30 there is a big difference in tech, comfort, refinement etc. Really the 530 G30 is a very, very good car. 265BhP is more than you will ever need, I mean it goes 0-60 in 5.7seconds or something, it is effortless to drive as is the 640 I would imagine. In some ways the e60 felt more engaging, you could feel the road\steering more. Pity there is no 535d available in the new model (no right hand drives anyways), that would be the one to go for.

If you are shopping around on the 530 make sure you look at the spec's closely, there are so many extra's\packages. Rear view camera for example is worth looking for.

italodisco

All i'll say is the Audi A7 is one hell of a car, I have a 3.0TDI Quattro S-Tronic (2014) , fantastic car to drive and after taking it to a VAG specialist on the outskirts of London for a remap and some other minor details it runs around 360bhp and 500lb torque .

Nice size boot , very spacious cabin, very quiet too .

Definitely one to consider

LillySV

aristotle25 wrote: »

If it was me I would go for the newer 2017 530 versus a 2015/2016 640. I would wather buy a 3 year old versus a 4/5 year old but what kind of mileage are on them?

There will still be some BMW manufacturer warranty on the 530? Usually it is a 3 year warranty?

I have the G30 530 but never sat inside a 640 so can't really compare. I have my doubts on how well the 6 series will age in terms of looks, its a personal thing but I like them less the more I see them. It should be easier to sell a 530 I would have thought, just a bigger market for them versus 6 series. But buy the one you like is the main thing.

Coming from an e60 to the G30 there is a big difference in tech, comfort, refinement etc. Really the 530 G30 is a very, very good car. 265BhP is more than you will ever need, I mean it goes 0-60 in 5.7seconds or something, it is effortless to drive as is the 640 I would imagine. In some ways the e60 felt more engaging, you could feel the road\steering more. Pity there is no 535d available in the new model (no right hand drives anyways), that would be the one to go for.

If you are shopping around on the 530 make sure you look at the spec's closely, there are so many extra's\packages. Rear view camera for example is worth looking for.

Is yours the x drive or just standard rear wheel drive? I read somewhere that the rear wheel drive was more engaging and better than Xdrive. Don’t know how true that is though ...

aristotle25

LillySV wrote: »

Is yours the x drive or just standard rear wheel drive? I read somewhere that the rear wheel drive was more engaging and better than Xdrive. Don’t know how true that is though ...

yeah just rear-wheeled. I had read a bit about xdrive too and mostly people were saying its not worth the extra money and small drop in MPG. So I wasnt pushed about it.

I don't tend to drive in a way that I would need four wheel drive, I am not flying around corners but on any spirited drives I have done on country roads the rear-wheel drive handles fine. The car is balanced well.

You need good tryes though, there is so much torque and power, its easy to get the traction control kicking in on damp roads when you floor it at 80-90KPH.

James Bond Junior

A relative has a 17 640d. Rapid, looks great but just meh. Sterile to drive and totally disconnected. There is fantastic value in 730d/740d in the UK at moment. I drove a 181 730d during the summer and it was stunning in every way. The new model is out so there may be good deals to be had. In fact a friend went into CQ BMW in Athlone last year to get a G30 and was able to buy an ex demo 730D for the same price as a new and reasonably specced 520d.

bazz26

Even with xdrive it will still be primarily rwd bias. Sure the xdrive will offer better grip in certain situations but unless you really need it I wouldn't bother looking specifically for one, your just carrying around the extra weight of the drive train that you will rarely use.

bazz26

Yep new G11 7 Series from 2016 onwards will have the same tech as the G30 5 Series. 7 Series has way better standard equipment than the 5 Series too and a better selection of 3.0 litre examples too. Importing one might not be as attractive or worth while now though with the new NOx charges on top of VRT coming in on Jan 1st.

djivide_

aristotle25 wrote: »

You need good tryes though, there is so much torque and power, its easy to get the traction control kicking in on damp roads when you floor it at 80-90KPH.

I had a 171 g30 530d x-drive until a few months ago when it decided to go for a late night drive without me



I had gone from f10 520d to the 530d and even with 520d you could get the traction control kicking in, but once i changed to the 530d I don't think i ever saw it kick in even on damp roads with full power, the traction was unbelievable and seriously fun car for such a big car. I did notice the larger turning circle going from rwd to awd



waiting on delivery of a X5 45e myself in a few weeks time (thank god for shortfall insurance)

bazz26

Out of curiosity how did they take it? House break in and keys?

aristotle25

djivide_ wrote: »

I had a 171 g30 530d x-drive until a few months ago when it decided to go for a late night drive without me

Stolen? Awful when it happens, had a few attempts as well over the years.
How was your stolen, with keys or mysteriously without keys ?

djivide_

nope still had all the keys, boosted the keyless entry signal and started the car would be my thinking. I have purchased a signal blocking box for holding keys in the future but by all accounts new keys go into a sleep mode if there is no motion, found out after its something you can supposedly get G30 keys replaced to have the sleep function.

I had a tracker fitted also but looks like they were using some sort of gsm signal blocker as it pinged up a few places but no where near as many as normal.
bmw connected drive app had it driven ~200km from when it was stolen based on how much fuel was left with boot & bonnet open so was more than likely being stripped at that stage and never updated since.

Most annoying part was the golf clubs in the boot again all insured but a pain in the arse getting custom made clubs made again and ones I had were no longer in production.

LillySV

bazz26 wrote: »

Yep new G11 7 Series from 2016 onwards will have the same tech as the G30 5 Series. 7 Series has way better standard equipment than the 5 Series too and a better selection of 3.0 litre examples too. Importing one might not be as attractive or worth while now though with the new NOx charges on top of VRT coming in on Jan 1st.

Yea I’d be trying to get this in Uk in Jan before brexit assuming I get good value as the Irish prices are mad. I’d say the nox be too much in the 7 vs the 5?

aristotle25

djivide_ wrote: »

nope still had all the keys, boosted the keyless entry signal and started the car would be my thinking..

Sometime early/mid 2018 BMW started making key fobs where the signal from the key fob turns off after the fob has not moved after 2 minutes or so.

I tested it myself on my own and that is what happens.

But I bought one of those signal blocking key bags just in case

LillySV

djivide_ wrote: »

I had a 171 g30 530d x-drive until a few months ago when it decided to go for a late night drive without me



I had gone from f10 520d to the 530d and even with 520d you could get the traction control kicking in, but once i changed to the 530d I don't think i ever saw it kick in even on damp roads with full power, the traction was unbelievable and seriously fun car for such a big car. I did notice the larger turning circle going from rwd to awd



waiting on delivery of a X5 45e myself in a few weeks time (thank god for shortfall insurance)

That’s a bolox... sorry to hear that... awful hassle to have

In regard to the x drive ... u found that good fun too? I suppose the difference for me will be the price and spec ... the x drive should be the faster option

Just readin here about the 45e... that would be a lovely machine for me but unfortunately I can’t stretch that far.. they putting a proper engine into a hybrid rather than a 2 litre

djivide_

LillySV wrote: »

That’s a bolox... sorry to hear that... awful hassle to have

In regard to the x drive ... u found that good fun too? I suppose the difference for me will be the price and spec ... the x drive should be the faster option

Just readin here about the 45e... that would be a lovely machine for me but unfortunately I can’t stretch that far.. they putting a proper engine into a hybrid rather than a 2 litre

Yeah the xdrive 530d was not as tail happy as the 520d i had before but was still a lot of fun, didn't stop me doing donuts in the snow but at the same time i did a lot of driving in the snow of march 18 i think it was and the xdrive did help, a lot more traction than i had with the f10's in previous snow experience.

digiman

bazz26 wrote: »

Yep new G11 7 Series from 2016 onwards will have the same tech as the G30 5 Series. 7 Series has way better standard equipment than the 5 Series too and a better selection of 3.0 litre examples too. Importing one might not be as attractive or worth while now though with the new NOx charges on top of VRT coming in on Jan 1st.

How much will the NOx actually add on though?

Leonard Hofstadter

digiman wrote: »

How much will the NOx actually add on though?

A Euro 6 car shouldn't add too much, the maximum permitted is value for NOx is 80 mg/km for a diesel and 60 mg/km for a petrol. The VRT changes will really penalise anyone who wants to import a pre-Euro 6 diesel, for example a Euro 5 diesel can produce as much as 180 mg/km of NOx, while the limit is 250 mg/km for a Euro 4 diesel (on the other hand, for petrols the limit is 80 mg/km for Euro 5 and Euro 4, so even at Euro 6 a diesel is only required to be as clean as a Euro 4 petrol for NOx) so then the charges can end up being over €1000 in some models.

digiman

Had a quick look there and the NOx on a 2017 530D xdrive is 44 and you just multiply that by 5 so it's only an extra 220 quid. It's not going to make alot of difference on a circa 40k car.

https://carfueldata.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/search-new-or-used-cars.aspx?vid=804878

LillySV

digiman wrote: »

Had a quick look there and the NOx on a 2017 530D xdrive is 44 and you just multiply that by 5 so it's only an extra 220 quid. It's not going to make alot of difference on a circa 40k car.

https://carfueldata.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/search-new-or-used-cars.aspx?vid=804878

Will these figures be counted by revenue when calculating the nox or will they be making their own numbers..? I note that the 640d grand coupe is nox of 43.... I would’ve thought it would be higher than the newer 530d