[Damage Inc]

I've had a 14 320i for about 6 months as a DD (have an R8 for the sports car). What a pile of crap. The 4 cyl sounds like a trash disposal, the wind noise on the highway sucks, and it rattles LIKE CRAZY. Its perfect condition with only 25k miles on it. Cant believe how bad BMW quality has gotten in the 320i.

Anyways, bumping my budget up to $25k to get something with a bit more luxury.

Settled in on a 535i M Sport with comfort seats. If I'm patient I'll get a 15 w 40k miles for high 20's.

Then came across 13 and 14 640i GC's for the same price. Love the look w M Sport however this will be a DD in Michigan winters, so 20's would suck. Plus I'm looking at 55k mile examples in my budget. But darn, are they nice looking and the interior is sweet. And they all come with sport seats, where the 535i do not.

But I normally prefer a newer car. For Example: Less odors, wear / tear. A new car w 20k miles still feels newer to me than a 4 year only car with 5k miles.

Anybody cross shop these? My initial search on the 6 forum shows quite a bit of $$$$ repairs, so I'd have to add some type of Route 66 warranty.

Opinions?

[BlueSander]

I personally would take the 640i GC over the 535i. I was in the market for the 6 series actually, then I found a great deal on a 535i and went with the 5 instead. My 535i is fully loaded (except for headup display, night vision and soft close). Isn't the engine in the 640i the same as the engine in the 535i?

[Damage Inc]

After more research I've learned the 640i seats are not as comfortable as the Comfort Seats and the suspension is on the harsh side. Since I'm looking for a DD in the Michigan winters, I do lean towards a 535xi. Even though the xi doesnt get the M Suspension, I'll probably prefer it for my needs since the LCI is supposed to be better.

I'm set to go drive them both this week, so that will help me to decide.

I've also thrown an A7 in the mix since they're in this price as well.

[Margas]

I was dead set on a 535i LCI but after seeing it side by side with a 6, I was sold on looking for a 6. Most of the problems with the 6 seem to be related to the V8 so I went with the 640i and haven't had any issues since I bought it a year ago (2014 model). My choice was reinforced after I saw a 650i in the shop with its whole drive train taken out last time I was in for a service.

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, the 6 will hold its value longer since it has been indirectly replaced by the 8 whereas the 5 has already been replaced and the f10 is looking dated (but I guess the prices will have already been plummeting over the last year).

But whatever the case, take em out for a drive and see what you like. Good luck with the purchase!

[Qsilver7]

Are you planning on using dedicated winter tires? Regardless of having x-drive...it can only work its "magic" if the tires have traction. When the tires lose their traction...it doesn't matter if you have RWD or AWD...so dedicated winter tires mounted to either set-up gives the best traction performance. And that would be for stopping and turning as well as acceleration.