USED BMW 6 Series Coupe (03 - 11)

My car

Typical BMW quality of materials and driving experience. Ample room in the rear seats for adults for journeys of less than 30mins. However, the doors do not open wide enough for me and I am of average size and proportions. Seem to be thirsty on petrol consumption, too.

My car

The 630i coupe although really a 2+2 is great to drive, well built like most BMWs.

I opted for the 19" wheels which surprisingly do not increase the road noise considerably. The automatic box is very smooth and provides not significant value when used in Steptronic mode.

Great on both long motorway runs and for fun in the lanes, options are costly but residuals likely to be hurt without Navigation, and decent alloys etc. I drive marginaly better with the return function but not as difficult as everyone makes out.

Overall performs well, economy pretty good for a 3.0 litre heavy car and catches the eye, great thing is that there are not many on the road so reasonably exclusive in the UK. Better than a 530 if you do not need four doors.

My car

This is fun to drive and deceptively fast, but at the same time relaxing on a long journey.

The driving experience lacks drama (compared with an old-shape M5, which has similar overall performance), so sports-car enthusiasts may be disappointed. However, as a classic grand tourer, it is very hard to beat.

You either love or hate the looks, which are colour sensitive. Purely subjectively, it looks fantastic in black with chrome trim, and the burgundy interior gives a good contrast inside (but is a bit more durable than the cream beige).

The 630Ci is the one to go for on handling, as the heavier 645Ci is prone to understeer (the front loses grip at the same point as my old 528i). However, the big V8 sounds utterly fantastic, and is seriously quick. Try both and decide (as they're only £5000 apart on price new).

Interior controls are needlessly complex, with some pointless innovations that are more of a nuisance than a help. My only real criticism is the first-year depreciation, which is truly ugly. However, a late used 645Ci will save you £10-£15K, and (in my view) is a bargain!

My car

Great car, looks good in black. Sat-nav and Bluetooth are good. There's no cup holder - you need to get this fitted in the manufacturing stage. I have concerns about the experience of BMW mechanics on this car.