[KCH1984]

Originally Posted by pdk42

I had a 5 and "downgraded" to a 3. Much prefer the dynamics and feel of the 3, but the "refinement" of the 5 was better. However, I think the refinement actually boils down to sound insulation. I think the older 3 series were actually better than the F3x series in this respect. I hope that BMW fix this in the new G model. As Matt points out above, it's silly to think that smaller car should mean noisier/lower quality.

Sound insulation will account for a decent part of it - when I was routing cables for my dash cam in the F30 I found none of the stuff behind the interior panels, in the F15 it's pretty much everywhere they can put it.

[cfm56d7b]

After test driving 640 GC and realizing that the weight penalty was not something I wanted to live with, 650 GC test drive almost made me purchase it. But 2 concerns remained: gas mileage and N63 engine reliability which has been troublesome. I eventually 440i GC. The 6 series vehicles have more noise isolation and perhaps that's reason for the impression of better interior quality.

[pmgreenwood]

Originally Posted by KCH1984

Sound insulation will account for a decent part of it - when I was routing cables for my dash cam in the F30 I found none of the stuff behind the interior panels, in the F15 it's pretty much everywhere they can put it.

I am old enough to remember the time when BMW used to advertise cars as several cars different series and sizes and built to ONE standard. I think that was around the time of the E20 series cars.

[Jamese93]

I've got a 430d gran coupe now and previously had a 640d gran coupe. I miss the 640 a lot and am a complete car nut. The 640 is like a land yacht but handles surprisingly well and feels way faster than the 430, however physics are physics and the 640d is a huge motor and a very heavy one. The 640 makes the 430 feel very cheap. If I was buying again? 640 every time. Drive it and you will see what I mean. Let us know how you get on!

[Jamese93]

Originally Posted by pdk42

I had a 5 and "downgraded" to a 3. Much prefer the dynamics and feel of the 3, but the "refinement" of the 5 was better. However, I think the refinement actually boils down to sound insulation. I think the older 3 series were actually better than the F3x series in this respect. I hope that BMW fix this in the new G model. As Matt points out above, it's silly to think that smaller car should mean noisier/lower quality.

It's true that the 4 has much less sound deadening than the older 3, this is one reason why it feels much cheaper. My e92 was a much better built car than the latest 430d.

[MackM4Comp]

Originally Posted by N0Chill 335i

6 series has much higher interior build quality and is more "unique" than a 4 series. MSRP was probably double when new.

+1 Far far superior build quality!! I can speak from experience

[pdk42]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

I am old enough to remember the time when BMW used to advertise cars as several cars different series and sizes and built to ONE standard. I think that was around the time of the E20 series cars.

Yes, I agree. Back in 90s the BMW 3 was a very refined motor that lived up to its premium badge. Truth be told, a modern 3 is no better than a Ford in terms of build quality or refinement (and might be worse). It commands a higher price and "respect" purely through brand engineering. I stick with the brand only for the 6-cyl engines. The day that I can't buy a 6-cyl BMW is the day I stop buying a BMW!

[Russbmw]

I think that’s because back then, having the best fuel economy through light builds was less of a priority.

[Wills2]

1,2,3,4 are all pretty similar in terms of interior quality and refinement the 5,6,7 are a big leap forward in terms of interior and refinement.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by pdk42

Yes, I agree. Back in 90s the BMW 3 was a very refined motor that lived up to its premium badge. Truth be told, a modern 3 is no better than a Ford in terms of build quality or refinement (and might be worse). It commands a higher price and "respect" purely through brand engineering. I stick with the brand only for the 6-cyl engines. The day that I can't buy a 6-cyl BMW is the day I stop buying a BMW!

+1

[Cleybrooke]

6 GC is a run out model, based on the on the old F10/11 platform so may date quickly.

6GT is on the new platform.

[Russbmw]

well yes, hence the discounts currently available.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Jamese93

I've got a 430d gran coupe now and previously had a 640d gran coupe. I miss the 640 a lot and am a complete car nut. The 640 is like a land yacht but handles surprisingly well and feels way faster than the 430, however physics are physics and the 640d is a huge motor and a very heavy one. The 640 makes the 430 feel very cheap. If I was buying again? 640 every time. Drive it and you will see what I mean. Let us know how you get on!

I had the same experience going from an M5 to M3, the interior of the M3 felt so cheap and low rent I couldn't believe it in comparison. (well you wouldn't want to compare them) but you soon get used to life in the cheap seats.

[Russbmw]

So in summary, what we're getting down to is:

- Both cars are assumed to be the same price
- 6 series is built better
- 6 series is nicer inside
- 4 series is lighter thus potentially slightly quicker and will handle better in circumstances when you are really driving like you stole it.

So all depends really on how much the O/P is going to be exploiting that handling as far as I can tell....

[pjs]

Look like a sales rep? Or look like a captain of industry? :-)

[matt_320d]

Originally Posted by Cleybrooke

6 GC is a run out model, based on the on the old F10/11 platform so may date quickly.

6GT is on the new platform.

But the GTs make me feel physically sick when I look at them..

[NotGotABimmer23]

Originally Posted by Russbmw

So in summary, what we're getting down to is:

- Both cars are assumed to be the same price
- 6 series is built better
- 6 series is nicer inside
- 4 series is lighter thus potentially slightly quicker and will handle better in circumstances when you are really driving like you stole it.

So all depends really on how much the O/P is going to be exploiting that handling as far as I can tell....

Id argue that stock a 640d will handle better on its proper m sport suspension rather than SE springs on the 435d.

[pdk42]

Originally Posted by kylemacca01

Id argue that stock a 640d will handle better on its proper m sport suspension rather than SE springs on the 435d.

No matter what you do with the suspension you can't hide the fact that the 6 is a lot heavier that a 3/4. Whatever suspension mods you do to the 6 you could do to a 3/4 and still be better off. The 5/6/7 are big, exec, luxury cars that are not made to be pseudo-sports cars. The 3/4 aren't sports cars either but they are smaller and lighter and all other things equal this will make them better handling and driving cars.

[Russbmw]

Originally Posted by kylemacca01

Id argue that stock a 640d will handle better on its proper m sport suspension rather than SE springs on the 435d.

Fair enough, I can't really comment as both my 435 and 640 have the sport suspension

[NotGotABimmer23]

Originally Posted by pdk42

No matter what you do with the suspension you can't hide the fact that the 6 is a lot heavier that a 3/4. Whatever suspension mods you do to the 6 you could do to a 3/4 and still be better off. The 5/6/7 are big, exec, luxury cars that are not made to be pseudo-sports cars. The 3/4 aren't sports cars either but they are smaller and lighter and all other things equal this will make them better handling and driving cars.

All things being equal sure, but they arent. Stick some acs springs on the 435 and maybe, the 6 is a great handling car for its size.

[Russbmw]

I think the point is being missed here, people go on about the handling like they're driving like Senna. Reality is you're more than likely going to be stuck in a crawling line of traffic on the daily commute, may get to 50-70mph in places if you're lucky. Really does handling matter that much on what you do daily? Really, when the difference between the 4 and 6 is not night and day in the first place?

If you want to go to the ring yearly, or do run what you brung type trackdays, then I get it.

If you could get a Bentley GT for the same price as a mondeo St, seriously what would you do?

If we're talking the same monthly outlay, fuck me, I'd rather be doing 35mph everywhere in a 6 series.

If I want to scare myself silly, I'll take the bike out! 😂

Honestly, op you need to buy whatever you want, I've had a brand new car and it was nice. But newer does not always = nicer.

[rlmesq]

The whole debate seems a little silly to me. A Ducati Panigale and a Harley Davidson Road King are about the same price. Which one is better? It all depends on personal preference and what you intend to do with it.