Today we’re back with a walkaround review of the 2018 BMW 640i, where we will share its specs and features and also discuss some interesting facts about this German coupe. This car is here in Pakistan temporarily through the “Carnet de passage,” which acts as a passport for automobiles to cross borders without paying custom taxes.
This generation of the 6-series was launched back in 2012 by BMW in 3 body styles and four main variants. This particular car is the F13 640i which is a 2-door coupe. It comes with an in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged engine which produces around 315hp and 450 nm of torque; this engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Carnet De Passage
A Carnet De Passage is a document that allows you to cross international borders with a vehicle and avoid paying custom charges. It is basically a promise that will take the vehicle out of the country when you leave or risk hefty penalties. This car is also here temporarily and will go back soon after a certain time.
History
The 6 series has had its ups and downs and has a very interesting history. The first generation was launched in 1976, known as the E24, which gained a lot of fame and remained in production for 13 years, the longest production period of a BMW car. The second generation debuted after a 14-year hiatus known as the E63/64, which also had mixed feedback, specifically about its odd-looking exterior.
Then in 2012, this F12/13 6 series came out, and it was a major upgrade; it looked way ahead of its time and was the best-looking BMW at the time, according to enthusiasts. The car offered great performance with luxurious features and was very well received. It remained in production till 2018.
Variants
This particular car is the 640i with an M sport package. The 6 series came in 4 variants which included this particular 640i with an in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 315hp, the 640d, which had the same diesel engine with 608 hp, and the 650i, which had a 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 445hp and the mighty M6 which came with a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 producing 560hp. All these variants had specs and power output differences, while paid options were available in every variant.
Exterior
The car’s exterior look is very aggressive and still far from looking dated. The vehicle is wrapped in “Matte Black Gold Dust,” and the M sport package adds carbon fiber trims, making it even more flared up. The front features all-LED headlights, a gloss black grill, and a carbon fiber bumper lip. Sides feature 19-inch M sport alloy rims with the Akrapovic dual exhaust tips roaring at the rear. Overall the exterior of the car is breathtaking, to say the least.
Interior
The interior is plush, as with all the BMWs, and the quality is top-notch. Buttons feel hefty with no signs of cheap plastic around the cabin. The design of the interior reminds of the traditional BMW interior layout and is very well put together. It comes with tan leather seats, a digital instrument cluster, an M sport steering wheel, and an IDrive infotainment screen that is very responsive. Equipped with all the tech for passenger convenience and a low driving position giving it a sporty feeling for the driver.
Storage Spaces
Although being a coupe, it compromises on rear passenger space; it certainly has a lot of space to store items. Cupholders in the center, compartments in the doors, a large center armrest, and a decent-sized glove box make it very practical to store valuables in. Boot space is decent and can accommodate decent luggage.
Known Faults
BMWs are not commonly known for their reliability, and this car indicates that. The 6 series had six manufacturer recalls due to many known issues during its production period. These issues included coolant leaks, turbo-cooling problems along with the air conditioning system facing malfunctions. However, the biggest problem was the electronics; as this car is highly dependent on its electronics, which is extensively complicated, it faced many electric problems which were very costly to repair.
Price
Back when it was new, the MSRP of the 640i was around 82,000 dollars in international markets, but currently, it has depreciated a lot, with used cars being sold for around 30,000 dollars which equal around Rs. 7 million. If imported into Pakistan, this car can cost over Rs. 30 million, including custom taxes.
