BMW 640xi
The BMW 640xi is the all-wheel-drive xDrive variant of the 6 Series 640i — equipped with the N55 twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six producing 320 hp, available as both the F13 two-door Coupe and the F06 four-door Gran Coupe, and representing one of the most elegant grand touring BMWs of the modern era.
Overview
The F-generation BMW 6 Series returned in 2011 with the F12 Convertible, F13 Coupe, and — introduced in 2012 — the F06 Gran Coupe: a long-wheelbase four-door variant that brought 6 Series elegance to a more practical four-door format. All three body styles shared the same platform and engines, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive option added to the 640i to create the 640xi — a rare and sophisticated combination of the N55 inline-six and BMW's intelligent AWD system.
The N55 turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in the 640xi produces 320 hp and 450 Nm, fed through an 8-speed ZF Steptronic transmission to all four wheels. The N55 uses twin-scroll turbocharger technology for minimal lag and a broad, linear power delivery that suits the 6 Series grand touring character. Unlike the more aggressive S55 M car engine, the N55 is focused on flexibility and refinement — it pulls smoothly from low revs and sustains long motorway distances without drama.
In Azerbaijan, the 640xi is a rare variant. Most F13/F06 cars in the local market are the rear-wheel-drive 640i or 650i; the xDrive option adds complexity and cost. For buyers who do find a well-documented 640xi, it represents an all-weather grand touring proposition that the standard RWD 640i cannot match in winter or wet conditions. The Gran Coupe (F06) configuration in particular offers genuine four-seat practicality in an extraordinarily elegant package.
640xi in Pictures
Exterior design, cabin layout, and real-world use reference images. Broken links gracefully fall back to text tiles.
Key Specifications
- Engine: N55B30 3.0L twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six
- Power: 320 hp at 5,800 rpm; 450 Nm torque from 1,500–4,500 rpm
- 0–100 km/h: 5.3 seconds (both Coupe and Gran Coupe)
- Transmission: 8-speed ZF Steptronic automatic
- Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive with 40:60 front:rear torque bias
- Body options: F13 Coupe (2-door) or F06 Gran Coupe (4-door, longer wheelbase)
- Suspension: double wishbone front, integral link rear; optional Adaptive M Suspension
- Kerb weight: approx. 1,785 kg (Coupe), 1,845 kg (Gran Coupe)
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Engine | Power | 0–100 km/h | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 640i (RWD) Coupe | N55 3.0L TT I6 | 320 hp | 5.4 sec | Pure GT driving character — RWD |
| 640xi Coupe (F13) | N55 3.0L TT I6 | 320 hp | 5.3 sec | AWD Coupe — all-weather GT |
| 640xi Gran Coupe (F06) | N55 3.0L TT I6 | 320 hp | 5.3 sec | AWD 4-door GT — most practical |
| 650i xDrive | N63 4.4L TT V8 | 450 hp | 4.6 sec | V8 power with xDrive AWD |
Competitor Snapshot
Competitor choice in Azerbaijan should account not only for headline specs, but for service ecosystem, parts availability, and ownership confidence over your actual routes.
| Model | Core Strength | Main Compromise (Local Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A7 3.0 TFSI quattro | More practical five-door body, Quattro AWD standard, strong resale in CIS markets | Less distinctive styling than 6 Series; A7 is more saloon than GT in character |
| Mercedes E-Class Coupe (W212/C238) | More refined day-to-day motorway comfort, strong AMG performance tiers, familiar service support | Two-door only in comparable GT format; no 4-door Gran Coupe equivalent until C238 generation |
| Porsche Panamera (971) | Superior all-round performance, better residuals, outstanding driver engagement | Significantly more expensive to buy and service; less elegant exterior design than 6 Series |
| Jaguar XJ (X351) | Outstanding interior quality, aluminium body structure, distinctive British character | No AWD option; Jaguar service support limited in Azerbaijan |
Repair & Service in Azerbaijan
BMW has an established service presence in Baku through authorised dealerships and independent specialists familiar with the brand. Parts supply for common maintenance items is generally reliable, though specialist components for performance models and older generations may require additional lead time.
- N55 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): a known issue on earlier N55 units — verify this has been updated or replaced if the car was built pre-2013
- Valve cover gasket: the N55's valve cover gasket is a common seeping item at 80,000–120,000 km; not critical but worth addressing before it contaminates the serpentine belt
- Cooling system expansion tank: the plastic expansion tank on the N55 can crack under pressure — inspect for any crystallisation or discolouration at the cap and seams
- Electric water pump: the N55 uses an electric auxiliary water pump; failure causes rapid overheating — check for fault codes and verify pump operation before purchase
- Adaptive suspension module (if fitted): the optional Adaptive M Suspension uses electronic dampers; verify all four modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+) function correctly
- Brake condition: the 6 Series runs large rotors and multi-piston calipers; inspect disc surfaces for heavy scoring and measure pad thickness as part of any purchase inspection
Ownership Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)
Adjust these values for your driving profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.
- Estimated annual fuel consumption: 1680 L
- Estimated annual fuel cost: $1176
- Total annual ownership estimate: $7376
- Average monthly ownership estimate: $615
- N55 fuel consumption: 9–12 L/100km in normal motorway and city use; the twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque that rewards smooth driving for fuel economy
- RON 95 minimum; RON 98 preferred for full N55 performance and optimal turbo response
- xDrive transfer case: fluid change recommended at 60,000 km; the front differential and propshaft on the 640xi adds minor service cost versus the RWD 640i
- 8-speed ZF Steptronic: a highly reliable unit when maintained — transmission fluid change at 80,000 km is preventive insurance
- F06 Gran Coupe rear access: the longer wheelbase and larger rear doors see more use in the Gran Coupe — inspect rear door hinges and seals on high-mileage examples
Used 640xi Buying Checklist
Inspect each point thoroughly before committing to a purchase. Request service records, VIN validation, and any recall completion documentation.
- N55 cold start: listen for any oil pressure-related ticking or chain rattle which can indicate timing chain or VANOS wear on high-mileage examples
- HPFP history: ask for documentation or check dealer records for the high-pressure fuel pump update on pre-2013 N55 engines
- xDrive engagement: test AWD on a low-grip surface or during a firm acceleration from standstill — the system should engage cleanly with no hesitation
- Gran Coupe rear door seals: inspect the rear door seal condition and headliner above B-pillar for any water ingress on the F06 body
- All electronics: 6 Series has extensive electronic features — test iDrive, lane departure, adaptive cruise, head-up display, and parking sensors
- Soft-close door function: the 6 Series soft-close door mechanism can fail on older examples; test each door
- Panel consistency and paintwork: verify all panels match — the elegant 6 Series body shows any accident repair work clearly on a thorough inspection
- Service history depth: given the rarity of the 640xi versus 640i, verify the xDrive system has been included in service records
640xi FAQ — Azerbaijan Buyers
Is the 640xi Gran Coupe a practical choice as a daily driver in Azerbaijan?
Yes, more so than you might expect from the name. The F06 Gran Coupe has a genuine 4+1 seating arrangement, a reasonable 460-litre boot, and four proper doors. The xDrive AWD system provides year-round confidence. The N55 inline-six offers acceptable fuel economy for a luxury GT. The main practical limitation is the low roofline — tall passengers will find rear headroom marginal. As a prestige daily driver, the Gran Coupe is genuinely usable.
Why is the 640xi rare compared to the standard 640i?
BMW originally built the 6 Series with a rear-wheel-drive ethos — the 640i RWD is the driver's choice, and xDrive adds cost and weight. Many buyers who want AWD in this class choose the 535i xDrive or 550i xDrive instead. The 640xi was always a small-volume variant, making well-maintained examples harder to find but also less likely to have been heavily driven. In Azerbaijan, the rarity adds to the appeal for buyers seeking something distinctive.
How does the N55 compare to the N63 V8 in the 650i?
The N55 inline-six is smoother, more fuel-efficient, and historically more reliable than the N63 V8. The N63 produces more power (450 hp vs 320 hp) and has a distinctive V8 character, but it also consumes more fuel and has a documented history of higher oil consumption and cooling system complexity. For most buyers the N55-powered 640xi is the better all-round ownership proposition; the 650i is the choice for those who specifically want V8 sound and maximum performance.
Should You Buy the BMW 640xi?
The BMW 640xi — particularly in Gran Coupe form — represents an exceptional value proposition for the discerning buyer. Elegant design, the proven N55 inline-six, xDrive AWD, and genuine four-seat usability combine in a package that is now available at significantly depreciated prices. The car's rarity in Azerbaijan means finding one requires patience, but a well-documented example is a genuinely rewarding choice for the buyer who appreciates a luxury GT over an SUV.
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