I suppose it’s a bit like giving a family pet a treat for good behaviour. As this 2005 BMW 650i has allowed me to pile on more angst-free miles, I’ve been unable to resist correcting minor flaws, and adding official options that weren’t fitted to it when it was new. Or at least trying to.
The car has now been with me over two and a half years, during which it has covered 21,000 miles. As earlier reports recount, the experience hasn’t been entirely drama-free – an electrical fault killing the engine in heavy rain and a failing gearbox are two memorable lowlights – but given that I paid only £5500 for what was once a £60,000 car, I’m pretty happy with the gamble so far. This BMW has still done only 76,000-odd miles in its 19 years, with at least another 50,000 theoretically possible to judge by the mileages of other ageing 650is.
I’m not sure I’ll keep it that long, the desire for something different always present in its owner’s head. But it’s a surprisingly difficult car to replace given its striking style, the magnificent 362bhp V8 and unexpected ability to deliver over 30mpg on long runs, plus the big boot. A dull practical requirement, it’s true, but if you use this car for European trips, four of which it’s made so far, it’s a very useful feature. Especially when you have to carry a space-saver tyre and jacking kit in there, this BMW originally supplied with unforgiving run-flats that are too stiff for the lanes around here. It’s now on conventional rubber that turns stiff to merely firm.
