I'm considering a 735i. I just trying to work out whether I could fit a Parrot MKi9200 in, giving me ipod connectivity and bluetooth.

I looked at replacing with another OEM system but didn't see anything about the widescreen system.

Another option is a Merc S430. But again...the tech is all built in it seems and a little "old"

All these BMWs have the Flexible Electronics System which basically means you can upgrade easily to any of the BMW systems including the newer DVD based widescreen one.

A bluetooth kit is probably possible with a wiring harness.

Phil

I fitted a parrot system to my 2 previous e39's, so should be able to with the 7's. not all BMW's come fully loaded, but I guess the further up you go more were specified with more options or came with stuff as standard.

I'm looking at between 1996 and 1998 I think. My budget is quite limited but there are a few bargains about. I saw an Audi A8 2.8 on edition38 which looks a bargain too. I believe it is a sport edition with recaros etc. They just look less spacious than a 7 series/S Class...less road presence.

Its either the luxo barge or back to (some) normality and resume the search for a cheap mk1 octy 4x4 which I can get remapped and lowered.

I feel your pain on the budget thing. I think £2000 is kinda in no mans land. I need to spend a little more for a top notch example, but it's too much to throw at a car that could die quickly. I have no problems with 99% of the cars, it's just the auto boxes that worry me.

They are 'sealed for life', but as we know that's sales & marketing crap and that would benefit long term from fresh oil and a once over. The problem there is you can only drain part of the gearbox, the other part (can't remember it's name) can't be drained. On to of that, the only place that can do a full service on them is ZF in Germany. This is as I understand it from my brief research so far on 7's & the same box is use in the Jag. The man at ZF says really the once over & oil change needs doing every 50,000 miles.

So given this, I'm now tempted to look towards as low mileage car as I can get for £1000. If little bits go then ill sort them, but if the worst happens ill just strip anything worth a few quid and scrap it. A grand can get a tidy XJ8 with reasonable miles, but they look so low, and I'm tall so I'd need to check I fit in on first lol. Plus the mrs is still not keen, but I got a bit of time to work on her lol.

Toyota Camry

Honda Legend

Often driven by rich old people so could have lead an easy life. You'd need to check that no one died at the wheel or if they did that they were removed quickly. You'd never get the smell of a dead pensioner out the seats.

Toyota Camry

Honda Legend

Often driven by rich old people so could have lead an easy life. You'd need to check that no one died at the wheel or if they did that they were removed quickly. You'd never get the smell of a dead pensioner out the seats.

Camry more 'exec' than Luxury, but a well cared for Legend could fit the bill. Or, again, an LS400..... Oh, one wild card while thinking Japanese. A Mazda Xedos 9 (not a 6, a 9) ?

The Jaguar XJ8 is more spacious inside then looks would let you believe.

I am 6' 6" and have managed to drive an XJ8 with no problems. Was a very comfortable driving position too.

They are a lovely car and maybe ur Mrs will change her mind once she's sat in one. I've only ever driven the smaller V8 version (was it like a 3 litre V8 they did?). Still very smooth and trudled along nicely but also flew when you dropped the throttle down to the floor.

Phil

For example......

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item337d4bdacc

£1,695.00

Honda Legend Saloon V6

2000, 57000 miles, Blue

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item564be95704

£1,695.00

2000/W Mazda Xedos 9 2.3i auto Miller, SUPERCHARGED

82500 MILES, CAMBELT CHANGED LAST YEAR

Didn't know they did a supercharged version of the Xedos.

Both those look very tidy indeed and a lot of car for your money!

Plus they should both be pretty reliable and probably cheaper to fix than a big Audi or BMW.

Phil

I really like the 7 series but there appears to be no choice but to keep the original stereo system.

At least with the A8, as long as it has the Bose Sound System upgrade (hugely expensive option) like mine, it has enough oomph to shake the contents of your stomach, it has 2 subwoofers on the back shelf, 1 speaker in each rear door and two fantastic sounding speakers in each front door. Even connected to the bog standard factory double din headunit, which features single CD and Auto Reverse cassette and six disc changer in the back its pretty impressive. The whole lot is driven by a seperate audio amplifier sitting in the boot.

Didn't know they did a supercharged version of the Xedos.

Both those look very tidy indeed and a lot of car for your money!

Plus they should both be pretty reliable and probably cheaper to fix than a big Audi or BMW.

Phil

Yeah, later models of the Xedos 9 used a very unusual type of engine, designed on a principle know as the Miller Cycle, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_cycle ) . A Miller Cycle engine needs to be supercharged to work effectively in most usages. Some folks know only of the smaller Xedos 6, and don't even know the Xedos 9 exists.

But for my money, I would go with the Legend.......... with one caveat..... It could still throw a problem that would make scrapping the only economical solution. Any 10 year old luxo-barge is in pretty much the same position.

I would never, ever recommend ANY m sport BMW based on that experience.

This times 100.

Yeah, later models of the Xedos 9 used a very unusual type of engine, designed on a principle know as the Miller Cycle, ( http://en.wikipedia....ki/Miller_cycle ) . A Miller Cycle engine needs to be supercharged to work effectively in most usages. Some folks know only of the smaller Xedos 6, and don't even know the Xedos 9 exists.

But for my money, I would go with the Legend.......... with one caveat..... It could still throw a problem that would make scrapping the only economical solution. Any 10 year old luxo-barge is in pretty much the same position.

Interesting stuff!

Learn something new everyday.

There was a Xedos 9 for sale near me recently the 2.3 version and it was a cracking price.

Phil

It may be supercharged but its slow...the Legend looks like a decent bet...as does a Lexus LS. 4.0 V8 Japanese monster for around 1k!!

I'm still leaning towards the big 7. I'm going test driving on Friday I think.

Jag S Type

BMW 735i

Lexus LS

Honda Legend

Mercedes S Class.

The LS 400 is quite nice actually.

I used to clean and valet one for a old chap who used it as a patient tansport car.

It was spotless inside and out and was fully loaded.

I quite liked the dash clocks and lights. They gave the car a nice look inside.

The engine is very good too. I think it was the quiestest production V8. A weird feeling of the throttle being floored and the speed it went but with less noise than a normal V6!

EDIT:

Just realised after looking it up on Parkers it was the later (00-06) model that I was thinking of. It was a bigger 4.3 engine and not quite as square as the old one. Electronically limited to 155mph. Sure that could be fixed with some tweaking :think:

Phil

An LS430 on an 'X' plate is a good one to go for. Being pre- March 2001, it comes in at £220 / year road tax

Haha, just looked at those LS430`s. Look frickin gangsta, all the controls on the arm rest for the rear seat passengers. Almost looks reasonable too, bit over budget though.

Yeh they are pretty nice actually and definitely a barge.

While looking last night I found a Lexus SC 430 convertiblefor £4k. Amazing what you can get for such little money really.

There are lots of cars to choose from looking through ebay. Two good looking ones that I found:

Mercedes E430 V8 with LPG - £1,130

Jag XJ Executive 3.2 V6 (with private reg M30W XJ) This one looks in cracking condition with just the aerial stopped working and a dodgy fag lighter - £1,500

Phil

Hi Phil

That XJ looks nice. Just to say though, it is a straight six , not a V6. (he says straight 6 v in the eBay add - I don't know what the 'v' is meant to represent) The straight 6 Jaguar engine from the mid '90s is just about bullet-proof, provided it has been serviced properly.

Yeh they are pretty nice actually and definitely a barge.

While looking last night I found a Lexus SC 430 convertiblefor £4k. Amazing what you can get for such little money really.

There are lots of cars to choose from looking through ebay. Two good looking ones that I found:

Mercedes E430 V8 with LPG - £1,130

Jag XJ Executive 3.2 V6 (with private reg M30W XJ) This one looks in cracking condition with just the aerial stopped working and a dodgy fag lighter - £1,500

Phil

A lexus SC 430. I really fancied one of those when they first came out. They get slagged off a lot but i still like them. 280bhp V8, sliding metal roof, soft suspension for wafting along plus lexus reliablity. All good in my opinion. For 4k thats just silly cheap.

E430 merc would be lovely also. Not sure an old Jag would be wise purchase as electrical gremlins would always be waiting to ruin your day. The concept on an old Jag appeals just not the reality sadly.

Hi Phil

That XJ looks nice. Just to say though, it is a straight six , not a V6. (he says straight 6 v in the eBay add - I don't know what the 'v' is meant to represent) The straight 6 Jaguar engine from the mid '90s is just about bullet-proof, provided it has been serviced properly.

You're right. Looked at the ad again and it is a straight 6. Pretty good engine and still plenty of go to waft around in.

I have also always liked the SC 430. Knew someone who bought one brand new in a lovely Black/Purple colour with auto lights, wipers, xenons, sat nav (with a motorised screen) and basically everthing other conceivable option on it.

They have been slated in the past but they don't pretend to be what they have been slated for in the past. If I could afford to buy and run it then I wouldn't say no!

Phil

I'm not sure Lexus are any more reliable than other marques really and certainly the colleagues at work who've had them have found them to be fairly average with reliability of electronics (and they have lots!) seeming to be the main area of concern. Most of the components are "black box" that can't be repaired and have to be replaced (at eye-watering cost). Still, showrooms are nice and customer service is great.

Chris

This 530d is a turbo. Come on now its like amatuer hour. Straight six turbo diesel.

The 530d is a straight six, turbo diesel.

The 525tds before hand was a turbo too.

The 530d is a straight six, turbo diesel.

The 525tds before hand was a turbo too.

I think the dead horse has been well and truly flogged. I think the poster who thought it was non turbo has since killed himself with shame.

It may be supercharged but its slow...the Legend looks like a decent bet...as does a Lexus LS. 4.0 V8 Japanese monster for around 1k!!

I'm still leaning towards the big 7. I'm going test driving on Friday I think.

Jag S Type

BMW 735i

Lexus LS

Honda Legend

Mercedes S Class.

Out of interest, why the 735i? All the pace of the 730i with the economy of the 740i...

I'd say go 740i for speed, 728i for cheaper running/servicing...