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...

Is it not slightly fastr than 728 and slightly cheaper to run than a 740 though?? Plus Statham drove a 735 in transporter and he was bad ass. You too could be as bad ass as this. As long as you have breakdown coverage as standing in the hard shoulder in the ****ing rain is definately not bad ass. Its just bad.

There are no 740i's floating about near me but there is a couple of 735i's. Plus insurance is less on the 735i.

The 728i isnt out of the running yet either but I do really want a V8...

There are no 740i's floating about near me but there is a couple of 735i's. Plus insurance is less on the 735i.

The 728i isnt out of the running yet either but I do really want a V8...

Kind of has to be a V8 really doesn't it or it's just not the same!

Phil

Is it not slightly fastr than 728 and slightly cheaper to run than a 740 though?? Plus Statham drove a 735 in transporter and he was bad ass. You too could be as bad ass as this. As long as you have breakdown coverage as standing in the hard shoulder in the ****ing rain is definately not bad ass. Its just bad.

The V8s all have fairly interchangeable economy, be it 3.0/3.5/4.0/4.4!

It was badged a 735i. It wasn't though.

Chris- try a later 740i with the 4.4 lump if you can. Silky smooth but a real sledgehammer. Also a more efficient engine than the 3.5 thanks to the more modern technology enclosed!

Interesting article in Autocar this week, about buying a used A8,

Might be worth a read in Smith's!!

I've spotted a Merc S430L locally for silly money. Got some cash saved so gonna take a look. The spec looks insane!

Ok, I have pretty much narrowed it down to a Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 series or a Jag S Type.

My initial budget was 1k...but that was silly so pushed to 2k. I know its not alot but its only for a bit of fun. I'm looking at it as more of a project tbh as it is fairly likely that whatever I choose will require work.

I'm in love with the S Class...but its got so much tech in it I worry it will be beyond me if/when it breaks.

The BMW seems so dull in comparion...much less toys but potentially more reliable.

The jag will be super unreliable, is much smaller and less tech again...but its a Jag.

I've been and looked at the S class quite a few times..checked everything...asked forums, gone back, established any faults, worked out how easy to fix etc...but it is very techy!!

I just don't know!!

Ok, I have pretty much narrowed it down to a Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 series or a Jag S Type.

My initial budget was 1k...but that was silly so pushed to 2k. I know its not alot but its only for a bit of fun. I'm looking at it as more of a project tbh as it is fairly likely that whatever I choose will require work.

I'm in love with the S Class...but its got so much tech in it I worry it will be beyond me if/when it breaks.

The BMW seems so dull in comparion...much less toys but potentially more reliable.

The jag will be super unreliable, is much smaller and less tech again...but its a Jag.

I've been and looked at the S class quite a few times..checked everything...asked forums, gone back, established any faults, worked out how easy to fix etc...but it is very techy!!

I just don't know!!

Don't think I would count on the S-class being anymore reliable than the S-type. I've seen some well maintained low miles S-types coming into your price range. My understanding is that a well looked after one is not the reliability liability that many assume them to be. Basic platform is actually Lincoln from Ford of America.

Don't think I would count on the S-class being anymore reliable than the S-type.

Agreed - at this price point any problem that occurs on this sort of car could quite easily make the car uneconomical to repair and so you might as well pick the one you like the most (heart over head ) and enjoy it ... all imho

Chris

Chris,

may i suggest you have a very good read of this Pistonheads thread.

http://www.pistonhea...4&i=0&mid=&nmt=

Elderly mercs are prone to rust as well. Any gremlins could kill any of your choices so no point in worrying about it. Just get breakdown cover and have a slush fund to fix what you can.

Yeah..the mercs I've been looking at have rust on rear arches, bottom of doors. Common on the early (1999-2002) S Class. Already budgeted for that sort of thing.

The S Class is kinda where my money goes at the mo...but then there are some cracking cars for the money too...mk1 Octy VRS etc

No..barge it is

For my money it would have to be a Jag.

You can pick up a very nice XJ 4.0 for around a grand and if you look around you can get the supercharged versions(320BHP 0-60 in under 7 secs) for under 2 grand.

Stick with the straight 6 as they are a good motor and not too expensive to maintain just make sure you check them over properly.

Very nice ride and smooth autobox and quite cheap to insure.

Avoid the V8 as they caan be thirsty and very expensive to fix when the go wrong.

I had a V8 3.2 sport with LPG and the timing chain tensioner went and I think one of the cats was on its way out.

They also rot quite bad around the front chassis legs.

On short runs just pottering around the MPG was in the single figures (5.7mpg acording to the trip computer)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-Jaguar-XJR-supercharge-/160833462236?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item25726bdfdc

Edited 2 January, 201313 yr by ruffday

My personal favourites are the Audi a8 stick to the petrol ones and they are cheap as chips and a lovely car to sail up and down in

I had considered the A8 but for the money I'm looking to spend means I would only be able to get the model from 3 generations ago. For me they haven't aged well and look 'small'.

Just my opinion as I'm sure they are fantastic. The model from 2003 however, Id have one of them in a shot!!

Yeah the pre 2003 cars do look a little dated, still a nice enough tool for cruising tho

Decision made...now the haggling commences....

I had considered the A8 but for the money I'm looking to spend means I would only be able to get the model from 3 generations ago. For me they haven't aged well and look 'small'.

Just my opinion as I'm sure they are fantastic. The model from 2003 however, Id have one of them in a shot!!

They might look small, but trust me the D2 A8 is actually very large. The D2 is nearly 6 inches wider than the Superb MK2 and 17 foot long. Width wise it can be difficult to park in some car parks because the spaces are to narrow, length wise its always sticking its nose or boot out of parking spaces. Then try driving up a multi story carpark, and it can be almost impossible to get some ramps without a stop and reverse. The D2 is a great place to be, quiet when in motion, supportive proper Reccaro seats in the sport version, and munches up mile after mile whilst achieving mid 30's MPG (calculated, not computer, 3.7 40V V8). The boot is massive, and can swallow three weeks of luggage for 3 adults with room to spare.

Decision made...now the haggling commences....

What you going for Chris.

Well...as soon as I posted that last message I spotted some other cars...now its down to a Merc S430 L on a 99 plate, a BMW 735i or maybe a 4.2 A8 that I'm going to have a look at. I still am swaying towards the Mercedes as it was the best to drive and has the most toys. It isnt perfect by far...but is cheap and has the potential for some profit should I sell it later on.

Does anyone know anything about the BMW 7 series? E38 from around 98-99...mainly stereo upgrades...generally OEM.

Does anyone know anything about the BMW 7 series? E38 from around 98-99...mainly stereo upgrades...generally OEM.

I think you can stick any of the BMW sat nav systems as they all have the communication system etc.

So...after a little while I have done a deal on a BMW 740i on a 98 R plate. A few cosmetic issues but other than that sound. Coming from a 7 series owners club member with decent history too

Just gotta wait for the private plate to come off then I can go and get her!!

Hi Chris

Congratulations! Significant that this should be your 1000th post! You first posted in this thread on 23rd November hope you've found the last two months fun as you've wrestled with the various options of what to go for.

Hope you'll really enjoy your 740i when you get it. Be sure to let us know how you get on!

We need pictures!