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7-Series or S Class?

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    #32
    richie_rvf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 232 ✭✭richie_rvf


    V8 7 series.

    Long wheel base if you can get on - fully loaded.

    You can find them in the UK still covered by a BMW warranty that is fully transferable to Ireland.

    Fantastic cars and a surprisingly good handler.

    If you can find a decent insurer then look for the 750's - brilliant car and fast too.

    The list of options are huge on them too, you can even get heated/reclining rear seats, double glazing etc, etc...

    There are some specialist out there but I would keep an eye on pistonheads.

    Best of luck!


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    #33
    E92
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    unkel wrote: »
    Still looks very modern for a car launched in '99

    And I'd say still very problematic for a car that is at most 8 years old!

    The W220 S-class was the second Merc(after the A-class, remember the elk test?, and the interior plastics were worse than a Japmobile at the time) to be affected with serious shortcomings in the quality department, and along with every other Merc that has come since is plauged witth problems. An American owner had a W220 S500 where the suspension actually collapsed.

    They are a beautiful car sure, but don't think a W220 Merc will live up to the reputation Mercs of old had for being practically indestructable!

    I'd put a bet on it that a W140(the S-class that looked like a barge (91-98 models)) will be a good deal more reliable than a W220(99-05), Merc actually bothered to build these cars properly, and they were like all Mercs that preceeded them quite considerably over-engineered.

    As per Wikipedia:
    The W220 S-Class also became known for a shift in reliability ratings from the S-Class' previously high-ranked position. Consumer Reports classified the W220 model's reliability as "poor," its lowest rating, and declared it one of the "least reliable luxury cars."[4] Build quality, however, was generally considered to be good. For instance, Forbes described the W220 S500 as "built remarkably well." [5] Early W220s were recalled for issues with the trunk spring and the hydraulic fuel line; there were no recalls for the 2005 or 2006 model years. Issues with the W220 electronics systems and other features are considerations in used models.


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    #34
    dingding
    Registered Users Posts: 4,931 ✭✭✭dingding


    http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=538488

    Have a look at this Lexus.


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    #35
    legs11
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭legs11


    dont suppose he could afford a barabus tuned merc, or could you even get them that old?:p


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    #36
    IrishRover
    Closed Accounts Posts: 602 ✭✭✭IrishRover


    I see someone already mentioned the Lexus LS400. I'd definitely think about that as an alternative. It's funny that this car (brand even!) was created to emulate the success of the big luxury european cars, and while it was considered a facsimile by many at the time which would never have the class and kudos of the Mercedes and BMW equivalents, the brand has earned its own credible image over the last couple of decades and the LS400 has become an icon of styling in its own right.

    I'd also consider the Honda Legend. I think they were a really classy looking car and the coupe looks fantastic. If it's just a weekend car I guess you wouldn't necesarily need the 4 doors either.

    For me I'd like the extra exclusivity on Irish roads that both of these cars would have over the BMW and Mercs - ironic I know!

    Actually, thinking of big luxury cars from the east, an even more leftfield suggestion might be the forgotten Mitsubishi Sigma - I'd consider it anyway!

    If I was buying a 7 series I'd want to go for the 740 myself otherwise I'd think what's the point. A V6 would just seem like a "close but no cigar" type car.


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    #37
    GB15
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭GB15


    A couple of quotes from carsurvey.org (http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_83546.html)

    "The bigger-engined models only have an edge in acceleration, as the 728 has all the top-end speed you can reasonably use, unless you want to blast along at 155mph all the time, in Germany."

    "728 is actually the best of the 7-series in terms of quality as well. The 2,8-litre engine is one of the most reliable engines that BMW ever produced. The 6 cylinder engines from BMW sound great and responds great. I must say I'm amazed by the acceleration in my 728. Really good for a car that size with only the 2,8 litre inline 6."

    I suppose the best bet as ever is to test drive the V6 and V8 if you can.


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    #38
    IrishRover
    Closed Accounts Posts: 602 ✭✭✭IrishRover


    Ah yeah, meant straight 6, not V6, but anyway, the quote about "only having an edge" seems to imply that there's not much difference in acceleration between the 740 and 728. I'd have guessed there'd be a big difference and the way they are saying "why would you want to do 155mph everywhere" seems to be deliberately missing the point.

    I dunno, I'm sure the straight 6 in the 728 is a fine engine, but to me it kind of seems like buying a 1.6 litre Subaru Impreza. Ok, maybe not as bad as that but analogous to that if you get me.


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    #39
    Anan1
    Registered Users Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    The whole point of a car in this class is that it be effortlessly, imperiously fast. A six-cylinder engine is fine for sustained high-speed cruising. On give-and-take Irish roads though, it's a different world without the big V8.


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    #40
    SouperComputer
    Registered Users Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SouperComputer


    TBH I found the 4.4 V8 and the 5.4 V12 to be nothing special in the peformance department, at least for acelleration. It was a bit of a letdown when I drove them TBH. They are a heavy car so I would imagine the i6 not being much fun to drive.

    Once you get the V8 or V12 above triple digits though, the car sets itself apart greatly.

    If its going to be a weekend/roadtrip car, shop around and see if you an get a decent quote on the V8 or V12. Its worth it for the engine note alone. Although it might be hard to find a decent mechanic here who has worked with the V12's.


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    #41
    EternalSunshine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 82 ✭✭EternalSunshine


    E92 wrote: »

    I'd put a bet on it that a W140(the S-class that looked like a barge (91-98 models)) will be a good deal more reliable than a W220(99-05), Merc actually bothered to build these cars properly, and they were like all Mercs that preceeded them quite considerably over-engineered.

    Thats the merc that is still on my list. I have had a '91 190E, '73 280ce and a '94 e200T but thats the one that i intend to get some day for the weekend cruises.

    Or for those quick getaways when ur been chased by some bmws e28s (had one of those aswell )

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQZYAd3g8-g


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    #42
    IrishRover
    Closed Accounts Posts: 602 ✭✭✭IrishRover


    I saw a 2000 plate Mercedes S320 (W220?) today and it looked very opulent.
    I think the W140 looks more "like a Mercedes" though if that sounds right. :)

    Good clip there, EternalSunshine.


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    #43
    DonJose
    Registered Users Posts: 3,470 ✭✭✭DonJose


    You should not overlook the Volkswagen Phaeton in this class. It is probably one of the best built cars EVER.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTqOIFv7fU


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    #44
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ......and, not a manual gearbox in sight!

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #45
    EternalSunshine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 82 ✭✭EternalSunshine


    DonJose wrote: »
    You should not overlook the Volkswagen Phaeton in this class. It is probably one of the best built cars EVER.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTqOIFv7fU

    Funny you should say that but I thought about that car aswell. On carzone there was a one for sale for 30K.

    I do believe that it is one of the most underrated cars out there but they made such a mess with the front grille. It looks like a passat.......and an old passat aswell.

    If it didnt have that horrid front styling it would be on the list behind the W140 (but after the w124t which to date was my best car).

    Clarkson, whom i believes suffers from some kind of narcissistic personality disorder , rates it very highly.

    http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article632732.ece
    Inside Jeremy’s dream garage

    Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    BMW M5
    VW Phaeton
    Rolls-Royce Phantom
    Corvette C6
    Vauxhall Monaro
    Porsche Carrera GT
    Pagani Zonda F
    Alfa Romeo Brera
    Audi RS4
    Bugatti Veyron


    DSC00558.jpg


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    #46
    SouperComputer
    Registered Users Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SouperComputer


    DonJose wrote: »
    You should not overlook the Volkswagen Phaeton in this class. It is probably one of the best built cars EVER.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTqOIFv7fU


    Best built? You have to be kidding me! Plagued with issues and horrendously expensive to repiar (even by this classes standards), especially the W12's.


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    #47
    skypette
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18 ✭skypette


    love them all! but to drive the best is x series jag. 160bhp, you have to experience that(and it was a diesel!).dont seem to hold market value but thats a good thing as mercs / bmws etc never date so older models give good deal. whatever you get will drink petrol. you take a chance with any car you buy nowadays.


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    #48
    E92
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    skypette wrote: »
    love them all! but to drive the best is x series jag. 160bhp, you have to experience that(and it was a diesel!).dont seem to hold market value but thats a good thing as mercs / bmws etc never date so older models give good deal. whatever you get will drink petrol. you take a chance with any car you buy nowadays.

    Surley you mean Merc,BMW and X-Type (as opposed to merc, bmw and x series);)!


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    #49
    unkel
    Registered Users Posts: 65,399 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    skypette wrote: »
    love them all! but to drive the best is x series jag. 160bhp, you have to experience that(and it was a diesel!)

    You're comparing a 4-pot X-Type diesel (basically an old model Ford Mondeo) with an S-class or a 7-series and think it is better than those? :eek:


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    #50
    SouperComputer
    Registered Users Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SouperComputer


    skypette wrote: »
    love them all! but to drive the best is x series jag. 160bhp, you have to experience that(and it was a diesel!).dont seem to hold market value but thats a good thing as mercs / bmws etc never date so older models give good deal. whatever you get will drink petrol. you take a chance with any car you buy nowadays.

    You might love them all, but have you driven them all? Ive spent many hours driving the X-Type Jag (albeit 230ishBHP 4WD) version and theres no comparison between the E38 and it. Despite the E38's ive driven being much older and having over 70K miles on them. Also I though it was interesting that you mentioned 160BHP like its a selling point. The cars the OP is looking at are 200BHP+ albeit a little heavier than the X-Type.

    The X series ride is harsh and the handling is mediocre in comparison to the E38.

    The E38 is head and shoulders above the X-Type in areas of ride, handling, asthetics, peformance (small margin though) IMO. TBH driving the X-Type in work was one of the biggest letdowns Iv'e ever head! I even chose the Cadillac over it, at least that barge accelerates and the engine isnt much bigger than the 740i either!

    My 2c


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    #51
    maidhc
    Registered Users Posts: 7,660 ✭✭✭maidhc


    SouperComputer wrote: »
    The X series ride is harsh and the handling is mediocre in comparison to the E38.

    Compating apples and oranges here, but how could a ford mondeo (probably the best handling mid sized car in the world) handle worse than a car the size of a truck?


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    #52
    SouperComputer
    Registered Users Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭SouperComputer


    maidhc wrote: »
    Compating apples and oranges here, but how could a ford mondeo (probably the best handling mid sized car in the world) handle worse than a car the size of a truck?

    Thats was my point! :) Despite its weight, the E38 felt more responsive, provided more feedback and was still more comfortable than the X-Type. Yes I know they are two VERY different classes of car, not to mention age.

    In any case, id rate most Alfa's above the Mondeo in the handling dept :D

    /dons flamsuit


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