Impulse buy
- Thread starter Jez
- Start date
Some parts can certainly be found much cheaper elsewhere, see my comments earlier in the thread on exhaust prices for an example. However there are some problems that I've had specialists refer me back to Mercedes for because they just couldn't sort them out. I had a weird electrical track/key issue (car will only let so many keys be cut and paired to the car) that no one except MB could sort. Make no mistake, these cars require serious money to run.
I wonder if the star system could sort the key issue.
Going well thanks, done around 3000 miles in it now (been away a lot with rental vehicles so its usage has been quite on and off)
Only things ive done have been changing the front pads and sensors, fixed a leak on the windscreen washer system, new wipers (old one had split meaning it never cleaned the rain sensor!)
Overall, epic car, feel like im doing something illegal by driving it as it seems wrong that cars like this are so affordable, thinking about the possibility of replacing it with a fully loaded model as this is missing a few things, possibly a CL instead as i dont need the 4 doors. Built quality seems fantastic, i dont know why you would think otherwise? Forums wise i havnt even looked if the truth be told, ive never been one to get into car communities as i change cars a lot and dont hold an interest in modding them or anything like that.
Only things ive done have been changing the front pads and sensors, fixed a leak on the windscreen washer system, new wipers (old one had split meaning it never cleaned the rain sensor!)
Overall, epic car, feel like im doing something illegal by driving it as it seems wrong that cars like this are so affordable, thinking about the possibility of replacing it with a fully loaded model as this is missing a few things, possibly a CL instead as i dont need the 4 doors. Built quality seems fantastic, i dont know why you would think otherwise? Forums wise i havnt even looked if the truth be told, ive never been one to get into car communities as i change cars a lot and dont hold an interest in modding them or anything like that.
apparently they rust and can have niggles with air suspension.
Although I guess it can be luck of the draw...
Some S320 CDIs seem to go for reasonable money. Does your nav system have the whole of europe on it?
Also, how do you go about checking the spec of these cars, with BMWs I used to ring BMW head office, is it the same with Merc?
Although I guess it can be luck of the draw...
Some S320 CDIs seem to go for reasonable money. Does your nav system have the whole of europe on it?
Also, how do you go about checking the spec of these cars, with BMWs I used to ring BMW head office, is it the same with Merc?
Wow, looks very very nice, even more so for the money.
My dad got a 7 series of the same age about 3 years ago, paid about 11k iirc which imo was also a good deal.
Thing is with these things, you'll probably will want to get similar cars from now on which can be an expensive hobby.
In your position I'd probably run it till market value hits what you paid for it, or close at least. That way you're not losing much money but still get all the pleasure/experience, just imo though.
My dad got a 7 series of the same age about 3 years ago, paid about 11k iirc which imo was also a good deal.
Thing is with these things, you'll probably will want to get similar cars from now on which can be an expensive hobby.
In your position I'd probably run it till market value hits what you paid for it, or close at least. That way you're not losing much money but still get all the pleasure/experience, just imo though.
Engine to have is the 5.0 V8, same running costs as my 4.3 virtually, only around 2mpg worse, yet has a bit more power. The diesel has 200bhp, the less said about that the better, 200bhp is not enough to power these cars.
Air suspension is a big issue as they get older, mine did some funny stuff yesterday actually while i loaded the car with 5 large adults and lots of luggage, it was giving me an error telling me the car is too low and to stop. It went away as soon as they all got out, but this clearly isnt right so it will be looked at when it goes in for its service in about 500 miles time. Build quality in general is the best ive ever owned by a fair margin, everything feels pretty good and the electrics all seem to work without fault.
Mine is a 1999 model so therefore the satnav is cd based, and is country by country, one on each disc. I believe the later DVD comand systems have europe all in one. I must say i am actually quite impressed with the satnav, the mapping data seems more up to date than tomtom, and although slow at calculating routes (1999 for you) its pretty good once going, it displays a nice map on the centre screen while showing you detailed instructions on the dashboard, automatically softens the music and overlays the sound via the speakers, nice system.
Spec wise i am not sure, i cant say ive ever needed to phone BMW or suchlike, ive always just phoned the seller and asked what a car has on it?
Air suspension is a big issue as they get older, mine did some funny stuff yesterday actually while i loaded the car with 5 large adults and lots of luggage, it was giving me an error telling me the car is too low and to stop. It went away as soon as they all got out, but this clearly isnt right so it will be looked at when it goes in for its service in about 500 miles time. Build quality in general is the best ive ever owned by a fair margin, everything feels pretty good and the electrics all seem to work without fault.
Mine is a 1999 model so therefore the satnav is cd based, and is country by country, one on each disc. I believe the later DVD comand systems have europe all in one. I must say i am actually quite impressed with the satnav, the mapping data seems more up to date than tomtom, and although slow at calculating routes (1999 for you) its pretty good once going, it displays a nice map on the centre screen while showing you detailed instructions on the dashboard, automatically softens the music and overlays the sound via the speakers, nice system.
Spec wise i am not sure, i cant say ive ever needed to phone BMW or suchlike, ive always just phoned the seller and asked what a car has on it?
I have 2 options, and i need to decide sharpish what i am going to do as it has a service coming up.
1) I service it at MB and maintain its history, run it until jan/feb where it needs an MOT and tax, and then sell it FMBSH with new MOT and tax. Then replace with something like a CL500, or a Porsche 911 C4 (been wanting a porsche for years).
2) I service it myself and write off the cost of it, then run it until it dies. This option would save a lot on servicing, and the car is beautiful to drive. It will probably last years yet thus making the outlay quite small.
Not sure as yet.
I am starting to do higher miles, so I really cannot justify 22mpg sadly, I guess I could get the cdi and remap it for a bit more poke, the specs don't exactly make the car look slow though.Engine to have is the 5.0 V8, same running costs as my 4.3 virtually, only around 2mpg worse, yet has a bit more power. The diesel has 200bhp, the less said about that the better, 200bhp is not enough to power these cars.
Air suspension is a big issue as they get older, mine did some funny stuff yesterday actually while i loaded the car with 5 large adults and lots of luggage, it was giving me an error telling me the car is too low and to stop. It went away as soon as they all got out, but this clearly isnt right so it will be looked at when it goes in for its service in about 500 miles time. Build quality in general is the best ive ever owned by a fair margin, everything feels pretty good and the electrics all seem to work without fault.
Mine is a 1999 model so therefore the satnav is cd based, and is country by country, one on each disc. I believe the later DVD comand systems have europe all in one. I must say i am actually quite impressed with the satnav, the mapping data seems more up to date than tomtom, and although slow at calculating routes (1999 for you) its pretty good once going, it displays a nice map on the centre screen while showing you detailed instructions on the dashboard, automatically softens the music and overlays the sound via the speakers, nice system.
Spec wise i am not sure, i cant say ive ever needed to phone BMW or suchlike, ive always just phoned the seller and asked what a car has on it?
Phaeton looks a good buy - 20k for a 5.0 v10 tdi with everything, although depreciation is a huge concern.
The engine certainly sounds very good indeed, i cant comment on the actual car as i have never even been in one
Depreciation will indeed be high, could be avoided by going for a cheap CDI S-class as they seem to be bottoming out now at around £9-10k and only falling very slowly.
Soldato
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I can't see you going far wrong with a Porsche though, that'd be fantastic....If you keep the Merc as is and had full T&T on it, I mean how long would you have to hold onto it for - another 3/4 months? That's only one service if that if you're unlucky isn't it? Barring extenuating circumstances, it should be fine...
If you can't justify 22mpg, don't get a V10 TDI Phaeton, you'll struggle to average that in one!
that and depreciation, although i read that 27 is possible on a run.
I guess a 6cyl diesel will be ok.
The 5er gives excellent economy - I tend to average 32ish with a lead foot and high speeds, would much rather have a diesel and drive with a lead foot and enjoy the drive rather than feather the throttle to achieve similar economy in a petrol.
Well, I would'nt describe 7 Series ownership as a hobby!
It was becoming a sodding curse!
£250+ per mth in fuel, £500 for a set of decent tyres, £400+ for a decent specialist (i.e not a dealer) service and, at over 100k miles, things need doing that never cost peanuts!
Whilst I very much enjoyed owning such a class of car, I can't honestly say I miss it apart from behind the wheel......
Still, big luxury cars still make more sence & offer better value for money than buying an "average joe motor" from new & keeping it for 4 years imo.
Not too sure the price is that great given the mileage (I'd missed that until now) given that, I'd keep it for a while keep it specalist / dealer history and enjoy her, in time, your slightly high purchase price should be more than compensated for, that said, @ 200k+ miles, if you want to keep it in A1 nick it will increasingly cost you to do so.
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Well, I would'nt describe 7 Series ownership as a hobby!
It was becoming a sodding curse!
£250+ per mth in fuel, £500 for a set of decent tyres, £400+ for a decent specialist (i.e not a dealer) service and, at over 100k miles, things need doing that never cost peanuts!
Other than your fuel cost and the fact you've said things break, both of which I agree with, I can't help thinking your indy was ripping you off.
£400 for a service? The most I've ever paid for a service was £200 and that was an Inspection 1 at a BMW Main Dealer. They've quoted circa £350 for Inspection II. Quite what on earth your indy was playing it charging you £400 every time you had a service I don't know.
I bought it at a touch over 80k....