Tell me about the F01 7-Series (Probably one for Fox)

Rilot

Rilot

Rilot

Don
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
23,051
Location
Wargrave, UK
So, looking to get back in to a luxo barge and have narrowed it down to two possible candidates:

A 2011 ish Jaguar XJ 3.0D Portfolio
A 2011 ish BMW 730D

What I'm struggling with is BMW's approved-used website and the fitted options on the 7-series. Many of them just don't seem to list the options and I'm struggling to find out exactly what was standard on the 730D in the 2011 model year.
A good example is speakers. A few of the cars are listed as having BMW Professional Loudspeakers in the options and others are listed as having BMW Advanced Loudspeakers. Which is best? Is the worse one still good? Some seem to have the side-view cameras fitted (I can see them in the pictures) but don't list them as fitted equipment? Were they standard?

I'm having a hard time deciding between these two car models. The Jag is just a stunning looker and has an interior to die for but the infotainment system is crap and the screen is low resolution. Also, the Jag has the old 6-speed gearbox until 2013 whereas the BMW has the excellent ZF 8-speed box. The BMW's interior is boring but I'm sure the material quality is better and the fit and finish will be better too. The infotainment in the F01 is first-class too along with the navigation system.
 
Never driven the 7 but I'd go for the jaguar. It really is a work of art and will feel special whenever you drive it. The BMW is just a bland German saloon with few redeeming features.

The screen in the jag may be a bit rubbish but the rest of the car is excellent including the speaker system.
 
jamoor said:
Never driven the 7 but I'd go for the jaguar. It really is a work of art and will feel special whenever you drive it. The BMW is just a bland German saloon with few redeeming features.

The screen in the jag may be a bit rubbish but the rest of the car is excellent including the speaker system.
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I've never driven...but...bland...

Lol. What a joke post.
 
There is no 8 speed box in a 2011 730d. Sadly the F01 didn't get the ZF 8 Speed until the facelift in September 2012 (It also gained NBT iDrive at this point too). For this reason I'd recommend you try and purchase an LCI one.

Warranty costs on the F01 are insane also - it's almost double the F10 warranty (Which itself is not cheap) for no real reason I can see other than 'because it's a 7 Series'.
 
Rilot, I'm aware it's down to personal preference and whatnot but is there something specific in those two cars that you can't get in the xf or 5 series that you're after? The seven is essentially an extended five with, i believe, a few more tech options. Or is it purely the space that you love?
 
Thanks Fox for the correction on the 8-speed.

Howard said:
This surprises me, for you.
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Yeah. Needs must though. The Supersport XJ is just a bit too pricey for me at the moment and TBH as I'm getting older I'm seeing less point in a big, thirsty engine in an exec express. A diesel kind of makes more sense. The 750i with the TT 4.4 V8 seems to have no end of issues.

Dis86 said:
Rilot, I'm aware it's down to personal preference and whatnot but is there something specific in those two cars that you can't get in the xf or 5 series that you're after? The seven is essentially an extended five with, i believe, a few more tech options. Or is it purely the space that you love?
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An F10 5-series I would have but trying to find one with all the right kit is pretty difficult. It would need to be a 530d or 535i which in themselves is a pain in amongst all the poverty spec 520ds.
The XF.... I've ummed and ahhhed about this for a while now and I just hate the interior. The little screen set in that big, flat dash panel just looks like something out of the 1990s to me. If I was going to get an XF it would have to be the XFR which for my budget would have to be a pre-facelift and I'm them looking at seriously dated infotainment.
 
Rilot, i would seriously consider looking for a 62 plate or newer F01. The whole car was heavily revised upon the LCI to the point that i dont think its worth going for the older models.

New engine, more efficient and more power.
Lower VED band.
New 8HP gearbox, total leap in tech between the 6HP and 8HP.
New bumpers all round, looks far fresher.
White angel eyes, again much fresher, the orange ones look really dated already.
New alloys
New iDrive system, much fresher and definitely worth having.
Much improved rear entertainment system accompanying this (if you were going for this, personally i would want this as it saves the nasty ipad strapped to seat thing).
 
Jez said:
Rilot, i would seriously consider looking for a 62 plate or newer F01. The whole car was heavily revised upon the LCI to the point that i dont think its worth going for the older models.

New engine, more efficient and more power.
Lower VED band.
New 8HP gearbox, total leap in tech between the 6HP and 8HP.
New bumpers all round, looks far fresher.
White angel eyes, again much fresher, the orange ones look really dated already.
New alloys
New iDrive system, much fresher and definitely worth having.
Much improved rear entertainment system accompanying this (if you were going for this, personally i would want this as it saves the nasty ipad strapped to seat thing).
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I can probably just stretch to a miley (80k ish) 2013 model. Will take a look.
 
Id certainly take a higher mile LCI over a low mile pre LCI, the car is very heavily revised as to almost being a new model :) I believe the LCI was mid 2012 rather than 2013, so you will find them on 62 plate onwards (yet to see a 12 LCI, but i have seen a few 62 plate pre LCI which i guess were late regitsrations).
 
I've driven the XJ, it would be my choice. Fantastic interior and a real presence to the car, where as the 7 is not overly distinguishable and to my eye is somewhat bland.
 
I can only speak on the Jag, but a few questions:

1) Have you driven both to see what your gut tells you ?

2) How often do you actually do things with the infotainment system ? I tend to just set up what I want before moving off and then leave it.

3) Any reason you want the portfolio over a premium luxury jag ? More stuff to go wrong and you may get more choice in the premium luxury - including a newer one with the 8 speed auto. What are your must-have toys ?
 
1) Have you driven both to see what your gut tells you ?

Driven the XJ. Used to own an E65 750i so am expecting more of the same from the F01

2) How often do you actually do things with the infotainment system ? I tend to just set up what I want before moving off and then leave it.

Agreed but if it's slow and clunky it does kind of spoil the enjoyment

3) Any reason you want the portfolio over a premium luxury jag ? More stuff to go wrong and you may get more choice in the premium luxury - including a newer one with the 8 speed auto. What are your must-have toys ?[/QUOTE]

B&W 1200W audio is something I want. I know what I'm like though. Every time I see a Portfolio I will wish I'd held out for one.
 
Rilot said:
...... snip
B&W 1200W audio is something I want. I know what I'm like though. Every time I see a Portfolio I will wish I'd held out for one.
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Yeah - I get where you're coming from. I bought from new, so wasn't going to pay the premium for toys. XJ's are rare enough on my travels that I don't start nit-picking on what spec it is. Same with 7-series.

You have an interesting choice to which I can only supply a one-sided opinion, so I'll shut up.
 
S Class or A8 not in the running?

Weren't there some crazy lease deals out there for S8s?
Although perhaps one A8 is enough for you ;)
 
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