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Comments
- dashboard illumination for the outside temperature gauge went out at 60k. $1200 to repair
- both right and left front bushings needed replacing at 55k
- head gasket leaked, entered cooling system at 70k. This meant the radiator and hoses ($2,200) had to be repaced. Plus the gasket.
- some joint under the car had to be replaced ($345)
- transmission went out at 88k. $4300 to replace
This car was maintained accorded to the service booklet since its purchase. Was very glad to get rid of it. Now very happy with an E320.
The exterior of the MB is bland. I agree that the LS430 has similar exterior styling. The interior of the S class MB, though, is simply ugly. Why do you need to reach to your feet to use the window switches? What's with the impossible to see and use navigation system? What's with the thin cheap rear seats in the MB, -- without standard rear seat heaters! What are those funny buttons in a circle at the top of the dash? And, I simply love the speedo, which reminds me of my parents' buick station wagon when I was growing up.
My last car was the previous version S Class Benz, a loaded S500. When I saw the new model, I could not bear to buy it. Instead, I waited for the Lexus and am quite pleased at the comfort, power(not any slower than the S500) and ease to drive. And, this time, I pocketed the extra bucks, went to Maui, then Cabo San Lucas, and then got another plasma tv, with change. Sorry, guys, the new S Class is a loser.
I appreciate your inaccurate rhetoric, ejerod. Fact is, ... your smokescreen won't change the fact that my LS430 is more car than the S500 at 30k less. More room, bigger trunk, ...
And, yes, I enjoy driving my vehicle, -- very much. Smooth ride, very comfortable seats. Rock solid reliability.
The only other car that came close is the Audi A8L. Very nice too. Similar price, but just a tad too big. The 740iL is also a winner, but, with a new model coming out next year
See ya. ha ha ha.
M
MB can do it, they did a fine enough job on my CL500, which I do love and though the interior isn't up to the level of the previous generation coupe, it is yards ahead of the S-Class, possibly because of its full leather interior and my color choice of black, which can hide a multitude of sins in an auto interior.
Whichever car anyone chooses, it should suit their needs and desires, that's all that matters really. For me, I am just saddened to see Mercedes become just another car manufacturer. Guess that leaves Rolls-Royce, Bentley as cars to stive for as snob appeal. :-)
I am in the shopping phase for a "new" car. I'm 22, and have had 9 different used cars in the past 6 years. Right now, I have a 1999 Kia Sportage EX, and like it well enough, although the payments are too high for the car. It's a good enough car, but not something I think I can keep for 10 years, and love. My parents have always had Mercedes Benz's, and have advised me to invest in something German. I used to have an old, beat up WV, which ran GREAT, but was a little too rusty to suit a 17 year old! :-)
My question is this: I have found a 1988 BMW 750iL for sale for$10,9, with only 76,000 miles on it. Is this a deal worth looking into? (Mercedes seems more expensive for me right now. I'll hold out for a nice, used ML320 in a couple of years.)
Does anyone out there have this car, or anything to say (good or bad) regarding this car? Is maintenance super high on them? We have an old family friend who repairs MBZ's and BMW's, so I think I'll be okay there..... I hope.
Any help or information would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much!
Mona
Jack
This is my first time on. I just purchased a 1998 740i w/ 56K miles for 30K. No warranty, but appears to be in excellent cond. Unbelieveable car so far as I can tell. The ride is so much better than I even expected, however, I have never owned a "luxury" car before. A couple of questions. 1) Does anyone know of a good warranty for a reasonable price or if they are even worth purchasing? 2) A little late, but does the price I've paid seem reasonable? There is a lot of conflicting info out there. 3) Are there any common problems I should be looking for and are there ways to avoid them if they exist? Thanks.
Purchased Nov.99, visits the dealer monthly with new problems, currently 75k miles, they repair everything under the 100k warranty, after that I'll be shelling out 6 to 7 thousand a year in repairs.
I've put over 4 thousand miles on loaner cars, that's about 1 and half months of driving for me.
Major disappointment.
The BMW with the M 18's is very nice on the eyes, but in this class is looking a little dated.
The Mercedes is very nice- two different schools of design between the Jag and MB, but both are extremely successful. With a sport package, the MB is hard to beat looks wise.
The Audi is again a little dated for this group. Although the S8 ups the ante.
And finally the LS430 is disgusting. Can Toyota not hire some designers with their own ideas. It is a complete rip off of the S-Class. And the old one at that! It should be illegal to massacre a great design like the MB, and slap a big L on it. Maybe it stands for LOSER!
Thanks.
And I do have to admit that the Japanese have come up with some innovative gadgets in the interior. They live for the bells and whistles, so that's what they try at. But when it comes to driving dynamics and styling- they take the easy route and copy.
Sorry for the length.
M
I am a diehard European fan, so I'll never like Japanese cars, even if they do someday (never) become best in class.
Arcoates
I would almost agree with you on your assessment of the BMW 7-Series with the Sport Package, but with the S55 AMG around I can't say that the 7 is the best large sporting sedan anymore. The S55 is faster and better handling, and (I know you'll like this) better looking. I just wish the 750iL or 740iL actually got the suspension tunning of the 740i, instead of just the wheel/tire package. That said the 7 is still a favorite of mine, has been since the fall of 1994. It has that Mafia, "Kingfish" look about it. Any of these cars would do for me.
M
Bang for the buck in a large lux car. will be the 2002 Q45. 340HP 0-60 in 5.9, faster than everything but an XJR or S55, and styling that is at least not derivative of anything else, all for under 55 grand.
Interior was gorgeous- no problems there. The I6 was a gem, as is the V8. The handling, although not a BMW, is very competent- when you push it, you are surprised at how it reacts. The tires on ours were very grippy (225 Pirelli P6000 with 16'), and the handling was very confidence inspiring.
In our experience, it is not a winter car at all. When we got rid of it, there were mutliple rust spots- not huge, but still there. We didn;t have the traction control, and there was no limited-slip diff, so it was hard to get it going in the snow, or even the rain!
If you're willing to have a winter car, or live in the sun, it is a great car. Beautiful, fast, great handling. The electronics acted up once in awhile, but it is a british car after all. I would reccomend it. If you're having passengers though, go for the long-wheelbase- the back is extrememly tight. Other than that- get one!
I hope this helps you.
A.R.
I bought it cuz its not a copy(lexus), im too tall(jag), and i dont wanna show off (MB), my fellow students dont know what it is, and its better than a MB(my oppionin), it 'looks' longer than the new MB S(who i think they look like a elongated lincon ls w/ different front) so i chose a BMW.
M
With the new S55, BMW will have to turn out something that can compete- they are not going to lose money, even though it is a small market.
A.R.
If I buy a high mileage Jag VDP do you see any problems later with the high mileage? You can save mucho $$$ when buying a 98 XJ8 at 50k mileage than one at 20K mileage. Should I buy the 100K warranty? How is the realiability for a higher mileage Jag XJ8 opr VDP? It is rated very high on realiability at every site I have read but would like to hear for owners. Any problems?
Be greatful these companies are in competition with each other as we the customers, regardless of our preferences, get better cars and have more choices.
M
M