V12 - what to buy - Mercedes or BMW?
Discussion
I have this hankering after a big barge... I have seen a 2001 CL600 in silver that I really like... But I have also seen a 2000 BMW 7 series which although top money is also nice, and its a SWB.
Which would you go for? both around 100k miles.
I may go and look at the Mercedes tomorrow...
What years did the rust problems start and finish on the Mercedes, and were all models affected?
Which would you go for? both around 100k miles.
I may go and look at the Mercedes tomorrow...
What years did the rust problems start and finish on the Mercedes, and were all models affected?
buzzer said:
BigBen said:
Do the CL's rust? I know the S does but have not seen any rusty CLs, then again the CLs are a lot rarer.
this is the big question....With all the electrickery in Mercs of this time I'd go for the BMW without a doubt.
Assuming comparable condition between them, I'd plump for the E38 750i, but then I probably would, on balance.
Both are electronically complex, both feature suspension systems that can require expensive work (electrohydraulic on the BMW, air on the Mercedes), both V12s have their little foibles, oil pressure accumulator and coil packs on the Mercedes, electronic throttle motors on the BMW.
The BMW's 5.4l, 326PS V12 is mechanically pretty simple, being a two valve per cylinder, normally aspirated unit, the Mercedes as a 2001 will be the 5.8 litre, 367PS, three valve per cylinder engine (not sure if single or twin spark engine), the following year they switched over to being a 500PS biturbo 5.5 litre unit.
Both will cost a fair chunk to maintain and keep in good fettle, both will be thirsty at 15-25mpg (closer to 10-15 if itlives in town), the Seven a bit more practical, the CL a bit sexier looking. The BMW is just as likely to be hiding a bit of rust here and there, pay particular attention to the fuel tank, especially in low mileage examples that don't move a great deal and are stored with empty fuel tanks as the condensation over time can rot the tank from the inside out. They get through enough fuel even without pissing 90+ litres over your driveway...
I've not tried a CL600, but have sampled the S600 of that generation and found it too soft and wallowy to drive, it also uses the same suspension as the CL, the BMW as a SWB and certainly if fitted with 18" wheels offers a drive that could be described as sportier, in a relative sense. Better still if it's a Sport model, or before that model was introduced, fitted with the factory optional ALPINA suspension settings.
Both are electronically complex, both feature suspension systems that can require expensive work (electrohydraulic on the BMW, air on the Mercedes), both V12s have their little foibles, oil pressure accumulator and coil packs on the Mercedes, electronic throttle motors on the BMW.
The BMW's 5.4l, 326PS V12 is mechanically pretty simple, being a two valve per cylinder, normally aspirated unit, the Mercedes as a 2001 will be the 5.8 litre, 367PS, three valve per cylinder engine (not sure if single or twin spark engine), the following year they switched over to being a 500PS biturbo 5.5 litre unit.
Both will cost a fair chunk to maintain and keep in good fettle, both will be thirsty at 15-25mpg (closer to 10-15 if itlives in town), the Seven a bit more practical, the CL a bit sexier looking. The BMW is just as likely to be hiding a bit of rust here and there, pay particular attention to the fuel tank, especially in low mileage examples that don't move a great deal and are stored with empty fuel tanks as the condensation over time can rot the tank from the inside out. They get through enough fuel even without pissing 90+ litres over your driveway...
I've not tried a CL600, but have sampled the S600 of that generation and found it too soft and wallowy to drive, it also uses the same suspension as the CL, the BMW as a SWB and certainly if fitted with 18" wheels offers a drive that could be described as sportier, in a relative sense. Better still if it's a Sport model, or before that model was introduced, fitted with the factory optional ALPINA suspension settings.
V8RX7 said:
Nieither. Jag for me.
Not if it's specifically a V12 at that age, Jag only offered the XJR and Daimler Super V8 as equivalents, the last Jaguar V12s were in the XJ-S and X300 XJ, phased out in 1996/7. Whilst performance is stronger, the thirst is heavier still and the refinement of the V8 not close to either their own V12 or the Germans' ones. Baryonyx said:
Definitely the Mercedes. The CL and the SL's managed to escape most of the rust issues (have you ever seen a rusty R230 SL?). Get one in good shape, without rust, and the BMW will simply not compete.
Yep - My SL55 had to have both arches done and have seen rust on boot lid and front arches on these, circa 2004Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff