Jag XF vs BMW E39 vs ??
Discussion
Hi guys,
I currently drive a 2016 F22 BMW 2-series coupe. It’s a company car and I’m moving jobs at the end of the month so am giving it back. I’ve generally been happy with it although even on SE suspension and 17” alloys I find the ride a bit firm, the run-flat tyres are noisy and refinement and quality of the stereo when cruising on the motorway has been disappointing.
For my next car I’m looking for a bit of bargain luxury, spending up to £7k getting a saloon towards the end of its depreciation curve and budgeting a couple of grand a year for maintenance. I do 10-15k miles a year (mixture of motorway and city miles) and want something with a bit of prestige, comfortable, refined, with a good stereo and decent driving dynamics when pressing on. It will also be our only car so something relatively reliable would be good!
I’ve fancied a BMW E39 for a while now but these are obviously getting on a bit - most have quite a few owners and doing 10-15k miles a year in one could result in some big bills I assume? Also there’s little in the way of gadgets and I’d want to upgrade the head unit to something with Bluetooth and aux and I’ve yet to see an aftermarket stereo in an e39 which doesn’t look terrible! Having said that, I’m thinking something like this could be a good bet – 530i auto with only 80K miles and a good mot history for £2789 www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170914930...
I’m not a fan of later 5-series, or Mercedes in general, but I’ve noticed early Jag XFs are starting to look like very good value. I’ve always liked these and they’re supposed to feel like a special car to sit in. The 2.7 diesel gets generally good reviews and I like the extra gadgets like cooled seats, reversing cam, Bluetooth, better stereo etc that just isn’t available with the E39. There are quite a few 08 cars with full Jag service history and only one owner which seems like a positive. I would also hope that being a more modern car it might be a bit more reliable than an E39 at this stage, although reading the list of possible XF problems, and the fact we're talking about a 10yo jag here doesn’t fill me with confidence!
Thoughts on something like this? www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20171208190...
Another more reliable option would be something like a Lexus IS250, but this is the class below the E39/XF so I’m thinking refinement and quality wouldn’t be as good? I don’t like the styling of the previous gen Lexus GS so those are out.
What would you guys choose? Any experience with these?
Jimi
I currently drive a 2016 F22 BMW 2-series coupe. It’s a company car and I’m moving jobs at the end of the month so am giving it back. I’ve generally been happy with it although even on SE suspension and 17” alloys I find the ride a bit firm, the run-flat tyres are noisy and refinement and quality of the stereo when cruising on the motorway has been disappointing.
For my next car I’m looking for a bit of bargain luxury, spending up to £7k getting a saloon towards the end of its depreciation curve and budgeting a couple of grand a year for maintenance. I do 10-15k miles a year (mixture of motorway and city miles) and want something with a bit of prestige, comfortable, refined, with a good stereo and decent driving dynamics when pressing on. It will also be our only car so something relatively reliable would be good!
I’ve fancied a BMW E39 for a while now but these are obviously getting on a bit - most have quite a few owners and doing 10-15k miles a year in one could result in some big bills I assume? Also there’s little in the way of gadgets and I’d want to upgrade the head unit to something with Bluetooth and aux and I’ve yet to see an aftermarket stereo in an e39 which doesn’t look terrible! Having said that, I’m thinking something like this could be a good bet – 530i auto with only 80K miles and a good mot history for £2789 www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20170914930...
I’m not a fan of later 5-series, or Mercedes in general, but I’ve noticed early Jag XFs are starting to look like very good value. I’ve always liked these and they’re supposed to feel like a special car to sit in. The 2.7 diesel gets generally good reviews and I like the extra gadgets like cooled seats, reversing cam, Bluetooth, better stereo etc that just isn’t available with the E39. There are quite a few 08 cars with full Jag service history and only one owner which seems like a positive. I would also hope that being a more modern car it might be a bit more reliable than an E39 at this stage, although reading the list of possible XF problems, and the fact we're talking about a 10yo jag here doesn’t fill me with confidence!
Thoughts on something like this? www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20171208190...
Another more reliable option would be something like a Lexus IS250, but this is the class below the E39/XF so I’m thinking refinement and quality wouldn’t be as good? I don’t like the styling of the previous gen Lexus GS so those are out.
What would you guys choose? Any experience with these?
Jimi
There is an awful lot of knowledge about the E39 on the 1-5k Smoker Barge thread in GG.
In short: If using one regularly expect to replace suspension components and coolant systems every few years, electrical gremlins can frustrate, and rust is often hidden under plastic panels and is what kills most of them.
XF: Why not an XJ? X308's have similar engines (inc the stinky diesel if you must), tend to be very well looked after, and can be had privately for a song.
On the stinky point, does 10-15k miles p/a really warrant a derv?
In short: If using one regularly expect to replace suspension components and coolant systems every few years, electrical gremlins can frustrate, and rust is often hidden under plastic panels and is what kills most of them.
XF: Why not an XJ? X308's have similar engines (inc the stinky diesel if you must), tend to be very well looked after, and can be had privately for a song.
On the stinky point, does 10-15k miles p/a really warrant a derv?
I'd be inclined to avoid the 2.7 oil burner, it's not particularly frugal and I've heard of it being a tad fragile. The 3ltr oil burner is in budget and is a much more modern engine and a bit more economical (and the 2.7 attracts a £40 premium on tax over the 3 as well).
10-15k miles a year though... I'd be inclined toward petrol to be honest (and I put my money where my mouth is and went from a 1.9 diesel 159 to a V8 petrol in the form of a 2006+ XK). The only drawback to a petrol XF in your budget is tax as even the V6 gets whacked for the top end but what price simplicity? a dicky DMF, DPF or EGR valve can wipe out any saving, the latter of which I had to clean out every six months or so to keep throttle response spot on.
10-15k miles a year though... I'd be inclined toward petrol to be honest (and I put my money where my mouth is and went from a 1.9 diesel 159 to a V8 petrol in the form of a 2006+ XK). The only drawback to a petrol XF in your budget is tax as even the V6 gets whacked for the top end but what price simplicity? a dicky DMF, DPF or EGR valve can wipe out any saving, the latter of which I had to clean out every six months or so to keep throttle response spot on.
The Lexus IS250's are pretty refined - lots of insulation and multiple door seals mean you can talk quietly on the motorway.
Good gearing, so you get 40+mpg on a long run.
As standard they have keyless entry and start, Bluetooth and a 13 speaker hifi. There are models with even greater spec.
The seats adjust 8 ways so are a very comfortable place to be.
You also have a sport mode for the auto gearbox that works brilliantly - come up to a bend in 6th and brake, it will drop down maybe to 3rd and hold it through the corner. Or you can manually shift with either the stick or some models have paddles.
Good gearing, so you get 40+mpg on a long run.
As standard they have keyless entry and start, Bluetooth and a 13 speaker hifi. There are models with even greater spec.
The seats adjust 8 ways so are a very comfortable place to be.
You also have a sport mode for the auto gearbox that works brilliantly - come up to a bend in 6th and brake, it will drop down maybe to 3rd and hold it through the corner. Or you can manually shift with either the stick or some models have paddles.
Croutons said:
XF: Why not an XJ? X308's have similar engines (inc the stinky diesel if you must), tend to be very well looked after, and can be had privately for a song.
On the stinky point, does 10-15k miles p/a really warrant a derv?
Didn't think there was a diesel X308? The S Type had that engine, then it was the X350s that had the diesel optionsOn the stinky point, does 10-15k miles p/a really warrant a derv?
Thanks for the replies.
My preference would definitely be a petrol - Its only really on the XF I was considering diesel as there are so few petrols about and they're going for more than I'd want to pay considering £520pa tax!
An X350 is an intriguing thought - I'm not 100% sure on the styling, but generally speaking would they be more reliable than an XF?
I must admit, the more I read about both the E39 and XF, the more I'm leaning towards something with a bit of a more reliable reputation.
I will definitely try a Lexus IS250. If I could get over the styling of the GS300 that seems to offer huge value at the moment. Any views on something like this? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
My preference would definitely be a petrol - Its only really on the XF I was considering diesel as there are so few petrols about and they're going for more than I'd want to pay considering £520pa tax!
An X350 is an intriguing thought - I'm not 100% sure on the styling, but generally speaking would they be more reliable than an XF?
I must admit, the more I read about both the E39 and XF, the more I'm leaning towards something with a bit of a more reliable reputation.
I will definitely try a Lexus IS250. If I could get over the styling of the GS300 that seems to offer huge value at the moment. Any views on something like this? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The smokers barge 1-5 large thread is the place to post that, very knowledgeable (and friendly) bunch - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... they'll be able to give you the things to look out for.
Croutons said:
andrewrob said:
Didn't think there was a diesel X308? The S Type had that engine, then it was the X350s that had the diesel options
Indeed, I meant 350, and am desperately trying to avoid buying a 308 at the moment so have them on the brain!X308 XJR was the first quick car I drove when my father in law bought one years ago, still miss it.
The 350 XJR he had after it was technically better in every way but still wasn't quite the same.
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