L322 Petrol vs Diesel

[AAD44H]

I am thinking about buying a FFRR L322 2006 onwards due to the facelift, won't be doing too many miles, less than 10k per year, I am a petrol head at heart however given the uncertainty around diesels is petrol definitely the way to go or is the diesel still the better buy?

Thanks

[Bellini]

With your low annual mileage, buy the 4.2 SC or the rarer Jaguar 4.4 V8 petrol model if you can find one.

Drive both petrol and diesel variants to make your own mind up as it's all down to personal choice. I've owned a 4.2SC for nearly four years and I absolutely adore it.

[CAPP0]

Bellini said:

or the rarer Jaguar 4.4 V8 petrol model if you can find one.

I have one of these, and yes, I've been told it's rare (ish), because shortly after it came out, they released the TDV8 which everyone went for.

I've put about 55k on mine since I've had it, and it's a decent motor. Bit harsh at high revs but that's not what it's for. Sounds nice with a bit of a burble if you have the windows down, and it certainly gets away sharpish when you push it. Not in S/C territory of course, but from memory I think it's 320+ bhp?

I did test drive a 6-cyl diesel beforehand and it took me all of half a mile to decide I wouldn't be buying one of those. I do slightly regret not going for the S/C but the Jag petrol engine really is OK. I've had (according to the dash) a reliable 20mpg average out of mine in all driving. It'll do 24/25 on a decent run at 70mph.

[Denis O]

4.2 SC for sure.

Also remember that the facelift was quite late in 2006 so make sure the cars you are looking at are actually facelift. The easiest was to tell when looking at ads is the air vents on top of the dash, in the middle. I found it easier to confine my searches to 2007 on vehicles.

I ended up buying a late 2005 s/c but that was based on condition and history. I would have preferred a facelift for the cooled seats.

[anonymous-user]

Low mileage - petrol every time.

[AAD44H]

After looking on auto trader there seems to be lots of pre 2007 vehicles, would I be at a disadvantage looking at a pre facelift or is the facelift vital? What are the major differences?

[CAPP0]

Not sure of all the differences but mine is halfway between the two, i.e., it has some of the features, not all.

The audio and nav is better and probably the biggie is the facelift models have Terrain Response (or whatever it's called).

Also be careful if buying a non-facelift whether you are getting the Jag engine or the BMW. I *think* the BMWs all had the older nav etc?

[Bellini]

The facelift models are a definite improvement, especially with regard to the touchscreen sat-nav, etc.

You get an ignition key that recharges in its slot, improved centre console controls and, allegedly, a slightly sharper chassis.

I find the front seats aren't as good. Those BMW Lux seats in the pre-facelift models were exceptional, in my opinion, but having fully air-conditioned seats in the SC does redress that somewhat.

You also get the improved ZF 6-speed gearbox and about the nicest front-end appearance of any L322 variant.

[Thin White Duke]

I'm in a similar situation to the OP.

I currently drive an L322 on an 03 plate with the 4.4V8 BMW engine. I would like to have a change and go for a Sport but the vast majority seem to be the 3.0L V6 Diesel which to me doesn't suggest "Sport."

Also given my low annual mileage it would be unwise to purchase a diesel.

I've been told a good option would be an L322 with the 4.2L Supercharged petrol.

[sparkythecat]

If you buy one registered after 23rd March 2006, you are likely to pay £205 per year more in road tax.

[CAPP0]

sparkythecat said:

If you buy one registered after 23rd March 2006, you are likely to pay £205 per year more in road tax.

That's an extra 56p PER DAY!!!

[300bhp/ton]

AAD44H said:

I am thinking about buying a FFRR L322 2006 onwards due to the facelift, won't be doing too many miles, less than 10k per year, I am a petrol head at heart however given the uncertainty around diesels is petrol definitely the way to go or is the diesel still the better buy?

Thanks

Has diesel ever really been the better way?

The TDV8's are pretty cool, but come with their complexities. The TD6 is a nice cruiser, but largely a problematic dog compared to a petrol V8 one. Weak gearbox, lack of power and less refined.

If fuel costs are fine with petrol, there is really no reason to look at the diesels IMO.

[300bhp/ton]

AAD44H said:

After looking on auto trader there seems to be lots of pre 2007 vehicles, would I be at a disadvantage looking at a pre facelift or is the facelift vital? What are the major differences?

Do you think you'll be off roading the vehicle?

BMW powered vehicles use different gearboxes and transfer boxes, as well as different electronics system.

The BMW 4.4 V8 is actually quite a nice vehicle with a good gearbox. These don't have a lockable centre diff, in the same tradition as the classic and p38 Range Rovers. You can also fit 18" rims, which gives better off road tyre choices.

The Jag V8 engines (4.4 and 4.2sc) use a different gearbox which is also good and a different transfer box, same as the D3 and RRS. 19" rims are the smallest that can be fitted due to different brakes.