7 series,xjs or suggestions

"Jereme" wrote

The last 7-series with a manual transmission (in the USA) was 1990 with the 735i. The 1989-'92 E34 5 series came with the same 3.5L "big six" and transmission - they are the clear ticket to look for.

Probably a very bad idea - even the later models had lots of problems. Actually, the BMW V12 is a high-maintenance engine, too, but if you don't mind costs, you might look at an 850i - they came with a 6 speed (somewhat rare) but are much more refined than an XJS.

Floyd

I second that emotion. The E34 3.5/five-speed is a wonderful car.

The V12 was a basically reliable motor with some bad electronics. Almost all the ones you could buy now are probably rectified. There are also some six-cylinder XJ-Ses out there, including my favorite but certainly rarest US-market six-cylinder, five-speed XJ-S Coupe.

I own a 1990 E34 535i/5spd manual transmission with 93K miles. Lots of power, especially with a chip and fun to drive. However, if you're looking at a 7 series (E32), then you're looking for more room than what the E34 offers. I would test drive a few to see what you like. Note - in the US, only something like 5% of all E34 535i came with manual trannys (auto was "no-cost" option, so most new buyers appear to have chosen the auto), so might be a bit tough to find. Then again, very, very few E32 7s came with sticks, at least in the US, so those would nearly impossible to find (unless you lived in Europe)....Good Luck!

"Jereme" haute in die Tasten:

The late 80's 7'series (E32) was available with 2,8 litre I6, 3,0 litre V8,

This statement is valid for Germany. I do not know if BMW USA may have behaved differently.

Frank

Definitely a BAD idea but go for the newer V8 XJ saloon Nice cars and on a par with the Merc/BMW for comfort and boot/trunk space but not the usual US tin can however the Camero Soft-top hasn't got any trunk space....

Hugh

Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen snipped-for-privacy@h-gee.co.uk snipped-for-privacy@bognor-bill.co.uk

------------------------------------------------- Vyisder Asmeni Orsisarsis Asderisorsis. B.Cozderiz Vunarz PERORZ

-------------------------------------------------

Why? I have a 1993 XJS V12 that I use for business trips. Bought it in 1998 with 41,000 miles and now have 149,000 and still going strong. Never left me stranded or had a major break down, I just be sure to have the service done before that can happen. Its a fabulous GT car, before you dismiss it at least look at a few descent examples.