Possible stablemate for the E420? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DuckMuck · #1 04-01-2006, 07:56 PM

What do you all think?

http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/143154219.html

suginami · #2 04-01-2006, 08:39 PM

I've heard anecdotaly that 850s are one of the most expensive cars to maintain and repair.

A transmission overhaul will put you on your knees and make you cry.

DuckMuck · #3 04-01-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

I've heard anecdotaly that 850s are one of the most expensive cars to maintain and repair.

A transmission overhaul will put you on your knees and make you cry.

I heard that too...but for some reason, their resale value is relatively high given the age of the car...Porsche 928's go for far less...that is the other GT that has a bad reputation for maintenance and repair...I guess the E31's have a larger following...

DuckMuck · #4 04-01-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackE55

I'd probably look for a M73 V12 ('95 and newer), but that'll cost you more. Not sure the first gen V12 was so great, but I know of many, many M73 motors with an easy 200k miles, with virtually no major problems.

I haven't heard of tranny problems- mine is flawless with over 100k miles. Though I did change the "lifetime" fluid. With proper care, there's no reason they can't go 200k miles w/o a rebuild.

To tell you the truth, I would much rather prefer the end-of-run '97 840Ci with the 4.4L V8...it is a more practical engine in my opinion...I saw a nice jet black/black one on eBay a month or so ago but it got snatched up pretty quickly for around the same asking price as the aforementioned 850i in this thread...

suginami · #5 04-01-2006, 10:53 PM

Well.....aside from running cost considerations, it sure is a beautiful car.

PC Dave · #6 04-02-2006, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackE55

I haven't heard of tranny problems- mine is flawless with over 100k miles. Though I did change the "lifetime" fluid. With proper care, there's no reason they can't go 200k miles w/o a rebuild.

You're lucky. Have you ever read Mike Miller (tech ed. of Bimmer and Roundel) rant about BMW autos from the 90s? Per Mike, any BMW auto over 100k miles is living on borrowed time; I truly hope you make it to 200, though. BTW, your tranny is dealing with less torque than the 850 application; that probably helps.

DuckMuck · #7 04-03-2006, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackE55

The 4.4L might be more sensible. I think the newer V12 is pretty rugged, though if and when something goes awry, you'll pay big.

If you wanted to go the Mercedes route, you could always look for 10 year old CL500. Not nearly as good looking, but probably a little cheaper to maintain than a 12 banger BMW.

Other than the maintenance costs, the power output of the 4.4L V8 is marginally less than the older 5.0L V12...futhermore, the cars with the 4.4L V8's were '96 and '97 models, which were at the end of the 8-series production run...I am hoping/guessing that most of the bugs on the E31 have been worked out by then...I am afraid to get the 840's with the 4.0L V8's...I heard those engines had a lot of problems during their first few years of production...I haven't seen many 850Ci's with the M73 V12's being sold...I guess during the latter years, people more preferred the 840Ci's...

There is also the 850CSi...but good examples of them are going for upwards of 40,000US...not something I would want to pay for a 10+ year old car...I also can't find many clean examples without any aftermarket modifications...

Back in '95 when I was shopping for a car, I was about to jump on the 840i...but due to practicality, I opted for the E420...I don't regret my decision, but lately, I've been seeing a few ads on craigslist and eBay that have sparked my interest...I always thought the 8-series was one of the most beautiful BMW's ever produced...

PC Dave · #8 04-03-2006, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckMuck

.I am afraid to get the 840's with the 4.0L V8's...I heard those engines had a lot of problems during their first few years of production..

The problem was primarily the Nikasil bores, but that was a pretty big problem:

http://www.koalamotorsport.com/article-m60v8.asp

If you can find one with the Alusil replacement engine, you could get a very good deal. I've always regretted not buying a mint '95 540i a few years ago. The car had around 90k miles, the new engine installed by BMW had about 6k documented miles. They're out there.

Hatterasguy · #9 04-04-2006, 07:09 PM

BMW used some pretty weak V8's in the late 90's. (look at the above post) Compared to the V8's and V12 that MB used, well MB is light years ahead IMHO.

The 8's are very nice cars though, but for almost $30k at least to me I'd look at an older 911 or maybe a 308.