So I found a few minutes to pick up up the phone today to ring about my favorite on autotrader at the moment. @ £13,250 for a 57 plate on 82k (not 80 as advertised, grr). Its nice in a very dark blue with black leather, the chap seemed to know his basics about them which was good to hear.

However two things have concerned me, the first is the MOT history, the mileage rather sadly manages to decrease one year although I do feel its an honest mistake, 61k in 2013, 57k in 2014 and back to 74k in 2015. Now I think the 57k MOT is supposed to be 67k. The seller read the service history to me and it had a service in the mid 60's in between the 2013 and 2014.

I have no idea if there is anything can be done but even if it is genuine mistake, convincing others in the future might be difficult.

The other problem is that he said that the DVD changer for the RSE does not work. Now I've read a very informative guide on here about cleaning and lubricating them. Essentially the mechanism looks identical to a normal CD changer and I have done this before with one of them.

Other than that apparently everything is fine. Apparently has full main dealer history apart from the last service done by the dealer at a local 4x4 specialist, it apparently had a 700 bill from them for odds and sods back in August basically fixing an oil leak and brake pads which were advisories on the MOT. 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

I came from a run of three p38's (v8's). and a td5 disco 2, and then got an early l322 v8 with the BMW engine. So, obviously I can't comment on the SC. however, the driving experience, from p38, to l322, was so much better. So responsive, precise, quiet, and so much more reliable! You can do three point turns, not have to worry about that ridiculous 'keycode entry' rubbish, and so comfy. People that have driven the mid model rangie, comment that the seats are harder, than the early model BMW seats, (vogue) because they have the airbags, within the seats.
One other car not yet mentioned here, is the normally aspirated v8's. So it's the same engine, without the blower.
And, can be found with extras, as good as the SC spec. So looks as good. I've not driven either, just pointing it out. But, it's not a popular model. I would say, that there are more diesel owners here on this forum, than SC's so I see lots of comments from them, so, would suggest the model (SC) is a decent choice.
If you happen across and early model, at a great price, it could be something to take a look at.

Read up on a few rust areas to easily find. Open both rear doors, and look at the bottom of the inner wheel arch, inside the door shut area. And....the area along the sides of the rear wing, just above the rear bumper.
Are there any comments on the brake pipes. Any models, can get rusty pipes, and are sometimes mentioned on mot's
Enjoy your buying experience. Lap up all the polite conversation, the treats, and test drives.
These cars, can be brought back from a certain amount of tatty looking bodywork, and look like new, in the hands of a detailer.

The paint should look like clean glass! The wheels can refurb like new. The leather can be brought back to new too!
All ready for some baby puke!

And, the boot is great for all the buggies thrown at it, and, all the IKEA, flat packs, you will be buying!.

Haha yes well it is a worry with his lord ship as he gets bigger but I will be investing in a dexter style setup for the rear! I have to say I've relatively little trouble with either P38 (on the whole...!) but they do only do very few miles, despite owning two and over a period of 2 1/2 years I've only driven them maybe 7k miles! My L322 will be used fairly frequently but for generally fairly short journeys (less than 30 miles etc) Days out etc.

My issue with the 02-05 models is mainly gearbox related and the older Mk4 navigation system. In either flavor its well documented that the gearboxes are a bit of a time bomb. TD6 is out of the question and the M62 I respect as an engine but chain guides and ccv issues plus is silly high coolant temperature is always a worry. Dad had one in his 740i, on a 96 N plate. Ran lovely for 180k miles before it was sold but by the mid 2000's I feel it was a bit long in the tooth. The N62 4.8 I have in my 650i is lovely and if BMW had not sold LR I'm sure in the 05/06 upgrade it would have had the N62. I'm looking for something later 2000's if I can.

I do like the 4.4 Jag engine and the 6 speed box, I must admit I've felt it was the connoisseurs choice! The biggest problem with them is actually finding one, often they are the same money as an equivalent S/C model so there is little point in actively looking for one unless its cheap if that makes sense.

Interesting with the rust, I have seen a few reports of this and I will be combing through anything with a fine tooth combe. I've a local detailer and my best friend runs a bodyshop so as long as the purchase price is right I'm sure they will be able to sort any paint work issues. 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

The 4.4 Jag may be rare in the U.K., but it was the most common choice in Canada and the USA. If you really wanted one, I'm sure you could find one from California or Arizona with ZERO rust at a very good price. Delivery, on the other hand...

The advantage of cheap fuel across the pond! I would be more inclined with a jap import due to the steering wheel being on the correct side. Whilst LHD is not a particular issue in the right place it's a nightmare in the U.K., mainly as you can never over take anything!

It's a shame really that the tdv8 effectively Killed of the na V8 in the U.K. 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

Double post sorry! 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

I finally got to drive a supercharged L322 today. I was amazed with the performance and how responsive it was. Compared to the P38 it was a different world. The brakes worked, the gearbox was fairly intelligent and changed nicely, sounded lovely and felt a great place to sit. If I wasn't sold on one before I am now!

How impressed was I, a grin from ear to ear. Although this particular car was not that wonderful in terms of condition or originality it was certainly mighty impressive.

I really hate to say it but I just cannot wait to find a buyer for my 650i now...! 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

I have had my 4.2 SC 06 for just over a year now. First it's an amazing motor, engine goes like a steam train, drinks like concord. I don't get any where near 25, on a steady 70mph run I can touch 20, average is in the mid teens. That said I don't really care about fuel consumption.

I have only had to do regular things like service, new tyres, new brake pads and I had a seized caliper on the back but
Again nothing you don't get on any car.

The kids love the RSE makes for nice peaceful journeys and wife loves watching tv in the front on a long drive.

Love the heated steering wheel it's a really good thing in the winter.

It was the first car I have had in years that passed the mot first time.

Don't get the 3.6 d it will eat the turbos. If you want a oil burner go for the 4.4 but personally I would have petrol every time but I'm in a position where I'm not worried about running costs. A tank of juice is about £110 and gets me about 330 miles.

"Don't get the 3.6 d it will eat the turbos. If you want a oil burner go for the 4.4 but personally I would have petrol every time but I'm in a position where I'm not worried about running costs. A tank of juice is about £110 and gets me about 330 miles."

Bit of a gross generalisation I think. I've had my TDV8 for 5 years now and not a peep.
Had the SC before that. Never, ever saw more than 25 mpg. I usually managed 270 miles from a tank. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

All exactly what I'm looking for thanks mate. 20mpg on a run is fine, I don't go far. Todays example was showing 19.6 on the trip which I was pleasently surprised about. If it can manage a touch better than the P38 then that's a win for me.

I had a bee in my bonnet about RSE, as nice as it is I have found a very nice car that doesn't have it which is a shame but the rest of it is lovely. I think I've got over the fact that I'd prefer a newer car in better condition at the expense of RSE if I have to...

Anyway, I cant get too excited just yet as no doubt anything I want will have gone by the time my 650i has gone to a new owner! 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

When looking at a ff the area that can get forgotten is the roof.
The Highways Agency dont always cut branches back in time, and, because of its height the car can suffer denting from swinging branches on wiindy days etc.

Open the drivers door, stand on the door sill and give the roof a quick check.

When I bought my Classic, i didnt do this and the first time i washed it found 2 large dents in the roof .

Good Luck

I went from BMW '98 750i to '07 4.2sc FFRR, I've not been disappointed at all in fact prefer to drive the RR, the 4.2 is fast but hasn't got the "waft" factor of the V12 750i fuel consumption is about same Ave 18mpg.
One thing, when I rang insurance to add SC they wanted to know was it Vogue or Autobiography I thought the SC was a stand alone model and had no idea (went for vogue) as his system wouldn't continue. Anyone know definitely as it doesn't seem to be badged as either only Supercharged?

I've had my 56 plate 4.2 SC for nearly 5 years now following on from 4 years with an early 4.4 (BMW) L322. In terms of these two specific cars they were like chalk and cheese in terms of reliability and my confidence in the machine. The older one required several very big bill fixes and rescues by the RAC, the SC just routine servicing. I got it at 60k and its now just shy of 121k. I've just bought a 12 plate 5.0SC so it'll be up for sale next week. I'm a long way from you in south Somerset and the mileage may be higher than you want, but I thought it worth mentioning since its been a wonderful car for me. I'll be looking for around £8500. Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)

MPx send me some details if you can, it has done more miles than I would like but to be honest they have all done fairly large miles and I have to face facts that looking at one at 12-13 vs one at 8500 in this case would give me £3500 to spend on it fixing it should it need it. Its a tough choice, there is quite a nice one at just over 100k which is an attractive price, I looked at one with 80k on the other day and although it went great it was a scruffy thing with lots of bits missing, hardly any history etc but I had felt it better than others because it had a lower mileage. In this country we have such a sitgma about mileage and I suppose its not unjustified but with the mileage I do being so low I'm not sure its such an issue.

Point being, if it was considerably cheaper in the first place I have less to loose.

chriscave686@hotmail dot com[/quote] 2005 E60 M5
2006 L322 4.2 SC
2020 Tesla Model S Long Range
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2004 L322 4.4 Vogue, 2019 NP300 Navara, 2016 NP300 Navara, 2002 L322 4.4 HSE, 2006 (MY07) L322 S/C ,2001 330Ci Sport Track Car, 2005 650i Coupe, 2001 P38 Vogue, 2003 530i Sport Touring, 1999 P38 4.6 HSE, 2002 E39 M5, 1995 300zx TT Slicktop, 1997 M3 Evo, 1992 300zx TT Targa, 1998 323i Coupe

email sent - but I usually end up in people's spam...... Mike - MPx

2017 5.0 V8 Supercharged SVAutobigraphy Dynamic SVO Palette Grey (2021-...)
2012 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autoboigraphy Orkney Grey (2017-2021)
2007 4.2 V8 Supercharged Vogue SE Tonga Green (2012-2017)
2002 4.4 V8 Vogue Bonnatti Grey (2008-2012)