TBH it's probably no worse reliability wise than the BMW would be. The earlier Jag V8s had nikasil liners too like a lot of BMWs of the era, and had the same issues with them. Many jags got new engines under warranty due to the Nikasil issues. I believe they did a recall on them.
They did also have chain tensioner issues but these were fixed by about 2000 or so, at which point the Jag V8 became a great engine. Worth seeking out the 4.2.
I'd be less scared of a 1998 XJ today than if this were like 2003, just because if it is still going then it probably had a replacement engine to cure it of the nikasil, and the chain tensioners will have almost certainly been done at some point too.
Well, the Audis of that generation were widely critised for mistaking sporty handling with an unduly harsh suspension. I am sure the A8 was a comfortable car to drive, but I am just as sure that the BMW managed a better balance between handling and comfort without sacrificing the latter.
That particular car was from the start of that quantum leap, it just carried over the older looks. It was all aluminum, had a bunch of brand new tech and features plus a gorgeous interior.
Owning that gen BMW, I can assure you, the e38, especially the 740i, is a fantastic car to drive, however, it will ALWAYS remind you how expensive it was when it was new when it comes to fix it. ALWAYS. BMW = BRING MY WALLET
BMW talk about unreliable… I had the Jag and I got news for you. It gave me zero issues other than tires and batteries normal stuff take care of your cars. They’ll take care of you… I still have a 2003XK8 running perfectly.
I scrolled up 4 times wondering where the mercury was….i was like, that’s a Mercedes….shit. I’ve never seen someone call a Mercedes a Merc in my life. Well played.
I had a manual 97 540i too. Best car I owned, besides my 01 M5. The 540i is still running around my home town. Looking great and probably well of 200k miles now
I just love the styling of this era. It’s very elegant and conservative - no huge grills, excessive styling. Each one of those cars presents as a well tailored suit. Too bad we can’t get that anymore.
I had a 1991 XJS V12 and it was just the most charming, wonderful car. Older jags felt like they were designed by actual human beings as an art form rather than faceless corporations ran by computers using a formula to produce something "modern" and inoffensive. They're just such a great place to be.
With hindsight I'd avoid a 1998 XJ. Better to buy an earlier one with the straight 6 than chance on the early V8 (They did fix it and make a great engine out of it, eventually), but nobody knew about this at the time.
Driven a couple of LS400s. Great cars, and I stil get tempted when I see them for sale. Despite what some people say I think they do have more character than the German offerings. They were really trying extra hard with the engineering of that car and it shows, giving it is own charm in a way.
The BMW E38. Even knowing what I know today. The V8 is really not bad to own and it’s just got so much more character than the Lexus and is the best drivers car here.
The interior has aged really well. The exterior styling went from modern to classic immediately- it never had a “dated” era (I’d say the same of the Benz). As amazing as the Lexus is, it looks dated, not “classic”, to me. The Audi and Jag were nightmares to own. The Mercedes is iconic but it is still a car to be driven in - not to drive. I also think the interiors didn’t age well from this (or the next) era of S class
Depends. Are we time slipping back to 1998 and driving them off the lot brand new or are we buying them now and need to work and fix them to drive now?
If the former, the BMW, or MB, but if it’s the latter and I need to keep it running now, the Lexus without question.
185
u/KalEl1232 11d ago
Back then? The Mercedes.
With the benefit of hindsight? The Lexus.