1997 BMW 7 Series Saloon from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have had three faults on this car since I purchased it in 2004.

The first fault was the windscreen washers that stopped operating virtually simultaneously. Cost to replace £22.00 each.

The second fault was a squeaking noise from the engine belts when the car was stationery, but still in drive. This was the tension pulley that was squeaking and this had to be replaced. I found this fault myself after the main dealers had tried everything to resolve it.

The last fault was a small leak on the power steering. This was easily rectified and simply needed a new clip on one end of the hose.

This car is an absolute dream to drive and responds without question to everything asked of it. I have recently test driven a new S class Mercedes and the new Lexus LS 460 and neither car betters this model for comfort and performance.

It is powerful and yet quiet and glides like an intercity train on rails on the motorway. Traveling long distances in this car is a joy because when you reach your destination, it feels like you have not travelled at all.

This car also grips the road like glue and although big, handles like a sports car if asked.

LS460 can't beat your 728i on performance? You're in a dream world mate!

The only advantage your BMW has over the Lexus is weight, but even then its less than 150kg difference. The lexus has a serious displacement advantage, 2 extra cylinders, a huge power and torque advantage and is more aerodynamic.

Lexus claim it can do 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds (as opposed to your BMW's book figure of 9.3 seconds). Even top end your BMW wouldn't match the Lexus (Even with most car manufacturer's claiming less than a car is actually capable of, I seriously doubt that BMW have 'Marked down' the top speed by 15mph or more). Just in case you're wondering, the Lexus is claimed at 155mph, but that's electronically limited.

Even if your BMW was equal to the Lexus on figures like power-per-tonne and power-per-litre etc, that fancy 8 speed auto box that Lexus are using could easily be set-up to make it quicker.

To the commenter you are reading statistics from a book and he is telling you what he felt after actually test driving it. if you want to really comment go test drive the two cars then make informed comments. have had a 530 V8 and currently a 520 wagon. also driven an is200. the lexus while a smooth ride is not as sure footed as the bmw. the lexus is light weight. as far as I am concerned unless you are spending senselese money, on this side of £50k buying anything outside BMW especially the 5 series is pointless. With bmw's its simply how the ass goes round you when you take corners. my first experience of this suggested rear steering. how wrong I was. these cars are simply breathtaking if you have a powerful one (3 litres and above). even the humble 520 although lacking in power still delivers a smooth ride. the steering is another realm. the steering is soft at the same time has some sort of resistance which engenders feel. from center to both ends. others car just have overpowered steerings which is light from end to end. on some toyota's you notice the steering getting tighter/stiffer as you turn to end of its cycle, Bmw doesn't employ such gimmick, its the same assured feel from start to finish. the ride... on most cars you enjoy them when you accelerate or speed... or glide if a powerful engine is installed. with the bmw cruising at say 40mph which should be a passive event is still pleasurable, theres feel. from there any maneuvaring is a plus, swiftly changing lanes is fun. a friend once complained that bmw are "body heavy" i. e you feel the weight round you. I understand him. with cars like toyota you feel yourself then you feel the car. with the BMW is one continous mass, helps dynamics but I understand my friend when he says its gets tiring. great cars, will always own one till my dying day.

22nd Sep 2008, 14:08.

I like my bmw aswell!