Next Project: BMW 7 series?
 

Sooo.... my miata project is pretty much done now, a little tinkering here and there. I'm ready for another project and a few things came to mind. Late 80's 911, old diesel mercedes, or.... a early 2000's 7 series. Thoughts? I really like the idea of being able to burn up 500 miles in the bimmer and not feel like my 6'3" 45 year old body is in knots by the end of it. PS totally not getting rid of the Miata, no way. I'm keepin' them when I'm finished now. :)

You ever consider an '80s E23 7-series Bimmer? Classy looks with the Euro bumpers, and the old straight six is smooth, bulletproof, and pretty easy to work on.

+1

I do like those classic BMW pairs of round lights but I'm thinking something a little newer. Want it to fucking pamper me. Heated everything, nav, blowjob button, etc.

Define "project".
From the posts in this thread I get the feeling you want a comfy car you can take long trips in. The 7 series bimmer is probably one of the best cars for that. And it looks awesome for a big car.

I hope you've got the dough to dump on it though. Maintenance is pricey (probably an understatement) and modification to those cars is even more so.

If by project you mean get one, do all maintenance and get it into great shape, throw some decent rims on there and maybe intake/exhaust then that sounds pretty realistic and practical.
I would say go for it.
After the miata its going to feel like the Titanic though lol

A few years ago i had a 1989 bmw 750il v12 twin turbo dinan package bmw. was the best sleeper ever looked like an old mans bimmer but moved like a 911 turbo.

For long trips but balla status, I'll take an SC400, supra 5spd swap, supra brake swap, coilovers, exhaust, and dished wheels.

I vote for the Lexus for thier proven reliability.

You pretty much nailed it. Don't want to mod it but more than happy to maintain it.

There are many clean Audi D2 S8s around. They can move (4.2 v8) and are very luxurious.

I've always wanted to do a 5-spd swap LS400. Super reliable and fairly easy to work on. Like otheres have said though, the old 7-series was pretty easy to work on as well.

If your going to get a 7-series go old or don't do it at all. A very good friend of mine is a Master-Tech for BMW and newer 7-series are really good at keeping the shop busy. Even if you can do the work yourself, have fun handing the parts department your CC.

I vote Volvo 240 with an LS2 - classic Swedish Luxury.

-Zach

v12 7 series or bust man as much as i like the inline 6 the v12 is where its at.

Somehow an SC400 w/ coilovers doesn't sound like something super plush to eat up the miles in. Not that it couldn't be comfortable but not exactly pampering...

Might want to read over this site first...

http://my750.com/

Coilover is just a description of how it lowers the vehicle, there are many plush coilovers out there.

Ouch, sounds like my old 3'rd gen RX7.....

I think a Lexus LS460 might be the best bet. Modern-ish styling, some aftermarket parts availability due to VIP trends and long considered the most reliable car made.

Just keep it classy, San Diego, and avoid the hellaflush style and you should be good. It won't be Euro (for better and worse) and may need to be lowered on some nice wheels to meet the aesthetics. It's my understanding that some of the aftermarket suspension companies make softer riding packages specifically for the luxury market that attempt to maintain a "comfort" oriented bias while lowering the car for looks.

Actually, now that I think about it... I believe someone actually makes an electronic controller for the factory air suspension cars which will lower it at the touch of a button. :)

With the money you will save by avoiding the early 4th gen electronic/electrical issues, you can buy some baller HREs or something. ;)

I've heard lots of shitty things about the E38 7 series (and I don't like the way they drive), but the E32 is pretty reliable... as long as you stay on top of the maintenance. The V12 is complex, but it's basically just two M20 straight sixes fused at the hip. IIRC, it's even got an ECU for each bank of cylinders. A lot of the V8 cars have factory replacement motors due to some cylinder liner issue.

My old E23 was riddled with some pretty fucked up electrical and mechanical gremlins when I got it. The PO (my dad) didn't change the oil enough, and it had a hacked moonroof and aftermarket cruise control. It took me a while to get everything sorted, but once I did, it was pretty reliable DD for 8 years. As long as nobody has hacked up the wiring to add an alarm or something, they should be fairly gremlin free. Also, I never had a problem getting any part I needed for that car - and parts were fairly reasonable.

A Lexus LS is nice and all, but it's the Amana fridge of luxury cars, IMO.