S212 E Class estate to G11 7 Series SWB?

S212 E Class estate to G11 7 Series SWB?

Author
Discussion

MadriMan

Original Poster:

46 posts

68 months

Tuesday 16th January
quotequote all
Hi Guys,

Going to south of France this summer for 2 weeks and potentially another Europe trip later in the summer

Going to be 5 up with 2 large (20 stone) people

Currently got a S212 E350 estate that I really enjoy. Looking for something more comfortable to drive to and across Europe in and interested in the G11 7 series. My car is worth about £11k and looking to spend no more than £20k (approx. 9k top up); for this I cant really stretch to a long wheel base. I have test drove a 740LD x drive that was nearby that I really liked, however I cant find a standard 730d non M sport to go and have a look at that's close to me

I have found a standard wheel base 730d M sport that has BMW warranty, is the perfect price and is the other side of the country, however my concern is that the ride will be too harsh as its on 20 inch rims, run flats and the lowered m sport suspension (the 740d M sport I test drove was on 19's with no runflats and the ride and space was amazing)

Basically I'm asking if anyone has any experience of these cars and if its even worth swapping? The drive around south of France in a 7 series I really like the idea of, but if the ride and space is not that much better for 5 people then am I better sticking with what I have and not giving up the massive boot space!?

Cheers all smile


braddo

11,230 posts

195 months

Tuesday 16th January
quotequote all
I'd say it really comes down to the width of the rear seat. I would measure them in the 7-series and your car, both total width and the width of the middle seat (e.g. distance between the seatbelt buckles).


You'd want to see a decent improvement in this space to make the change worthwhile. And you might need a roofbox!


MadriMan

Original Poster:

46 posts

68 months

Tuesday 16th January
quotequote all
braddo said:
I'd say it really comes down to the width of the rear seat. I would measure them in the 7-series and your car, both total width and the width of the middle seat (e.g. distance between the seatbelt buckles).


You'd want to see a decent improvement in this space to make the change worthwhile. And you might need a roofbox!
Yes think I'm going to have too... Only plan on having till the end of this year. In photos in appears the rear legroom of the SWB 7 is not much bigger than a 5 series. LWB 730d Excellence (non-m sport) would be ideal but there not much out there for £20k, the ones that are in budget are 130k miles plus...

Shabaza

264 posts

104 months

Tuesday 16th January
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Have/would you consider a 6 series GT?
Based on 7 series platform, but a load more room

MadriMan

Original Poster:

46 posts

68 months

Tuesday 16th January
quotequote all
Shabaza said:
Have/would you consider a 6 series GT?
Based on 7 series platform, but a load more room
Hate the look of them mate. Never been a fan of the BMW GT cars