V12 Mercedes Benz

[Jay Auskin]

I have a bucket list of cars, ready to start checking a few more off said list. So, I'm feeling the V12 Benz is perhaps next. Surprisingly, I've been reading the 2004+ V12 Biturbo models are more reliable than the 2001-2003 NA V12's. I understand it's all relative.

Anyone have first hand experience? I plan to buy around now, and sell by October.

[SeanPizzle]

I have nothing to add other than:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8pHJ3sQ0Q

[daepp]

I know nothing of this, but my buddy's V12 BMW was trouble with a capital "T"!!!

[Steve Carlton]

That rhymes with "P," which stands for pool!

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by daepp

I know nothing of this, but my buddy's V12 BMW was trouble with a capital "T"!!!

I had a V12 BMW and have to agree. I loved the car and had her for 10 years, but maintenance ans repairs were $$$$.

[aigel]

I had a coworker with a V12 S class. It was a nightmare for repairs, all areas. Never a day without a dash light on. I think you will kick the bucket a lot sooner if you get this car. Is that what a bucket list is?

G

[Nickshu]

Originally Posted by SeanPizzle

I have nothing to add other than:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8pHJ3sQ0Q

Dayum!!! Totally the wrong car for that exhaust but man does that sound sweet!

[slow&rusty]

I like this thread, has two things I dig:
1) Benzes
2) V12s

[GG Allin]

I started a thread recently about a ride I took in an '08 SL600. I was brown away by the power and torque that car had. If you could DIY all of the maintenance and not daily drive it, it'd probably still cost a fortune to own one. A CL65 would be the route of go though.

[Scott Watkins]

Jay, I have a 2011 S65 that's been massaged a bit by RENNTech. She's at 680bhp and 840 ft/lbs of torque.

I replaced my Lexus LS and Lamborghini Gallardo, hoping to get the best of both worlds. Hit the mark for me.

Love it!

[petrolhead611]

You are totally upside down with repairs,judging by the photos

[greglepore]

I have two m120 cars, an r129 roadster and a s class coupe. Only a little over 400hp na, but they pull like locomotives above 40 mph. The mileage around town is awful, but over 20 mpg highway. The basic engine is as reliable as anything Mercedes ever built, but there are wiring and other issues to watch for depending on vintage.

The biturbos are amazing cars but will keep you writing checks.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by Scott Watkins

Jay, I have a 2011 S65 that's been massaged a bit by RENNTech. She's at 680bhp and 840 ft/lbs of torque.

I replaced my Lexus LS and Lamborghini Gallardo, hoping to get the best of both worlds. Hit the mark for me.

Love it!

I see what you're saying. Really sticks to the road!

[Scott Watkins]

Looks right side up on my iPad.

[Scott Watkins]

Let's try again from my pc.









However, going to the unveiling next week of the Huracán Performante. Not sure how much longer the S will be in the stable

[Jay Auskin]

Well...some evening searches on eBay brought me to a 1996 BMW 750iL no reserve auction. Some texting back and forth with the owner, sounds to be a reasonable vehicle. Carfax verifies was a West Coast car, no rust anywhere.

I was going to set my limit in the $4500 range...got it for $2725. The good thing is the car is local. Seller states if I don't want the car when I see/drive it, no problem. This will just be a toy to tinker on, and I can do all the work myself. I have a company car I drive everyday, so I don't need this as regular transportation. The V12 in E38 seems to be fairly bulletproof, so it will be a task of keeping the electrical demons at bay.

I'll update this thread when I bring it home Sunday, and continue to let everyone share in the "joys" of V12 BMW ownership. The plan is to get all maintenance up to date, as needed, and fix odds and ends. Things like replace all fluids, rubber/wear parts, etc. Then, just continue to clean/detail the car, enjoy it here and there, and hopefully sell in the Fall. Perhaps a Bring a Trailer no reserve auction if they accept it. We'll see. I was looking for a car to mess around with and set a $10K limit. Looks like I have $7275 left. This will be the 3rd car in a row I've bought sight unseen. The first two were winners, let's hope lady luck stays on my side.

I told the wife her car can stay in the garage as long as I don't need to do any work on this beast So, hopefully she gets to park in the garage a day or two this summer. Actually, I'm fairly certain I can squeeze both in there.

Here's a photo from the auction. It has later model wheels on now, but comes with the originals:

[matthewb0051]

You gotta watch this video. Guy buys a S600 for $4,500. The car is over the top awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qLqt59CKFI

[GH85Carrera]

Te resale value of those 12 cylinder Benzes and BMWs is just so horrible. Cars that were well north of 100K new are just dirt cheap now.

One of my friends had a 750 iL or maybe a 760 I don't remember. It was the 12 cylinder model. The battery went dead as totally dead in his garage. He could not get into the car to get to the battery. The dealer said the procedure was to pull the handle at the same time you twist the key. He tried that for so long his arm was sore. The dealer said he could have it flat bedded in and for some stupid expensive fee they would get it open.

He finally figured out if he took out a bulb from the tail light that he could get to from under the car he could rig up a trickle charger to the electrical system. After many hours it was charged enough to let him unlock the door and get to the battery. When the dealer called him back to set up a time for the appointment he told them he had it fixed. They asked how he got it unlocked and he would not tell them. He said he charges $200 for that information.

[GG Allin]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

One of my friends had a 750 iL or maybe a 760 I don't remember. It was the 12 cylinder model. The battery went dead as totally dead in his garage. He could not get into the car to get to the battery. The dealer said the procedure was to pull the handle at the same time you twist the key. He tried that for so long his arm was sore. The dealer said he could have it flat bedded in and for some stupid expensive fee they would get it open.

He finally figured out if he took out a bulb from the tail light that he could get to from under the car he could rig up a trickle charger to the electrical system. After many hours it was charged enough to let him unlock the door and get to the battery. When the dealer called him back to set up a time for the appointment he told them he had it fixed. They asked how he got it unlocked and he would not tell them. He said he charges $200 for that information.

I had a similar situation with my M5 when I had it. The trickle charge to the tail light socket did not work. I was able to open the trunk but not the doors. I wound up punching out the ski pass through sheet metal between the back seats. I don't remember exactly how I did it but some contortion and a coat hanger and I was able to get one the doors unlocked. I do remember I was bleeding when I was done.

[Laneco]

Originally Posted by SeanPizzle

I have nothing to add other than:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8pHJ3sQ0Q

Sweet Mother Mary of Little Baby Jesus! Stop whatever you are doing, turn the speakers to 11 and listen to this...

angela