You can imagine a 2003 model:

Thats quite a budget.

But I know you can get the same feel and quality from a 2004 DB, which should be about 100k - 150k at this time. Its like a Rolex, you dont care IF its 1999 model OR a 2010 model - once you like the shape, its what it is.

I wonder how much paper goes into this one: Bruv, any ideas?

The V12 will be an amazing experience, Ive never driven a V12 before and can imagine the thrill just by knowing what the V8 offers.

@Fhemmmy
With a vehicle like this one, you dont need to worry about gas; You only go to selected places - like at the close of a business deal; where you and the other party can sit in the back and conclude on cuts done deal!!

The amazing thing is that it wil remain that way for a very very long time.

@Bruv
The vehicle is also very practical due to its ground clearance, and of course with a body like that I can imagine the engine capacity under the hood. Its a total, just like the paramera, only its obviously more sophisticated and equipped.

The beauty is that once serviced, you remain ok till the next - due to the high quality build, interior and exterior materials.

@OP
What year E36 is your friend's vehicle?

The E36 Autos generally have a record of transmission problems - as suggested above by Omalicha16, I will suggest you have a specialist to check the brushes in the gear box, that is assuming you have been paying regular attention to your ATF level and quality.

Also, the following forum has been of great help for my E39 and E53 and there you can search for issues with your BMW model and year and actually share with actual owners and how they were able sort it out, also there are BMW technicians there that own those models too on the forum and can also suggest solutions. When you are clear on a solution, then you can work with (supervise) a local mechanic on the repairs.:

1. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99154

2. http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/e36/12227-e36-automatic-transmission-fluid-level-check.html

3. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724430

Bruv

This is not a ride - Its a therapy.

Having this in your garage makes you live longer and keeps your blood pressure right. Its something you dont even need to drive to feel the joy of owning one - You know those type of cars you can sit inside for 1 hours doing nothing, just with the engine on? - this is better than most living rooms.

Its worth every penny - and it gets better - It stays the same way for at least 3 decades

This thing is better than the Paramera.

Fhemmmy:

My brother, you sure know good ride, i like and appreciate people of your class.
But to be real, [color=#990000][b][color=#990000]i never felt like getting back inside my ride after test driving that machine[/color].[/b][/color]

I wonder why

That XFR is lovely, the chrome detail across the lifter does it for me. Its a beauty. You can imagine that ride in black OR army green - gets the chrome pronounced. The interior is very solid for a sedan, its almost like a coupe - emphasis on the driver's comfort. Its a first class ride.

Good job Fhemmmy

@Bruv
That side view is flawless, especially the chome detail and the blending/wrap. The rear still makes you wonder if its a chinese or the real thing. I think apart from the rear design in the Paramera, the chrome across the lifter makes it very very appealing.

Im guessing this is a diesel engine right?

Its a very cool ride BUT still no match (cosmetic wise though) for the Paramera.

bruv:

@Onwan; LOL I know the cost of the ride @$120K ain't diddly for Nigerians BUT my point is the baggage a BENZ AMG G55 brings. Can you imagine if your Religious leader, village head, extended family, DPO, neighbours, friends, foe, et al, know you own such a ride. The impact will cost you much more than $10m   

@Sultaan of ATL; I’d rather do a Condo instead of a ride @ $120k because I ain’t in 9jar @ the mo or "Chairman" Onwan. LOL

Anyway, Sultaan of ATL why you considering a Taurus or a Cherokee?
Bruv those rides are worth less than half the value once the dealer cash your cheque or swipe your card before you even drive out of his LOT!!!
Hmm, with your record (like you say), a SEGWAY’s the way! [Think wise]

@Bruv



Im not sure about the last time you were in Nigeria, BUT you sound like one of those my colleagues overseas that think Nigerians still live on trees. Matter of fact, IF you stand at an average mall like the Mega Plaza for 1 hour, the average cost of 100 vehicles you will see will be over $80k, let alone places like Lekki, extension, etc. Dont even get me started on Abuja!

Hope this doesnt break your heart BUT in naija - without those financing things - people buy brand new cars like wristwatches on the average in some quarters. And Im talking about young educated professional, and mostly those with foresight to stand on their own and consult in their various fields.

You might also want to know what the village heads drive these days (Thanks to dedicated state governors), also our DPOs ride in brand new 4x4 trucks for official and they know their duties are to protect the Nigerian citizens - Rich and Poor; of course the rich ones that are security conscious will be part of Community Development Associations that will partner with the Police in terms of security for where they live.

And for the foes, well, what do you think people license guns for? - once they overstep their boundries and try to rob you or look at you wrong, you either get them arrested or cook them IF they are within your property on a trespass mission (There is room for that now in our constitution).

Well, for the religious leaders part of your comment; I personally am dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church (till death), and everything in my home will be till death - these applies to my earnings as well - so donating vehicles like the G wagon, Hummer and other very reliable SUVs to the Reverend Fathers and the Church will be very helpfull because of the kind of terrain we have here, especially for remote places where they have to go to for Mass services and where cars like Kia and yaris will simply "hang" enroute.

I hope these clears some of your views on Nigeria and Nigerians - Im really proud of this country.

sultaan:

Now I know why we can't trust you "open-eyed" Nigerians with keys to state treasury.
A simple person like me would have been OK with the 2011 Grand Cherokee, Explorer, or the Taurus SHO.

It like you have a thing for cars over $80k

I was looking t get a Pontiac G8 GXP last year, but the price and insurance cost coupled with my record made me think wise

Sultaan, sorry about your price and insurance problems - Actually I have a thing for vehicles $100k upwards; Im sure you know my views about price and quality - they always go in the same direction.

I see your taste for regular vehicles with compromised quality and standards - The thing is that, someone like you will change your 2011 Cherokee by 2013, while in my case (IF I HAD ONE), I will still driving my 2011 Paramera OR Audi R8 by 2016 and still be turning heads very very seriously like I just bought it. Its called Value for Money

Taurus?, Explorer?  - Accept my sympathy Bre

bruv:

@"Monsignor" Onwan; your description of the BENZ AMG G55 is so vivid that I can "virtually" smell the exquisite leather,

It’s detrimental to even mention the Range Rover, Infinity FX or Hummer alongside the BENZ AMG G55 because I reckon it’s in a class of its own and VfM (value for money) is not what it’s built for as money should be no object. You don’t bargain when buying such rides. It’s kinda insulting to its pedigree.

It takes a lot of courage to own/buy because you should not only be able to support your family AND village BUT your state and EVEN your geo-political zone. LOL

No doubt experiencing this ride in Ikeja has broken your Episcopal vows - Is the Vatican aware? LOL

All that for a ride @120k ? It costs a budget, NOT a lot of money. In some quaters, its an average cost.

@Bruv
The one I saw at Kandid Autos in Ikeja was about 29M. Actually no picture can do justice to that vehicle - you need to actually see it, and get inside to understand what that vehicle is all about; Its quality unlimited. Those chrome tips on the exhaust would ordinarily make you feel its just a $60 chrome tip fitting, from what I saw, it was all chrome underneath that vehicle on both sides as the exhaust pipes.

The interior was another story alltogether; the leather quality, the dash clocks, the gear knob, the entertainment - in fact the average cupholder at the back was basically for wine bottles. When the car started, the sound was as if there were 5 or 6 vehicles on at the same time - It was like a vehicle with the half the silencer cut off.

That vehicle is a very serious value for money - only its not as flashy as the Range Rover Sport, the Infinity FX or the Hummer H2 - BUT its as solid as it can get.

You'll be suprised how easy those very expensive rides are to drive - power everything, seats like extremely comfortable and you practically move the vehicle almost just by thinking of moving it.

Have you seen the 2010 AMG G55?

bruv:

@"Monsignor"Onwan; The R8 is stunning but like you say, it does suffer for its badge in comparison to the Lambo, Ferrari, et al.
You must be a "badge snub" like me [Seriously speaking LOL] Actually, I'm more concerned with the after-market value of a car and badges matter.

Maserati Quattroporte has a "marmite appeal" and I suppose it's designed for the folks that require understatement and that seems rather appealing to me just because of "the flat - quirky" design. However, while my teeth are still complete, the Porsche Paramera will do nicely – Thank you. LOL

The Maserati is an okay vehicle and a very high class one at that BUT it just doesnt have[b] that thing[/b], of course apart from being one of the best; maybe for an 80 year old retired Mafia boss.

@Bruv
That Audi R8 really is too fine and heavily built to have the regular Audi logo on it. Its actually in the same class as those Lambo, Aston, Ferrari and Porsche coupes (Seriously speaking). And your Maserati sedan is still no match for the Paramera - Its flat (No appeal).

Now that Audi coupe is an Audi you can walk with. I wonder why they cant get a luxury division named and have vehicles like the coupe above with its badge - that will create a new brand with the sturdiness and reliability of the Audi BUT without its commonness; just like trick Toyota is pulling with the Lexus or Honda with Legend

bruv:

Audi A7 Sportback Unveiled Ahead of Paris Auto this Autumn/Fall

Designed to compete against the likes of Porsche Panamera and Mercedes CLS, the A7 seems rather bland in comparison [No offence, AUDI lovers]. Gladly, the AUDI A7 is technically and mechanically superb as usual. 

Four V6 engines will be offered and Audi claims the V6 3.0T engines will deliver a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. Audi also said that the V6 engines will use an energy regeneration system and a start-stop setup to improve fuel economy. Two transmissions will be offered: a multitronic CVT transmission for front-drive models and 7-speed S tronic with AWD models.

For all you posh tuffs and technophiles [Fear not] the A7 has plenty of luxury inside as well as lots of high-tech goodies. These include standard and optional features like a WLAN hotspot, 1,300 watt Bang & Olufson audio system, a heads-up display and Audi’s new touchpad feature that lets the driver or passenger input Nav info by writing the letters with his or her hand.

Hey Bruv

Another nice one you have there. In terms of the competition (In my view); The Audi can compete with the Mercedes Benz CLS, BUT not with the Porsche Panamera. Not with that weak V6 garbage engine OR the Fiat/Renault looking rear - the Porsche has a lot of substance to it (Im sure you know that)

Congrats ChealseaBMW, its nice to know you've had the Kotonou experience - I was thinking you would go for a BMW though - OR Maybe you did before you got to the sea of cars.

Congratulations Pal

bruv:

@"Monsignor"Onwan; Thanks, I've been more enlightened about 9JAR but quite "happy and comfortable" where I am @ the mo,  LOL

I recommend your next ride should be a PORSCHE PANAMERA 4.8 V8 TURBO
[That's if the "Vatican" approves because its a sin @ approx £98,000 a pop!!]

This ride redefines a lot and almost creates a new description/class - Sports Sedan. You practically feel the rush without even driving it. Is it just me or Porsche vehicles are generally cheaper than its counterparts in the luxury sports industry - an aston of this class will probably cost as much as 250k.

Overall, Its a very nice ride especially the engine size - for an auto enthusiast like myself, anything less than a V8 is a waste of my time,

@Bruv

I understand your point on certain standards out there as compared to Nigeria, which (in my view) is basically the limitations of living out there. For me personally, living out there is like living in a cage right in the middle of a police station - and Im very happy and comfortable with Nigeria and would not choose to live anywhere else.

For instance, out there, my one stop auto place would be scrap yards or joints you would refer to as a Chop shops - where they sell good auto parts and Im sure there are arrangements for vehicle customizations and major repairs without raising dusts.

This outrightly depends on your views though.

@Bruv

Very funny coments you made right there

There are some things I base my views on;

1. I personally do not beleive in those reports as I understand that they can be doctored for insurance or vehicle sales purposes
2. Even IF a car has been involved in an accident - I personally would pay more for it than a single owner toks IF It was well rebuilt in a very good auto workshop in the US, Canada or Europe - I have had the opportunity of visiting an autocenter on the outskirts of Vienna and the way they rebuilt an accident Lexus IS using brand new OEM parts convinced me I will be better off with that car than a 2 years old single owner toks.
3. An average car goes for about or above 1Million and thats quite some money to invest in a vehicle; at that an owner should at least invest some time in research about the model and do some very serious search online for the brand/model's vulnerability - I have had to join online clubs for BMW, Benz and have had to hear and read from actual owners with real problems and how they handled it and solved the problems - this has helped me a couple of times on repairs and has saved me a lot of money. Out there, owners always knock dealerships and autocenters and encourage DIY and provide very useful materials and links to shops for ordering parts you would not easily find here. For me its a very big help and necessity. There are tasks that owners cannot do themselves BUT the edge is that you can call a mechanic and supervise him step by step BECAUSE you are working with the experience of actual owners.

In buying a vehicle however, an intending owner should also go online and research on the brand/model's vulnerability and sample out a forum or two with actual owners and their experiences; then know exactly what to look out for when buying. Going with your mechanic is most of the time usually a waste of time and money (except a mechanic you have a good history with) because your mechanic will simply be promised 5k to make the sales go through.

These are my views - Intending or actual owners these days have no choice than to be involved - the alternative to this can be very very expensive on the long run.

@OP
IF you will be driving it in Nigeria, then you need to consider the roads and flooding - The FX is your best bet - PLUS its sturdy, very rugged and way better looking than the Honda.

@Bruv
Ive met a good number of car lot owners and they dont strike me like folks who have the time to put any ads on the internet. I was with a guy - Kandid Autos in Ikeja some days back and while we were doing our transaction I understood the guy is simply too busy to even spend 5 minutes uninterrupted on the internet BUT some chaps were there and I guess one of them was the person that put the vehicle online - Thats some initiative right there and Im sure those chaps get their commission off the sales.

Another thing is that people have different views when it comes to checking out a vehicle - I have never done a VIN check for instance and I have no regrets whatsoever, same way some people cannot stand going to a place like Berger where you will leave home with a budget for an ML and come back with an Acura MDS simply because you will see soooooo much that you will be confused.

I think it depends on who gets to you first with what you want and at a price you fancy.

@OP
Ive always known him (Dantitiki) as a very hard working person, and very straight with issues such as getting the best possible pricing for regular and very serious models.

Nice to know you went with your instincts and got the best of it.

And about the vehicles on nairaland; they are nothing compared to the number of vehicles you will see on your average way to work or to town, hence a lot of people buy from regular car lots than online - especially in Lagos; somewhere like Alausa for instance, you get to pick your Infiniti FX, Lexus GX, BMW X5 by the colour at real bargain prices

@Bruv
Of course most auto-shops are expensive, even overseas, thats why lots of mobile scanners are springing up and people are getting into the DIY thing. The thing is that most high-end or averagely new model vehicles are intelligent and troubleshooting and repairs are what anyone with time, energy and enough intelligence for online research can handle OR supervise an average mechanic.

Beleive me, lots of car owners in Nigeria are catching on.

@Bruv
You are looking at Nigeria the wrong way pal; most people these days buy 2000+ vehicles and there is market for high end vehicles now - with these, people have learnt to be involved in what parts are being used on their vehicles. So, like I said, that theory applies to about 10% of vehicle owners (which will be majorly Molue, danfo and local kabu-kabu)

True in some quarters.

@Bruv
I must be missing something out here. How can you even place an evo in a sports category? - Anyways, those things are just cheap clones.

Have you seen this: http://www.supereplicas.com/newrealeases.htm - You will be shocked at what those Chinese people can come up with.

But we still still know the real things though.

Just like in that film (2 Fast 2 Furious) - where Mitsubishi Evo was taking on Ferrari, etc - very fake BUT good marketing.