The fuel consumption for my 1997 535i is quite low for such a car
and averages 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 mpg).
On the other hand, maintenance and small repairs are expensive when the car
gets old.

I bought a very used 535i and it is a lovely car when it is working
which is unfortunately not regularly enough and has cost about a grand
in repairs in 4 months. I would not have bought my car if I had
realised it was not rack and pinion steering (I jumped out of a 320i
and expected the same performance). If I had the chance of my money
back I would take it although I suppose everybody has little niggles
about their car at times. However there is no way I would try to match
my car against a Jaguar XJR Supercharged. That car is in a different
league to my car altogether. Unfortunately it also depreciates quicker
than my car though but it would be my choice without a doubt. My car
never does more than 21 mpg.
smicker

"Mark Jordan"

Since UK gallons are a bit larger than US gallons, you may need to work out
a few conversions, and at first appearance the numbers may look worse than
you expected.

540 you will love super car to drive

I really enjoy my 4.4L 540i V8 with manual transmission.  MPG not a
problem for me - currently it says 12.5L/100 km on onboard computer but
that is very long term number and mainly highway.

The 750i is a wonderful car at Autobahn speeds and everyday driving but
its true strength is at 200+ kph and you will likely never get that on
a daily basis where you live.  It is like a locomotive on rails at 200+
kph.  Very expensive to maintain though so perhaps if you're a salesman
or businessman with lots of Autobahn traveling then it may be a very
good fit.  Anything else then it would be a bit of a luxury that only
makes sense if you don't mind low MPG and high maintenance costs.

I would definitely buy my 540i 6-speed E39 again in a flash.  The Jags
are nice in their unique way but the 540i is just a bit more desirable.
The W220 S Klasse looks wonderful but is not as driver-oriented as the
BMWs are.  I also feel the BMWs ride somewhat better.  However, if
given a choice between the current 7er and a well-sorted current S
Klasse I would likely give the S Klasse a try for no other deciding
reason than to see how positive the experience proves to be.  However,
it would not be because I think the S Klasse would drive better or is
cheaper to buy.

    [...]

I bought my 1994 740i E38 about 3 years ago because my '85 500SEL's
gearbox died.  I like it a lot.

I get 20-22mpg(uk) driving quickly in the country mostly.  If I don't
buy another I'll buy a 540, a W126 560SEC or an Audi S8 most likely.

A