XK, XK8 vs BMW 6 Series. What to buy?
 

Ok, I am looking primarily for a convertible, around 2005 or newer, with less that 80K miles, to use as my daily driver for 20K or less. That said I generally drive about 300 miles a month but can occasionally hit double that. Since I was a machinist in my youth and have no issues doing routine maintenance up to an engine tear down, I am comfortable that I can deal with most issues that arise.

I am trying to decide on whether I should buy a Jag or a Bimmer. I definitely have narrowed down the BMW to a 6 series or possibly a 3 series 350. I am aware of the valve stem seal issue and I think that I could do the repair my self when it arises.

The other option is an XK8, XK, or XK-R. Again, I am aware of the tensioner and other issues and again I feel confident I can do the repair.

Since they both have style and comfort points and both have comparable performance profiles, I am trying to decide which way to go. I am hoping to get opinions and thoughts on which one might be better as I plan to drive the car for as long as the wheels stay on. I believe there are more third party parts vendors that have as good or better than OEM products for the BMW. However, I think the Jag has fewer known non-owner repairable recurring mechanical issues.


All opinions and advice is welcome.

I dont know much about 05 BMW but from what i know of xk8, I think BMW is more fuel efficient and has a better equipments.
XK8/XKR is more powerful and looks better!
I'd always pic Jag over any other car since I am not a millionaire. But I do have a new BMW 640i and I understand what makes BMW good too.

If you're looking at a 2005 and newer XK8/R, tensioners won't be an issue. And, go for the Jag. It's good to be bad...

Setting aside technical matters .....

In my neck o' the woods, at least, BMWs are *everywhere*. During my daily commute to work on Interstate 5 I'll typically see 15 or 20 BMWs each day. However, I see perhaps 4 or 5 Jaguars each *week*.

If being a bit different than the crowd is appealing to you, buy the Jag.

Cheers
DD

BMWs probably have a rear seat, that's a decision maker for many. Truth is before I owned one, I didn't realize the Jag's rear seat is useless. In case you never thought of that , factor it in.

Pushing aside the obvious fact that answers from this forum will be biased, it's really a matter of personality. Do you want to date Ginger or Mary Ann?

Driven a few BMW's (my daughter has one now) and owned several Jags. Both are great cars, but overall very different in how they get the job done. The Jag may need more maintenance, but most is DIY stuff. The BMW may need less tinkering, but will bite you cost-wise when it does.

Since you are leaning to the convertible, my guess is you would be happier with the Jag. I know I am.

I see BMW cars EVERYWHERE here in Cincy, 1997-2006 XK8's in any flavor NOT AT ALL.

Echoing what others have been saying, in Chicago BMWs are a dime a dozen. Jags, not so much. I drive mine to be different really.

I'm also not a fan of the Bangle-era BMWs- the styling just doesn't do it for me when compared to the XK. Specifically the rear end of the E63/64 6 Series.

Also, for better for worse, lots of the parts on the X100 XK8/R came from the Ford bin. If you're doing a lot of your own work, that's not a bad thing necessarily.

I've never driven an E63/64 6 series, so I can't really compare the driving experience, but I love how my Jag drives. I've heard the same sentiment from others, its a different feeling than BMW.

Finally, I just traded in my 05 XK8 to a small dealer in NC on an 06 XKR. Has a few more miles on it than you want (93k), but I just put new tires on it and new OEM rims. It was trouble free when I owned it, and a southern car so no corrosion or rust issues. Here's the link to it if you want to take a look. FYI I have no interest in selling the car- just passing it along:

Used 2005 Jaguar XK8 for Sale in Raleigh NC 27523 Val EuroSport

He has a stock photo up there now- here's a pic just before I sold it. Should be able to get it for $12,500 or so I would think.

very simple have a look at this short top gear movie will explain it all!


after watching part one there is a part 2.

Have fun!

Thank you for shearing another reason why we own JAG!
:icon_clapclap:

Ill some it up for you, if you have an independent garage or so in your area that services jaguars, get the jaguar its got the nice interior, best looks and the power is nice.


If you have a family and need more room in the back seat, get a bmw.


But hey, take a look at this video first

and this video