Rolls Royce Silver Seraph Review (1998 to 2005)

Quick Summary

The Silver Seraph marks a new start for Rolls-Royce in their quest to once more be recognised as manufacturers of the world's best cars. And it's quite a credible effort. As a used buy, the Silver Seraph makes a better case for itself than new, the durability of the lazy, unstressed 5.4-litre V12 BMW engine barely run in after the (relatively) low mileages that average Rolls owners clock up. Whilst it can't offer the technological sophistication of the latest Mercedes S-Class models, it's always reassuring that with a Rolls-Royce, even a used example, you are dealing with an icon, the most evocative brand in the automotive world. Some will counter that the image is too brash, but for those who appreciate the agreeable, clubby ambience nothing else will suffice.

Overall:

Models Covered:4dr saloon (5.4 petrol)

SAUERKRAUT ROLLS

Though it may no longer be able to justify its existence as the best car in the world, a Rolls-Royce undoubtedly has something that other cars lack. Seat yourself behind that long bonnet and glimpse the Spirit of Ecstasy at the end and you know you've definitely arrived. Some may argue that you've arrived fairly and squarely at planet naff, but what would they know? They don't have carpeting deep enough to hide a third world dictator, enough wood and leather to render environmentalists speechless whilst being smoother than a boy band's buttocks. If you thought that this sort of luxury doesn't come cheap, you're right, but neither does it have to be the sole preserve of the establishment. With such accomplished rivals around, can a used Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph justify itself? Being useless at suspense, the answer has to be no, but letting your heart rule your head has rarely been so rewarding.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale

History of the Silver Seraph

It's been at least twenty years since Rolls-Royce produced an all-new vehicle, few will doubt that the Silver Seraph has been worth the wait. The project was conceived in 1994, when the Rolls-Royce's chief stylist, Graham Hull first started penning the lines for the new car. The design brief was tricky, calling for a car which would appeal to a younger, more dynamic demographic group whilst at the same time not alienating Rolls' existing customers nor in any way denting the marques brand equity. Twinned as has been the case for years with a Bentley model, the Arnage, the Silver Seraph's aim of causing no offence to the more traditional buyer was severely dented by the fitment of a 5.4-litre V12 engine from BMW. Which, it won't have escaped you is the same German company that brought Rover to its knees. This, more than anything, was the key talking point of the Silver Seraph. Whereas Bentley finally capitulated by offering the traditional 6750cc V8 engine in their Arnage, Rolls-Royce have stuck with a BMW unit, perhaps hardly surprising given that the Rolls-Royce name will be officially transferred to the ownership of BMW in 2003. Appeasement? I have in my hand a piece of paper…In 2001 Rolls-Royce announced the last of the cars to be built in Crewe, the Silver Seraph 'Last of Line' models. With plusher woods and more intricate marquetry, the Last of Line cars also featured red badges, a throwback to Rolls models of the thirties.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale

Rolls Royce Silver Seraph Road Test

The all-aluminium V-12 engine, designed by BMW, has been mated to an adaptive five-speed transmission and a new suspension system to give the Silver Seraph a swift, yet refined driving experience. The transmission continuously monitors both road and driver responses and selects gear-change thresholds that are appropriate for the driving conditions. The engine is surprisingly responsive, dragging the heavyweight contender to 60mph in a mere 6.9 seconds. The suspension features a wider track, stiffened springs, computer-controlled dampers and an independent, double wishbone system. This design gives the Silver Seraph greater stability particularly when cornering and at speed. A four-channel, anti-lock, power assisted braking system brings the Rolls-Royce to rest from 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds during maximum braking conditions. An Automatic Stability Control is fitted to detect skidding and aquaplaning and increases traction by engine torque reduction and braking intervention to the rear wheels.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale

Buying a Rolls Royce Silver Seraph

Think of the Silver Seraph as the best combination of British craftsmanship and German engineering and you wouldn't be too far wide of the mark. Therefore it should come as no surprise that the big Rolls-Royce has proved mechanically very reliable. It pays dividends to make sure that your prospective purchase has all of the fittings and fixtures intact and the trim is in perfect condition, as these sorts of small cosmetic faults are often enough to put off prospective purchasers and knock values severely. Also check the condition of the rear tyres. Drive a Silver Seraph to the limits of its handling and a the only thing louder than the clock will be the man from Avon Tyres of Bath Road, Melksham asking for £400 per corner. Otherwise, always look for main or specialist dealer servicing and buy with confidence.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale

Rolls Royce Silver Seraph Typical Pricing

Time was when if you needed to know the price of a Rolls-Royce you probably couldn't afford one. Fortunately, hard commercial reality has finally hit Rolls-Royce fairly and squarely in the chrome-plated teeth. No longer able to trumpet their status as manufacturers of the world's best cars, the marque is now forced to compete on a level playing field with upstart rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Daimler. Used valuations reflect this. If you paid £155,000 for a new Silver Seraph in 1998, you'll have lost a good proportion of this in depreciation. A 1998 R-registered Silver Seraph is now worth in the region of £52,000, whilst a 1999 T-plated car will fetch around £57,000. This may sound catastrophic, but put in context with, say a Mercedes S600 and after three years the Rolls retains 55% of its value compared to around 40% for the supposedly bulletproof Benz. This teaches us that even when swanking furiously behind the wheel of a Silver Seraph it pays to keep a sense of perspective.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale

Rolls Royce Silver Seraph Parts

(approx based on a 1999 Silver Seraph) Rolls-Royce spares prices certainly aren't cheap, although they are in the same ballpark of many more mainstream manufacturers. The famed durability of Rolls-Royce vehicles should also offset the cost of parts. A new exhaust system, including catalyst, for a Silver Seraph is in the region of £3,800, whilst a starter motor retails at around £340. A new alternator will be £410 and if a headlamp takes a parking knock, a new unit will be around £360. Brake pads are £135 a pair at the bow and £85 a pair at the stern.
Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for sale