bmw v. mercedes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tailgunn · #1 01-15-2004, 04:26 PM

Looking for a used car and I've narrowed it down to either or a merc; I am leaning towards a merc. Any opinions on how a beemer compares to a merc? Quality, fun, driveability, reliability...?Thanks.

#2 01-15-2004, 04:44 PM

Oh boy....

I did a 30 sec search and found this one:
BMW vs Mercedes

There's been hundreds of arguements since this board's inception, try searching and of course this thread could also get interesting.

tailgunn · #3 01-15-2004, 04:49 PM

Sounds like this is a dangerous thread, eh? I'll try not to propagate this one and I'll check out the link you sent instead; thanks.

#4 01-15-2004, 05:03 PM

They can get nasty, but it's fun to watch.

I have no strong opinions either way. Overall I see the BMW as more of a driver's car and the Mercedes as an engineering marvel (at least used to be) with an emphasis on safety and longetivity.

Robert W. Roe · #5 01-16-2004, 10:52 PM

Ted shares my views on BMW vs Mercedes. My opinions are probably biased, based on impressions of both makes I've driven back in the 1970's.
I was driving a 72 280SE back when the BMW 320i came out, and I took one for a test drive.
My first impressions were not too bad, since the car was cheap (costing about what I paid for a 5 year old S-class), good handling, small, underpowered, but not bad overall.
That is, until I got stuck on a frozen puddle on absolutely level roadway.
The salesman said something about "perfect weight distribution", then got out and pushed.

#6 02-03-2004, 12:14 AM

I feel uniquely qualified to comment on this issue since I own one of each. Although I've owned two Mercedes and seven BMWs, I admire each for what they do well.

In my experience, the Mercedes is all about refinement. This is a hard thing to engineer into a car, but Mercedes does it better than any other manufacturer bar none. They are refined, comfortable, safe and perform well. To use the cliche', they are built like tanks. Thank God.

As for the Bimmers, these days they are as well built, maybe even better. Check the J. D. Power stats on this. But, they are not as refined, they are built to pound pavement. In this regard, they have no peer. They are practical supercars in many cases.
My M3 is very docile when I trundle around town, but it's a monster when I want it to be. Believe me, I've had many successful run ins with Porsche and Ferrarri drivers who are left wondering afterward.

So, no complaints from me on either brand. They each do thier intended job very well indeed.

Regards,

Richard

tailgunn · #7 02-03-2004, 10:11 AM

Thanks. How about costs of repairs/parts for each? I gather that it doesn't pay to go to a MB dealer for repairs; I'm guessing it might be similiar for Beemers, but what about cost of parts? From what I have read, the cost of MB parts can be outrageous but I don't see people on other forums complaining too much about Beemer parts.
I can do some work myself so I don't mind paying for parts necessarily, but I am thinking about starting work on an MBA which will cost an arm and a leg. I don't want to be trying to pay for that and spending $1K every couple of months on a car.
I am thinking about looking for a diesel since it seems they might be more reliable, or at the very least have less stuff to go wrong. I've never owned a diesel though... I am currently looking for one to test drive... maybe a late 80s 300D.

#8 02-03-2004, 10:15 AM

Goto the "PartsShop" here and compare prices on some parts. Water pumps, p/s pumps, A/C, etc.

#9 02-03-2004, 10:20 AM

Hello Again,

As for parts and service, they are about equal in cost, but I feel that Merdedes parts last a little longer at the outset. I always look for a specialist mechanic for the brand and take my car there religiously. As for parts, try Eurasian parts in Temecula, CA for BMW, they are always the best, have what you need and have excellent prices. There are a whole bunch of great Mercedes parts houses. Start right here.

Hope this helps.

Richard

#10 02-03-2004, 10:24 AM

Oh,

I forgot one thing, don't get a diesel, you'll never get where you want to go, it'll take too long!

Richard

tailgunn · #11 02-03-2004, 01:22 PM

I checked out parts prices and I guess they don't seem as bad as I thought... at least compared to some of the parts I have had to buy recently for my Fords.
Re: diesels; I know, I know, but I already have a bit of a lead foot and I don't need any encouragement! I'd much prefer a 560sec... A diesel might cure me though...? I'll drive one and see.

#12 02-03-2004, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tailgunn
I checked out parts prices and I guess they don't seem as bad as I thought... at least compared to some of the parts I have had to buy recently for my Fords.
Re: diesels; I know, I know, but I already have a bit of a lead foot and I don't need any encouragement! I'd much prefer a 560sec... A diesel might cure me though...? I'll drive one and see.

If you don't mind me asking, what's your budget? A 560 SEC would be awesome.

Sometimes I kick myself for buying the 560SEL instead of an SEC. But at that time, we weren't considering children and didn't have a dog. Now that's all changed and the extra room has come in handy and when little one's do arrive, the SEL will be perfect combo of safety, reliability and performance -- not to mention a relatively low cost of ownership. (except for fuel!)

tailgunn · #13 02-03-2004, 01:36 PM

My budget is around $5/6K for purchase, and I'd like to keep immediate necessary repairs to $1K. This is a car for driving 35 miles round trip for work, 5 days/week and that's about it. Maybe occasional use on weekends around town. I nearly splurged and went after an sec, but I need to get a babyseat in the back so I can pick my kid up after work. I just keep chanting babyseat babyseat babyseat to keep myself in check.
Besides, I know the v8 is more complex and demanding to keep running properly, right? Plus poor mileage... I would also consider a mid/late 80s se/sel; I think certain color combos are gorgeous. How has your's been? Do you know if they have enough power with the 6 banger?
I'm itching for the bad weather to leave so I can test drive some cars.

#14 02-03-2004, 01:49 PM

HI,

For what it'w worth, I have a number of friends who own 88-91
420SELs and they are excellent cars. Some need a bit of sorting, but in general they are really great effortless cruisers.

Richard

#15 02-03-2004, 01:59 PM

Mine's been great, but it's thirsty. 13-15 around town and maybe 16/17 on the interstate. 126k miles -- it uses close to a qt of oil every 3k miles. The biggest expense so far was $1000 for new rear shocks. We only put on about 8k/yr, so that spreads out the cost of ownership as well...

Top ends on these cars need attn at around 100-150k miles. Valve stem seals, rocker arms, cams, and headgaskets. T-chain/guide rails/tensioner should be replaced in this mileage frame as well.

A 300SEL would probably be a bit slow for my taste, I guess you need to drive one to make that sort of decision. Perhaps a well maintained 420SEL would be something to look into?