I prefer the look of the older 5er to the look of the new one.




Man oh man, that I6TT scoots!

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I really liked the first generation 5-series (circa 1980), each one since then has been heading in the wrong direction.

Dealer offered a lease (36 months/10,500 miles/year, no money down except first month pmt and a few fees) on a decently-equipped example ($64k) for $940/month, including 9% PA use/sales tax. Pass.

The newest design (2011) 5-series looks a lot better than the previous gen. It looks more like a elongated 3 series, much better proportions imho.

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'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

She wouldn't lease, cash. Kind of odd to say, but it would probably be her last car, so she wants something "a little fancier" in her words.

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'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

E-Class is a little softer-riding and has a little more luxe and traditional interior. Sticker price appears to be on par with a comparably-equipped 5 at this point.

She likes the dual lift gate feature on that grand turismo... that would be the one.

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'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

I agree, at least the e-class looks like it was designed for adults.

I have owned a E21 320IS(my fav of them all..those Recaro seats were awesome), E36 325ic, and now daily drive a '99 E36 323IS. I can state that it has been my experience that the 3 series has been a very durable and reliable car to own in the long term.

In terms of repair costs, if you know where to buy parts, you can get OE quality parts for about the same price as MB parts. I diy all repairs, except for alignments and mounting tires. Maintained properly, they are as reliable as a diesel MB with similar fuel costs. I get 25>30 mpg, and I don't baby it.

The interiors are not up to MB quality, but are still very nice for the price point a 3 series is built to.

I wish the climate control and cruise worked as well on my 420SEL...

For folks considering an E36 M3, be aware that those motors need regular valve adjustments with shims. Not a cheap or fun service.....

They also hold their value much better than a comparable MB, and are easier to sell when the time comes. When I sold my E21, people were fighting to get it, and I sold it for about what I paid for it.

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"I was a dirty bird, Carol's not grungey - she's *****in" John Milner....American Graffiti

I had an E36 M3. Great car, but you have to deal with suspension issues- RTABs etc. I was unaware of the valve adjustments however.

__________________
'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

E34 540i/6 would be the only BMW I would buy at the moment. Otherwise the 96-00 Beem's have a lot of stupid issues that the previous ones didn't. Dual pane de-lamination and have to replace all the windows? Puhhhleeeze.

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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg
1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Just thought i'd pipe back in to say i'm loving this freaking car. I have, however, gone through 3 window regulators though...that is getting annoying. I sure hope the car quits that soon......

I don't remember the last time that I enjoyed driving to/from work though. It was honestly probably back with my old acura integra, but not to quite this extent. The car fits you like a glove, you don't drive it, you wear it. All the controls are exactly where they should be, the power is always there upon demand, and the gear changes are more fun every time.

I just cleaned her up today(not that it is ever all that dirty), and I can't imagine a more cherry example of this auto. It is simply stunning. I can tell you a total of 4 blemishes on the entire car. This is on a 2002 with over 110k.....it has been meticulously looked after.

Let the flaming begin

edit: picture of said vehicle attached, before tint.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Thiws guy got oe and did't like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaB40TLQE8M

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)