I need to buy another car as a daily driver and I'm looking for #1 reliability and #2 style. I have found 5 cars that I can buy for the same price. (Please keep in mind that the BMWs have newer style lights that you can buy and are plug and play.) So, if you had to choose between the following cars that are in the same condition, same amount of mileage and same price..which would you choose:

Option #1 - 1995 W124 E320 or E420





Option #2 - 1997 W210 E320

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Option #3 - 1995 Lexus LS400

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Option #4 - 1997 BMW 528i or 540i





Option #5 - 1997 BMW 740iL

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Tough call.

I REALLY like the shape of the 740iL. Most of the ones in the years you specified has taken a pretty healthy depreciation hit and are affordable. One side of me is torn between their sexy shape and amenities, but the more practical side says the Lexus 400LS is going to be less expensive in the long run and will probably better retain its resale (if that matters?).

I also like the 540i, but for me the proportions and style of the 740iL get me going.

I have read the 740's have issues with trans, air flow meters, display units and radiator necks that may result in head damage. Most claim that by around 100k these items have probably been replaced lowering some potential repair costs.

The Mercedes, you specified, of the same vintage don't really do anything for me.

My $0.02.

Tinker

Its a slam dunk for me.

Though the 210 tail lights are nice I never liked the headlamps, but I like the w124

I hate BMW wire issues so its the W124 for me.

But its yur choice and I hope you enjoy the one you choose.

I love the 7 so much and a friend of mine just took one on trade with only 80k.

I hear great things about the LS. Resale value is very good also. Solid construction.

The problem with the 7 series transmissions as far as I know from my research is that if you have the fluid changes and use an aftermarket filter, than you will more than likely experience a whinning or whirring noise. Change the filter to a orignal FILTRAN.
Air flow meters- I heard it was the senso that fails around 80k+.
Display units- missing pixel problems in electronic displays can go.
Radiator Necks- yes they go at roughly 60k-90k.
You missed the 2 other problems on the E38 list of problems which are cup holders break and catalytic converters are expensive and start to go at around 100k+
If these issues have already been adressed than the car should be worry free. That is why the E38 BMW 7 got my vote and not the W140. The W140 evaporator core job alone costs $$$$$ and not to mention the rest of the known issues.

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

I feel the same...

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Do you really believe that 3 or 5 will cost more to maintain than the others?

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

#1 reliability
Lexus for sure..........

Although I drive 89 560SEL/ 94 E420/ 97 S500/ 97 S600 now.....none give me big problem

I would go with LS400. According to one news report, a 10 year old LS is more reliable than a new 7 series.

The tecnhology in the W124 is from the late 70's, and is no comparison for the LS, in ride, handling, safety and comfort. Also, LS is far superior in noise, vibration and harshness levels.

As for the W210, I drove a 01 E55 AMG and was not very impressed.

I have spent some time comparing the systems on the 95 LS and 94 E, and the LS is very immpresive. Cost for the repair parts vary, AC compressor is cheaper for the LS but the Air Flow Meter is a whole lot more expensive for the LS. At the same time, the design on the LS is such that it will work for 500,000 as opposed to the E, where it needs replacing every 60-100,000 miles.

You can buy subscriptions on www.alldatadiy.com, compare the systems on all the cars you are interested in, find out what the repair parts costs and how long it takes to replace them along with service bulletins.

I would buy a 98 or later LS400/430. In 98, five speed transmission was introduced, along with Navigation and the updated V8 produces 290 hp.

An overview of forums below will reveal that the LS has very few and very different problems then the E!

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/index.php

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Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles

Let me see V8 + V8 + V8 + V12 = 36 Cyl and no big problems .... you must be very

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. I'd like a 98+ LS except that it it's more than my budget will allow right now. The closest I can get will probably be a '95-'96.

BTW I've been in a 04 E55 AMG and that car is impressive. I've never been in a W210 E320 or E55.

How do you feel about the E38 1997 BMW 740 compared to the 1995 LS400?

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

w124 ALL THE WAY!!!

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1987 300E - champagne
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...-tiny-w124.gif

How about sharing with us your personal experience comparing your W124 with the ES300 regarding reliability.

Thank You

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Well I prefer the W210 to the 5 series, but a 540I would be a fun car.

On the other hand the Lexus LS400's are not a bargin, parts are very expensive and I would rather fix a broken MB then a broken Lexus. However you cannot go wrong if you want a cheap ride.

I really like the 740's, a lot that would be at the top of my list.


However didn't the late 90's BMW's have problems with their engines losing compression? The Nikisel(sp?) coatings would wear off the cylinder walls and cause the engines to lose compression. My friends sister was dating a guy for a long time with a 97 740IL. BMW picked up the tab when the engine lost compression. It was only 3 years old when the engine blew.

I know the 98-99 XJ8's also had this problem.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
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