Debating on upgrading to newer model! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

john berry · #1 07-26-2007, 05:02 PM

I have a '88 300CE with 185,000 on it. It 's running great. However I'm considering moving up some years and getting a 2000 - 2003, E320 or a 5 series BMW.

I have been told MB's are not what they used to be. Do they have any inherent problems that I should be aware of? The 5 series seems to be very reliable.

Are there any recommendations or personal experiences that you could share with me as to which way I should go.
Thanks.

Jim B. · #2 07-26-2007, 07:16 PM

The 300 series W124 Mercedes are really wonderful cars, combining the BEST of old word Mercedes over-engineering and durability and longevity with lots of safety features in modern cars such as ABS and airbags, makes any good one a real long term keeper for sure. They lack the computer impedimentia that is diabolically difficult and expensive to fix.

The 2000-2006 model year E class cars I would personally avoid. While sporting many advances in safety, electonics, ride, smoothness, and economy it must be remembered that 2000-2006 were the darkest years ever for Mercedes as regards build quality and durability, and coupled with the difficult electronics repairs encountered doesn't augur well for the cars as long term keepers.

They were built when the accountants held sway over the engineers, and were built more to a price point, as these were marketed as the nothing down, $399 a month lease payment cars that anyone could buy--aiming towards a different demographic than before. Buyer beware. (They are sweet when running well though!)

Now the 2000-2003 last of the pre-Bangle styled BMW 5 series are another matter.

I just love the look of them, and would seriously consider abandoning Mercedes for a nice one.

They look so perfect, sexy doesn't even begin to describe it. Their shape is so shapely and well proportioned, they are a joy to behold from any angle.
They just "work". And that is just looks.

They are roomy inside, and depending on the eingine, they go like stink and corner like a race car, and have the comfort of an all day long distance cruiser. Truly they are a car for all reasons, and the latter models are quite reliable and built with true Teutonic attention to detail and quality. And without the finicky idrive, SAT Nav, run flats and other fripperies you can do without. (Replacing or servicing them can be frightful on late 5;s the runflats cost hundreds of dollars each

Any of them would be just wonderful, but choose the right drivetrain that suits.

A very good friend bought one of the last 525i automatic sedans, and he loves it except the accelleration is way too leisurely, especially for merging and passing. They are fine for cruising once you get up to speed though.

He now wishes he'd ponied up for the 530i automatic, which would be my choice for the best all around everyday driving car for all situations.

I also drove a 540ia Sport automatic, and a dark red one of those would probably be my pick. Not an over the top M5, but the 540ia is pretty damn close, they have buckets of torque and can corner harder than an average human could even hope to control, and what's not to like about that?

It would be easy to see myself in a really mint 530i or a 54Oia, they are wonderful sports sedans, even with the automatic. Heresy perhaps to admit this on a Benz forum but they are really, really wonderful cars.

I'd love to own one. I even mentioned to my friend that if he ever decided to sell it, I wouldn't mind a crack at it. But I think he would be more likely to get rid of his 330i, his '89 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, or his '56 Packard 400 first so I am not holding my breath or anything.......

TMAllison · #3 07-26-2007, 11:19 PM

In my opinion they are two very different cars.

The BMW 5 is a Sports sedan. Great for two adults; reasonable for 2 children in the back. It's sporty, nimble and VERY safe (I know, I rode one 800', 3 side to side rolls and 3 nose to tail rolls down a 70 degree mountain side and walked away from it with little more than a bruised ego and $250k damage done to a $50k car).

The E class is more of a Touring sedan. Taller, heavier, roomier, also VERY safe and a little more sedate. That is not to say that it does not handle well because it does, but it is usually driven in different style than the Beamer. Four adults and their luggage can travel in it in comfort.

My 99 BMW 528i was replaced by a 2001 E320 and then a 99 E300 TurboDiesel. I wouldnt trade the E300 for anything other than a CDI or Bluetech.

john berry · #4 07-26-2007, 11:49 PM

Thanks to both of you for the comments. I've been leaning toward the BMW and this kinda confirms it. The wife wants something a lot easier on the pocket book when it comes to repairs. However, sometimes you have to roll the dice and hope you get a good one..

mbdoc · #5 07-27-2007, 08:03 AM

In my job...I get to hear about both brands & their problems!

IF I were to buy a 2000 or later MB it would be a 2001-02 E-class. The best of the W210 chassis.

BMW's are not a "better" car! they have their own issues. The electronics are similar to the MB & don't even think about a 5-series with an auto trans as they are JUNK!