I looked at BMW wagons two years ago, when making my most recent auto purchase. Over a span of about six months I never found a 540 wagon to look at or drive. And this is in DFW, not out in the stix.

I drove the more pedestriam 528 wagon. It's fine, but nothing about the driving experience distinguishes it from the Benz.

If you need utility and space, the Benz is much larger than the BMW. The Benz easily has double the room behind the rear seat as the BMW. I can fit a bicycle in the back of my 210 wagon without folding down the rear seat.

Mercedes has significantly dumbed down the current CPO program from what Starmark used to offer. With Mercedes CPO it costs ~$2500 to get three years of warranty coverage. I think BMW includes three years in the cost of the certified car. Be sure to research and account for this when making comparisons.

- JimY