They both are capable cars, and come from different schools of thought. I used to be a BMW fanatic, and after looking at the newer Mercedes stuff, I am hooked. The BMW just looks cheap to me. I do like their road manners, and the BMW "feels" sportier. The big Merc feels like a much heavier car, alot more secure. I dunno, I am able to appreciate their good qualities, but if I was gonna buy a big sedan like that the choice would be the Benz. I know for a fact you won't lose as much money in depreciation in the Merc.