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How long are you going to keep the car? The Mercedes and BMW will probably have similar long term operating costs, as niether is a "cheap" car to maintain over the long haul. BMW uses ZF automatic transmissions and are not built anywhere near as well as Mercedes' units. BMW engines are well made (except for a whack of V-8's) and their bottom ends are strong. In the W140, you'll have either the over-built bullet proof M119 DOHC engine, or the over-built bullet proof M113 V-8.
Years ago the dealer network would seal the deal. MB dealers had much better customer service. Today, at least in my neck of the woods, this is not so. They're pretty much equal.
That said, the Mercedes will have a much higher resale value over time.
Things like the interior materials are also more robust in the Mercedes, and 20 years from now, the MB will be in better shape.
Mercedes' parts supply is the finest of any maker. My Dad has a 1973 300SEL, and finding parts is a simple as a trip to the dealer. I know a few people with W113 SL's, and they can keep them in top shape thanks to MB's incredible parts supply.
Driving experience? The MB is different from the BMW. It has longer legs, but is not as nimble.
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