Which wagon would you choose?
 

I am in search of a wagon. I am looking at a 2002-2003 used wagon. I have narrowed the search to: E320, BMW 525 or an Audi A6. I would be buying a lease return unit or a certified unit with an extended warranty, often for up to 100k miles.

I will not need 4WD although the Audi comes standard with it.

Any opinions?

I like the BMW program that for about $2,500 one can purchase an all inclusive maintenance program.

Any opinions?

Thanks,

Haasman

I would personally exclude the Audi from consideration because I've heard too many first hand accounts of the terrible long-term quality of Audi's.

Between the BMW and Mercedes would come down to personal preference. I'd drive both and find out which car fit me better.

Also, based on what I've read in the car reviews, the BMW has a more sporty character than the Mercedes, but would easily have less interior room.

If you prefer manual transmission and have no any questions about third seats row then I would choose BMW 525(528)iT manual (unfortunately it is pretty rare car on US market).

For "kicks" take a BMW 540ti for a ride. Not many 540 Wagons, but they are out there. The 5 series with 4 liter motor is amazing. But probably would only get 10 mpg and collect a basket full of speeding tickets.

Have FUN, drive them all. A decent car dealer should let you try it for at least a long weekend.

Bob
PS If the cargo space of your 94 e320 Wagon spoiled you, only the MB e320 (vs Audi & BMW) is going to come close to what you presently have.

Presently on eBay 2002 BMW 540ti Saddle River NJ Asking $26,900
Maybe I'll take it for a test drive...

I just moved up to a '99 wagon from a '94. The W210 is a world of difference.
I preferred the 124 body style, but driving the 210 convinced me to change. Both cars are the same physical size, the 210 looks bigger. I don't know the differences of the 211.
Ed

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

Well, that settles it. He's getting the Benz. :D

We just bought a 2000 E320 4matic Wagon with 70,000 miles a few weeks ago and were very happy with the choice. We shopped it against the Volvo as well as a BMW 3 series, which I know isn't in the same league size-wise but there just weren't any 5's available in the market. It just felt way more solid than any of the other cars we drove, and the space is unbelievable.

Do I detect sarcasm? :rolleyes:

The W210 wagon is is beast
Seats 7 with the 2 kids third row seat
If you need cargo space fold down 3rd and/or 2 row seats and you have the largest cargo space of any wagon and most SUV's
I've hauled sheets of drywall, doors, furniture, garbage, lumber, camping gear, bikes, etc in the car
Roof racks with can also carry bikes, carrier box, etc
Smooth M112 V6 has lots of power
Put it beside a Volvo or Audi or Bimmer...No comparison..MB wins easy

http://www.thecarconnection.com/imag.../635_image.jpg

Wow! Not only feedback but also a decsion for me. What a great group!

I did find a 2003 525 BMW wagon with 18k miles for in the low 30'$ .... I do like the 210's since finiding a low mile 124 at this point is next to impossible. It would be good to get one with an extended warranty. I need to research further, but the BMW warranty/extended maintance program seems much better than Mercedes'.

Haasman

The 210 wagon (up to 02) was larger than any of the others, I think the 211 has a little less space in the rear

I think you are correct in the size difference between the 210 and the 211, but I believe the last year of the 210 wagons was 2003.

Haasman

Was there any particular issue about your '95 wagon that is making you replace it? I'd like to know for curiosity's sake as my '94 wagon is at about 276,000 and in the shop right now with a bum sarter ( I hope). Have not had the evaporator or heater core done yet but it's been running great and I hope to get another 150,00 out of it - but one never knows.

You're down to BMW and MB - I just went through this with my wife when she wanted a new car. I prefered the MB to the BMW in terms of interior comfort, but the BMW felt more sporty. These were both 2002 models, so that would probably change with me if we bought new. Both the MB and the BMW wagons are now very sporty.

AMG wagon anyone? Absolutely - I'd love one.