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

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

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.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

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

I am considering a W210 wagon, see my thread HERE.

How is this possible? Do you prop it up on an angle or put it on the roof rack?

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280