PDA

View Full Version : car opinions



RP1
12-02-2004, 08:07 AM
The Mrs. wants a new car for X-Mas and is not sure which one. :rolleyes: She has narrowed it down to the Mercedes E500 or the BMW 530. We have had both in the past and been happy with them.
We have had a Lexus for the past three years and she's ready to change back. I'm curious about the owner satisfaction of the new ones I've mentioned.
I appreciate any input you guys can give.

Havasu_Dreamin
12-02-2004, 08:10 AM
I vaguely recall reading an article stating that the quality and initial owner satisfaction on the Benz's has dropped since they took over chrysler. Something about trying to buy parts that will work on both brands. The article claimed this lead to a drop in quality of parts on the MB's.

likeFATHERlikeSON3
12-02-2004, 08:15 AM
e500 all the way. friend has got one, it is very nice. great gizzmoes. or grab the new cl65 600+ hp :cool:

framer1
12-02-2004, 08:18 AM
Wife has new BMW 535 and she loves it. Been pretty much trouble free except for some computer problems.

racecar.hotshoe
12-02-2004, 08:18 AM
Get the BMW the benz has lost it!

RiverOtter
12-02-2004, 08:19 AM
Shouldn't you be comparing the 545 to the E500? That would be a tough call. But between the 530 and the E500 I'd take the Benz. It's got a V8 :cool:

jdogginla
12-02-2004, 08:22 AM
I just looked at the E500 this past weekend. If you are looking, Keyes in Van Nuys is dealing. With that said.........they may be in the same class, but are two different cars. Being a past BMW owner myself, I leaned towards the BMW because it's a sportier ride, and doesn't have the same "roll" the Mercedes has. Sooooooo..........if it's for the wife and she's just cruising in it, the Mercedes is a lil nicer. If u will be driving or she likes a sportier ride or is going to drive it hard........take the BMW.
Just my .02 either way, both are nice :squiggle:

RP1
12-02-2004, 08:51 AM
I just looked at the E500 this past weekend. If you are looking, Keyes in Van Nuys is dealing. With that said.........they may be in the same class, but are two different cars. Being a past BMW owner myself, I leaned towards the BMW because it's a sportier ride, and doesn't have the same "roll" the Mercedes has. Sooooooo..........if it's for the wife and she's just cruising in it, the Mercedes is a lil nicer. If u will be driving or she likes a sportier ride or is going to drive it hard........take the BMW.
Just my .02 either way, both are nice :squiggle:
Yea, that's one of her issues. She is not sure if she wants the sport or float feel. I say make a desicion and let's get er done.

Jrocket
12-02-2004, 09:37 AM
Mercedes doesnt have the full maintenance package anymore.Im also car shopping right now.I'm thinking of getting another BMW,great car and service.

welk2party
12-02-2004, 09:46 AM
I just let go of my 2003 E500 sport and Loved it. One of the best cars I have owned. FAST! I am not sure about now, but mine had the full service to go with it. Oil changes, car washes, whatever. I would buy another in a heartbeat. The only reason it is not in my garage now is money problems....as in not enough coming in.

BarryMac
12-02-2004, 09:50 AM
BMW is sportier IMO...

al cole'holic
12-02-2004, 09:54 AM
If you can find a brand new '04 model 'Benz you can get the maintenance included as it is gone for the '05. My cuz picked off 2 S500's from Fletcher Jones Mercedes for $77k ea from the owner's son, so I think he got a hookup if you need :D

RP1
12-02-2004, 09:58 AM
If you can find a brand new '04 model 'Benz you can get the maintenance included as it is gone for the '05. My cuz picked off 2 S500's from Fletcher Jones Mercedes for $77k ea from the owner's son, so I think he got a hookup if you need :D
That's a great price... my bro-in-law just paid 78,000 for an S430 and my buddy paid around 100 for his S500... I'll keep that in mind.

al cole'holic
12-02-2004, 10:07 AM
That's a great price... my bro-in-law just paid 78,000 for an S430 and my buddy paid around 100 for his S500... I'll keep that in mind.
Sticker price on each was $90k+ (not that that really means anything) but for the S500 that was a pretty smokin price for sure...OUCH 100k for the S500 :jawdrop:

LVJAKAZ
12-02-2004, 10:09 AM
I love my BMW, it rides nice and has good horse power and it looks good:) thats my .02 :cool:

Essex502
12-02-2004, 11:16 AM
We have a BMW 540 and love it. Their resale value (as advertised) holds very well. I wouldn't choose a Merc over a BMW in the same class. Across class lines maybe.

Ziggy
12-02-2004, 11:27 AM
Yea, that's one of her issues. She is not sure if she wants the sport or float feel. I say make a desicion and let's get er done.
If you get the 530 w/o the sport pkg the ride is softer yet still takes the corners as good as the rest of 'em.
I give special HB prices for board members....and since I don't pay myself a commission its a deeper discount. :D Let me know if I can be of any help RP1.

No Regrets
12-02-2004, 12:22 PM
We're on our 3rd 5 series and now BMW pays for evrything except tires for 4 yrs-50k- brakes, warranty, services, evrything.
And the end of each 3 yr lease, even if your over on miles you'll be okay. Never let us down.

Poster X
12-02-2004, 12:33 PM
My Taurus has a horn? :(

Kilrtoy
12-02-2004, 01:37 PM
Compare apples to apples, you are not doing this with those two cars.
This is better
The E500 should be compared to the BMW 545
The BMW 530 should be compared to the E320
Now with that in place, BMW on both

78Eliminator
12-02-2004, 01:38 PM
And when you are ready to buy the Benz, talk to Dossangers.

RP1
12-02-2004, 02:40 PM
Compare apples to apples, you are not doing this with those two cars.
This is better
The E500 should be compared to the BMW 545
The BMW 530 should be compared to the E320
Now with that in place, BMW on both
Actually you're right about the two. I did'nt like the motor (6) in the 320 compared to the (8) in the 500. I did however like the motor (6) in the 530 and don't see a need to spend the extra money on the 545 if the 530 felt good... maybe more money for a new boat, the old one is a year old now. :D

Havasu Hangin'
12-02-2004, 02:42 PM
M5.

HCS
12-02-2004, 03:03 PM
Infinity G35.

HYPNAUTIC
12-02-2004, 03:24 PM
Jaguar S-type
That German stuff is overrated. Once youve driven british you'll understand.

Ivan Dan
12-02-2004, 03:57 PM
Infinity G35.
I have a 2004 Inifiniti G35 Sedan and it is nice but no where in the same league as a E500. The thing I like about my G35 is its more sporty than most 4 door sedans, its quick agile and actually corner more like a sports car than a sedan. I'm a truck guy but have to have a 4-door car for my business. I really liked my last car too which no one has mentioned yet, it was a Lexus GS400 and the brand new GS 430 is supposed to be out soon too. I say drive em all pick your favorite and go for it.

Ivan Dan
12-02-2004, 03:58 PM
Jaguar S-type
That German stuff is overrated. Once youve driven british you'll understand.
Jag is owned by Ford now and is just a glorified Taurus.

RP1
12-02-2004, 04:06 PM
Jag is owned by Ford now and is just a glorified Taurus.
And looks like one...

HYPNAUTIC
12-02-2004, 04:18 PM
that coming from somebody who can only afford a taurus.
Jaguar has never maid a front wheel drive car like the taurus.
its powered by a 4.2l v8. not even the SHO taurus could run with this.
its quick and quiet and doesn't look like everything else out there
fyi-- G35 built on nissan altima frame.

al cole'holic
12-02-2004, 04:59 PM
Jag is owned by Ford now and is just a glorified Taurus.
:D

HOSS
12-02-2004, 06:23 PM
530 all the way. We are thinking of it also. All white with the sport package. The sport package does come with automatic now.

PHOTOGLOU
12-02-2004, 06:59 PM
The Mrs. wants a new car for X-Mas and is not sure which one. :rolleyes: She has narrowed it down to the Mercedes E500 or the BMW 530. We have had both in the past and been happy with them.
We have had a Lexus for the past three years and she's ready to change back. I'm curious about the owner satisfaction of the new ones I've mentioned.
I appreciate any input you guys can give.
Have a 2004 E 500 amg sport not the real amg with navigation love it and have a killer MBZ hook up 11k off sticker PM me if you need his number Jay

RP1
12-02-2004, 08:31 PM
530 all the way. We are thinking of it also. All white with the sport package. The sport package does come with automatic now.
James how are you... did you ever find a top for that Jeep?
Good to see you're still around.
Ron

RP1
12-02-2004, 08:34 PM
Have a 2004 E 500 amg sport not the real amg with navigation love it and have a killer MBZ hook up 11k off sticker PM me if you need his number Jay
We might need to talk next Friday at the O.C. dealio. I'm dragging the wife out this weekend to make a decision so I'll know by then.
Are you still up for the Yard House deal?

RP1
12-02-2004, 08:36 PM
If you get the 530 w/o the sport pkg the ride is softer yet still takes the corners as good as the rest of 'em.
I give special HB prices for board members....and since I don't pay myself a commission its a deeper discount. :D Let me know if I can be of any help RP1.
Ziggy check your PM...

Mandelon
12-02-2004, 08:40 PM
Don't forget the big red bow on top! :cool:

Mandelon
12-02-2004, 08:43 PM
I heard the Germans say if you want to show everyone how rich you are, buy a Mercedes.......but if you want to show everyone how smart you are.....buy a BMW.
And this just in:
Lexus owners are the most in debt of luxury car owners.

hallett 260
12-02-2004, 09:22 PM
If your talking that kind of money, I would go with the E55 AMG. I hear they are about 75k. 465hp, V8 with a blower... in a sedan. They smoke Vipers, Vettes,... Nothing better than beating someone in a sleeper. I have a '99 E55 and still love it, but might need to get a new one with the extra hp.

Kilrtoy
12-02-2004, 10:13 PM
Have a 2004 E 500 amg sport not the real amg with navigation love it and have a killer MBZ hook up 11k off sticker PM me if you need his number Jay
OH SEE NOW YOU SPILL THE BEANS. The wife really wanted a CLK430 Conv....

PHOTOGLOU
12-03-2004, 10:08 AM
We might need to talk next Friday at the O.C. dealio. I'm dragging the wife out this weekend to make a decision so I'll know by then.
Are you still up for the Yard House deal?
Without a doubt I'm in

PHOTOGLOU
12-03-2004, 10:10 AM
OH SEE NOW YOU SPILL THE BEANS. The wife really wanted a CLK430 Conv....
They take trade ins BUT have her drive the MBZ and think of spending ANOTHER 25k - 30k and I think she will once again appreciated the CHEVROLET CORVETTE

Kilrtoy
12-03-2004, 03:31 PM
Trust me she is on Cloud nine

Slib77
12-03-2004, 03:41 PM
Shouldn't you be comparing the 545 to the E500? That would be a tough call. But between the 530 and the E500 I'd take the Benz. It's got a V8 :cool:
What he said

ULTRA21XS
12-03-2004, 03:43 PM
Well I Must Say Bmw Is The Way To Go....but I Cant Belive No One Has Said Anything About The Bmw M-power....bite The Bullet And Buy The M5....i Got The Wife One In The Beg Of This Year And She Loves It...her Only Complaint Is That Its Too Fast.....but I Am Ok With The Hp

AquaBoogie
12-03-2004, 03:59 PM
I can't believe the BMW 6 series hasn't been mentioned.
http://www.bmwusa.com/nr/rdonlyres/14a353d7-d12d-4ef0-bcc9-

RP1
12-03-2004, 04:05 PM
Wife is going with the Beemer... done decision... thanks god that's over!

RiverOtter
12-03-2004, 04:07 PM
I can't believe the BMW 6 series hasn't been mentioned.
http://www.bmwusa.com/nr/rdonlyres/14a353d7-d12d-4ef0-bcc9-
That one is about $100,000 isn't it? :idea:

Just Tool'n
12-03-2004, 04:33 PM
After owning 2 diffrent 5 series BMW they are great cars.
The wife just bought a 02 E320 Mercd, it seems as if it has more room inside than the 5 series BMW has.
Now with kids, it seems more important than ever. Especially when I am 6'3 & kids dont like the seat against there legs.

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 09:25 AM
Hey RP1, where'd you end up on this??

Keith E. Sayre
12-21-2004, 09:35 AM
Ziggy here on the boards owns a BMW dealership in Oceanside I believe. He's
good people and I trust him. If that's too far to drive, the owner of Conquest
Boats also owns Sterling BMW in Newport Beach on Pac coast highway.
He can hook you up with a good deal also.
Good luck in your decision making. All are great cars!
Keith Sayre
Conquest Boats
Lake Havasu City
928-680-1400

tamalewagon
12-21-2004, 09:38 AM
I truly love my Mercedes, but due to Mercedes severly cutting back on their warranty packages, I would have to say go with the BMW. I would not buy another simply because they are so expensive to fix when they break down.

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 09:39 AM
Ziggy here on the boards owns a BMW dealership in Oceanside I believe. He's
good people and I trust him. If that's too far to drive, the owner of Conquest
Boats also owns Sterling BMW in Newport Beach on Pac coast highway.
He can hook you up with a good deal also.
Good luck in your decision making. All are great cars!
Keith Sayre
Conquest Boats
Lake Havasu City
928-680-1400
..what's a good deal?? :idea:

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 09:40 AM
I truly love my Mercedes, but due to Mercedes severly cutting back on their warranty packages, I would have to say go with the BMW. I would not buy another simply because they are so expensive to fix when they break down.
..the catch is finding an brand new '04 if you really want a Benz, I got a price last night on an E500 that was smoking for sure..

throwerb
12-21-2004, 09:51 AM
I love my BMW. :D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/showphoto.php?photo=61261&size=big&password=&sort=7&thecat=997

Chris Winn
12-21-2004, 10:01 AM
Compare apples to apples, you are not doing this with those two cars.
This is better
The E500 should be compared to the BMW 545
The BMW 530 should be compared to the E320
Now with that in place, BMW on both
go with the BMW, Kilr has seen mine and it really is a runner (has a full stage 4+ Dinan kit on it)
oh- its a 2003 540i sport (the only year it got all of the M5 goodies, plus 12+K in Dinan stuff)
kilr heard it run and it it is quite the stealth sleeper....

HCS
12-21-2004, 02:50 PM
Somehow I got jinks by this thread. Had to my the wife a car for Christmas.
Got her a 2005 Altima. I won't be driving it, so it's perfect. :rolleyes:

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 03:23 PM
Somehow I got jinks by this thread. Had to my the wife a car for Christmas.
Got her a 2005 Altima. I won't be driving it, so it's perfect. :rolleyes:
...why do you think I resurected this thread with 3 shopping days left :jawdrop:

Dr. Eagle
12-21-2004, 06:39 PM
Wifey wants to get rid of her Grand Cherokee and get a Chrysler 300C. Nice with the Hemi... :cool:

Flying Tiger
12-21-2004, 07:50 PM
MY SIS bought the BMW from Ziggy and loves it.
Got a teriffic warranty with it too.
Best deal she could find anyplace along the Coast.

Jrocket
12-21-2004, 07:58 PM
MY SIS bought the BMW from Ziggy and loves it.
Got a teriffic warranty with it too.
Best deal she could find anyplace along the Coast.
I agree....Ziggy was going to give me the best deal by far from anyone out there.Not only was the deal great but he's a great person to deal with on the phone.
I had a car picked out and ready to go from Ziggy and my wife changed her mind on getting another BMW.She now wants a new Audi S4,wich is not what I want but oh well.Not too mention that Im not the least bit happy with the way things are going so far on the purchase of the Audi!!!!!!
Ziggy,all I know is my wife is going to get a focking ear full the minute after she gets her Audi on X-mas morning!!

Kilrtoy
12-21-2004, 08:53 PM
go with the BMW, Kilr has seen mine and it really is a runner (has a full stage 4+ Dinan kit on it)
oh- its a 2003 540i sport (the only year it got all of the M5 goodies, plus 12+K in Dinan stuff)
kilr heard it run and it it is quite the stealth sleeper....
Ok stop lying, maybe turned off sitting still its a sleeper.
When you gassed that thing it was screaming like a race breed BMW. That thing is awesome.....

Havasu Hangin'
12-21-2004, 09:02 PM
M5.
:idea:
OK...2006 M5.

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 10:04 PM
I touched base with Ziggy today, he is a good guy fo shizzle. He's got 1 745Li right now but no 545's til about March from what I see. Not sure if the xxxmas tree will last that long here :frown: I'll see what happens...

Kilrtoy
12-21-2004, 10:06 PM
..the catch is finding an brand new '04 if you really want a Benz, I got a price last night on an E500 that was smoking for sure..
What is that price

JustMVG
12-21-2004, 10:06 PM
SO RP1 did you ever get down there to pick up that beautiful car for your wife???
MikeVG

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 10:09 PM
What is that price
..you really want to hear it?

Kilrtoy
12-21-2004, 10:16 PM
If it is new im guessing 50k plus all the fees
if its a demo Im guessing 45k

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 10:19 PM
If it is new im guessing 50k plus all the fees
if its a demo Im guessing 45k
..you'd be right! Fully loaded, 63k sticker price on an '04 with full maintenance..

Kilrtoy
12-21-2004, 10:23 PM
That is a damn good price
The wife says get the 545....

HCS
12-21-2004, 11:14 PM
...why do you think I resurected this thread with 3 shopping days left :jawdrop:
Nothing like dropping a bunch of cash on a girl car.

al cole'holic
12-21-2004, 11:18 PM
Nothing like dropping a bunch of cash on a girl car.
..isn't that a skier in your avatar??

HCS
12-21-2004, 11:23 PM
..isn't that a skier in your avatar??
Hmmm.....I think I'll buy a Harley.

Chris Winn
12-22-2004, 12:46 AM
Ok stop lying, maybe turned off sitting still its a sleeper.
When you gassed that thing it was screaming like a race breed BMW. That thing is awesome.....
i really have to stop getting on the gas like that, those $1300 sets od michellein PS2's are getting pricey....
i love the car, but it might be up for sale in about 4 months or so.....

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 07:05 AM
i really have to stop getting on the gas like that, those $1300 sets od michellein PS2's are getting pricey....
i love the car, but it might be up for sale in about 4 months or so.....
Those Germans do know how to make a good car. http://midwestboatparty.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/headbang.gif

Jrocket
12-22-2004, 07:13 AM
i really have to stop getting on the gas like that, those $1300 sets od michellein PS2's are getting pricey....
i love the car, but it might be up for sale in about 4 months or so.....
Arent you the same guy that everyone in here was going to hang over a cannopy?...LMAO
What year is the car and wheres the pics?

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 07:18 AM
Arent you the same guy that everyone in here was going to hang over a cannopy?...LMAO
What year is the car and wheres the pics?
Yes pics are in order :D

Second "PLACE"
12-22-2004, 07:20 AM
One thing to consider is that the BMW comes with free scheduled maintenance on thier new vehicles, and starting in 2005 Mercedes-Benz will not. The cost to maintain the German car is NOT chep so take that into consideration. with that being said, if still interested in the Mercedes let me know. I'm in the service dept. of a Mercedes Dealer, and could possibly answer a few questions for you. :D

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 07:21 AM
One thing to consider is that the BMW comes with free scheduled maintenance on thier new vehicles, and starting in 2005 Mercedes-Benz will not. The cost to maintain the German car is NOT chep so take that into consideration. with that being said, if still interested in the Mercedes let me know. I'm in the service dept. of a Mercedes Dealer, and could possibly answer a few questions for you. :D
$1,700 for a head gasket on a 3.5 I6 :cry:

Second "PLACE"
12-22-2004, 07:32 AM
$1,700 for a head gasket on a 3.5 I6 :cry:
.....how about $3800 to replace a leaking A/C evaporator core on a 1996 S500! The price of repairs on these cars are steep. But just as in boating, things are all relavent. Bayliner is cheaper to maintain than lets say, Fountain. If you want the the look/name it will CO$T you.

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 07:35 AM
.....how about $3800 to replace a leaking A/C evaporator core on a 1996 S500! The price of repairs on these cars are steep. But just as in boating, things are all relavent. Bayliner is cheaper to maintain than lets say, Fountain. If you want the the look/name it will CO$T you.
True, but everybody told me that my BMW would eat me alive in maintenance. Brake jobs and head gaskets didn't cost any more that the GM's I've owned. Fortunatly never had AC or computer problems though.

Second "PLACE"
12-22-2004, 07:47 AM
And German electronics are a little troublesome to say the least. THAT is what is the major cost these days no question

TOBTEK
12-22-2004, 07:48 AM
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_1.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_2.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_3.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_4.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_5.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_6.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/135M5_7.jpg
This will be the GREATEST road car built to date...PERIOD! 510hp at the wheels NOT the crankshaft like MB, Porsche, ford/jag (samething)...so that will be an easy 600hp at the crank. It out handles a ENZO pulling 1.38 G's compaired to the enzo's 1.2 G's...and the Enzo's are a million dollar car. This will be the first 7 speed SMG transmision with launch controll......
The new 545 is more car than ANYBODY needs. Its a 345hp at the wheels beast. Handles better than the 02 BMW M5....its a point and shoot missel. AND BMW pays for all your maintenance for 4yrs or 50K miles...everything but gas and tires....now with an optional 6yrs or 100,000 miles full maintence/ ZERO duct.....for $1600.00 I dont think you can maintain a Honda Civic for 1600.00 for 100,000 miles :rolleyes:

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 07:50 AM
Ya Gotta love those German Engineers http://midwestboatparty.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/headbang.gif

TOBTEK
12-22-2004, 07:52 AM
One thing to consider is that the BMW comes with free scheduled maintenance on thier new vehicles, and starting in 2005 Mercedes-Benz will not. The cost to maintain the German car is NOT chep so take that into consideration. with that being said, if still interested in the Mercedes let me know. I'm in the service dept. of a Mercedes Dealer, and could possibly answer a few questions for you. :D
BMW....does not include free SCHEDULED maintence like M/B USED to...they give you FULL MAINTENANCE for 4/50....with an optional 6/100. BMW used to only give the sch maint,The difference was it didnt include the Brakes,rotors and pads.(thats huge on 5's,7's and X5's....20,000 miles average between brake jobs) now it does......

Havasu Hangin'
12-22-2004, 07:53 AM
2006 M5.
:cool:

TOBTEK
12-22-2004, 07:54 AM
Ya Gotta love those German Engineers http://midwestboatparty.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/headbang.gif
and the car was designed in IRVINE, CA :2purples: and the BMW design center.

RiverOtter
12-22-2004, 08:49 AM
and the car was designed in IRVINE, CA :2purples: and the BMW design center.
So it was designed by German Californians :confused:

Jrocket
12-22-2004, 06:31 PM
and the car was designed in IRVINE, CA :2purples: and the BMW design center.
So thats why the car looks like total crap.The interior looks like a cheap nissan sentra at best and the body resembles a japanese car.They really messed up a great car.Performance wise it will be awesome,looks wise....would make a blind man puke.

Ivan Dan
12-22-2004, 06:53 PM
that coming from somebody who can only afford a taurus.
Jaguar has never maid a front wheel drive car like the taurus.
its powered by a 4.2l v8. not even the SHO taurus could run with this.
its quick and quiet and doesn't look like everything else out there
fyi-- G35 built on nissan altima frame.
The 2005 G35 has more HP out of a 3.5L V6 than this 4.2l V8 you speak of unless you are talking about the supercharged model which wouldn't be a fair comparison considering it starts at $58,995.
Besides....this is funny coming from a guy that owns a Cheetah! :yuk: :devil: :D :boxingguy

Kilrtoy
12-22-2004, 06:59 PM
Who cares about HP, they both run
0-60 in 6.2 so they are even