Any BMW Owners Out There?
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Just my two cents:
Have a 2000 model C class (last year of 9 model run) and its built like a tank. Only one issue since I have owned it and it was a broken trunk spring (cost no more than $200 to fix). For some reason I have always brought this to the stealership for maintenance but surprisingly its never cost me an arm and a leg. Alternating around $400 - $700 each year. After 8 years I had one major service which cost me almost $2K though which really surprised me but I guess I will continue to run this car for another 5-8 years now.
Had a 1996 Mercedes E-class. Fairly reliable car but boring car to drive. Had a few issues with electronics and lights but everything was fixed prior to warranty expiring. Stealership also replaced whole dash (under warranty) as it was easier than changing out the broken lightbulb behind the dash.
Had a 1999 BMW 3 series and hated it. Nothing but oxygen and electrical problems. Stealership never repaired anything and always wanted to replace everything instead which cost way more.
Had a 2003 Audi A4. Loved it while driving it. Hated it because there was ALWAYS something wrong with it. It had minor problems from cup holders to burning oil and even replaced transmissions!
Have 08 BMW 335. Love this car. Total sleeper but can outrun many cars on the road. Handles like a dream. So far have minor issues with creaking noises from dash. Stealership couldn't fix it and suggested to ignore it unless I want them to tear apart my new cars dash. I actually leased this car as I am fed up with maintenance issues. Stealership even suggested the car is not worth buying at end of lease once it is outside of warranty.
Have a 08 E class. Nice car, no issues so far but boring ride and no fun to drive at all. Very roomy but certainly seems like it is a much bigger car than previous generation E Class.
Have experience behind 08 Lexus ES. Very nice car for the price and zero issues so far. Car is boring to drive and also like the E class drives like a Limo.
Have an older Porsche Boxster and just love it. Can be expensive to maintain ($400 for an oil change) or if you're handy you can do most of everything yourself for cheep.
My suggestion:
Stay away from Audi's as tempting as they are. Excellent looks and great driving cars but oh so unreliable. BMW still drives better as well.
Mercedes are hit and miss but if you do go for one, stay away from the brand new model years. Have had pretty good luck so far in regards to maintenance on all my models. Does not compare to BMW's handling at all in the same price ranges.
BMW's have been great driving cars but the maintenance is scary. I always feel like the car is a ticking time bomb and its a matter of when and not a matter of will I ever have a problem.
The Porsche? Its out of the question cause you want a 4 door.
If I were you I would not buy a BMW used unless it has extended warranty on it. The 5 series is a wonderful car and in my opinion much better than the E and S class Mercedes if you want a good balance between luxury AND sportiness.
Leasing a Mercedes and BMW are great options to consider as lease rates are extremely low these days on older models sitting on the lot. If you consider the option of never having to worry about the maintenance costs on these expensive to maintain German cars its a decent value.
Leasing a Porsche? Not an option. Stealerships gouge you on the lease rates and are as high as 9%
Have a 2000 model C class (last year of 9 model run) and its built like a tank. Only one issue since I have owned it and it was a broken trunk spring (cost no more than $200 to fix). For some reason I have always brought this to the stealership for maintenance but surprisingly its never cost me an arm and a leg. Alternating around $400 - $700 each year. After 8 years I had one major service which cost me almost $2K though which really surprised me but I guess I will continue to run this car for another 5-8 years now.
Had a 1996 Mercedes E-class. Fairly reliable car but boring car to drive. Had a few issues with electronics and lights but everything was fixed prior to warranty expiring. Stealership also replaced whole dash (under warranty) as it was easier than changing out the broken lightbulb behind the dash.
Had a 1999 BMW 3 series and hated it. Nothing but oxygen and electrical problems. Stealership never repaired anything and always wanted to replace everything instead which cost way more.
Had a 2003 Audi A4. Loved it while driving it. Hated it because there was ALWAYS something wrong with it. It had minor problems from cup holders to burning oil and even replaced transmissions!
Have 08 BMW 335. Love this car. Total sleeper but can outrun many cars on the road. Handles like a dream. So far have minor issues with creaking noises from dash. Stealership couldn't fix it and suggested to ignore it unless I want them to tear apart my new cars dash. I actually leased this car as I am fed up with maintenance issues. Stealership even suggested the car is not worth buying at end of lease once it is outside of warranty.
Have a 08 E class. Nice car, no issues so far but boring ride and no fun to drive at all. Very roomy but certainly seems like it is a much bigger car than previous generation E Class.
Have experience behind 08 Lexus ES. Very nice car for the price and zero issues so far. Car is boring to drive and also like the E class drives like a Limo.
Have an older Porsche Boxster and just love it. Can be expensive to maintain ($400 for an oil change) or if you're handy you can do most of everything yourself for cheep.
My suggestion:
Stay away from Audi's as tempting as they are. Excellent looks and great driving cars but oh so unreliable. BMW still drives better as well.
Mercedes are hit and miss but if you do go for one, stay away from the brand new model years. Have had pretty good luck so far in regards to maintenance on all my models. Does not compare to BMW's handling at all in the same price ranges.
BMW's have been great driving cars but the maintenance is scary. I always feel like the car is a ticking time bomb and its a matter of when and not a matter of will I ever have a problem.
The Porsche? Its out of the question cause you want a 4 door.
If I were you I would not buy a BMW used unless it has extended warranty on it. The 5 series is a wonderful car and in my opinion much better than the E and S class Mercedes if you want a good balance between luxury AND sportiness.
Leasing a Mercedes and BMW are great options to consider as lease rates are extremely low these days on older models sitting on the lot. If you consider the option of never having to worry about the maintenance costs on these expensive to maintain German cars its a decent value.
Leasing a Porsche? Not an option. Stealerships gouge you on the lease rates and are as high as 9%
expensive parts, like the brake sensors, that seem to go in beemers all the time,or stabilizers, orthe rear winshield wiper, small shit like that. And they cost big bucks, same a s the fucking window motor or the assembly. But fuck do they run nice on the highway,so smooth and the steering of a racing car.
Watch out for the year
Years that BMW changes something they have maintenance problems. 2000, 2004, 2007 etc. Years in between where they are selling the same care with the bugs worked out they are reliable, fairly fast and handle like no other car you are likely to drive. 2009 is a good year to look at.
The new Audi's look like Chrysler 300's. Jags have poor build quality. The Mercedes is a good choice to look at.
Go here http://auto.theglobeandmail.com/
Go to the research and compare section and take a look. It will tell you what is considered competitors in the class you are looking at.
Years that BMW changes something they have maintenance problems. 2000, 2004, 2007 etc. Years in between where they are selling the same care with the bugs worked out they are reliable, fairly fast and handle like no other car you are likely to drive. 2009 is a good year to look at.
The new Audi's look like Chrysler 300's. Jags have poor build quality. The Mercedes is a good choice to look at.
Go here http://auto.theglobeandmail.com/
Go to the research and compare section and take a look. It will tell you what is considered competitors in the class you are looking at.
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Interesting stuff fellas. Is it just me or do the 09 audi a4 and bmw 3 series look alike???? I mean, the front is different but after that the rest of the cars are the same or am I just being "car-ist"? I'm not a fan of the 1 series look but then again, I'm probably in the minority. I thought audi has cleaned up their issues in recent years...
Spoken from a man who has NOT driven an S-Class!The only concern about driving such a luxurious car is the fact that you're doing everything BUT DRIVING the damn thing!! Wake up people!!!!!
How the fawk can you pay attention to the road with all those yuppie contraptions?!?! Massage while you're driving? FUCK OFF Krustee!!!
Unlike our ill-informed slinky cat correspondent here I've driven almost all models of the BMW & Benz line-up.
Like previously mentioned if handling was my only concern it would be BMW for me.
Thing is I have a very fun to drive roadster that will out handle panther's BMW sedan so if I want to go hit the track or tear up a windy road that's what I will drive.
But for a sedan, I have a preference for the Mercedes refinement & luxury. The problems of less than standard Benz refinement in the 2000-2006 model years (especially the S-class) are over & the 2007 to present S-class is THE finest production luxury sedan in the world.
Uh - Oh!I'm going to start a thread that reads, "Who else thinks Krustee is a Mercedes dealer?"
Hey, Krustee, it's better than being called a CRACK dealer!
BMW kicks Mercedes' ass!
Panther
Panther has outed me!
Yup, that's me trying to sell this guy a new sunroof -
But I'm also so STUPID - I posted it here myself!
OOPS!
Come on down to Broadway Mercedes folks & let me sell you your next car!!!
please stay away from the used S class. If you want to go used try to get a used M5 but make sure its still on warranty. Gas is rough on the M's though. To drive to school and back in the M6 costs me like $35.
But like krustee said, if you have the money the new S-classes are ridiculous. Im trying to convince my pops to upgrade from his S550 to a S65(or to atleast buy me an s65 haha), but hes says he has no need for all the performance. I can hear the v-12 roarin when i sleep.
But like krustee said, if you have the money the new S-classes are ridiculous. Im trying to convince my pops to upgrade from his S550 to a S65(or to atleast buy me an s65 haha), but hes says he has no need for all the performance. I can hear the v-12 roarin when i sleep.
It's real simple:lol, YOU GUYS ARE CONFUSING ME!!!!!!!
If you only have $70,000 to spend get the BMW or a used Lexus or a super clean 2005-2006 S-class.
If you have $100,000 then there is no better choice than the 2007-2009 S-Class.
I've actually been contemplating getting back into a German vehicle and I've decided on a used 2007 S550. I've looked around and foind that there are some incredible deals to be had in the US. You should be able to get into one for around the $55-60k (US) with less than 30k miles which is nothing for a vehicle like that. I want the AMG package with the panorama sunroof. The reclining back seats are cool (my buddy has them in his) but I dont really care enough to get them since I'll never be in the backseat.
Another option if you want to spend a little less money is maybe the CLS550, its not as big, a little sportier and performs just as well.
I've owned the 3,5 and 7 series and they've all been fine cars. Yes the maintenance at the dealership could get a little ridiculous but its the price you pay to drive some of the best engineered vehicles in the world. If I was looking for economy I'd go get a Corolla!
Another option if you want to spend a little less money is maybe the CLS550, its not as big, a little sportier and performs just as well.
I've owned the 3,5 and 7 series and they've all been fine cars. Yes the maintenance at the dealership could get a little ridiculous but its the price you pay to drive some of the best engineered vehicles in the world. If I was looking for economy I'd go get a Corolla!
I have owned a Mercedes, BMW in the past 5 years and I have to say that my favorite is Mercedes. BMW is more fine tuned for performance and handling but Mercedes is more refined all around. I had a 2006 AMG, which was a torque machine, all low end power and compared to the BMW M car I have which is a rev happy horsepower car. I like the AMG instant power, quick off the line. The BMW has a weird SMG gearbox so indecisive when shifting, I find that you have to use the paddle box or else it shifts like a 16 year old new driver. The ride is also more harsh in the BMW compared to the Mercedes.
The BMW V10 engine is a gas guzzler though, but it may be because I find myself downshifting all the time to hear the F1 inspired engine... sounds like a dream.
A positive is the iDrive though, every magazine hates it but I find it quite cool, instead of having all these buttons you control everything from one knob which is less clustered, compared to Mercedes. But I think the brand new Mercedes are doing the same as well.
The repair costs for the Mercedes is pretty costly and that Broadway location is certainly a rip off. They tried charging me 1400$ for one tire. Other than that when I needed my AMG brakes changed it was like 1200$ even when under warranty... BMW has this new thing where everything is under warranty even flat tires, bent rims which is good because those tires are like 600$ a piece.
The BMW V10 engine is a gas guzzler though, but it may be because I find myself downshifting all the time to hear the F1 inspired engine... sounds like a dream.
A positive is the iDrive though, every magazine hates it but I find it quite cool, instead of having all these buttons you control everything from one knob which is less clustered, compared to Mercedes. But I think the brand new Mercedes are doing the same as well.
The repair costs for the Mercedes is pretty costly and that Broadway location is certainly a rip off. They tried charging me 1400$ for one tire. Other than that when I needed my AMG brakes changed it was like 1200$ even when under warranty... BMW has this new thing where everything is under warranty even flat tires, bent rims which is good because those tires are like 600$ a piece.
Lexus are nice cars. So are the Hyundai Genesis. Cadillac makes a high end car. They are NOT Audi's, BMWs, Mercedes. I know that sounds snobish but you I hear Cadillac ads comparing themselves to Lexus. I hear Lexus comparing themselves to BMW or Mercedes. I never hear BMW or Mercedes comparing themselves to a Lexus. And yes I have at least test driven all of them. They are all nice cars.
Krustee, if anyone spends 100K+ on a car it better be top notch in most respects. I agree the S is a very nice car but its not THE FINEST luxury car out there.
And you're kind of contradicting yourself when you say you would rather buy a BMW if handling was your only concern. Yet you say you have a Mercedes roadster that can whip Panthers BMW sedan any day. I would certainly hope that your roadster can whip a sedan! I am not biased towards Mercedes or BMWs as I have driven both and own both manufacturers. I just think that both car makers are good but I have personally had better luck with Mercedes' build quality but have found their cars to be very boring to drive.
And you're kind of contradicting yourself when you say you would rather buy a BMW if handling was your only concern. Yet you say you have a Mercedes roadster that can whip Panthers BMW sedan any day. I would certainly hope that your roadster can whip a sedan! I am not biased towards Mercedes or BMWs as I have driven both and own both manufacturers. I just think that both car makers are good but I have personally had better luck with Mercedes' build quality but have found their cars to be very boring to drive.
Spoken from a man who has NOT driven an S-Class!
Unlike our ill-informed slinky cat correspondent here I've driven almost all models of the BMW & Benz line-up.
Like previously mentioned if handling was my only concern it would be BMW for me.
Thing is I have a very fun to drive roadster that will out handle panther's BMW sedan so if I want to go hit the track or tear up a windy road that's what I will drive.
But for a sedan, I have a preference for the Mercedes refinement & luxury. The problems of less than standard Benz refinement in the 2000-2006 model years (especially the S-class) are over & the 2007 to present S-class is THE finest production luxury sedan in the world.
Uh - Oh!
Panther has outed me!
Yup, that's me trying to sell this guy a new sunroof -
But I'm also so STUPID - I posted it here myself!
OOPS!
Come on down to Broadway Mercedes folks & let me sell you your next car!!!
Let's recapture what I actually said:
Note I said "production" not custom and on that basis, I absolutely stand behind my statement.
I think I'm in pretty good company on this as there are many automotive professionals who agree with me.
Automobile Magazine
The Auto Channel
Consumer Search
Kelley Blue Book
Car & Driver
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You misunderstood, I own a roadster (sadly not a Benz) & I own an S-class.
The roadster does have awesome handling & I have a lot of fun with it such as auto-cross & other organized track events.
It's also fun on the many lakeside & island coastal windy roads.
So, if I feel like driving a great handling, nimble & responsive car, I drive the roadster.
What year & model do you own of each?
If you have driven the new S-class (S550) you would not use boring as a metaphor in describing the drive - believe me!
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I currently have a new BMW 528I 4 dr, never had a problem but an oil leak in first few months, only different between 535I is the engine, mine got 225 hp where as 535i has a twice turbo engine with 300hp, mine is good enough for daily use, even on highway, passing power has never been a problem to me.
Mecedes has more problem than a Bimmer for sure.
Do you mind if I ask you what you paid for it? How long is the bumper to bumper and drive train warranty?
since the boys already covered the technicalities and specs,
here's a little something from a "girl's" point of view:
BMW-is the young baller's car. Mercedes is too rich for them yet, and BMW is still sporty and edgy.-will definately get looks and will get you laid.
Mercedes-classy, rich, comfortable, reliable and all-around beautiful.-will get looks, and will get you laid from girls of a higher class than that of the BMW because more "educated" girls know how to spot a Merc in a sea of cars.
Audi-modest,dependable and reliable. Ok-looking, it is very NOT flashy. Usually associated with old men driving, slowly coming into younger generations.-will get you laid with older ladies, possibly with younger ones..MAYBE...but less than the famous BMW and/or Merc.
VW-cheapest german you can get. ok-looking depending on the model but just about anyone can get a VW.-less likely to get you laid than all of the above.
here's a little something from a "girl's" point of view:
BMW-is the young baller's car. Mercedes is too rich for them yet, and BMW is still sporty and edgy.-will definately get looks and will get you laid.
Mercedes-classy, rich, comfortable, reliable and all-around beautiful.-will get looks, and will get you laid from girls of a higher class than that of the BMW because more "educated" girls know how to spot a Merc in a sea of cars.
Audi-modest,dependable and reliable. Ok-looking, it is very NOT flashy. Usually associated with old men driving, slowly coming into younger generations.-will get you laid with older ladies, possibly with younger ones..MAYBE...but less than the famous BMW and/or Merc.
VW-cheapest german you can get. ok-looking depending on the model but just about anyone can get a VW.-less likely to get you laid than all of the above.
