BMW: Mercedes E-500 '03 vs. what BMW?

I'd say a 540i would be a good match up. It's a bit cheaper and definitely
a more enjoyable car to drive from a drivers perspective. It's not quite as
luxurious on the inside (this is all relative as it is VERY nice on the
inside as compared to the average car), and it won't be as soft over bumps,
but it will outperform the E500 in the real world.

Since you're stepping down from an S class, performance might not be as big
a deal as comfort is, in which case you can probably pick up a very slightly
used 740i that would be more towards what you're used to. The new 7 series
is an abomination form a looks standpoint and that dang iDrive is a pain..

Hope this helps and welcome to the BMW world.

Andrew


"Chaser" <com> wrote in message
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Vetluver wrote:
"I just hope that they reduce the number of engine failures that they
seem to be having. My niece just had a new engine put in her 745i after
9000 miles. I have had 2 engines in my M3. My best friend's 2001 M3 just
blew it's motor and was replaced under warranty."

I'm not sure what you mean by "blown motors," but if you are just
referring to a blown head gasket or some minor failure like that, I
wouldn't necessarily fault their engines. I have a 2001 E-430 and a
2003 530i. The quality of the BMW, in my opinion, exceeds that of the
Mercedes, although the Mercedes is still a wonderful and comfortable
car. This is my 2nd BMW. The first was a 2001 model. Both have been
impeccable. The BMW has a superior air conditioning system (for the hot
summers here in Texas), a much better audio system, better road-feel
(it's MUCH more fun to drive), better brakes, much more comfortable
seats for long trips, and superior handling on winding and twisting
roads. The Mercedes has been in the shop 3 times more than the BMW.
However, the service from my Mercedes dealer has been the best I have
ever had in my 49 years of driving. The service from Mercedes FAR
exceeds that of the BMW dealers in my area. Just my experience.