Opinions? I like them both tuff call anyone own one?03 E500 VS 04 545I

03 E500 vs 04 545I

My wife drove both, and she opted for the BMW 545 6 speed manual. We loved the car but lost in the storm. Had some electrical gremlins with the I-drive the first 6 mos but then was straghtened out by the dealer. A well balanced car with excellent feel. The only thing I hated about the car was how fast tires wore appr. 8-10k miles the tires would make alot of noise. Keep the air press. to max. Jeff

Beach, I bought a new E500 in 2003 and lemon lawed the car in 2004! 37 days in the shop in first 9 months, among the issues: Radio (Hardon Kardon) would eat modules at a rate of one a week, radio would just shut off and not come back on until module was replaced, keyless go worked 25% of the time (door antennas were too small), A/C smelled of mold, MB changed whole system (28 hrs labor) and smell returned in 2 weeks. Motor and Trans were great but the electronics were released too early, not perfected. MBUSA bought back over 2000 E Class cars that year under lemon law. Rep told me the 7 spd tranny in the 04 cars was a new achilles heel for them to conquer. I love the car but gremlins made me pass on Benz's for a while. I had an 02 M3 Conv. at the time and after 2 years and 20k miles the car was bulletproof, never an unscheduled service stop. I replaced the E500 with an 04 Audi A8L and after 37K miles that has been excellent. I like the new S550 but need to see how that model fairs before I buy another Benz. The resale on the E class I think is very poor compared to E classes in the past (except AMG cars). I like the 545/550 but am not an I drive fan.

I think it's all preference. We drove the 545 BMW and the E500 Mercedes and bought the Mercedes. We liked it better. We have over 40,000 miles without any problems, not one. My Fiancee drives alot for work, so she comfort was #1 priority and the Mercedes was more comfortable. If she drove alot less, maybe the BMW would have been considered.
I think the AMG Mercedes are bad a$$. Someday we will get an AMG

Have 6 Benzes. Would not own anything but.

ML320 = black
C280 Sport - black, black windows, black taillights. Did I say I like black!
300SL - black, black, black
420SEL - Champaign
190e 2.3 16V - Black, black, black
300SD - Gray

Next - 94 500E black, and looking for a 126 Wagon black.

I've got an '05 E320cdi... diesel. Happy as can be with it; great gas milage, pretty good performance for what it is & could be upgraded as well.

You should keep an eye on our site www.mercedeshowroom.com. We give great deals to OSO members and sell just older, mint low mileage Mercedes.

Haven't owned a BMW, but love my MB S500 sport. It has plenty of power and handles great for a big car.

Bmw all the way the performance is incredible. 50/50 weight distribution I'm not a big Benz fan never was. I have owned 2 bmws myself and love them best car i have ever owned . Now i have a Audi but i still like my M's more. Sr has a 650 ci convertible and it's awsome.

Jr Mike