Why so cheap?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
Why so cheap?
Before I type this let me just say....
PLEASE DONT GET OFFENDED.
Why are MB's so cheap in the US? I don't know what they are worth new but used they seem dirt cheap. A guy on this forum is asking low $20's for a C32. That Car would hover around $100k here.
How does MB stack up against other cars in terms of resale, i.e. is an M3 worth the same amount as the C32 I mentioned?
As I said please no one get offended but I'm just really curious, the only logical answers I can come up with are that the US market probbably has 3-4 times the choice of cars selling on the market compared to here so this would impact the resale value of any make or modell-to a degree.
Or
Our import taxes are astronomical....but even then....
or its a combination of the above and factoring in the dollar difference?
I hope to hear, and just to recap....no offense anyone!!!!
PLEASE DONT GET OFFENDED.
Why are MB's so cheap in the US? I don't know what they are worth new but used they seem dirt cheap. A guy on this forum is asking low $20's for a C32. That Car would hover around $100k here.
How does MB stack up against other cars in terms of resale, i.e. is an M3 worth the same amount as the C32 I mentioned?
As I said please no one get offended but I'm just really curious, the only logical answers I can come up with are that the US market probbably has 3-4 times the choice of cars selling on the market compared to here so this would impact the resale value of any make or modell-to a degree.
Or
Our import taxes are astronomical....but even then....
or its a combination of the above and factoring in the dollar difference?
I hope to hear, and just to recap....no offense anyone!!!!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
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From: Vancouver
2009 C300, 2009 B200
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
As this was the case, we decided to leave the car in my name and just have a gentlemans agreement that he would honour speed camera fines etc.
Could a simmilar idea be used in Canada to loophole taxes?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
My observations exactly
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Plus the other thing to consider is if I worked in the US my salary would be in the same number amount (but in US$ of course) so imagine the car selection I would be looking for at the same ratio of affordability.
Hello BMW 335i twin turbo and more
As I said, you all have it too easy in the US where you pay for everything cheaper then the rest of the world pays...of course except when it comes to medical, and higher education costs.
Hello BMW 335i twin turbo and more
As I said, you all have it too easy in the US where you pay for everything cheaper then the rest of the world pays...of course except when it comes to medical, and higher education costs.
Last edited by Boom vang; Jan 20, 2007 at 09:43 AM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
Plus the other thing to consider is if I worked in the US my salary would be in the same number amount (but in US$ of course) so imagine the car selection I would be looking for at the same ratio of affordability.
Hello 335i and more
As I said, you all have it too easy in the US where you pay for everything cheaper then the rest of the world pays...of course except when it comes to medical, and higher education costs.
Hello 335i and more
As I said, you all have it too easy in the US where you pay for everything cheaper then the rest of the world pays...of course except when it comes to medical, and higher education costs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Hey Damon
I just went to the MB site in Australia and was blown away, I thought that we had it bad here as I am always comparing our costs to the US and saying WTF!
A C200K in Australia has a list price of $65,990 which is equal to $60,320 in CDN$ One of the big things is your tax as you have to pay 10%GST up to $51,000 and 35% after that. Ours is just a flat 14% tax (8%provincial 6%GST).
Perhaps explains my post called 'Rant...' We both consider having our Benz as a luxury and are proud to drive it, the Americans on here complain about the performance and features etc etc eventhough they are getting their cars at an increadible steal and then post discussions such as 'I am bored with this car' or how do I get more power out of this snail. For the prices you pay, you should all be driving C55 or a C350 at the very least.
My parents who live in FLA buy everything for almost half the cost that I pay here in Toronto.
The only saving grace for you Australians is that at least your cars will technically last longer then ours here where it is -10*c today and that makes it so hard on the engine, not too mention the tons of salt that they dump on our roads which rusts the hell out of our cars
I just went to the MB site in Australia and was blown away, I thought that we had it bad here as I am always comparing our costs to the US and saying WTF!
A C200K in Australia has a list price of $65,990 which is equal to $60,320 in CDN$ One of the big things is your tax as you have to pay 10%GST up to $51,000 and 35% after that. Ours is just a flat 14% tax (8%provincial 6%GST).
Perhaps explains my post called 'Rant...' We both consider having our Benz as a luxury and are proud to drive it, the Americans on here complain about the performance and features etc etc eventhough they are getting their cars at an increadible steal and then post discussions such as 'I am bored with this car' or how do I get more power out of this snail. For the prices you pay, you should all be driving C55 or a C350 at the very least.
My parents who live in FLA buy everything for almost half the cost that I pay here in Toronto.
The only saving grace for you Australians is that at least your cars will technically last longer then ours here where it is -10*c today and that makes it so hard on the engine, not too mention the tons of salt that they dump on our roads which rusts the hell out of our cars
Last edited by Boom vang; Jan 20, 2007 at 10:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
My observations exactly
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
Ok I have done a search here. a C 230 Evo AMG Sports Coupe 7G Tronic over here is brand new $78,840 plus $3942 stamp duty,+$4961 LCT,+$575 reg, $88318, not including dealer delivery charges or Compulsay insurance.
Assuming I have done my maths right, and assuming we are comparing apples to apples then thats 69,700.3 USD
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
Hey Damon
I just went to the MB site in Australia and was blown away, I thought that we had it bad here as I am always comparing our costs to the US and saying WTF!
A C200K in Australia has a list price of $65,990 which is equal to $60,320 in CDN$ One of the big things is your tax as you have to pay 10%GST up to $51,000 and 35% after that. Ours is just a flat 14% tax (8%provincial 6%GST).
Perhaps explains my post called 'Rant...' We both consider having our Benz as a luxury and are proud to drive it, the Americans on here complain about the performance and features etc etc eventhough they are getting their cars at an increadible steal and then post discussions such as 'I am bored with this car' or how do I get more power out of this snail. For the prices you pay, you should all be driving C55 or a C350 at the very least.
My parents who live in FLA buy everything for almost half the cost that I pay here in Toronto.
The only saving grace for you Australians is that at least your cars will technically last longer then ours here where it is -10*c today and that makes it so hard on the engine, not too mention the tons of salt that they dump on our roads which rusts the hell out of our cars
I just went to the MB site in Australia and was blown away, I thought that we had it bad here as I am always comparing our costs to the US and saying WTF!
A C200K in Australia has a list price of $65,990 which is equal to $60,320 in CDN$ One of the big things is your tax as you have to pay 10%GST up to $51,000 and 35% after that. Ours is just a flat 14% tax (8%provincial 6%GST).
Perhaps explains my post called 'Rant...' We both consider having our Benz as a luxury and are proud to drive it, the Americans on here complain about the performance and features etc etc eventhough they are getting their cars at an increadible steal and then post discussions such as 'I am bored with this car' or how do I get more power out of this snail. For the prices you pay, you should all be driving C55 or a C350 at the very least.
My parents who live in FLA buy everything for almost half the cost that I pay here in Toronto.
The only saving grace for you Australians is that at least your cars will technically last longer then ours here where it is -10*c today and that makes it so hard on the engine, not too mention the tons of salt that they dump on our roads which rusts the hell out of our cars
Hey I too agree with your rant post, infact when I read it I thought to myself, this is a well thought out and very true post. I must admit though that I am guilty of complaining when it comes to the power output too!
Last edited by DamonAnthony; Jan 20, 2007 at 10:38 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
close $68,888 US or $80,618CDN
For that price you could have bought (in Canada) a C55; or an M3; or an S4 with left over cash; or BMW 550i; or CLK500
In the US, probably a Maybach or SLR
(just kidding)
For that price you could have bought (in Canada) a C55; or an M3; or an S4 with left over cash; or BMW 550i; or CLK500
In the US, probably a Maybach or SLR
(just kidding)
Last edited by Boom vang; Jan 20, 2007 at 10:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
what is the average income for the States and for Canada?
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Two words....taxes, and market value. USA car import taxes are MUCH lower than most other countries. Competition has eroded MB prestige and offerings (features, fit/finish, reliability, power, etc.) so they can no longer demand the big premiums they once charged.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: East Bay, CA
is SOLD
taxes are supposedly cheaper in the US than other countries. philippines has an outragous car tax.....something like 200% on their vehicles......that's why you would seldom see a coupe or 2-door. i think there might be an additional tax if it were a luxury car, but not sure. a c230 would cost $90,000 US in another county whereas it's $30,000 US here in the states.
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From: Northern Virginia
DamonAnthony,
The short answer to your question is that you have to keep in mind that new Mercedes (and for that matter other luxury cars) are way less expensive here than in most other countries. So naturally used ones will be cheaper as well. The reason for that is low import duties (that don't accelerate based on engine size or value like in some other countries)
Also, the readily available low rate financing and leasing available on new cars reduces the prices on used cars as well, especially cars that are just 1-2 years old. Many people would prefer to lease a brand new car for $600 - $700 per month rather than buy a 1-2 year old car. And you can get very nice cars for $600-$700 per month. In fact, look at the lease specials on bmwusa.com or mbusa.com.
As for average income, we have the same situation here that you have in other countries, incomes are all over the map depending on your industry, skills, marketability, business acumen, etc.
The short answer to your question is that you have to keep in mind that new Mercedes (and for that matter other luxury cars) are way less expensive here than in most other countries. So naturally used ones will be cheaper as well. The reason for that is low import duties (that don't accelerate based on engine size or value like in some other countries)
Also, the readily available low rate financing and leasing available on new cars reduces the prices on used cars as well, especially cars that are just 1-2 years old. Many people would prefer to lease a brand new car for $600 - $700 per month rather than buy a 1-2 year old car. And you can get very nice cars for $600-$700 per month. In fact, look at the lease specials on bmwusa.com or mbusa.com.
As for average income, we have the same situation here that you have in other countries, incomes are all over the map depending on your industry, skills, marketability, business acumen, etc.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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See my previous thread:
Modifying a US C230 To Meet Canadian Standards
We discussed the costs of modifying and importing a C-class from the US into Canada...
To answer your question of average Canadian income:
http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/famil21a.htm
Modifying a US C230 To Meet Canadian Standards
We discussed the costs of modifying and importing a C-class from the US into Canada...
To answer your question of average Canadian income:
http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/famil21a.htm
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
meanwhile, people are buying hyrbrids,
when good mileage is available without all the gadgetry, just not here.
I read the C180 gets about 40-50mpg (US gallons)
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
Hey Eddietr yes that makes alot of sense, I think we may be in the early stages of a simmilar set up hear, mainly with prestige cars, but fortunately resale values are still quite high (for now). For example, BMW offer a capped millage lease, where you drive for a nominated period of time, be that 1 year or 3, then just return your car and drive away in your new one.
nickgailloux thanks for the links, I have looked at them both, I still feel though that If a rellative was living in the US then mabey a car bought from the states could be kept in their name, not the Canadian owners name. This should save the tax problem, not to mention the Canadian import upgrades because technically the Canadian owner would just be driving a visiting rello's car, and the Canadian owner gets memory seats!!!!
C230 Sport Coup, I checked the fuel economy on a C180k it is: Highway Fuel Consumption 6 (lt/100km)
City Fuel Consumption 9.5 (lt/100km) not sure what that is in miles.
nickgailloux thanks for the links, I have looked at them both, I still feel though that If a rellative was living in the US then mabey a car bought from the states could be kept in their name, not the Canadian owners name. This should save the tax problem, not to mention the Canadian import upgrades because technically the Canadian owner would just be driving a visiting rello's car, and the Canadian owner gets memory seats!!!!
C230 Sport Coup, I checked the fuel economy on a C180k it is: Highway Fuel Consumption 6 (lt/100km)
City Fuel Consumption 9.5 (lt/100km) not sure what that is in miles.
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
Before I type this let me just say....
PLEASE DONT GET OFFENDED.
Why are MB's so cheap in the US? I don't know what they are worth new but used they seem dirt cheap. A guy on this forum is asking low $20's for a C32. That Car would hover around $100k here.
How does MB stack up against other cars in terms of resale, i.e. is an M3 worth the same amount as the C32 I mentioned?
As I said please no one get offended but I'm just really curious, the only logical answers I can come up with are that the US market probbably has 3-4 times the choice of cars selling on the market compared to here so this would impact the resale value of any make or modell-to a degree.
Or
Our import taxes are astronomical....but even then....
or its a combination of the above and factoring in the dollar difference?
I hope to hear, and just to recap....no offense anyone!!!!
PLEASE DONT GET OFFENDED.
Why are MB's so cheap in the US? I don't know what they are worth new but used they seem dirt cheap. A guy on this forum is asking low $20's for a C32. That Car would hover around $100k here.
How does MB stack up against other cars in terms of resale, i.e. is an M3 worth the same amount as the C32 I mentioned?
As I said please no one get offended but I'm just really curious, the only logical answers I can come up with are that the US market probbably has 3-4 times the choice of cars selling on the market compared to here so this would impact the resale value of any make or modell-to a degree.
Or
Our import taxes are astronomical....but even then....
or its a combination of the above and factoring in the dollar difference?
I hope to hear, and just to recap....no offense anyone!!!!
around 60k for new c32.
MB resale value is not as good as bimmers.
low $20's, but how is the condition of the car.
I do agree that car is a lot cheaper in US than a lot of countries, but on the other hand, living expense is higher than most countries
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
My observations exactly
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
Here in Canada we pay a premium on all our cars, both new and used
When I went down to visit my folks in December there was a display from a local dealer in Sarasota FLA in the airport for a used 2004 E55 in mint condition with 33,000mi going for a steal at $34,600 You guys have it too good down there!
When talking new, lets take 2 equal cars C230 Sport with sunroof pkg
US:
$30,424 + $1790 =$32,215MRSP + state tax (4-7%) = $34,147
Canada: (sport pkg is an option)
$38,900 + $1500 + $2200 = $42,600 + tax (6%GST + 8%PST) =$48,564
of course ours in in $CDN but with current exchange rates we still come out at a $9000CDN disadvantage when the prices are equalized with current exchange rates.
With what we pay here I could be driving a C350 down in the US for the same money
9000 CND more is not that bad at all.
besides, state tax+registration is around 10% here in CA.
and if you want to compare car prices, compare with Asia, then you will be very pleased with the price you have in Canada
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From: Australia
2003 Ford F350-gone 2002 Mercedes C200 Kompressor 1998 Suzuki Vitara 1995 Mercedes C180-sold
100k there is for new one right.
around 60k for new c32.
MB resale value is not as good as bimmers.
low $20's, but how is the condition of the car.
I do agree that car is a lot cheaper in US than a lot of countries, but on the other hand, living expense is higher than most countries
around 60k for new c32.
MB resale value is not as good as bimmers.
low $20's, but how is the condition of the car.
I do agree that car is a lot cheaper in US than a lot of countries, but on the other hand, living expense is higher than most countries
Over here I find a Mercedes to have a better resale value than a BMW, and I find you get alot more BM for your money than you do a Merc IMHO, that being said the update model W203 had a classier and sportier finish than the pre update.
But, I do have to admit, my W203 and other ones I have driven feel cheaper in build quality than the E46 equivalants I have driven, this may effect the lower end Mercedes resale value in years to come.
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From: Montreal
2006 C230SS Blue/Black, 2003 SL500 Silver/Black
US = 7.75% Sales Tax (can be slightly higher or lower, depending on the state) + decent exchange rate + incredibly high volume of cars sold = huge discounts.
Mercedes sells more cars in California and Texas than anywhere else in the world. FJ Motocars in Newport Beach has the highest volume of Mercedes sold period.
Remember also that some of the cars are made here so there is a very low shipping cost. Think about how much it costs to ship the car to your local.
A 1999.5 Audi A4 2.8 cost me $6,000 more when I bought it in Hawaii (US state) simply because very few were sold there and they had to ship it (and all the freaking parts) from the mainland.
As for BMWs, well, I owned a 2005 M3 for three months and had to return it under the Lemon Law. Three transmissions in one month was more than I could handle. My best friend's 745Li had two new trannies and a computer. A co-worker's trunk and differential were replaced within six months of purchase. None of my Merc's ever had a problem. Plus, the new Bimmers are hideous.
Last edited by Mercus; Jan 23, 2007 at 10:27 AM.
