TirednAchy

Hi,
I just purchased a 2013 e550 cab a couple of weeks ago after a comprehensive search for a convertible with four useable seats and a decent trunk. My choice came down to the 650i and e550 (I'm a V-8 guy.)

Try as I might, I could not justify the price difference. I would likely have taken the BMW if the premium were $10,000 or less for similarly equipped cars. From building a number of both online and seeing prices in person, it became clear to me that there was close to $25,000 difference between the cars, as I would equip them. They start at almost exactly $30,000 apart, but the BMW has a few more standard features.

The BMW is larger and sports more HP that essentially cancels the size/weight difference. What is there beyond that? Is the Merc compromised in any way in the name of cost cutting? Or, is Merc able to take advantage of sharing with the high-volume C-Class to bring down costs relative to the 6-Series, which shares somewhat less with the 5-Series?

I don't care if the cost difference is due to electro-wizardry, brand loyalty, 0-60 time, or track prowess. I would care if the difference was due to either: 1) a significantly higher expected cost of ownership (more failures/repairs), or 2) less robust construction (inferior building techniques and/or materials).

Anyone got a handle on this?

TnA

ScottNJ

The reason it is so much more expensive is because the 6-series competes with the mercedes SL; it's just that BMW does not make a midsize convertible...like you said, the 6-series is much bigger just as the SL is also much bigger than the E550. BMW makes one small four passenger convertible (3-series), and one big four passenger convertible (6-series) while mercedes makes a midsize (E-class) and a big one (SL-class). While the 6 appears "bigger", the legroom in the back is horrible! It seems like they fool people into thinking its really big by giving it a long front end and rear. Hope this helps, I think you made a smart choice while saving a large amount of $$$.

Beltfed

I think the interior of the 650 is nicer/more refined than the E coupe/cab. Though we'll see how the 14' is when it drops.

That aside, I do agree that the 6 is definitely on the pricey/overpriced side. Especially that Gran Coupe, which is why for 14' they offer an M Sport model on all 6 series models. That includes tons of features under one option. Hence consolidating the cost of the car.

digital_b

the reason is simple, the 650 is the equivalent of the cl. the previous gen 650 started this trend and there was actually a show called rides on which they showed the development of the 650 the competitive set was described by bmw itself so this is inarguable and should be google-able. disappointed no one knew this.

gavrocool

Again i say to you...LEAVE THIS FORUM.The 6 series has no relation to the CL class.Drive your INFINITY and leave us alone.

J666

The 650 is superior in every way when compared to the E-class coupe. Not surprised!

gavrocool

You are right, but inferior to CL class.

threeMBs

Maybe you want to check your glasses. E550 is longer with longer wheel base, taller, even weighs a bit more now (since SL is aluminum) AND it seats 4 comfortably.

The "big" part in the SL are the hardware, materials AND the price of admission (not exterior/interior dimension that your statement applied).

threeMBs

That's why there is about the price difference between E550 and 650I as there's is between 650I and CL550. Two E550s for one CL550 - only 1.5 650I for 1 CL550 though.

pdjv

With respect to product lineups, and as digital_b pointed out, the CL occupies the same niche in the Mercedes-Benz lineup as the 650i does for BMW. The E class is roughly equivalent to the BMW 5 series. While your E class cabriolet is a good solid car, it's really not in the same class (price or feature-wise) as the 650i.

digital_b

go **** yourself. Ive been a member for quite a while and a former benz owner. too bad your bubble was burst but grow up. you dont like the facts, too bad idiot

TirednAchy

Okay. So, the 650i is meant to compete with the CL. I cross-shopped it with the E-class cab, so the 650i cab is competing with the e550 cab. Nearly every review I read of the 6-Series cab ended with a recommendation to check out the E-class cab if you're in the market. So, I'm not just dreaming that these two cabs are in competition.

I've owned a couple of BMWs, including a 2008 M3. I traded it toward the 2007 911 Turbo that is sitting beside my e550 right now, which is my first Merc. I drove both the 650i cab and the e550 cab, and even though I might not disagree with the statement that the BMW is superior in every way, I do disagree that the BMW's superiority is worth more than $10K, much less $20K-$30K. The ways in which it is superior don't matter for how these cars are used by most people--including an enthusiast like me.

The 650i cab is so large and heavy now, that the traditional handling prowess that would normally set it apart from the e550 cab is greatly diminished. It's bigger than the e550, but there is no benefit to the rear passengers. Neither of these cars is nimble. They both will be used for the same grand touring purpose, where the BMW's superiority is not really a factor.

I should mention that my e550 is spec'd with the premium leather Designo interior, P2, and AP, among other options. So, I've dressed it up a bit relative to the base cosmetics. I'll also reiterate that the electronic gizmos do nothing for me--something else to break, as far as I'm concerned.

TnA

gavrocool

You are lucky i don't know where You live.

Wolfman

Your facts are just off. The 650 does not compete with the CL. BMW doesn't have a competing 7 series coupe nor do they have an equivalent to the SL.
Different brands don't have to have exact competitors...

They priced it up because they can as it is a desirable car, but it is a re-skinned 5 series model. That goes especially for the grand coupe, which competes with the CLS and the A7.

I was definitely considering a 650 before getting an 750li x-drive last year but found the pricing ridicilous.

Plus BMW doesn't make great convertibles IMO. Mercedes has the open air aerodynamics down better than anyone else.

FWIW, the E550 is a great deal and a very fast car (faster than the BMW btw.)...

gavrocool

+1

theraven333

I used to own a BMW 6 series had it for 6 years. I moved to the E350 cab because of an engine design fault on the BMW V8 N62 engine. Which is not replaced until 2011 onwards. Sadly because of budget constraints I could not go for the later BMW 6 series models.
The biggest difference between BMW and Mercedes is how they drive the road, in that they are completely different. The BMW feels more connected to the road than the Mercedes even though both are rear wheel drive. I think it is more to do with suspension setups and feel / ride characteristics?????
You only have to drive both models back to back to understand my statement
I feel that Mercedes has a more qualitative feel to the build of their cars especially internally, cabin etc..
I eventually moved back to Mercedes because I feel that they are building the more reliable car, long term. Which is spearheaded by the E class models.
My previous Mercedes a C320 and SLK 32 AMG (what a stormer that car was) proved to be very unreliable and so I moved to BMW, the pendulum has swung the other way with BMW now unreliable.
What is now common to both manufacturers is that they are both crap when it comes to dealing with warranty faults, my current car has one and Mercedes have refused any action even though the dealers (2 of) both are amazed that Mercedes have not taken responsibility. Left a bitter taste having moved back but overall I am very happy with my E350cdi cabriolet.

Pennetta

I've had four BMW's and three MBs. The BMWs were more sporting until they recently gained so much weight. I looked at the 650 convert as well but the rear seat was tighter and you couldn't fit two golf bags in the trunk with the top down. That made the decision easy for me.

ScottNJ

I didn't google anything like you did.

threeMBs

^^^^^^^^^

Unlike you, I do not post BS. And unlike you, I do not need to Google. I'm an MB enthusiast and know in details their products.

ScottNJ

Well you obviously didn't eyeball the lengths of the two and decide that, so yes, you did look up the information. And you're contradicting yourself by saying that I googled something.

threeMBs

The more you type, the more like an idiot you come across. The difference in lengths between SL and CL is almost 2 feet. Also, if you were smarter, you would see that I have/had both SL and E-coupe and know them intimately.

I do not participate in moronic conversation and you sir do come across as one. Thanks god for ignore future of these forums. Welcome to my ignore list.

ScottNJ

Not once did I mention a CL...and I find it very ironic for someone with such grammar to call another individual an idiot. Oh, and I wouldn't compare a 2003 model SL to the current generation; And you don't have an e coupe/cabriolet to compare it to.....LOL

Glyn M Ruck

Guys ~ cut out the personal insults please.

gavrocool

Please check out who started the insults.It was about time for you to take some action.Thanks.

petee1997

I will tackle this argument from a different perspective. Last Fall I was shopping for a 650iX Grande Coupe. I was astounded by the price. I assume it is the four door version of the 650 Coupe.

I then shopped a comparable CLS550. I drove both cars with a slight edge in power to the 650IX. Similarly equipped cars made the CLS550 25K cheaper. I bought the CLS and can say it's the nicest GT car I have ever owned.

As far as the 650 coupe is concerned, I don't know that MB has a direct competitor. The 650 is an oddball car that has very low volume and poor resale value. The rear space is less than the 3 series and vastly inferior to the E class coupe. It's a roadster trying to be a four seater.

Finally I would have bought the 650IX Grande Coupe if the price was the same as the CLS. Why? I liked the looks better. Nothing else.