I've been a loyal BMW driver for the past 20 years. I currently drive a 2002 745i (early production - but no major problems with the car) and have once again been quite satisfied with the car.

My only issue is the lack of an all-wheel driven version. This past winter in New England has tested my patience and I'm now considering moving to an SUV or AWD. My wife drives a Range Rover and will not allow me to own the same car as her - so the SUV route is out of the question.

I've been looking at the 4Matics from Mercedes and I'm really impressed with the E500 - took it for a test drive (a month ago during heavy snow) and loved it so much that I walked out of the dealer with an order in hand. I'm currently waiting for delivery. But as time passes by, I'm having second thoughts (yes the new 750i has caught my attention). My current BMW dealer has been working with me for the past 12 years and doesn't want to loose me as a client and has made me an exceptional offer on a new 750i. I love the car - just wish it came in all-wheel-drive.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?????? Any suggestion from the other MB "owners" who have been through a similar situations?

thanks
pvm

 

is not the new 7 a 760?

My take is the 7 series wins on size and power.
The E wins on 4 matic.

Solution...pick up an S500 4 matic!

 

All I can tell you is that I had a W124 that was RWD and had traction control. I loved the car, but hated driving it in the snow. I was dead set on buying a CDI to replace my W124, but came to my senses and bought a 4 Matic. Even though I get about 8 MPGs less than a CDI, I have come to think that my 4 Matic choice was a great one.

I have driven many BMWs since my family has owned a lot of them. I can not say that you will be happy with the Mercedes ride and handling if you are a BMW purist. But, the 4 Matic will kill any RWD BMW in adverse weather conditions. As far as that goes, you will not regret it.

I also find that the W211 is much more nimble than the old Mercedes cars were in the past. I personally prefer Mercedes cars but I still like the way BMW drive.

Steve

 

Performance and size goes to the BMW. I'm curious if you had winter tires for your 745? Also, take a look at the S-class. 4Matic is no cost option this year and it will give you the size of the 7.

 

Get rid of your wife.

As a Mercedes and BMW owner, I have to vote for the 4matic in either the E500 or S-Class format. I didn't get the 4matic on my '04 S500 because I valued the 7spd transmission more than all wheel drive. If I lived in New England I would have the S-Class 4matic without blinking an eye. The E500 is a great car, and probably more intelligent in size, but I personally like larger cars. My wife says I have to stop typing now...... Good luck !

 

although considering the degree to which it is stylistically challenged (Think:Banglized) and ergonomically challenged (Think: iDrive), then get a 750 and a used Subaru for the bad days.
Or, if you like the style & all around superior aesthetics/ergonomics of the E then an E500 is the way to go.
Either way, you must DRIVE them at length.

 

I drove BMW's in the 80's and early 90's. My experience was OK but in bad weather I learned not to use them as they were useless in snow and ice. Switched to MB in 98, am on my 4th since them with another on order. Service is far superior and there is no question that the styling, comfort and handling is far superior. The new BMW's are in my estimation one of the ugliest line of cars on the market

 

I would go with the E500 4matic. I think you'll be rather tired of the 7 series by the time you trade in another one back to back.

The 750i is slightly faster than the 745i, but personally I would rather get the M5, new S-class or the E500 4matic as a practical choice.

You get good deals on the 750i because they are not selling well.

 

...and a 4x4 Bronco or Suburban, or even truck.

Or a Subaru Outback as a third car.

You can afford it, and you won't be chancing nice sheet metal in adverse weather.

 

have the e-320 4matic. It's fantastic in the snow.

 

Why are you considering such different cars? The 750 really competes against the A8 and S500 4matic not the E. They are different in so many respects.

Anyway, from a price perspective I considered a preowned 745i against a new E and decided to go with the new E since the interior of the 7 ultimately turned me off and I couldn't imagine driving it on a daily basis. The E is a great car and in my opinion a great sized car. I am in sales so I am constantly in and out of parking garages and am glad I didn't go with the wider 7 since my doors would have paid the price from these fat or oblivious jack asses that like to open their door into yours...

 

Is the forthcoming BMW 5-series '06 AWD sedan and wagon out consideration? It's not as big as your 7-series, but you're considering an E-class AWD, and the 5-series is about that size. It would keep you in the BMW family, albeit with the following possible disadvantages:

1. It's not available right now, but it's spring and it will be available by next winter.
2. Some might consider it bufugly - that's what drove me out of the BMW family after 18 years - but that's a matter of taste.
3. It apparently will come only in a six, not a V8.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/bmw_5...kKYjEzZReUeL8F

 

pvm,
see my trade-in bid experience posted today.

 

Bought the 750, didn't you?

Jim

 

sorry to say (to this forum at least)......that yes I bought the 750i yesterday........other than the 4Matic, couldnt justify the E500............many people provided some great feedback here......specifically, why I wasn't looking at the S class. To answer that question is simple, my parents drive an S class, they are in their mid 70s and 80s...........I've always thought of the S class as a car for the older gentlemen (50+). I haven't reached that age yet and just can't see myself driving the same car as my mom.

The 7 series is ageless - in fact I think older people looked great in the old 740, but no longer look appropriate in the 745/750. And of course, it drives like no other car on the road (with the exception of the winter handling).

Thanks again......I made the right decision!

 

well...congrats!

 

I'd pick BMW. My coworker just bought it and it's so nice car and it's certainly better than E500 4matic.

 

that all up to you, if it just purely about the AWD traction, then stick with the Mercedes. Now, reliablity stand point, Mercedes fare far better than BMW's since BMW reliablility of late isn't faring very well that has slipped below the industry average. Good luck, with the decision you make.