SAguirre

I am obviously a Mercedes Porsche and Audi fan, but I really did like the old 5 series! Like I mentioned, I test drove one just so that I could say that I did some shopping before I purchased my E. Well, I liked how it drove, but it was not that much better than my E.

The interior really required a lot of looking at before you could use the simple things. The E looks intimidating enough for people who don't care about cars and have to use one, but the E is ultimately simple to figure out and sometimes self-explanatory. Both the 7 and the 5 series had me really thinking at first. I did not like that! Not that I don't like to think, but in a car you need to be driving and not thinking about how something is operated.

I also thought that the interior and the exterior was "cut up" and non-conforming, for my taste. I found the E a bit more feminine from the exterior looks and NICE as far as the interior goes.

The 5 is rarely seen here and I always first confuse it with a Nissan or something. Then, when I recognize what car it is, I am glad I have an E.

Steve

Alexbenz

i'm with you about the e39 series.......timeless design......i wouldn't mind getting another one of those used again.....

qzoom

HEELLLLOOO.... am I the only one who's gone over to the dark side

Similar to PUZZ1, I hated the 5 when it came out. Drove a W124, W210, W208, was ready to purchase a W211 E350 a month back.

Went to test drive the E350, the 268hp - a little suprised with sluggish response. The handling - felt like a MBZ. The look - looks like a E-class, but the larger wheels were nice. The interior I liked. A little concerned about face-lift 2007.

Then went to test drive the 530i Sport. Handling - awsome with the sports pkg, 255hp - very quick response, the look - very aggressive, all the sudden I love it now. the interior - could be better especially the cup holder

I've purchased a 530i sport. A MBZ has its place, and I will always keep one. But for aggressive sportiness, the BMW with sport pkg is great. Now before everyone on the board me. I would suggest a test drive. (I am no way associated with them).

BTW: I've heard BMW service sucks. I have nothing but good things to say about MBZ service. Reliability may be just as bad as MBZ. But, I love the car

rjm

They grew on me 5 years ago. My first one was a 330ci in 2001 and I liked it so much, I bought a 530i (E39) 2 years ago, as soon as I saw the Bangleized E-60 that would be coming out in 2004. So I had 5 years to compare BMW and my Mercedes E-430. The quality of the BMW in fit and finish was superior to the Mercedes. I have had NO significant problems with either BMW. The BMW is infinitly more fun to drive...it is much more solid on winding country roads and has better brakes and steering response. The audio system, the climate control system (particularly the air-conditioning system) are all vastly better on the BMW. The seats and interior are much more comfortable and instinctive on the BMW. About the only thing the BMW doesn't have, is that 3-pointed star on the hood.

Andaluz

I like the looks of the BMW 5-series E60.

BudC

I think the question was about the E60. Nobody would argue that the E39 was ugly.

zam2000

Can't argue with you, since I've seen it happens with some people I know. The look of the BMW is not that attractive (this for both 5 & 7 serie), but drive one, and the experience is very overwhelming.

I think for anyone who put driving experience & handling "soul" over look, BMW is the best choice, they're really the ultimate driving machine. Since I sold my E39 w/ sport package, none of my cars (98/04 E320, 99 SL500-sold) have been able to match the handling of that car.

BMW 545 outhandle E500, BMW 530 outhandle E350, BMW 330 outhandle every 4 door sedans out there. Benz still beat BMW at the look though (and Bangle seems to help that by making BMW uglier and uglier)

CE750

It's all too likely that if the BMW wasn't murdered in the design department, I could be driving one. I came very close to getting one as it was WITH the ugly design.

Andaluz

The BMW 5-Series E39 was a Beautiful car.



I think this was one of the last true BMWs: Well built, Reliable, Fun to drive, Good looking, Sophisticated and yet Simple.

I like the 5-series E60. But somehow I still prefer the E39 better.

BudC

You are not the only one

AsianML

To me the only Bangled car I like is the new 3.

lig

The only recent BMW that looks decent to me is the "debangled" 750.

Took a look at the 330 last week and I'd much rather have the new IS350.

Faster and better looking inside and out.

I'd still like an E39 M5. Nearly bought one before buying the S4. The seller got cold feet.

AsianML

The 750 is a much better improvement over the last design. Now the interior needs a little work.

ruykava

no. i can't stand the 5 at all. looks horrible inside out. might be nicer around the corners but the E is not too shabby at all, and i'd rather have the better ride and pretty good handling.

and i seriously doubt they are any more reliable, lol. at least among those i know, the E has far fewer problems than the 5. of course, my sample size is small, but still it shows there is a vast number of owners out there who don't follow the "expected" trends.

now if we are discussing the M5, i might reconsider if just for the V10 and SMG - that's a car i respect.

BudC

That's BMW's bread and butter and they weren't about to let Chris Bangle screw it up. The 3'er has a flank that's much nicer than the 5-Series and the dash isn't made up of bits and pieces the way the 5'er is. On the other hand, the wood on both cars looks more like decals than real wood, at least compared to Mercedes and Lexus.

Of course beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and apparently BMW have gone after the younger set with the E60.

qzoom

I'm sensing that most on this forum like the elegant style of the E-class and And hate the Bangle unique, and I believe aggressive look

I was on the exact same boat. But the 5 has definitely grown on me to such an extend that I think the 3 has been toned down now too much. And the E, a little blend. It appears all the complaints have force Bangle to de-Bangle the newer face-lifts. But, I believe people are converting over based on increased 5 sales.
Both makes have its own niche, Personally, I think what Bangle has done fits that niche, and hope he keeps it up

CE750

ahh... sir, we're sorry, the psychiatric ward is further down the hall.

LorinserS5

Well here is mine:


I have an E60.. I personally like the style prob as to why I have one.. but don't get me rong I love the E-Class equally as much.. but I personally like the 5 as is

Cocca

I just think Chris Bangle got it all wrong. But then, it's like saying "I don't like the color yellow." It's just a matter of preference and one's opinion.

Way back when it was new I had an '87 325is. AWESOME.

My fav is still the '87 through '90 5 series four headlight boxy look.

W211 Ryda

Nice ride!

chenry

Expect some more input on this subject in that a link to this topic has recently been posted over on E60.net (the best E60/new 5 board)

Post with link on e60.net

Alexbenz

i've seen you on e46fan.....

nice but i don't like the fact you don't have a grille.........also you should add hamann sides/rear and your set!!!

nice

chenry

Almost forgot “my” comments…figure I’m qualified to jump in here in that I owned 3 E60’s (525, 545, 545 with M-Kit and exhaust) before jumping to MBZ…and my take is that they are both great! Just very different…can’t say one is better than the other…styling is subjective and silly to debate (everyone has their opinion…I personally like the “in your face” sport styling of the 5 and at the same time love the sporty elegance of the E…glad I’ve been able to own both)…other than that buy what you want to drive…

And if you haven't driven a "5" with sport package and active steering...you really owe it to yourself...its pretty amazing

And for comparisons sake…here are pics of my cars (posted before) / And "Hi" to everyone visitng from E60.net

LorinserS5

Well since u like the Hamann kit that is the hamann kit.. it came that way without the grills.. everyone i know has said much of the same until they see it in person and are quick to retract their statments.. yes i am also get the rest of the kit so ill almot be done..

BTW ya most of the E60 guys also enjoy the E-Class

FThornton666

I love my brothers E60 530I with the new engine, and active steering. Its way more better to drive, and the leather is not as hard.