I am having real trouble deciding between a E-class bluetec or 535i. I know that they are two different animals, I have researched plenty, and have owned previous generations of both. I'd really love the torque and effiency of the bluetec, and like the interior (its just classy/timeless). And I love the BMW for the pure driving and handling aspect. I also know the two manufactuers have different design/engineering goals. I would like both engines and accelleration performance for different reasons. I know how diesel is very different from gas, and like both. All that said, anybody move from a 5 series to E class with standard suspension and have regrets as far as a possible perceived lack of sporty driving and handling. I test drove a bluetec, but only got up to 25mph in very heavy traffic. I will have to make my decision and purchase from overseas, as I am now moving back from Europe to the US. Any advise?

 

Like you, I have owned a number of MB and BMW over the years.
You are certainly correct in saying that these two cars are very different animals. I currenly drive a 335i coupe. The handling and the engine performance are outstanding. However, for practical reasons, I plan on trading my car for a new E Class next year. Here in Canada, our choice is more limited : the E320 Bluetec or the E350 4Matic (no rear drive available).
Like the BMW 335i engine , the Bluetec has gobs of torque. So in terms of engines, the two cars you mention will be similar in highway performance.

Where these cars differ the most is in styling, a very subjective issue. I am not a fan of the current 5 series, especially the side profile. When driving this car, I felt very enclosed by the high cowl and the low greenhouse. The E Class has much more glass area and better visibility in all directions. I also believe that the current E Class styling still looks great (including the interior), especially with the recent updates, and it will wear well with time, not like the W210 which to my eyes looks a bit frumpy.

Besides the obvious differences in styling, you might want to consider resale. Here, I do not think there will be any contest; the E320 Bluetec will hold its value very well. I recently possed the resale question (E350 v's E320 Bluetec) to my local MB dealer who did not hestitate to say that any used diesels that come on to his lot sell very quickly. Current 5 series sales are slowing down, while enthusiasm for Bluetec will only grow as more awareness of its benefits becomes known. If you plan to lease your car, this may not be a big issue.

Another point that you might not have considered is the repair costs in the event of a collision. The current 5 series, with its all aluminum front end (body, suspension) is extremely expensive to repair. I am told by the local BMW collision specialist that once damage goes beyond cosmetic into the structural realm, repair costs for the 5 series then start at $25,000 !!! Yes, I know insurance will pay for this, but insurance will not reimburse you for accelerated depreciation in the event of a major hit.

Finally, the difference in fuel consumption is considerable. For example, on the highway, the E350 4Matic will use 44% more fuel than the E320 Bluetec, according to the ratings provided by MB. The 535i will be slightly more fuel efficient than the E350, but the difference would still be approximately 40% more fuel consumed than by the Bluetec. I can confirm that around the city, my 335i, with the same engine as the forthcoming 535i, is a guzzler with fuel consumption in the high teens. I guess it all depends on how important fuel economy is for you.

 

Basically besides being lower and the different rim and exhaust, LED tail lights ect you cant tell a difference driving the two of them.

If anything sometimes I think the E350 sport exhaust is great then other times I dont want to hear it, I forgot what speed I was driving at today but it was starting to drone quite a bit.

 

even my e350 sport isnt sporty enough!!!

 

i love the way mine handles

 

well a 535 is not that sporty either, unless it has sport package and you rarely see that on 535

 

I went (involuntarily) from a '97 E39 528i to an '03 E500. Both had the "standard" suspension. I realize that an E39 is not the same as the current 5-Series (E60?) and that an E500 isn't the same as a BlueTec but, FWIW, handling is not where the E-class shines in comparison with the 5-Series. The handling of the E39 was razor-sharp, with no false moves at all; it could be placed very precisely. The E500's handling is more approximate, and it has less composure when cornering; the rear has a tendency to step out a bit on bumps. That's not to say that the E-Class handles badly; it gets the job done, but it just isn't as much fun as the BMW. My perceptions may be influenced by the E39 being a manual transmission, an option not available on the E-Class.

I'm in a Mercedes because the E-Class has advantages over the 5-Series other than handling. As DerekACS pointed out, the 5-Series has lumpy/dumpy styling and the interior is claustrophobia-inducing and cheap-looking; the E-Class beats it hands-down inside and out.

 

I love the handling and ride of my E350. I feel in control and it's plush.

Diesel gives more torque and a longer cruising distance, but you might do some math. Based on my driving pattern, I'd save about $15 on a 1000 miles. It wasn't worth it to me. I'll probably get diesel next time, but it will be for the climate and torque - not the wallet.

 

If handling is a priority, skip the Bluetec unless you're willing to spend some money on suspension modifications and wheels/tires. Even then, it will not be a BMW.

 

I also went from a 1997 E39 528i to the e500 (mine is an '05), and agree with everything DWP says. My 528i was automatic, and even with that the 528i's handling was a lot more precise, the suspension was tighter and more responsive, the shifting was more agressive, and the car overall just felt more "sporty" than my E-class. It was a lot more fun to drive, even though the e500 would blow the doors off the 528i in a straightaway run.

When my 528i drowned last year, I went with the E-class for a lot of reasons. For example, I liked the interior gadgets and appointments on the e500 MUCH better, and it was actually a better deal than the 2005 545i I looked at. Also, the 5-series' reliability has dropped quite a bit since the E39 was retired, and the BMW service folks I dealt with on my E39 were simply crooks, so I wanted to avoid that.