atlrus

Hi guys,

I am on a crossroad and I knew I could find help here. My dilema is:

2004 E500 4matic vs. 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro

I have been a proud MB owner for a long time, working my way up from the old e 500 models. A few years back I bought a 2000 S430, awesome car, but it went over 100K miles and it's time for a newer. For the four years I have owned the S430 all I had to repair was the airmatic+struts, which was the result of my own stupidity (crazy driving on a very bumpy road).

But during winter time (I live in Michigan) the car is completely useless and collects dust in the garage. Hense I need the all wheel drive.

I found the two cars mentioned with around 50K miles both, same price and both fully loaded. I've never owned newer E-class and when researching I found a lot of people complain about "reliabilty". Now, my S430 was very reliable, but the one time I needed major repair I paid out of my a$$, about $3,000 for front struts, airmatic pump and labor at the MB-ship.

Can you guys help me out with e500 advice? Does it really handle great on snow/rain (very important to me) or is the 4matic just over-hyped? Would it generally stay in the shop a lot? Should I worry taking it on 1,000+ mile trips? Anyone owned/owns A6?

Thanks in advance

GDawgC220

I would try to compare similar engines, E500 to the 4.2. After you drive the E500 then hop in the 3.2, you'll find the power a little disappointing. 302hp vs 255hp. The 4.2 (335hp) would be a nice comparison to the 5.0.

I know a few people who own an A6, no problems to report. They're great cars, awesome in the snow, etc.

The AWD systems on the two cars are comparable. The major difference would be Quattro is all mechanical and 4matic is electronically controlled. I hear people who own both Quattro and 4matic to be very similar in the way it handles, traction, performance in the snow/wet, etc.

Are both cars CPO? I haven't kept up to date on MB's CPO policy but Audi's is 6 years or 100k miles coverage. So if the car has 50k on it, you've got another 50k or 3 years left on the warranty, which is pretty good IMO.

Both are great cars. I would drive both and see which one you like most. Can't go wrong with either one

peterjthomps

Well, I cant offer much advise on the Audi purchase, but as the owner of a 2004 E500 4Matic I can say I love it. I currently have 64K on the car, and so far no real problems to speak of. The SBC recall work was done, no other major repairs. I live in Colorado and drive up to the mountains quite a bit, whic is such a pleasure with 300 HP. Doesnt even leave the high gears driving up the highest steepest points between Denver and the majot ski resorts. The 4Matic system works well, however, I would recommend good all-weather tires. My tires are more high performance rated so the AWD suffers.

GDawgC220

Have you ever tried Winter tires on your 4matic?

I use to run high performance A/S tires as well but this Winter went to Winter tires. What a huge difference they make. Unstoppable in the snow. A/S tires were fine, haven't gotten stuck but I don't think I'll be able to go back to A/S tires for Winter anymore.

peterjthomps

I had winter tires on my last car, and your right, what a huge difference. Since spring is right around the corner, ill probably look into getting some next year.