m4coyote

My wife and I currently have a 2007 Acura TL type S, and are considering trading it for a 2005 E500. We really like the rear drive V8 and the extra room. The MB has a lot smoother ride, and just seems more luxurious over all. I know about the SBC system, and the air suspension system. As with all of our cars, I would be doing the routine maintenance myself, and would be performing most of the repairs. I have done my own auto mechanic work for over 20 years, so most things I can handle myself.

I realize that special diagnostic software is required for individual systems on the car. If need be, I can have the car diagnosed, then perform the repairs - based upon the results.

Do you guys think that the E500 is a worthy replacement for the Acura?

Thanks ahead for any advice!

no_clue

I think you have already answered all of your questions.

Welcome ~

Scraz51

Well seeing as you can handle some of the garbage that cars throw your way it seems like a good decision. If you need any diagnostic work just take it to the dealer, they won't charge you if nothing is wrong with it, plus a 2005 will have starmark warranty? (Someone back me up on that). I don't see why not.

Mercedes > Acura seems to be the consensus amongst most of the world, especially on this forum (may be a bit biased)

MBNUT1

The only thing you have to ask yourself is "what color?". To help you be clear the guy in my office that I bought my E350 from moved to a new Acura RL within 6 months he traded it in on a '08 E350 4matic

Scraz51

Lol nice, don't get it in black everyone gets black, the idium grey or whatever it is is a dominant colour, especially with a E63 conversion.

m4coyote

Thanks guys! This particular E500 has 41,000 miles and has a silver exterior with a black leather & black birds eye maple interior. It does not have any existing warranty, but according to Carfax, the only repair made on the car was an alternator replacement. It needs brake pads, but after studying about the SBC brake system, I will not have any trouble installing new pads.

novae500

i was in the same situation as you were last year. I was looking for a 2nd car and debated the E500 or TL-S. I liked the look of the sporty Acura, having similar steps in DIY repairs as my civic si and also for reliability. Already too many TLs on the road and once in awhile see a TL-S. So i opted to get the E500 4matic instead for being a full size sedan, not see too many E500s on the road and the status of luxury with the Silver Star. I'm just hoping what does break down is during the warranty that i have on the benz thru 2013.

unclebenz

Cant compare 2, at the end of the day the Acura is still a honda, I owned a Acura in the past it's simply a vehicle thats trying to be a "luxary car" but never will be!

gaazmon

The e is an amazing car. You'll love it.

starcarnut

If you're going to pop for an 05 e500, might consider an 06 E350. It's comes with the 7-speed tranny, has very decent power, and if you like to do your own maintenance, you will probably appreciate that the 350 motor did away with the 12 plug set up and went to 6 with the coil sitting on top of the plug, very easy to change plugs.

m4coyote

Thanks again for all of your replies!

From everything I have read, including the 2005 owners manual and official sales brochure, the 05 E500 has the seven speed transmission. The 05 E350 still had the five speed unit.

I hear you about the twin plug & coil set up! Fortunately, plug swapping does not have to occur as often as it did with the older cars. I doubt that we will drive this car over 10K miles per year, so it would not have to be done on a very regular basis. I enjoy most routine automotive work, so it would be a labor of love anyway.

MADCAT

That TL is a very good car and the engine will last forever with every little maintenance. TL is great everywhere. The MB is great for its status and highway cruising. Really up to you. We have a TL and E-Class. Both are great.

gnma

Is the TL-S stick shift? Cuz that's something I love and would make me think twice. BUT you cannot compare FWD vs. RWD. If u're getting the 7spd. tranny then for sure u're looking at a RWD E500, and I can assure you, less than an AMG, that car is a hot rod! 302hp and 339lb-ft @ 2,700 rpms! What's amazing is the peak torque at low rpms. I'm sure the Acura cannot compare. If she were RWD, then maybe you could opt for the Acura as I;m sure she'd be more reliable. But right now, its an easy decision. Try to get one with dynamic seats, and xenons. Good luck!

gaazmon

I thought the TL is AWD

m4coyote

Our TL was an automatic FWD - my wife can't drive a stick. Thank goodness, my C6 vette is a six speed. The E500 came home with us last Saturday, and I have already replaced the air filters & the heater combination valve.

We love the E500! It reeks of qualities that the TL just does not have. I am not saying that the TL is a poor quality automobile, but in comparison, the MB is quieter, more powerful, and much more solid feeling.

The MB does not have dynamic seats, but does have xenons.