BMW 5 vs. E Class - Previous BMW Owners Please Advise!
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BMW 5 vs. E Class - Previous BMW Owners Please Advise!
I have owned a 5 for six years. Three years a 528 and three years a 540. The 5 is awesome, especially the 540, fast tight and nimble, torque everywhere in every gear.......I cannot wait for the new 5 and have purchased E500 to be delivered by the end of the month. I took a test drive but that never tells the story.......the press is fantastic (I have read every article worldwide published in english). However, I have heard about the delayed throttle response and the soft breaking. The Mercedes personality appears to be much different than the Bimmer (luxourious vs driving machine) and I am a driving machine type of guy.
Could those of you previous 5 owners who have a new E weigh in on a comparision of the 5 versus E. I am particulary interested in the funcitoning of the tiptronic tranny regarding downshifting and double downshifting, response with ESP on or off, acceleration through the gears, overall response in 4th versus overdrive (5th).
I do not have a sports package and want to know how the standard tires grip and handle while apexing corners.
Ed Todd
E500
Black Opal/Ash Interior
Could those of you previous 5 owners who have a new E weigh in on a comparision of the 5 versus E. I am particulary interested in the funcitoning of the tiptronic tranny regarding downshifting and double downshifting, response with ESP on or off, acceleration through the gears, overall response in 4th versus overdrive (5th).
I do not have a sports package and want to know how the standard tires grip and handle while apexing corners.
Ed Todd
E500
Black Opal/Ash Interior
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From: Los Angeles
2003 E500, 2000 CLK430
I have been driving 540i for the past 6 years, 2 leases, the last 3 years with a sports option. When the lease was up last November, I switched to a E500. Overall, I am happy with the E500. The BMW's steering and road feel is probably better than the Mercedes. The auto transmission of the 540 is also better in terms of passing and down-shifting. The Mercedes tends to have a little hesitation on the kick-down. I feel that the E500 have a much stronger and smoother engine. The overall apperance and package is nicer. Looking at the spy photos of the new 540i, the Mercedes is much better looking.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: FL & MA
'14 SL550
I had a 1998 528, it was a great car, great balanced handling, nice styling, could have used a bit more power but the 540 solved that issue. I traded it in for a 2001 330 convertible two years ago which I drive as my summer car, it is also a great car.
My E500 was delivered in October and I love it. It is a big improvement over the 5-series. The E doesn't quite have the same road feel as a 5 but the adjustable suspension is terrific for adapting to your individual needs in different situations. The E is much better ergonomically than anything BMW has - especially lately, the styling is handsome yet understated, the pics of the new 5 seem a bit strange.
The reason that I got the E500 is due to the new 745 disaster, I just couldn't stand that car any longer, it is a complete mess. The E500 is a great choice, you'll love it.
My E500 was delivered in October and I love it. It is a big improvement over the 5-series. The E doesn't quite have the same road feel as a 5 but the adjustable suspension is terrific for adapting to your individual needs in different situations. The E is much better ergonomically than anything BMW has - especially lately, the styling is handsome yet understated, the pics of the new 5 seem a bit strange.
The reason that I got the E500 is due to the new 745 disaster, I just couldn't stand that car any longer, it is a complete mess. The E500 is a great choice, you'll love it.
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Traded M5 for E500
M5 was great car but couldn't handle pumping clutch in stop and go daily driving. I love my E500. It has been flawless which is something I can't say about the 5 bmws I owned. Having said that I don't think you'll be happy with it. It's a more insulated environment i.e. "luxury" than a bmw. The auto transmission is "slower". If you want the "perception" of performance stay with the bmw, but the reality is that the E500 will perform just as well, but you're just not privvy to the same amount of feedback. I've become a lot less of a "road warrior" since I've owned a 745i(lemon) and the E500. I love just sitting back, relaxing, going 10mph over and listening to the awesome logic 7 system. I will, however, be picking up an E55 in july which should cure any performance anxiety problems I've experienced with the E500.
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Pros over the BMW :
Fewer BS niggles and less fighting to get them cured. BMWNA and the dealerships can be REAL a**holes.
Gobs of torque and better performance... even a 540i/6 doesn't feel as strong as an E500 auto.
Better refinement and ergonomics, the new E is just lightyears ahead. All the controls are right where you need them and MB didn't succumb to Gadgetitis.
Multiple personalities- thanks to the Airmatic DC, the E500 can be a floaty cushion-cruiser for those grandparents-to-Sunday-lunch runs or a hard-riding (fairly) tight handling sports sedan.
Sound system - BMW audio systems (except for the M system with extended bass) are just pathetic... the new Logic 7 system will be the first system I don't modify (much) when my E55 comes in.
Styling - With very few exceptions, BMW have gone in exactly the wrong direction.
Cons :
Feel - There's not another marque out there that can match BMW's balance and roadfeel. The BMW is very much a driver's car. Mercedes is definitely catching up in this respect, my current C32 is proof of that.
Cost : BMWs are generally less expensive than Mercedes and are seen as better value for the money
It all depends on what your priorities are. For me, MB fits more of my needs. I wish they had ALL the feel of BMW but enough is right for me to be perfectly happy.
Fewer BS niggles and less fighting to get them cured. BMWNA and the dealerships can be REAL a**holes.
Gobs of torque and better performance... even a 540i/6 doesn't feel as strong as an E500 auto.
Better refinement and ergonomics, the new E is just lightyears ahead. All the controls are right where you need them and MB didn't succumb to Gadgetitis.
Multiple personalities- thanks to the Airmatic DC, the E500 can be a floaty cushion-cruiser for those grandparents-to-Sunday-lunch runs or a hard-riding (fairly) tight handling sports sedan.
Sound system - BMW audio systems (except for the M system with extended bass) are just pathetic... the new Logic 7 system will be the first system I don't modify (much) when my E55 comes in.
Styling - With very few exceptions, BMW have gone in exactly the wrong direction.
Cons :
Feel - There's not another marque out there that can match BMW's balance and roadfeel. The BMW is very much a driver's car. Mercedes is definitely catching up in this respect, my current C32 is proof of that.
Cost : BMWs are generally less expensive than Mercedes and are seen as better value for the money
It all depends on what your priorities are. For me, MB fits more of my needs. I wish they had ALL the feel of BMW but enough is right for me to be perfectly happy.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: So. FL
2003 SL Launch Edition, 2003 E500 Pewter/Stone
I have had both a 528i and a 318i. They both had a feel like a slot car in a track. I had the same feel in my 99 CLK320 cabriolet and in an 89 E300. We have it in our 03 SL500. It is not so tight a feel in our E500. I think that the larger the car, the less likely it is that you can have that slot car feel in the driving, cornering and road feel.
I have not driven the new 7 series. But my father in law has a 2001 7 series and I have driven it extensively. I find that the same engineering that makes the smaller BMWs drive well and like the slot cars, makes the larger BMW drive just plain heavy and cumbersome.
So, for a larger car, ala the S class or the new E class, I prefer the Mercedes solution to a larger car. It is not a slot car feel but a very sure footed nimble feel. Better in the E than the S, but better in either than the 7 series Bimmer.
Now, the question is: will the new 5 series be bigger? If so, will it be more like the old 5 or the larger 7? If it is just like the old 5, then I think you may prefer that. If not, then, no doubt to me, the E will be a better driver's car.
Now, for all factors other than the driver's car desire, there is no doubt to me that the new E surpasses the styling and interior of the pictures I have seen of the new 5 series. The engine and transmission are like a rocket.
Have fun, Jeff
I have not driven the new 7 series. But my father in law has a 2001 7 series and I have driven it extensively. I find that the same engineering that makes the smaller BMWs drive well and like the slot cars, makes the larger BMW drive just plain heavy and cumbersome.
So, for a larger car, ala the S class or the new E class, I prefer the Mercedes solution to a larger car. It is not a slot car feel but a very sure footed nimble feel. Better in the E than the S, but better in either than the 7 series Bimmer.
Now, the question is: will the new 5 series be bigger? If so, will it be more like the old 5 or the larger 7? If it is just like the old 5, then I think you may prefer that. If not, then, no doubt to me, the E will be a better driver's car.
Now, for all factors other than the driver's car desire, there is no doubt to me that the new E surpasses the styling and interior of the pictures I have seen of the new 5 series. The engine and transmission are like a rocket.
Have fun, Jeff
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Thanks to All
Appreciate all you feed back. I suspect I will make the transisition just fine. Having drove on a sports suspension for three years I cannot wait for a softer ride. An hearing that the car has gobs of torque is good to hear because just as the body buliders say "it is all about protien" when it comes to cars "it is all about torque"
Thanks all
Ed Todd
03 E500 (to be delivered soon)
Black Opal/Ash Interior
Thanks all
Ed Todd
03 E500 (to be delivered soon)
Black Opal/Ash Interior
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 215
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From: Seattle
2001 ML320
By the way, if you really want to improve the road feel of the car and steering, upgrading to larger wheels with less sidewall really makes a huge difference. I've noticed quite a change and I'm only up to 18-inchers.
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From: New Jersey, USA
W211 & Q7
both are great cars. we keep both cars.
Ed,
In this case, get a manual 6 speed BMW is better (easily switch gears and give you fully control of acceleration, especially, the first 0-60 miles; all new e come with automatic transmission, not much you can do about it.)
I don't think new e will be the one but it provides style and comfort.
Otto
I am particulary interested in the funcitoning of the tiptronic tranny regarding downshifting and double downshifting, response with ESP on or off, acceleration through the gears, overall response in 4th versus overdrive (5th).
I am a driving machine type of guy.
Otto
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Joined: Jan 2003
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I have had 2 540ia's and a 745i the second 540 w/sport package. I have 3000 miles on an E500. The BMW's win in all performance catagories except perhaps straight line excelleration. The E500 is definitly more solid and nicer to look at. The 540 sport was the best car I ever owned, the 745i would have been if wan't a lemon. The E500 is a great car though and may be I an just spoiled by the performance of the BMW's. My E500 has the sport package but lame Continental A/S tires. The brochure and the internet at the time I ordered my car stated that the sport package includes high performance tires. I had the continentals on my first 540 I swapped them out for pilot sports, what a difference. I am very dissapointed with the delay on the Command system that I prepaid. I do have some electrical glitches with the telephone and HK logic 7 sound system (same system sounds better in 745i but had tons of problems).
Conclusion:
They are similair cars with different personalities. I didn't get another 5 because they are ending production next month and I didn't want to drive a outdated car for 3+ years and was no way going to buy another 1st year model form BMW after the 745i disaster.
Conclusion:
They are similair cars with different personalities. I didn't get another 5 because they are ending production next month and I didn't want to drive a outdated car for 3+ years and was no way going to buy another 1st year model form BMW after the 745i disaster.
