Help... 2004 BMW 545i --OR--- 2004 E500
01-17-2004, 09:08 PM
#26
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2004 E500
Originally posted by EX-BEEMER
Take it from someone who has agonized over the decision myself...Go with the MB. I'm was a diehard BMW fan, but the asthetic appeal of the new 5 series leaves so much to be desired both inside and out. I've driven both, and can honestly say that the E500 doesn't drive quite as well as the 545. But that being said, It's all MB from there on out. On the BMW, the exterior styling has divided BMW lovers like no other new rollout ever has. Huge slab sides and large gaps between body panels accentuate the taller body style. (no longer low and athletic) Personally most don't like the headlights, (they've been compared to "Dame Edna" glasses) but that's all a matter of opinion.
Then there's the interior, by removing all the switchgear and going with the idrive interface, you now need to navigate through numerous menus to accomplish anything other than the most basic tasks. The ****pit of a 5 series used to be driver-centric, everything faced the driver. But now it's computer-centric.
It's gone from the ultimate driving machine to the ultimate gadget machine.
It's just been announced that BMW's chief designer Chris Bangle will be leaving BMW within the next year since, "his redesign work is now done", but the quote is B. S. His designs have set BMW back 15years, and the board of directors can't acknowledege that fact and won't for years to come until they can repair the damage he's done.
I post no bones about my dis-satisfction with BMW, and since you asked this board for advice I hope you won't take offense at me not hesitating to share mine.
Take it from someone who has agonized over the decision myself...Go with the MB. I'm was a diehard BMW fan, but the asthetic appeal of the new 5 series leaves so much to be desired both inside and out. I've driven both, and can honestly say that the E500 doesn't drive quite as well as the 545. But that being said, It's all MB from there on out. On the BMW, the exterior styling has divided BMW lovers like no other new rollout ever has. Huge slab sides and large gaps between body panels accentuate the taller body style. (no longer low and athletic) Personally most don't like the headlights, (they've been compared to "Dame Edna" glasses) but that's all a matter of opinion.
Then there's the interior, by removing all the switchgear and going with the idrive interface, you now need to navigate through numerous menus to accomplish anything other than the most basic tasks. The ****pit of a 5 series used to be driver-centric, everything faced the driver. But now it's computer-centric.
It's gone from the ultimate driving machine to the ultimate gadget machine.
It's just been announced that BMW's chief designer Chris Bangle will be leaving BMW within the next year since, "his redesign work is now done", but the quote is B. S. His designs have set BMW back 15years, and the board of directors can't acknowledege that fact and won't for years to come until they can repair the damage he's done.
I post no bones about my dis-satisfction with BMW, and since you asked this board for advice I hope you won't take offense at me not hesitating to share mine.
01-17-2004, 09:48 PM
#27
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Some MBs & Bimmers
I know this topic has been beaten to death...but if you don't mind, I will add my 2 cents
I waited for 4 years to get the E60. Have had bimmers and Hondas before .... never got any MBs in the past due to multiple bad experiences with their arrogant dealers
When the E60 came out, test drove and set in it so many times....long story short, it is the EL-CHEEEPO interior and the irritating i-drive that killed it.
The E500 has the best balance of performance and luxury. Fortunately found a dealer to seal the deal. Though I have experienced bugs here and there, I have been happy with my E500. My bimmers had multiple bugs too .... only my hondas came close to perfection.
Like any others who had mentioned, go with your heart on this.
Good luck.
I waited for 4 years to get the E60. Have had bimmers and Hondas before .... never got any MBs in the past due to multiple bad experiences with their arrogant dealers
When the E60 came out, test drove and set in it so many times....long story short, it is the EL-CHEEEPO interior and the irritating i-drive that killed it.
The E500 has the best balance of performance and luxury. Fortunately found a dealer to seal the deal. Though I have experienced bugs here and there, I have been happy with my E500. My bimmers had multiple bugs too .... only my hondas came close to perfection.
Like any others who had mentioned, go with your heart on this.
Good luck.
01-17-2004, 10:28 PM
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Fiscal Neo Con Express
hey guys,
here's my take.
I was getting ready to order a new E500 a month ago. decided to look at the competition. went to the local BMW dealer and sat in the new 5 series. the interior is unattractive and imho cheap materials. the E500's interior is comfortable, attractive, and very well built. in the end i didn't order the E500 though....i purchased the last 03 M5 the BMW dealer had. the last true unbangled BMW!
here's my take.
I was getting ready to order a new E500 a month ago. decided to look at the competition. went to the local BMW dealer and sat in the new 5 series. the interior is unattractive and imho cheap materials. the E500's interior is comfortable, attractive, and very well built. in the end i didn't order the E500 though....i purchased the last 03 M5 the BMW dealer had. the last true unbangled BMW!
01-17-2004, 10:48 PM
#29
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2003 E 500
I, like others here, have for years been a Bimmerphile. I've owned three five-ers, and a 328i. I've always had a soft place for BMWs. But, the new 545 just leaves me cold. I really don't like the interior, and, the more I see it the less I like it. The exterior is OK; not terrible but nothing great. I've never even bothered to drive a new 545, 'cause I just can't get past the look. No matter how good it may be to drive, I just can't deal with the damn interior especially. The E500 is a truly great car. Hopefully they've straightened out the problems in the 2003. I think the E500 is the way to go, but you've got to drive them both and make up your own mind. the good news is that they're both damn good cars, so you can't go wrong either way.
01-18-2004, 07:57 AM
#30
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09
I love reading this thread --- you guys are MB dedicated. Another thing (having also owned 3 bimmers in my time) is that EVERYBODY seems to have one. They are like
Mustang GT’s back in 1989.
They DO NOT carry the prestigious weight that MB has, sorry.
It seems that the lower cost, gadget (needless) interiors are appealing to the college crowd. You can keep it --- Although it sounds arrogant, I’m in my early 30’s and I’d rather have something a little more out of reach from the “just out of school league”.
Despite the, "unattractive" redesign of the 5 and 7, there is another level of class carried with the MB that needs to be factored in when comparing. A level that BMW has been chasing for years but never achieved. Honestly, I don't think the two cars even should be compared.
Mustang GT’s back in 1989.
They DO NOT carry the prestigious weight that MB has, sorry.
It seems that the lower cost, gadget (needless) interiors are appealing to the college crowd. You can keep it --- Although it sounds arrogant, I’m in my early 30’s and I’d rather have something a little more out of reach from the “just out of school league”.
Despite the, "unattractive" redesign of the 5 and 7, there is another level of class carried with the MB that needs to be factored in when comparing. A level that BMW has been chasing for years but never achieved. Honestly, I don't think the two cars even should be compared.
01-18-2004, 09:51 AM
#31
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Since 1985, all my cars have been BMW’s from the 3-series to the 7-series (total of 8 cars). When it was time to trade in my BMW E39 2002 MY, I got the new BMW 5-series for loan a whole week. Then I visited the MB dealer, and tried the W211 for 2 hours. Guess what I ended up with….
01-18-2004, 02:18 PM
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2004 Lexus ES 330 NAV/ML
01-18-2004, 03:07 PM
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W211 270 CDI AVANTGARDE
I was waiting and ready to buy the new E60 5 series, but after comparing it with the W211 Mercedes E Class, decided to pass out and buy me the latter. The BMW has some nice features but as a package, it just doesn't work for me. It has some very nice seats though and I bet it's fun to drive, but no match to the MB's class and all around harmony of the package.
01-19-2004, 07:25 PM
#35
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Originally posted by Gekko
It's not just the anectodal evidence on the forums, but also consistent J.D. Powers Surveys and Consumer Reports and personal experiences from people I know. I like the looks of MB, but reliability is #1 priority for me personally.
It's not just the anectodal evidence on the forums, but also consistent J.D. Powers Surveys and Consumer Reports and personal experiences from people I know. I like the looks of MB, but reliability is #1 priority for me personally.
JD is a very subjective Survey. Hummer got bad scores for Poor Gas mileage and mini got bad scores for lack of space. MB got bad scores for pathetic cupholders. Everything is lumped into one category from cupholders to Engine.
Surveys like this are Absolutely Usless.
01-22-2004, 12:59 PM
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N/A
The BMW 5 Series is much better performance wise. Hell, an E55 AMG owner that visits this forum said that the 545i with sports package has much better handling than the E55 AMG. That says A LOT. Just imagine how well the new M5 will handle.
01-22-2004, 01:47 PM
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Some MBs & Bimmers
There is no doubt that BMW E60 has performance edge over the MB 211 E class.
I don't know about others but for myself, I look at the complete package. For a $60K plus vehicle, I like to be pampered too.
IMHO, for the E60, BMW short changed the consumers with it's funky cheapy interior.
Even my HONDA minivan and BMW 3 series interior looks better then the E60 interior
I don't know about others but for myself, I look at the complete package. For a $60K plus vehicle, I like to be pampered too.
IMHO, for the E60, BMW short changed the consumers with it's funky cheapy interior.
Even my HONDA minivan and BMW 3 series interior looks better then the E60 interior
01-22-2004, 01:58 PM
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W211 270 CDI AVANTGARDE
This discussion isn't leading anywhere. Bottom line is:
If you like a great car for driving and don't care about looks or perception of luxury...BMW is your best bet.
If you like very good all around, very elegant car without resigning to sportiveness...go for the E.
Thing about the Bimmer is that most likely than not, all that sportiveness will hardly be enjoyed. I don't think I can say the same about Mercedes' luxury which is good for every single drive around the block.
If you like a great car for driving and don't care about looks or perception of luxury...BMW is your best bet.
If you like very good all around, very elegant car without resigning to sportiveness...go for the E.
Thing about the Bimmer is that most likely than not, all that sportiveness will hardly be enjoyed. I don't think I can say the same about Mercedes' luxury which is good for every single drive around the block.
01-22-2004, 02:41 PM
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That's a great synopsis, IW211--that's really how I feel...
Originally posted by Italian W211
This discussion isn't leading anywhere. Bottom line is:
If you like a great car for driving and don't care about looks or perception of luxury...BMW is your best bet.
If you like very good all around, very elegant car without resigning to sportiveness...go for the E.
Thing about the Bimmer is that most likely than not, all that sportiveness will hardly be enjoyed. I don't think I can say the same about Mercedes' luxury which is good for every single drive around the block.
This discussion isn't leading anywhere. Bottom line is:
If you like a great car for driving and don't care about looks or perception of luxury...BMW is your best bet.
If you like very good all around, very elegant car without resigning to sportiveness...go for the E.
Thing about the Bimmer is that most likely than not, all that sportiveness will hardly be enjoyed. I don't think I can say the same about Mercedes' luxury which is good for every single drive around the block.
01-22-2004, 11:07 PM
#41
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Porcelain Bus
Buy neither. Pony up a few extra dollars and pick up a used 2003 E55 for 5000 under sticker. I've always lived under the premise: "Determine how much you can afford, and then spend about 25% more. You'll be much happier in the long run!"
01-24-2004, 06:41 PM
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08 Lexus IS350
Originally posted by bmms8
i say the new amanti looks better than the new 5.
i say the new amanti looks better than the new 5.
01-24-2004, 06:45 PM
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'89 325ix
The 545i and the E500 are both great car's. you see I love BMW's and I work for Mercedes (yes I'm going to hell...lol j/k) both of them have there pro's and con's. which styling do you like? What kind of performance are you looking for? and will you ever use it if you had it, or are you using it for commuting?
