Help... 2004 BMW 545i --OR--- 2004 E500
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 276
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From: SF Bayarea
MBenz
Help... 2004 BMW 545i --OR--- 2004 E500
Hello:
I am confused which one is better for me. Want to buy the car ASAP.
My choice:
2004 Mercedes E500 (sport/appearance package)
- sport and look rich
- new eyes look great, but still looks old design (not futuristic).
and
2004 BMW 545i
- the new eyes looks great (like an eagle eye or something), that's why i like this car.
- sport
- the new model looks weird, however, the more i see, the better it is.
Please advise, I don't want to go wrong..
I am confused which one is better for me. Want to buy the car ASAP.
My choice:
2004 Mercedes E500 (sport/appearance package)
- sport and look rich
- new eyes look great, but still looks old design (not futuristic).
and
2004 BMW 545i
- the new eyes looks great (like an eagle eye or something), that's why i like this car.
- sport
- the new model looks weird, however, the more i see, the better it is.
Please advise, I don't want to go wrong..
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Scotland, UK
2019 Mercedes Benz S500L AMG Premium Plus
I had to make a similar decision. I went for the MB based on perceived interior quality.
But as the other poster said. It's your decision. They both have their pros & cons.
Maybe just toss a coin and let the decision be made for you!
But as the other poster said. It's your decision. They both have their pros & cons.
Maybe just toss a coin and let the decision be made for you!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
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From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
If someone asks you: "Why did you pick the (insert make here)?" Would you want to respond that the folks on the Mercedes message board made me do it?
Good luck--go with what you feel.
Good luck--go with what you feel.
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 91
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From: New Jersey
09
An honest opinion from a former BMW owner --- the new BMW Designs are much to be desired ... I honestly think they ruined the look of both the 5 and 7 series.
No question, the MB is a better car, both looks, luxury and value.
No question, the MB is a better car, both looks, luxury and value.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
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From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
Go with your gut- both are great cars. I agree with what jim said about what would you say if asked how you picked the car...
My feelings were that the Bimmer (which I have lusted after for 20yrs) was directed toward a more sporty, younger market, and the E500 was toward the more mature, still sporty luxury market.
I choose the E500 because I feel I have the best match for me which includes some opportunity for fun sporty driving, but is predominated by long long stretches on the road, or driving to appointments. (Just finished a 700 mile 4 day run in South Texas)
What other think or thoughjt of matters little to me other than as input.
And in my humble opinion the finest cars I ever see are CLEAN cars. a dirty unkept BMW or MB speaks worse of the owner than a clean Honda. Just my $.02.
My feelings were that the Bimmer (which I have lusted after for 20yrs) was directed toward a more sporty, younger market, and the E500 was toward the more mature, still sporty luxury market.
I choose the E500 because I feel I have the best match for me which includes some opportunity for fun sporty driving, but is predominated by long long stretches on the road, or driving to appointments. (Just finished a 700 mile 4 day run in South Texas)
What other think or thoughjt of matters little to me other than as input.
And in my humble opinion the finest cars I ever see are CLEAN cars. a dirty unkept BMW or MB speaks worse of the owner than a clean Honda. Just my $.02.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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Take into consideration which options are important to you which are unique to each car. Personally the availability of the panoramic roof would tip the scales for me to go with the Mercedes. I agree the new 5 is hardly the styling disaster that other recent redesigns of other BMW models have been.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
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From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 926
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From: VA
03 E320, sport package, moon roof, sound upgrade, brilliant silver, charcoal leather, heated seats..
Re: Help... 2004 BMW 545i --OR--- 2004 E500
Originally posted by lpolo
Hello:
I am confused which one is better for me. Want to buy the car ASAP.
My choice:
2004 Mercedes E500 (sport/appearance package)
- sport and look rich
- new eyes look great, but still looks old design (not futuristic).
and
2004 BMW 545i
- the new eyes looks great (like an eagle eye or something), that's why i like this car.
- sport
- the new model looks weird, however, the more i see, the better it is.
Please advise, I don't want to go wrong..
Hello:
I am confused which one is better for me. Want to buy the car ASAP.
My choice:
2004 Mercedes E500 (sport/appearance package)
- sport and look rich
- new eyes look great, but still looks old design (not futuristic).
and
2004 BMW 545i
- the new eyes looks great (like an eagle eye or something), that's why i like this car.
- sport
- the new model looks weird, however, the more i see, the better it is.
Please advise, I don't want to go wrong..
Tap, tap (on microphone).....
This is a MB forum intended for MB enthusiast. Blinding flash...opinions are likely to be biased to MB. Unless you are seeking validation for your MB decision, suggest you post your question on BMW board and compare results.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
i'll give you the reason why I chose the E over the 540..
Outside appearance. BMW lost its tradition for obvious reasons
Interior looks like cheep IKEA furnisings, crappy look/feel
Seats were more comfortable in the E + I have drive dynamic
The dash is beautiful in the E. The 5 is a cross between a z4 and 745.
7 speed tranny in the E. And the E has more torque.
Outside appearance. BMW lost its tradition for obvious reasons
Interior looks like cheep IKEA furnisings, crappy look/feel
Seats were more comfortable in the E + I have drive dynamic
The dash is beautiful in the E. The 5 is a cross between a z4 and 745.
7 speed tranny in the E. And the E has more torque.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: Re: Help... 2004 BMW 545i --OR--- 2004 E500
Originally posted by drb
Tap, tap (on microphone).....
This is a MB forum intended for MB enthusiast. Blinding flash...opinions are likely to be biased to MB. Unless you are seeking validation for your MB decision, suggest you post your question on BMW board and compare results.
Tap, tap (on microphone).....
This is a MB forum intended for MB enthusiast. Blinding flash...opinions are likely to be biased to MB. Unless you are seeking validation for your MB decision, suggest you post your question on BMW board and compare results.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 50
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2004 Lexus ES 330 NAV/ML
I like the looks of the MB E-Class much, much better than the BMW 5-Series. But how is BMW's reliability relative to MB? I read nothing but reliability horror stories about MB on this forum which would scare the sh*t out of me in terms of buying one. Is BMW's reliability significantly better? If so, I'd go with the BMW. But all other things being equal, I'd choose the MB for looks.
Disclaimer: I'm a Lexus owner.
Disclaimer: I'm a Lexus owner.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 576
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From: Midwest
'08 SL550 Sport, '11 BMW 550ix M sport
I'm not sure I'd put much stock in reliability judgements based on web forums... While most boards have hundreds of satisfied members, many of those members seldom post. They, like I, tend to cruise for ideas and heads-up on potential problems.
Often, the only time some people post is when they have a problem. So it may look like that's all you see in a forum are problems.
Believe me the E60 roadfly forum has the same problem discussions that this board does. Most auto forums follow the same pattern.
Check out the E60 forum for yourself
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e60/
Often, the only time some people post is when they have a problem. So it may look like that's all you see in a forum are problems.
Believe me the E60 roadfly forum has the same problem discussions that this board does. Most auto forums follow the same pattern.
Check out the E60 forum for yourself
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e60/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
2010 RRS ; BMW K1200R; 14 E350 ; 14 RRS on order
I think most of the reliability issues are addressed in the 04. I have the 320 and all I have had was two very minor issues which I didn't even go back to the dealer for, for over a month.
Personally, I don't think there is a great car in this price range. But the W211 comes to closest.
And I like what someone said about looking into which options you like. It has never been more true than with the W211. This car comes with some crazy options. The Pano roof, the dynamic seats, the Keyless go, the voice/phone, the supposedly curve finding headlights, the seat warmer/cooler, and the list goes one. I would definitely look into which car can fulfill your option needs. Unless you're not getting any options, in which case, go with the E anyway, cause I own one, and I am cool. Don't you wanna be cool? look everyone here is doing it
Personally, I don't think there is a great car in this price range. But the W211 comes to closest.
And I like what someone said about looking into which options you like. It has never been more true than with the W211. This car comes with some crazy options. The Pano roof, the dynamic seats, the Keyless go, the voice/phone, the supposedly curve finding headlights, the seat warmer/cooler, and the list goes one. I would definitely look into which car can fulfill your option needs. Unless you're not getting any options, in which case, go with the E anyway, cause I own one, and I am cool. Don't you wanna be cool? look everyone here is doing it
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 50
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2004 Lexus ES 330 NAV/ML
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,604
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From: El Pueblo de la Reyna de los Angeles
The True OG Modded out W203
I was at the dealers yesterday looking at both vehicles and I can tell you the E Class wins this hands down. It feels and looks more luxurios and just has features the E60 doesnt TOUCH. On top of that you can get a much better price on the W211. Oh and BMW dealers are snobby as heck-I wouldnt deal with them ever 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,398
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Originally posted by bmw2mb
why wait 2 years? just curious. resolve bugs or new face/rear lift?
why wait 2 years? just curious. resolve bugs or new face/rear lift?
The 7 is getting the quickie facelift, the 5 will not (in my opinion) get one.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area
I too agonized over this decision the past few months. In the end, I went with the E500. I really wanted the manual 6 speed of the 545i, and that's the one feature I really miss not having on the MB, but that's it. The interior of the 545 leaves much to be desired, it just isn't up to the level of a 60k car. Regardless of how you feel about the exterior styling, the interior really is lacking.
But again, this is a personal decision. Both cars have their problems. Both are great cars. You have to go with what's right for you. And yes, there are more deals to be had on E500's right now than on 545i's. Good luck with your decision.
But again, this is a personal decision. Both cars have their problems. Both are great cars. You have to go with what's right for you. And yes, there are more deals to be had on E500's right now than on 545i's. Good luck with your decision.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 106
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From: ATLANTA,GA.
2003 E500 SPORT
As a 25 year owner of BMW's from 3 to 5 to 7 series I can tell you in fact after driving the 530i in new form and getting back into my E500 there is no doubt that bang for the buck the MB wins.
I felt as if I were in a car that was a $30,000. econo car in the BMW. The old quality that I had in my last 5 (2000) is gone. The richness of $70,000. well spent is in the Benz. The gizmo interior of the new 5 wore off real quick.........but its your decision and as all the posts have said go with you heart and head BUT remember this ..............Will it still love you in the morning?
Derek.
I felt as if I were in a car that was a $30,000. econo car in the BMW. The old quality that I had in my last 5 (2000) is gone. The richness of $70,000. well spent is in the Benz. The gizmo interior of the new 5 wore off real quick.........but its your decision and as all the posts have said go with you heart and head BUT remember this ..............Will it still love you in the morning?
Derek.
