trioxin

So I've had my 2003 E500 for 9 years now and I'm wanting to mix it up.. I test drove a few rigs and my favorite is a 2013 BMW X3 Xdrive28i . The X3 I believe has 260hp and feels peppier than my E500(300hp) in town and more fun .. on the freeway the E500 definitely shines at 65+ .. the X3 not bad at all just not quite as powerful or smooth on the highways, at least as much as I could tell in a test drive.
Not sure why I'm posting this.. just hoping someone might have done something similar or have both and have some insight. I really like my E500 and nothing wrong with it at the moment which feels like the best time to unload it, I just had an airmatic shock go out and it cost me $1200 ish along with a few other things. Bottom line is I'm ready to drive something different and it's nice being up a little higher as well.. and I'm really digging the pano sunroofs in the X3. Also I test drove the X5 which feels more substantial but also a larger vehicle to manage.

PaulE550

Sounds like you want to change things up a bit and now you like SUV's better. If that is what makes you happy, then get the vehicle that makes you happy. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You are the one who has to drive the vehicle every day. So your opinion is the only one that counts. Nothing wrong with that. As for changing brands, the same thing applies. Enjoy whatever you decide to get.

Redwood415

if your going to change brands at least get a larger X5? You know the Mercedes GL has more room that both of those and can actually pull a decent trailer. just saying..

Strigoi

Get what you like. You're the only person that can decide what you'll be happy with.

For me, I'd stick with the reliable vehicle over buying a used one that could have problems.

I've had my Durango as a DD for 15 years now (bought new in 2002). It's very, very, very far from being the latest or greatest, but it gets me where I'm going and has never left me stranded. It's needed some work, but nothing expensive and I'd still drive it cross country without hesitation. Recently I was playing around with the idea of replacing it with a 2007-2009 E350 or E550 but just couldn't justify the cost. I'll keep dumping money into my trusted turd since it hasn't nickle and dimed me to death yet. Really it's only needed maintenance with a new rear being the big thing (which cost $300 for one from a salvage yard).

I do have my E63 as a garage queen though. It might see 40 miles a week at most.

FWIW, your Airmatic shock issue could have been solved for much cheaper. Hell, you could have gone with coil overs for $1000 (plus install) and never had to worry about it again.

Stuttgarten

"Auf Wiedersehen!"