Dema

My lease is almost ended, so I need some replacement. I thought to get naturally W212. All taxis are based on W211 or W212 model in Germany, so it means that the vehicle is quite reliable. However I see many negative posts here, people generally do not like W212, and consider other cars. I thought about new 5 series, however the car is hot now, so price will be unlikely negotiable lower than MSRP. Any other ideas? A6, XF, or maybe Lexus?

Stockwell

Hi,,, I come from a BMW E60 530i to W212... and test drove most what u mentioned... the A6 is OLD and going to be replace soon... the XF has reliability questions... Lexus GS is time for refresh as well. Now back to F10 5 series,, You really need to drive one and MAKE sure you sit in the back if u going to have passengers.. I like the 5 series drive feeling,,, but the passenger space is worst than E60. also, if I only need good drive feeling,, will go for 335i..

DerekACS

As for the reliability of the W212, maybe you should check out J.D. Power. If you did, you would find that MB (inc. the W212) are much more reliable than recent BMWs. And don't forget that most if not all of the W211 and W212 taxis are diesel !

As for the F10, have you driven one ? If you had, you would find that the electric steering is devoid of any road feel. Car & Driver described it as "lifeless and uninformative" - pretty harsh words for a BMW !!! In addition, the F10 drives like a large car; with its very long wheelbase and wide turning circle, it is not an agile car for city driving. Furthermore, the side mirrors are much smaller than the ones on the current 3 Series and the rear visibility is very limited.

SolidGranite

I came from a 2008 Lexus GS and couldn't be happier with my 09 550. The GS had nothing but fit/finish problems. Nothing ever broke on the car, it just had several squeaks and rattles before even reaching 10k miles. Well before it actually.

I am not sure what "reliability" issues you are referring to about the W212 but what I have read is Mercedes definitely "cheapened" up the interior pretty good. More plastic, less carpet, etc etc... This all makes your choice very difficult. Have you considered a 2009 E63? They can be had for very little compared to a year or two ago and some dealers still have new ones for about 70k. Used ones for around 60k. At least with a 2009 you get the updated electronics and perfect reliability due to being the final model year of the W211. Just a thought..

451/443=EW

For me the choice is only between BMW and Benz. The Audi A6 is a very nice looking car with both modern interiors and exteriors and great AWD. However they will lack on the quality and power. Reliabily as you mentioned seems important? If thats the case then this would help to rule it out. The Lexus is one of the most smoothest drives and reliable. I will be happy to get one when im 75yrs old.

BMW always makes a fun to drive car, Benz makes a fine car. The question is do you want more fun or more comfort? The Benz will also be much more reliable (JD Power). If you said FUN, the BMW is the way to go. If comfort then Benz, the E will also give you a fun car but just not as much as BMW or Audi. They really are quite different cars. One is right for everyone. I would never say any of these cars are the best for everyone. If comes down to what is important to you. I like my car to be fun, relialbe and most important classy and comfortable for everday use. So I would go with the E550.

Good Luck!

**Disclaimer** I also work for MB. But Im also giving you only my opinion on what I would buy.

dynomite05

BENZ!

K-A

Right now, best in class is between the F10 and W212.

A6 is about to be replaced by the next model, and doesn't look too hot IMO, and is a bit dated compared to the F10 and W212, the next A6 might be the way to go for you (if you like the Audi style), but considering how the A4 and A8's look, it'll probably look a bit bland and perhaps even stylistically downgraded from the model it replaced.

XF is a very nice car, but it hasn't wore well on my eyes for some reason, as I used to adore it (starts looking a bit too bubbly and "Volvo-y" for some reason to my eyes. The interior luxury and material-refinement is closer to an S-Class than an E-Class though. The trade-off is that it's a bit softer and more delicate, as opposed to the more solid, powerful and robust E's inside, and the "Tech" look might get and look old fast. There's great attention to detail inside the XF though. XF's biggest problem, is Reliability, and lack of confidence in their Product, and new ownership (Tata).

I wouldn't put the GS in the same league as any of the mentioned, although it will be reliable. However, the F10 and W211/W212 are like a whole market up from it IMO.

denisavu

Run-flats on the Bimmer is a no-deal for me. BMW's are great, the Mercedes just edges it out by being smoother all-around.

SolidGranite

Why couldn't you just replace the run-flats with something else? That's what I did when I bought my GS350 a few years back.

denisavu

Yes you can but within the warranty period, BMW will not provide warranty if non-OEM equipment is installed. Sorry but that still leaves the smoothness factor. I've driven them all, even the big 7.

SolidGranite

I have a hard time believing BMW would balk at warranty repairs beyond the tires if you had an issue with say your suspension or brakes. I could be wrong but I know for a fact this was not the case with Lexus.

denisavu

I never said that the would balk and invalidate the entire warranty. Just as it relates to the wheel and TMPS.

SolidGranite

Ahh, that makes more sense. Nonetheless, I'm thankful MB has not gone this route because as everyone knows run-flats are just awful.

Dema

I won't judge RFT too hard. I had them on my two previous BMW and I was pleasant as with ride quality as with stability in bad weather conditions. However RFT are not repairable and replacement is really costly, so from that point view MB is a winner. I had my tires repaired at my current Benz and I can't imagine paying $1000+ if I had RFT on it for that small nail.