S0upb0ne

I am in the process of a move from New York to Tampa and will need to purchase a car for the first time in 10 years. Its going to be interesting driving on a regular basis again.

After test driving a number of cars, I think I have narrowed down my choices to a current year E class and a CPO '08 BMW 750. I am a big guy (6'6") and like the space of the 7 series, but was turned off by the idrive and out of date interior. I like the ride of the E but space is an issue.

Any thoughts?

blackbullit

I looked at the CPO '08 750iL before I ordered my 2010 E550.

The 750iL is nice, big car. Issues I had with it were difficulty with parking (very long, worse than a Town Car), uncomfortable seats (very hard bottom cushion which was on a car with the multicontour seat), and BMW dealer would not negotiate EVEN ONE DOLLAR off the list CPO price. They claimed it was their best price, though it was about 4K above book. CPO car tires were worn to near wear bars (about 3/32"), but dealer said they would not replace. Also, the CPO car had usual dings and dents, which the new MB did not have.

Bottom line, go with MB!

scfishnman

Go with the Mercedes. BMW's have lots of issues. I owned three and only one was reliable. The last one was a 2011 535i which I traded after 3 months and many visits to the service department for a 2011 Mercedes E550. This is my fourth Mercedes and they have all been trouble free.

Musikmann

BMW 7 series is their equivalent of the S-Class. It would be fairer to compare the 5 series to the E-Class. That said, and from what I've read, the 7 series are a nightmare to maintain and I don't like the sounds of that particular one or the dealer. For sure, you'd better have good warranty coverage on the bimmer. Lastly, a CPO MB would have new tires and no dings so you might look at a couple of those too.

S0upb0ne

You are right..sorta comparing 'apples and oranges' -- but an '08 7 series and new E are pretty close in price.

The price on used late model CPO S class is beyond my budget. If I could afford a 2008 or 2009 S450 or S550 classs, my problem would be solved

The 5 series may be longer overall than the E, but the E had more leg room to me.

LaicepsYdobon

I would always try to go for the newer car. I'm 6'3" and I have no space issues with my E. I'm also fine in my wife's C-Class although I do have to push the seat all the way back if I'm driving.

While BMWs drive nice they are not really known for their bulletproof reliability. Would you mind taking the time for unscheduled dealer visits at random intervals ? Could you live with the electronic gremlins that creep up at random intervals ? This could happen with either car but it would be more likely with a used BMW than with a brand new Benz. Also judging by what you've posted about the BMW dealer if something went wrong with the car I have a feeling they would nickel and dime you to get things done. I've never owned that model of the 7 series but I did hear nightmare scenarios regarding their reliability. A neighbour of mine had it and whenever he turned the radio off the trunk would open. The dealer finally had to swap out the car because they just could not figure out what was wrong.

Its ultimately up to you but you are talking about cars in two different segments. I personally do not have the need to go into a category higher than the E because I usually drive alone and my wife and the baby seat fit just fine whenever there is need in the E but your situation might be different. If you want to give the perception that you are driving a more expensive vehicle go with the 7 series. If you just want a new car go with the E. Either way you can't loose because both cars are really nice.

If space is an issue for you and you can afford it I would definately take a look at the current generation BMW 740 over a pre-owned last gen 750. Turbo charged V6 that is pretty quick yet efficient. Also the just released Audi A8 is awesome too but I'm deviating from the original question now. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.

El Cid

Never owned a CPO car, but I would wonder about how accomodating a dealer in Tampa area is going to be re: "warranty issues" on a CPO car vs. one bought new.
How important is back seat room? My last car was a large car and no one ever rode in the back seat so it really did not matter how far back I put the front seats. In fact, more people have ridden in the back of my E350. A couple of them were six footers.

Tjdehya

Wow, I always thought that the 7-series was a direct competitor for the S-Class (in price.)
But I just did some research and it seems as if the 7-series is more aligned with the CLS.
Have you considered a CPO CLS?

scfishnman

You should be able to find a 2008 S class Mercedes for what a 2011 E550 would cost. So, why mess with a BMW 7 series? I got $60K (actual amount, i.e., not including the discount on the new car) for my 2008 S550 when I traded it in (the car was in showroom condition, no dings, dents, scratches, blemishes, just needed new tires. It had 22000 miles with 21 months left on the factory warranty.) The dealership put new tires on it and had it advertised for $59995. They probably sold it for less.

S0upb0ne

If you mind me asking, why did you move from S class to E class? Although I am a big guy, I have never owned a large sized car.

MCF

I am 6'4" and not 'large'; however, I notice with my wife's E350 with leather seats, I feel a tad bit snug in the seats and my back does get warm being held so snuggly in the driver's seat.

K-A

E, no contest to me.

The engineering, safety, interior, and build quality is above that of the E65, and aesthetically speaking, if you see a W212 next to an E65, the E65 will look 15 years old (I saw them sitting side by side at a Dealer), outside AND inside.

Aside from that, the E65 on its own I think is the weakest link in the BMW 7-Series lineage to date, all around, looks, comfort, build, etc. It can be a maintenance and reliability nightmare as well, while the E should be a reliable car, not to mention Warrantied.

I'm a skinny 6'4, and the E fits me well, although M-B really sucks with headroom, as I'm about 1-2" shy of being uncomfortable (the W220 and W211 were even worse.... Seems M-B doesn't take tall people into consideration?). Someone brought up the CLS, and I found the driving position and whole feel of the interior to be awkward an fit to me. Headroom will probably be less as well.

I'd try looking for a CPO W221 if the E doesn't fit your needs. Or the F01 7-Series, although they're still too new to have depreciated enough to get into your price range I'm assuming.

hyperion667

man, I'd have to go brand new vs used if you have the means.......
you won't be sorry when your crusing in your new Benz e550!!

good luck

dr k

I traded in my '06 750i for my '11 E550. The 750i was a great car and I loved the engine - great power and acceleration. When I decided to get a new car my requirement was to have that kind of power/acceleration or better. I'd say either car is great - if you get the E550 you'll have a new car, current styling and I think some of the details inside the car are better in the Benz. It's also a little more fun having the power in a smaller car than the 750. I'm not as tall as you so either one fits me - with the 750 being a little roomier. If your choice is an E350 vs the 750 you have to decide which type of driving experience you want - the 750 does have a much stronger engine than the E350.

scfishnman

I liked the S550 but when the restyled E Class came out I preferred its styling to that of the S. Also, the S was too large for my driving comfort. I am glad that I switched to the E550. It rides as good as the S and has the same engine/drive train.

Initially, I was going to go with the E350, but it did not offer the air conditioned seats and I was not real fond of the ride (a bit harsh for my taste). I should have gone with the E550 then, but the dealer was not helpful in suggesting that. Also, the dealer was not offering a decent deal. Since the restyled 2011 BMW 535i had just been released and the BMW dealership was next door, I walked over there to look. The BMW dealer offered a substantially better deal and the BMW did have the air conditioned seats. Unfortunately, I bought the BMW. After 3 months of issues with it, I traded for the E550 that I'm driving now (went to a Mercedes dealer in a different city).

vsbabolat

Don't mean to derail this thread. However I am very curious. What are the problems you encountered with the 2011 BMW 535i?

scfishnman

Acceleration lag. Multiple problems causing "check engine" warning lignt and "engine malfunction" warning light to come on. Engine stalling upon entering traffic. Factory recall but part not available thus suggestion by factory to fill up gas tank every 200 miles to ensure not running out of gas.
The acceleration lag seems to be a common issue with the 535i if one checks the BMW posts on the internet.

LaicepsYdobon

Everything what you said plus some cars pulling to the left from day 1 and the car jerking upon acceleration/deceleration. I frequent the 5-Series forums on BimmerPost and there a lot of people having issues with their cars. Kinda weird how BMW missed some of these big items during the testing of the car.

vsbabolat

Wow! Thanks. I guess BMW is still having issues with the Turbo Charged in-line 6 cylinder engines. I guess the N55 engine is no better in reliability than the N54 was.

BMW has some serious issues going on......

K-A

Yup. Lots of little issues with the car already, and the pre-September builds are known to be "stay-away". There are even multiple Board Members posting about wind noise making it through the doors (all saying it's coming from the same place).

M-B and the E are looking much better in terms of quality than BMW and the 5, at the moment.