2014 E550 AllMatic or Audi A6 in September
08-22-2013, 02:18 PM
#26
Senior Member
I realize that this is anecdotal and is certainly not statistically relevant, but I know three people with BMW's, one 3 series and two with 5 series, and all have had material issues within three years, engine, tranny, rear end. That has colored my perception of BMW reliability(I had a rental x5 a few months ago and thought it was great). I know many people with the recent(2010-present) Mercedes and all love them with no problems. I had a 2000 e class that had many problems over the 11 years I owned it. My 2011 e550 has been perfect. I also drove an Audi a6 and found it wanting compared to Mercedes, no where near the feeling of vault like quality of my e550. That's what makes it a ballgame!! Good luck. Regards. Ned.
BMW engine is the best but all the rest is not even close to MB in term of luxury and what is more important the reliability
Just read this thread which is sticky on E60 forum and even it says 545i where the problem started the problem can NOT be fixed by BMW for years even for a 2010+ cars !
I sold my 2010 550i for the same reason
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=401524
Last edited by champaign777; 08-22-2013 at 02:24 PM.
08-22-2013, 09:28 PM
#27
MBWorld Fanatic!
this is true
BMW engine is the best but all the rest is not even close to MB in term of luxury and what is more important the reliability
Just read this thread which is sticky on E60 forum and even it says 545i where the problem started the problem can NOT be fixed by BMW for years even for a 2010+ cars !
I sold my 2010 550i for the same reason
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=401524
BMW engine is the best but all the rest is not even close to MB in term of luxury and what is more important the reliability
Just read this thread which is sticky on E60 forum and even it says 545i where the problem started the problem can NOT be fixed by BMW for years even for a 2010+ cars !
I sold my 2010 550i for the same reason
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=401524
08-22-2013, 09:32 PM
#28
Senior Member
How about the 4Matic? I hear those are pretty good these days, too.
(sorry, I couldn't hold back, it was irritating me, if you're going to lay down 65K-ish for a car, be sure to get the name right)
(sorry, I couldn't hold back, it was irritating me, if you're going to lay down 65K-ish for a car, be sure to get the name right)
08-22-2013, 10:34 PM
#29
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: DC Area
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine: 2008 E350 4Matic --- His: 2014 E 550 4Matic
Our 2008 E350 4matic has been flawless - some problems but nothing that could not be fixed within a day at the shop. Our 2008 535 xi has been a nightmare... the turbo engine is too much of a handful way too many problems.
08-22-2013, 11:33 PM
#30
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The BMW engine problems so far have been fixed within the new generation (i.e N55 replacing the N54 and the LCI models now have the N63tu TT V8's which are said to mend whatever remaining quirks the N63 TT V8 before it had). I haven't heard of any more BMW engine related issues compared to M-B counterparts for that matter, and one has to keep in mind the BMW engines are more high performance oriented than their M-B counterparts (i.e E350 VS 535i or E550 VS 550i), especially when considering how underrated BMW engines are per "factory specs".
Luxury wise BMW's of new are leaps ahead of the crude 2004-2010 E60 5-Series', but Audi's new A6 feels a lot cheaper, more NVH hampered and more "tinny" than either the Bimmer or Benz competitors.
Luxury wise BMW's of new are leaps ahead of the crude 2004-2010 E60 5-Series', but Audi's new A6 feels a lot cheaper, more NVH hampered and more "tinny" than either the Bimmer or Benz competitors.
08-23-2013, 02:51 PM
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
13 Posts
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
The BMW engine problems so far have been fixed within the new generation (i.e N55 replacing the N54 and the LCI models now have the N63tu TT V8's which are said to mend whatever remaining quirks the N63 TT V8 before it had). I haven't heard of any more BMW engine related issues compared to M-B counterparts for that matter, and one has to keep in mind the BMW engines are more high performance oriented than their M-B counterparts (i.e E350 VS 535i or E550 VS 550i), especially when considering how underrated BMW engines are per "factory specs".
Luxury wise BMW's of new are leaps ahead of the crude 2004-2010 E60 5-Series', but Audi's new A6 feels a lot cheaper, more NVH hampered and more "tinny" than either the Bimmer or Benz competitors.
Luxury wise BMW's of new are leaps ahead of the crude 2004-2010 E60 5-Series', but Audi's new A6 feels a lot cheaper, more NVH hampered and more "tinny" than either the Bimmer or Benz competitors.
08-23-2013, 05:25 PM
#32
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Hey K-A. I haven't visited the site for some time now. I was suprised but not shocked to see that you moved from your e350 to the BMW!! A friend of mine has the 535x that had the rear end problem after 3 months. It took BMW over a month to get him the part. Otherwise he loves it. My take is that I find that it feels more cramped in the front(BMW has a rather wide center consol, why I'm not sure) and don't like the look of the dash compared to the e350, it doesn't flow as well, not harmonious. Better stereo and very solid feeling ride and quiet as well. How do you compare it to your departed e350? Regards. Ned.
08-23-2013, 05:56 PM
#33
Super Member
I am in the same position as the OP....lease is expiring on 2011 e350 BluTek and I need a new ride...with more pep. Due to a height challenged wife (she prefers that term to short...5'0"), I have eliminated the panamera (my first choice) and the BMW 5xx's...because she physically couldn't drive either and see the road. I am now at the point of choosing between a 2014 e550 and an audi A6/A7 and throw in that if I get the audi, I might just spring the little extra for the TDI which is only .1 sec slower 0-60 then the gas 3.0. The e550 is really comparable to the S6/S7 but about $10K/20K less. Put that all together with the fact that I want to lease...it's a challenge to figure out which way to go. Although it's hard to compare lease prices on a car I have to order to my specs, the cheapest 36 mo 10K/yr lease is the e550!!!! That's a bit of a shock. However I do like the concept of diesel and enjoy filling up every two weeks and not filling at all on 500 mile trips on interstates which I occasionally do.
Love technology in the Audi...hate that I have to buy the useless MBrace to get the internet applications in the MB. Audi has a deal with TMobile...$15 a month unlimited data (3G); mercedes is an unknown...not sure if service is included with the internet applications...but they don't include google earth navigation anyway. Looks of A7 is incredible....followed by the E550 and I like the A6 the least. They are all fun to drive! Reality is that I live in an area with no hills and no curvy roads, so handling will be very underutilized, irrespective of which car I pick.
Long post...obviously looking for help on the choice
Love technology in the Audi...hate that I have to buy the useless MBrace to get the internet applications in the MB. Audi has a deal with TMobile...$15 a month unlimited data (3G); mercedes is an unknown...not sure if service is included with the internet applications...but they don't include google earth navigation anyway. Looks of A7 is incredible....followed by the E550 and I like the A6 the least. They are all fun to drive! Reality is that I live in an area with no hills and no curvy roads, so handling will be very underutilized, irrespective of which car I pick.
Long post...obviously looking for help on the choice
Last edited by ghstudio; 08-23-2013 at 05:59 PM.
08-29-2013, 08:29 AM
#35
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...434&highlight=
And post #29 here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2013-e350.html
08-29-2013, 11:01 AM
#36
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: DC/VA
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
14 S8, 07 E63 Designo, on order 14 G63
550 way more fun to drive than A6 any day. You give them a try. The new 550 is very close to the performance specs of 63 AMGs.
In terms of long term reliability Audi in general have more issues/complicated to fix vs. MB (it has its own share of issues).
The best way to choose is to drive them both and see which one suits your "likes" (I wont use the word need because these cars are way more than any "needs")
In terms of long term reliability Audi in general have more issues/complicated to fix vs. MB (it has its own share of issues).
The best way to choose is to drive them both and see which one suits your "likes" (I wont use the word need because these cars are way more than any "needs")
09-21-2013, 10:54 PM
#37
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
Posts: 89
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
09-28-2013, 11:11 AM
#38
However, it is interesting to note that all versions of the Audi (A, S and R) continue to win comparos over both MB and BMW.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
09-28-2013, 11:59 AM
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
Totally agree with this statement.
However, it is interesting to note that all versions of the Audi (A, S and R) continue to win comparos over both MB and BMW.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
However, it is interesting to note that all versions of the Audi (A, S and R) continue to win comparos over both MB and BMW.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test
I have a friend at work that drives an S4 and he tries to act as if he is driving a direct competitor for the M3 instead of a 335.
Haha and the S6 beats the M5 and E63 in a comparison test? lmao
I give that win to Audi "S" badge. lol
09-28-2013, 12:35 PM
#40
Super Member
My brother just leased a new 2013 335i. He was tired of the turbo, injector issues from his 2010. He drove his 2013 for 1 month and has been in the shop for 2 months. 2 months solid, keep saying they are waiting on a part from Germany. He has been driving a new 5 series the entire time but still. Anyway, probably just an isolated event but man he has not has much luck with his 2 beemers. I've yet to hear what the exact problem is with his new one, not sure he knows either. Maybe the dealer is just stalling with issues they can't locate, I dunno. But waiting 2 months for a part? Something just isn't right.
09-28-2013, 06:22 PM
#41
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes
on
18 Posts
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
My brother just leased a new 2013 335i. He was tired of the turbo, injector issues from his 2010. He drove his 2013 for 1 month and has been in the shop for 2 months. 2 months solid, keep saying they are waiting on a part from Germany. He has been driving a new 5 series the entire time but still. Anyway, probably just an isolated event but man he has not has much luck with his 2 beemers. I've yet to hear what the exact problem is with his new one, not sure he knows either. Maybe the dealer is just stalling with issues they can't locate, I dunno. But waiting 2 months for a part? Something just isn't right.
Over on the Bimmer boards there are some guys reporting having to leave their cars to wait at the dealer service stations for even small parts that are on back order. For example one member went to get his 535i a software update and during the update the dealers computer crashed (a common occurrence, happened to my first W212 once), however that burned out a little chip or something which needed to be replaced. Not a big deal, a simple and small fix that usually wouldn't take more than a few hours but Germany didn't have the part in stock as it was on back order. His car sat at the dealer for over a month (though his first loaner was a 650i Gran Coupe). The good news is that BMW allowed him to get out of his lease due to the headache and cleanly into a 2014 (facelift as BMW calls "LCI") 550i so in the end it worked out for him quite nicely at least.
09-28-2013, 10:20 PM
#42
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: DC Area
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine: 2008 E350 4Matic --- His: 2014 E 550 4Matic
BMW's been having major upplier issues lately. Some Wall Street journalist publication recently put a piece out on it. It's kind of weird.
Over on the Bimmer boards there are some guys reporting having to leave their cars to wait at the dealer service stations for even small parts that are on back order. For example one member went to get his 535i a software update and during the update the dealers computer crashed (a common occurrence, happened to my first W212 once), however that burned out a little chip or something which needed to be replaced. Not a big deal, a simple and small fix that usually wouldn't take more than a few hours but Germany didn't have the part in stock as it was on back order. His car sat at the dealer for over a month (though his first loaner was a 650i Gran Coupe). The good news is that BMW allowed him to get out of his lease due to the headache and cleanly into a 2014 (facelift as BMW calls "LCI") 550i so in the end it worked out for him quite nicely at least.
Over on the Bimmer boards there are some guys reporting having to leave their cars to wait at the dealer service stations for even small parts that are on back order. For example one member went to get his 535i a software update and during the update the dealers computer crashed (a common occurrence, happened to my first W212 once), however that burned out a little chip or something which needed to be replaced. Not a big deal, a simple and small fix that usually wouldn't take more than a few hours but Germany didn't have the part in stock as it was on back order. His car sat at the dealer for over a month (though his first loaner was a 650i Gran Coupe). The good news is that BMW allowed him to get out of his lease due to the headache and cleanly into a 2014 (facelift as BMW calls "LCI") 550i so in the end it worked out for him quite nicely at least.
