Why didn't you consider or buy the 5 series equivalent of your E-class?
Super Member
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From: DFW, TX
2014 E350 Wagon, 2025 GLC 350e, 2026 E53 Wagon
I think the other reason, more of a subconscious decision, was that a 2009 E550 saved my best friend's life and his g/f's life in a major car accident. I saw the pictures of the carnage afterwards, and the car stood up like the tank that it is.
I wanted the safest car for myself and my family, I think I have it.
I wanted the safest car for myself and my family, I think I have it.
Last edited by GregTR; Oct 8, 2013 at 09:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Peace of mind, greg, is obtained in many ways, thanks to your link I'm going to sell my car and start using sound logic. Glad you are here.
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From: South East
2017 CLS550, 2016 HD Roadglide (120ST), 1972 Super Beetle
I looked at both while shopping...test drove both, and gave each a good hard look. The Benz won my vote on all accounts. In the end, it's Just a matter of preference, though.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: DFW, TX
2014 E350 Wagon, 2025 GLC 350e, 2026 E53 Wagon
I'm glad to be of help. FWIW car buying is never a rational decision process otherwise we'd be driving 10+ year old reliable econoboxes.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
so very true. The plain fact, without having done any research and speaking purely out of my anus, is that most survivors of car accidents in the entire history of automobiles were likely not driving mercedes-benz cars. Funny what we train our minds to believe in order to validate specific/certain parts of our lives, yet we use clear sound calculated judgement (some of us) in other parts of our lives.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: DFW, TX
2014 E350 Wagon, 2025 GLC 350e, 2026 E53 Wagon
I think the percentage of people on this board using rational critical thinking is probably higher than the general population, the selection process (internet savvy MB owner) tends to lend a hand in that department. But ultimately we're always guilty of confirmation bias and threads like this perfectly show that. We also need to minimize our cognitive dissonance about our purchase decision and what's a better way than ask fellow MBZ owners with similar confirmation bias as ours to tell us that we all made the right decision.
I ordered an E-wagon because my son and I play hockey and we can't fit two bags in the trunk of an E90. But realistically I can fit him and myself in the car just fine with a bag in the front passenger seat and one in the trunk. I even managed to put all our gear in a single bag and have his friend ride with us with his bag in the E90. So realistically I could fit 3 people and 3 sets of hockey gear in my E90 even if it was inconvenient and not too pretty. But in my mind I feel like I "need" an E350 wagon to haul all that stuff.
We also have to carry, on rare occasions more than my family of 4 when we pick up an extra kid or two to take them on a play date. So I figured the third row seat is a "need" not a "want". But in reality it's far cheaper to just drive two cars on those occasions even if it's inconvenient rather than buying a brand new car.
So as rational as I can be about these decisions I'm still buying a $75K station wagon to replace my 3 year old BMW 328i xDrive sedan. Why? Because I want to and I'm fortunate enough that I can even if it makes absolutely zero rational sense.
I ordered an E-wagon because my son and I play hockey and we can't fit two bags in the trunk of an E90. But realistically I can fit him and myself in the car just fine with a bag in the front passenger seat and one in the trunk. I even managed to put all our gear in a single bag and have his friend ride with us with his bag in the E90. So realistically I could fit 3 people and 3 sets of hockey gear in my E90 even if it was inconvenient and not too pretty. But in my mind I feel like I "need" an E350 wagon to haul all that stuff.
We also have to carry, on rare occasions more than my family of 4 when we pick up an extra kid or two to take them on a play date. So I figured the third row seat is a "need" not a "want". But in reality it's far cheaper to just drive two cars on those occasions even if it's inconvenient rather than buying a brand new car.
So as rational as I can be about these decisions I'm still buying a $75K station wagon to replace my 3 year old BMW 328i xDrive sedan. Why? Because I want to and I'm fortunate enough that I can even if it makes absolutely zero rational sense.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
So true again. This was and continues to be for me and likely others, a 'validation' thread. Pushes me further away from buyers' remorse, and makes me less inclined to worry about the increasing hp/tq numbers and the added features of the 5-series.
I could (but promise that I won't) start a thread 'Why didn't you get the E63 amg if you were financially able to do so?' ... would help me validate that decision as well. I never needed 200hp when I was younger, I certainly never needed the 330hp later in my life, and I definitely don't need the 400hp now .. and why would I ever need 570hp??
I'll find a justification, just give me time, and a great anecdote!
I could (but promise that I won't) start a thread 'Why didn't you get the E63 amg if you were financially able to do so?' ... would help me validate that decision as well. I never needed 200hp when I was younger, I certainly never needed the 330hp later in my life, and I definitely don't need the 400hp now .. and why would I ever need 570hp??
I'll find a justification, just give me time, and a great anecdote!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
On a contextual level, "need" and "want" are two of the most misused words in the English language.
I "need" the new iPhone. No ya don't!
I "need" organic milk. No ya don't!
You get the picture...
We're all here because we "want" a Merc and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that notion. You only live once...
"Get busy living or get busy dying." - Red, Shawshank Redemption
I "need" the new iPhone. No ya don't!
I "need" organic milk. No ya don't!
You get the picture...
We're all here because we "want" a Merc and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that notion. You only live once...
"Get busy living or get busy dying." - Red, Shawshank Redemption
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Member
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From: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Choosing between the E550 and the BMW 550i was a close call, and I will not know for a time if I made the right choice. The BMW, when equipped to my equal liking, was about $5,000 more and the sales manager seemed disinclined to close the gap. Neither car's styling impresses me much, but the BMW grille seemed to have become a bit wimpy over the years; perhaps in response to streamlining efforts. The Mercedes has only a seven speed automatic, which is soon to be replaced with the new 9-Gtronic. Overall, neither car was the engineering epitome that the sales advertising might lead one to believe. I felt that Mercedes might have a bit better chance of good reliability.
[Why did you go with the E-class if you were also considering the 5-series -- not looking for a war here, I respect both brands, and think they're both great cars. For me, i was not particularly sold on the looks of the new 5-series, and I've always wants to be in the Benz marque, and the 2k14 E classes "spoke" to me, particularly with the TTV8 underrated power plant...[/QUOTE]
[Why did you go with the E-class if you were also considering the 5-series -- not looking for a war here, I respect both brands, and think they're both great cars. For me, i was not particularly sold on the looks of the new 5-series, and I've always wants to be in the Benz marque, and the 2k14 E classes "spoke" to me, particularly with the TTV8 underrated power plant...[/QUOTE]
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Toronto, Canada
2013 E350 BlueTec, 2011 VW Jetta TDI
For three & a half years I drove a 2010 335D and absolutely loved the 425 Lb-Ft torque and 265 HP. For the first 65,000 miles there was no issues but after that things fell apart and the CEL started happening. It ended up requiring the replacement of a fuel injector + intake manifold and ECU as well a cleaning out carbon build-up.
I test drove the F10 535xi and found it more than adequate but research on the F10 forum found several issues that caused me to scratch it off my short list:
1. Navigation sucks.
2. Run-Flat Tires sucks.
3. Consolidated issues.
I ended up trading my 335D for a 2013 E350BT and couldn't be happier.
I test drove the F10 535xi and found it more than adequate but research on the F10 forum found several issues that caused me to scratch it off my short list:
1. Navigation sucks.
2. Run-Flat Tires sucks.
3. Consolidated issues.
I ended up trading my 335D for a 2013 E350BT and couldn't be happier.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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CLK320
Traded in a 08 550i Sport to a 2010 E550. That was my 3rd BMW and all had reliability problems. The last ongoing problem was the car not starting randomly because of the faulty "intelligent battery monitor". BMW's recommendation was to drive longer and put it on a charger weekly. If you search the forums many others have the same problem. That did me in for now on the brand.
I think then and still do that the E is a much better all around vehicle. There are a few trade offs, handling was better and nav screen was bigger in the 550i but that's the only thing I found better. Looks and quality are much better in the E.
I think then and still do that the E is a much better all around vehicle. There are a few trade offs, handling was better and nav screen was bigger in the 550i but that's the only thing I found better. Looks and quality are much better in the E.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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W212 E350 sport, W204 C-Class sport, Porsche Cayenne
Personally I have been BMW owner after MB W210 E-CLASS bad experienced. But after owing E46, E60, E65 and F10 which give me endless problems especially after 2-3 years ownership of BMW, all sorts of problem started to arise.
At the same time while I have my BMW F10, i purchased a W204 C-class sport package, I started to realised how much more MB has improved and the car give me zero problem with solid built.
Finally, I traded my F10 to W212 E-class sport package and I am a happy man ever since.
MB really give me a peace of mind during my ownership lately, but no doubt BMW is more sporty and fun with technology advance. I have learned a lesson all these at the end of the day I will pay a price. I am not bias to any brand, which ever car offer a long term quality build will win my next purchase.
At the same time while I have my BMW F10, i purchased a W204 C-class sport package, I started to realised how much more MB has improved and the car give me zero problem with solid built.
Finally, I traded my F10 to W212 E-class sport package and I am a happy man ever since.
MB really give me a peace of mind during my ownership lately, but no doubt BMW is more sporty and fun with technology advance. I have learned a lesson all these at the end of the day I will pay a price. I am not bias to any brand, which ever car offer a long term quality build will win my next purchase.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 216
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From: Canada
E350 4Matic 2011
My previous car was an older E so I had planned to switch to the 535xi for variety. I like the looks of the current car (unlike some folks here). My biggest concern was long term reliability which is rather poor on the BMW from what I have read. I went for a test drive of a 535xi and it malfunctioned with the salesman in the passenger seat. It pretty much ended there and I bought a W212 instead.
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W212 FL
W212's design is what I like the most ,I like sharp edges , angular grill ,square headlamp design ,center console is very well styled and the most prime factor is column shifter 
F10s are in design wise my fave 5 Series ever but their interior suck ,not just 5 Series but all the current BMW models interior , I liked mid '90's Airbus styling a lot better
Not to mention ,overall you own a MB
F10s are in design wise my fave 5 Series ever but their interior suck ,not just 5 Series but all the current BMW models interior , I liked mid '90's Airbus styling a lot better
Not to mention ,overall you own a MB
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 264
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From: Northern VA
2021 GLE 450
OMG - it's been two days since this thread was started and NO input from K-A yet?!?
I do like the sporty look of the current 5-series, but I heard too many horror stories of BMW's reliability problems from friends.
My niece bought a 535x xDrive a year ago. I wasn't too impressed with its handling. My E550 has light steering which I have grown to like and I love the sports steering wheel. The BMW steering wheel looks and feels like it belong in a boat. Obviously, I can't compare acceleration compared to the E550, but I was more impressed with how the new 328 accelerated compared to the 535i.
On the positive side, BMW navigation screen is bigger and nicer than Mercedes. Mercedes screen is simpler and less cluttered, but I did like BMW's better.
I do like the sporty look of the current 5-series, but I heard too many horror stories of BMW's reliability problems from friends.
My niece bought a 535x xDrive a year ago. I wasn't too impressed with its handling. My E550 has light steering which I have grown to like and I love the sports steering wheel. The BMW steering wheel looks and feels like it belong in a boat. Obviously, I can't compare acceleration compared to the E550, but I was more impressed with how the new 328 accelerated compared to the 535i.
On the positive side, BMW navigation screen is bigger and nicer than Mercedes. Mercedes screen is simpler and less cluttered, but I did like BMW's better.
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Olathe, KS
2011 E-350, 2010 GL-450
I started with BMW and the 5 series. I owned a 325i in the past and it was wonderful and our local dealer is the best car dealer of ANY that I have ever purchased from (and that's a lot of dealers)
However, I thought the 5's with the X-Drive were complete crap. They drove horribly and I could feel the clunkiness in the drivetrain. There was tons of slop and the car felt sluggish. I drove 3 different 5 series, they were all the same. I actually did not want all-wheel drive, but that is all the local dealer will order.
Like the looks of the E-350 and was sold after one test drive. The dealer on the other hand...is crap. I have since bought the wife a GL-450 and it is still one of the worst dealers I have ever used...but they have a monopoly in the Kansas City market and I am stuck with them.
However, I thought the 5's with the X-Drive were complete crap. They drove horribly and I could feel the clunkiness in the drivetrain. There was tons of slop and the car felt sluggish. I drove 3 different 5 series, they were all the same. I actually did not want all-wheel drive, but that is all the local dealer will order.
Like the looks of the E-350 and was sold after one test drive. The dealer on the other hand...is crap. I have since bought the wife a GL-450 and it is still one of the worst dealers I have ever used...but they have a monopoly in the Kansas City market and I am stuck with them.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 672
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
MB > BMW.
Seriously tho I just go by the looks.
I had a 2004 BMW 550i that looked a lot better than the MB E back then.
I then got into a 2008 W211 and now my 2011 W212 because I can't stand how pu55y the BMW 5s look now.
Seriously tho I just go by the looks.
I had a 2004 BMW 550i that looked a lot better than the MB E back then.
I then got into a 2008 W211 and now my 2011 W212 because I can't stand how pu55y the BMW 5s look now.
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
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From: DeWitt, MI.
2007 ML350 2014 E350
I first saw the 2014 E350 sport and Luxury versions at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
I really like the new grill on the sport version. I test drove both and liked the steering and ride better on the E350 Sport. Two small things that I liked about the MB is that it has a spare tire (donut) instead of run-flat tires on 535 and the MB has dual sun visors on driver and passenger side. I used to have a BMW740iL and I had to use a map and a clothespin the block the gap as the BMW visor doesn't extend either. I also had quite a few service problems with the 740. I tend to keep cars for a long time (10 years +).
I have a 2007 ML350 that has had no problems in 6 years. I special ordered my E350 and it arrived 10 days ago. I love it. The ECO mode is not very noticeable. I love the Full LED headlights. My only complaint is that the have deleted electric folding mirrors for US cars.
I really like the new grill on the sport version. I test drove both and liked the steering and ride better on the E350 Sport. Two small things that I liked about the MB is that it has a spare tire (donut) instead of run-flat tires on 535 and the MB has dual sun visors on driver and passenger side. I used to have a BMW740iL and I had to use a map and a clothespin the block the gap as the BMW visor doesn't extend either. I also had quite a few service problems with the 740. I tend to keep cars for a long time (10 years +).
I have a 2007 ML350 that has had no problems in 6 years. I special ordered my E350 and it arrived 10 days ago. I love it. The ECO mode is not very noticeable. I love the Full LED headlights. My only complaint is that the have deleted electric folding mirrors for US cars.
Nice.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
like others have stated there were many reasons but mainly i love how they look and drive and the C class i had before it was a perfect car for 5 years so it made sense to upgrade to an E class over a 5 series.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
I think this thread illustrates the huge impact and importance of brand marketing.
Both cars are among the leaders in their class - and most people choose the MB or BMW based on looks / perceptions / marque and other things that are strongly influenced by marketing.
Both cars are among the leaders in their class - and most people choose the MB or BMW based on looks / perceptions / marque and other things that are strongly influenced by marketing.
