c4004matic

Precisely. This is my nearest dealer 70 miles the other closest one is 120! Aside from the Milwaukee/Chicago area Wisconsin is not very well covered. Furthermore, dealers in the area including Chicago tend to be slimier than most.

white_raven0

Given performance numbers and how the new BMW 5 is turning out (540i RWD in the high 4's so AWD likely in the mid 4's and 550xi at 4 sec claimed) and really how well the current S6 performs (<4). I personally think the E43 needs to be discounted 10k+ to be competitive. It's not really comparable to the new 550xi or the current S6 yet is priced to compete with them. Straight line aside, the BMW probably drives much better as well. Basically the E43 is overpriced.

ngerstman

As you point out, straight line stats are not everything. The interior design of the new e class has vaulted to another level. That level of quality and fit and finish has a cost and the e43 is still a very high performance car, nine speed transmission that is great. The s6 is a performance beast but the car is long in the tooth. The interiors of BMW's are always ***, IMO, not sure why they didn't fire that design team a decade ago. The e43 may be a bit overpriced, the e300 with a 4 should have gone down in price from the 6 of a year ago, but such is life. I wouldn't agree at all with your assessment that it is $10,000+ overpriced, that is a big stretch colored by personal bias. Regards. Ned.

Brettboytn

Either the BMW 540i or the E43 will be my next car (horrible problem to have). I currently drive a 2012 W212, which I love and hope to keep for another 3-4 years, at which point I will buy a used 540i or E43. I'm worried about the BMW's reliability. My wife's ML and my E have been flawless over a combined 5 years of ownership and I love that, so I'm leaning toward the E43. I guess it just depends on the feeling I get once I finally test drive both of them. Is anyone else looking at these two vehicles as their next DD? What are your thoughts?

c4004matic

I wouldnt put a bet on the newE reliability. My C class has had plenty of annoying gremlins and if Consumer reports is right the S class did too after its redesign. On the other hand,given the E new athletism, I highly doubt that the 5 series is a more sporting drive if BMW owners have been complaining about is how dull late BM have become.

Brettboytn

Hence, why it will be 3-4 years before I buy. I can get a second or third year model after most of the "bugs" have been worked out. If there are major reliability issues, I simply won't buy.