realcanuk

I just took delivery of a 2004 BMW 745i to replace my 2002 S430 with sport package. I have had many cars and i can honestly say that the BMW is the best driving large sedan that i have had and that is is light years ahead of the 430 in features, performance and comfort. I was hesitant to leave mercedes but they are just to far behind now in technology and interior appointments. Maybe the new S class will bring them in line and i will reconsider when i change again in 2 years.

just some thoughts,

realcanuk

deuce zer0

the more i see of the good things about that bmw makes me want a big body beemer. I saw a new coupe the other day that a titan was bringing home. BEAUTIFUL! I really want the coupe but i like the 7 series. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

DMI+RY

While BMW 7-Series attempts to compete with S-Class there is some thing BMW still way behind:

- Exterior - tasteless attempt to do something different with "innovation style" slashed BMW looks on the row with Korean competitors
- Interior - while I do like the way BMW raised the display (which is a good and very convenient!) - the overall feel is just to far away from comparison even to E-Class MB. (Sorry BMW fans).
- Driving Performance - the BMW 7-Series is a great performer. The driving style is different from S-Class but it is the matter of personal opinion. For even sportier feel you better of with SL55 or M5.

sadiq

Congrats on the New 7! That BMW is truely a gorgeous automobile.
However, I would have to disagree on the technology staindpoint, Mercedes isn't behind the BMW as far as technology its just that certain use of technologies define a company and their cars. In this case I'm sure that your 2004 745i is loaded with all the bells and whistles many of which you might not have had in your S430. But you must consider the model overlapping that occurs, for instance the new 7 a totally new platform and only a couple years old but the W220 S class platform is going on 5 years. Consider a 2001 740il to a loaded 2001 S Class, no comparision in technology the S blows the 7 out of the water. On the other hand a 2004 S Class loaded would be a hella a comparison in terms of technology to your new 7.
I don't know maybe I'm making an arguement out of something that isn't there but anyways congrats on the new car, and I'd love to see some pictures if you get a chance.

Sadiq

realcanuk

In reply to the previous posts i can say that i am comparing the 04 745 to the 02 s430 which it replaced for me. i looked at a new s430 also but there is almost no changes from my 02 model. The styling of the 7 series is controversial to say the least but i personally love it. as far as technology goes i find that many many things work far better in the bmw including the stereo, rain sensing wipers and the idrive system actually makes everything easier to use once you get used to it. the voice recognition is awesome and it rarely doesnt understand me. You can control everything with voice commands... nav, radio, cd, phone, etc etc. The car is just light years ahead. I am sure that the upcoming S class will compete much better but the present one just doesnt. As far as the drive, i have an sl55 also and of course you just cant compare that, but the bmw definitly outperforms the s430 in every aspect. Power, handling, braking, seat comfort and driving postion.
Believe me, i am a mercedes person at heart, but the truth is the truth.

Guest0001

Congrats on the purchase!

Did you look at the A8L as well? I would get it right now if I was looking for a large sedan. Comes fully loaded for 70,000 and the interior is heaven.

S55inPA

congrats on your new car.
i don't doubt for a second the car drives great.

noble.....i'm with you when it comes to the A8.
i just love it. supposedly audi is bringing the short
wheel base version to the states this summer.

realcanuk

I looked closely at the audi a8 as well and it is truly a fantastic car. the reason i chose the bmw in the end was stickly based on price. Similarly equipped the audi was 13000. canadian more and they offered no deals on leases. The bmw much better deal combining the lower price and lower interest cost on the lease.

S55inPA

that sounds like a smart move to me.

sportlichE430

So when you say "answer the phone, eh?", "play that Celine Dion number after this number from Rush, eh" or "slow down for dem moose, eh" it can decipher?

IMHO the 745 needs to have an awesome interior to compensate for the butt-ugly exterior

DMI+RY

New 745 indeed has a lot of toys and all these bells and whistles are cool for certain customers.
Just don't forget that half of the new 7-Series owners still hate BMW for iDrive (which I sort of like though )

Performance? It is very good performer, but its too far to what MB offers. I had a half a dozen "traffic light racing" with two '04 and '03 745iL (both my riends - Beemers to the bone) two nights ago... Oh boy, I truly felt that pain of those guys when they couldn't even stay close to my MY01 S500... (I believe even well-tuned E320 will kick that ugly 745 *** easily as well )

Besides the ugly exterior the 745 interior is hideous as well...
The only positive move there was raising a center console IMO
(No offense to Beemer nuts)

realcanuk

For starters the 745i should be compared to the s430 and not the s500 as its cost is closer to the 430. I can tell you for a fact that the 745 outperforms the S430 in every aspect. I happen to love the Idrive after living with it for a week. It is not complicated as some complain and you really dont have to use it much if you choose not too. Now to the problem that most seem to have.... I for one have no problem with the looks of the 745. I personnally think that because the press didnt like the looks many followers just agree with them. I suppose it depends alot on whether one is a leader, or a follower. Most of my friends drive mercedes, jags or lexus and after looking at and driving my new car they agree that it is much nicer and better than they thought before ever being in one or driving one.
Anyways, I really love mercedes products, as you can see i have an sl55, and i may go back to an S class when the new model comes out if the interior and features are up to par. who knows.

housclass

i think the 745i is a great car. i've owned both a 430 and 500...there's a big power difference between the two. the only advantage the 430 would have over the 745i is rear passenger leg room. when i tested the 745i i noticed there wasn't much leg room in the back (i'm 6'4") compared to the merc....if i was going to pick between a 745i and a 430, i'd pick the bwm! i thought the i-drive was cool!!!! mag reviews are what they are. everybody is different...they guys at car and driver are from the old school!

enjoy what you have and f**K everybody else!

John

01' 500 w/18' AMG's

realcanuk

that was very well said. the 430 that i had was a short one and my kids think the bmw is roomier in the back although to me they look about equal.