Trade my S500 in for a 745Li ?
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From: Dix Hills, NY
2000 Mercedes S500
Trade my S500 in for a 745Li ?
I'm at the point where I'm having serious considerations for getting rid of my '00 S500 for an '03 745Li. Although I'm not exactly in love with the front fascia of the 7 series, I like how it looks in the rear. Not to mention how technologically more advanced it is compared to the S class. I like having lots of gadgets and buttons to play with, and although it's been said to be aggravating to learn, I enjoy a good challenge. Can someone here give me some strong reasons why I should or shouldn't go ahead with my decision? I feel like the S class has grown old and the 7 is very edgy and futuristic. Thanks
Thread Starter
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From: Dix Hills, NY
2000 Mercedes S500
Wrong answer, children. If I wanted some retarded response I'd go to the special ed. kids at an elementary school. Anyone with some intelligence is more than welcome to post replies, all others please refrain from breathing. Thank you.
:v
:v
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Please man, I am far from a "child" you want my opinion here it is...
The residual value on a 745Li is typically low, my friend's father is selling his 2002 745Li and dealer is giving him 45k for it. He spent nearly 65k and the car only has 7800 miles. Typically you would recieve 48% of the original value but with an S-Class around 60-65% of the original value. Depreciation is higher with the BMW. The sales of the 7-Series are lower because the extreme styling as well as its higher price, Mercedes has used its marketing to have the prices typically lower.
The BMW has more horsepower no doubt, 325 vs. 302 however the Mercedes more torque 330 vs. 339. The gas miliage is also better on the BMW, but the downfall is its styling and the i-Drive system which is very confusing. The comfort in the S-Class is far superior... I suggest you wait for the new S-Class to come out before you regret getting a 745Li or even consider the Audi A8... Even consider an S55 or S600.
The residual value on a 745Li is typically low, my friend's father is selling his 2002 745Li and dealer is giving him 45k for it. He spent nearly 65k and the car only has 7800 miles. Typically you would recieve 48% of the original value but with an S-Class around 60-65% of the original value. Depreciation is higher with the BMW. The sales of the 7-Series are lower because the extreme styling as well as its higher price, Mercedes has used its marketing to have the prices typically lower.
The BMW has more horsepower no doubt, 325 vs. 302 however the Mercedes more torque 330 vs. 339. The gas miliage is also better on the BMW, but the downfall is its styling and the i-Drive system which is very confusing. The comfort in the S-Class is far superior... I suggest you wait for the new S-Class to come out before you regret getting a 745Li or even consider the Audi A8... Even consider an S55 or S600.
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
17 E220D, 11 E350 CDI(sold), 06 CLS320 CDI (sold), 05 Cadillac DeVille (gone), 04 E320 CDI (sold)
You are comparing a new BM with an old Merc. The new S Class will be the true competitor to the current 7, it is almost due for release. It would be a shame to buy a BM now, and then find that, by waiting, you could have got an even better MB.
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Originally Posted by johna1
You are comparing a new BM with an old Merc. The new S Class will be the true competitor to the current 7, it is almost due for release. It would be a shame to buy a BM now, and then find that, by waiting, you could have got an even better MB.
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i535
Since 30% of price 745 lost just after 7K miles, I think it's a good move to buy it after. My coworker just bought 745 and it's very good car. I do not think you should wait so long, since 1st year production of W221 will have many bugs, you will need to wait one more year, so at that time you will be ready to sell your 745 for new S.
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Thread Starter
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From: Dix Hills, NY
2000 Mercedes S500
Thanks all for the replies. Come to think of it I haven't even driven the new 7 and here I am talking about buying one. I'll take it for a spin and see how I like it. If I'm not completely sold on it, I'll probably just wait until late '05 and see how the 221 is. But at the same time the new S would be atleast $20k more than say an '03 745Li with 15k miles. So I have to factor that into my decision as well. Other than the 7 I've also had my eyes on the CL. I found a gorgeous one on ebay with a Lorinser FO1 kit. It's about $60k but the fact that the current CL is getting replaced soon bothers me to spend that much on a (soon to be) outdated car. What other cars are out there that are worth spending about $50k on?
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From: Marlboro , NJ
1995 w140 s500
You will love the way the 7 drives. I personally love my 7, but I believe the new S coming out will blow it away. Mercedes is trying to get back on its feet after a ****ty 2000-2002 S class. Just some input from me.
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Yup, this CL500 is crazy.... definately a head turner...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...487899255&rd=1
GET IT! ITS IN JERSEY TOO!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...487899255&rd=1
GET IT! ITS IN JERSEY TOO!!!
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Back on the CL500 topic, I found this Lorinser CL500 with every option including 20" Lorinser LM-5's, Complete Kit, and I believe either Brembo or Lorinser Big Brake kit for 57k with 27k miles, check it out, its hot!
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r=&cardist=288
Or even this on Black HRE's for 55k..
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=2370
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r=&cardist=288
Or even this on Black HRE's for 55k..
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=2370
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From: Jakarta
300E
Armani,
I test drove the 745Li twice. So, here are my thought:
S-class is more relaxing. As the 7 is fun to drive.
7 interior looks so updated. As for S, you know...!!!
Value wise, just like what Viktorious said.
7 will also get facelifted, I believe.
Just my suggestion: Get Audi A8L and Trade in for new S-class when it arrives
.
You know what Armani, you make that choice. And make sure not to leave this forum bro. peace. Goodluck.
I test drove the 745Li twice. So, here are my thought:
S-class is more relaxing. As the 7 is fun to drive.
7 interior looks so updated. As for S, you know...!!!
Value wise, just like what Viktorious said.
7 will also get facelifted, I believe.
Just my suggestion: Get Audi A8L and Trade in for new S-class when it arrives
. You know what Armani, you make that choice. And make sure not to leave this forum bro. peace. Goodluck.
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From: NYC
W220
New 7-Series indeed more advanced technologically but exterior design drove too many hardcore and newcomers BMW customers away from the brand and it becomes quite usual to assosiate the word BMW with the word "SUCKS" 
.
Besides that first two years of the model has serious engine/electronic issues. Because of that thousands of 02-03 cars where sold without manufacturers warranty (for almost half price).
Interior is more futuristic design but it makes you feel like you are in a much cheaper car than current S-Class - no doubt!!!
Performance-wise 7-series and S-Class are quite close but I managed too many times to race my S500 MY01 vs. 745i 2003 and 745li 2004 and they are always too far behind... No offense, Beemer!
In your case Armani I would stick to the car you've got for the next year or two and then get MY07 W221 once it's available (second year production).
.Besides that first two years of the model has serious engine/electronic issues. Because of that thousands of 02-03 cars where sold without manufacturers warranty (for almost half price).
Interior is more futuristic design but it makes you feel like you are in a much cheaper car than current S-Class - no doubt!!!
Performance-wise 7-series and S-Class are quite close but I managed too many times to race my S500 MY01 vs. 745i 2003 and 745li 2004 and they are always too far behind... No offense, Beemer!
In your case Armani I would stick to the car you've got for the next year or two and then get MY07 W221 once it's available (second year production).
Last edited by DMI+RY; Sep 3, 2004 at 09:45 AM.
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From: TX. 78738
c230 kompressor
The 7 is not built near as good as the w220 actually it is very cheap and feels cheap....the missing shifter makes you look and feel like your in a truck not a car...The buttons and stuff felt very cheap as well, aslo i found the leather to be very poor for a car of that money, one of the first things that i touched that was like wtf was the wobbly phone, and the silver plastic seems better fit in a mazda....I cant tell you how it drives but that is the best i can give you on the int. of it...
HITMAN
HITMAN
Last edited by HITMAN; Sep 4, 2004 at 12:24 AM.
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BMWs are typically "Driver's Cars". If you're judging a BMW based on the looks alone, you're missing out on the true value of the vehicle. Take it for a test drive down a windy road and push it to the limit. Then, do the same for the S-Class. IMO, the 2004 7-Series is far superior to the 2004 S-Class, but the redesigned S-Class should even things out. Generally, the people who feel that iDrive is confusing are the same people who found computers too difficult five years ago and considered it a "fad". The 15-minute tutorial will make you proficient with the iDrive, and if you like gadget's: You'll love it.
Thread Starter
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From: Dix Hills, NY
2000 Mercedes S500
Talos, I agree. They designed the car in order to suit the type of person who can afford such a luxury vehicle. Needless to say should have atleast enough intellect to figure out how to work the I-drive. I wouldn't be surprised (and hope) Mercedes has a counter attack, yet with a more crowd-pleasing end result. Viktorious, haha. I love how you're trying to keep me a loyal MB fan. Heh. What I'm going to do is trade mine in for a slightly newer one but with just about every option but distronic. (Not a big fan of it) Then when the 221 comes out i'll decide...
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Originally Posted by Talos
BMWs are typically "Driver's Cars". If you're judging a BMW based on the looks alone, you're missing out on the true value of the vehicle. Take it for a test drive down a windy road and push it to the limit. Then, do the same for the S-Class. IMO, the 2004 7-Series is far superior to the 2004 S-Class, but the redesigned S-Class should even things out. Generally, the people who feel that iDrive is confusing are the same people who found computers too difficult five years ago and considered it a "fad". The 15-minute tutorial will make you proficient with the iDrive, and if you like gadget's: You'll love it.
The previous 7 series was, but the new 5 & 7 series certainly lack what the BMW was always known for; great steering, great suspension, direct feeling of the road and engines that want to go...
In the end, people like or hate the design of the 7 series. That will simply be the buyers choice, but the biggest problem with the car is ergonomics and technology that distracts from driving and requires you to take your eyes of the road (every time that you'll try to use the iDrive that is, and you will have to while driving).
My point is that if technology gets in the way, it becomes a liability. From a driving experience, the 7 series actually has a lot in common with the previous S-Class; you feel very isolated from the road and while the steering is better than the old S, it provides very little feedback. Competent, yet isolated. Very un-BMW like...
Same on the new 5 series btw.; feels artificial and over-assisted on both steering and suspension.
Also, keep in mind tht the 7 series will also a take another dive in value when the facelifted version shows up in the US next year. Your S-class at least has taken already most of the depreciation...
My advice, take a spin with the 7 series to have a frame of reference and then wait until 2005 to get a new car...
Wolfman
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From: Dix Hills, NY
2000 Mercedes S500
Very well said. You make very strong points as well. I have a friend who's a car dealer. I can go to the auction, get rid of my '00 S500 and get a newer, say '01/'02 S500 with the amg package and a few goodies. Once the newer S class approaches it's expected arrival. By that time I'll have to compare the two together. Until then, I'll just trey to fully appreciate the S Class...
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I would recommend that you go to the dealership and test drive a 745i, then see how it drives and feels. You seem to be concerned about deprecation, and you appear to want someting rather temporary (maybe 2-3 years), in which case how about leasing a new 745? Assuming, that you like the car.
BMW has lease specials on the '04 models:
See: http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7/745....htm?PanelID=4
Otherwise, hold on to what you have for another 6months to see what is coming out with the new S-class or even CLS. In any event it is your decision, and I'm sure you that what ever you decide will work for you.
Cheers,
K
BMW has lease specials on the '04 models:
See: http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/7/745....htm?PanelID=4
Otherwise, hold on to what you have for another 6months to see what is coming out with the new S-class or even CLS. In any event it is your decision, and I'm sure you that what ever you decide will work for you.
Cheers,
K
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From: NYC
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!!!
Originally Posted by Talos
BMWs are typically "Driver's Cars". If you're judging a BMW based on the looks alone, you're missing out on the true value of the vehicle. Take it for a test drive down a windy road and push it to the limit. Then, do the same for the S-Class...
.
.
7-Series feels more like Nissan Maxima or better yet Infiniti I35, not like the car of the top class... In its turn S-Class feels much more steady and yet very responsive...
JMHO
BTW, after driving a few new 7-Series I will never look at another upper-class Beemer until their new generation. Car that makes you feel cheap and driving is not as advertised, i.e. "Drivers Machine"
