CharlyE500

Hey guys,
I got most of advise in this forum specially in this section so even its not W211 E55, here I need some advise from you guys. I recently sold my W140 S320 because its just too slow for me. I am thinking to get W210 E55 01 or 745IL 2004. The price is about $10K more but its really not money issue. I have a kid and will have one more in December so 2 kids + wife. I am thinking a bigger car, size of W140 but never like the S500 so thinking to get 745IL or the E55 W210. Anybody has experience with 745IL ? I am concerning the 745IL software issue.
So any advise will be appreciated about 745IL
Thanx in advance !

Vic55

Havent driven the 745IL but once, its a big pig and unreliable especially back in 02 and 03. I dont know too much about the software issues but do know that this model had a lot of initial issues.

I owned the W210 E55 and it was a great car especially for its time. I recently got to borrow one during a service/detail assignment and the 391 lb/ft of torque still really shines thru. Its not too big to where you feel detached or lose the driving experience and the back seat is ample. The engine is bulletproof.

WPOZZZ

Go for the E55. I've driven the 745Li and while they handle great due to their active sway bars, they are big cars. With a family, you should be able to make do with an E Class. The car has a decent sized trunk to carry all the baby stuff and would still have space to go shopping.

NCE500

I owned a W210 E55 for several weeks in Summer 09, got an offer I could not refuse for it and somewhat reluctantly re-sold it. It was a very nice car, about as fast as my 07 E550, very well built, and a lot of fun to drive. Two issues to look for are worn ball joints and the crank position sensor....I was told both are prone to need replacement. I would recommend a good example to anyone.

I would avoid the 02 - 03 745 big time. They had a lot of electrical issues and those cars are now out of warranty which would put you on the hook for the repairs. The 04 up cars are said to be better, but all of them have I-Drive which I personally can't stand. Try the I-Drive before you buy one and judge for yourself.

I'd get the E55.....yes, I'm probably a little biased.

Jakpro1

+1 E55 W210, plus you got the greatest bunch of guys ready to help you with just about anything that could go wrong with it.

littlehandegan

that 7 series is a POS, very unreliable and looks horrible IMO.

E55

transferred

745iL is a safe and spacious family car with decent power. Looks aren't good, hence the good deals. Remember, it's as big an S500. If you want smaller then try the non "L" version. Good luck.

CharlyE500

Thank to everybody, the 745IL is a 2004 with 120K miles. The E55 is about the same mileage but 2001. The deal with 745IL $16K outdoor, E55 $10,500 ourdoor. I am just not too sure about how much the maintenance will be for 745IL compare to the E55. I will make this decision this Saturday.

duc&tlrsammy

I have a 03 745Li, and its been a pleasure. The main thing is finding one that hasnt had too many issues or glitches.

But between the 2, I would have to say find a lower mileage 7series. I personally think its alot more modern and luxurious compared to the W210.

rondocap

The 745li is not a bad car, but it has had issues in the past as some people have mentioned, but 04 should be better.

Having said that, the W210 E55 is one fantastic car. It's very fast. My S55 is also 2001, and fast already - so the E55 is even faster because it is lighter, with the same engine. The fun to drive factor is definitely there, the E55 beats the 745 in that department.

The E55 is also fairly rare, and even though it is an older body style, Im my opinion it looks very good to this day - while the 745 is a bit ugly.

But, the E55's power and fun to drive factor are great. Plus the maintenance probably will be a bit better than the 745 over time.

MBFLO

Their both good cars .. You and your family might feel more at home in the 745 as its newer and what not .. I once was given a 745i for last 3 months of lease by a friend .. Never had problem except the day he came to pick it up to return the lease and lo and behold the god dam thing wouldnt start .. Luckily it was still in warrenty but just seems like to many electrical bugs . That said my other buddys 745iL motor blown at 45k miles .. replaced by dealer but with over 100k miles I'd be very sketchy and want to see all and any service records and such ..
My e55 has been trouble free except for the crank position sensor <$130> and 85% was labor cost . Its been a dream to drive , might be a little bit aggressive for a family car given the kids are new borns and infants, but keep it in W instead of S and you should be ok even with the kids unless your feelin like rippin it up a little bit ..
That said I love my 01 e55 even though my wife<25 yrs old> describes it as a " drug dealers car" lol but i have black rims on blk/blk and lowered some .. But for my wife and kids i would probably have to choose the 745 as I felt like a king driving it on the road wheras in my E55 i feel i am God and is no one here .. Till something nicer and faster passes me by ..LoL .
Goodluck whatever you choose either way will be a nice ride ..
Also since your looking at the 16k range maybe w211 e55 with over 100k miles could also be aquired and then your would have a real nice comfy beast on your hands ..

oops just seen you drive 06e55 lol

K-A

LOL. Well said.

I'd run from a 745i with 120K miles, personally. I bought an S500 with 150K when my "car buying craze" started, and I quickly sold it, due to the fears of repair $$$$. Also, I was pretty fortunate to sell it for more than I bought it for (although lost money overall, with taxes and the few little mods/fixes I did), however I will say, it is VERY hard to sell a premium Luxo car with 120+K Miles. There is practically NO market for it, so you're hoping the next buyer is in a very select group/buying predicament.

It probably will be a bit safer than the W210 though, as it's newer, so the active and passive safety tech will be of more modern times. Although, the 210 (post face-lift) is certainly a very safe car, even to todays standards.

EdoubleNickel

Go for a W211.

BlownV8

A 210 E55 will probably fit the bill a little better in this circumstance. The 210 E55 is much more reliable than the 211 E55. The 210 was the safest vehicle on the road during its production run according to the NHTSA.

Kids are damn expensive as you know. Get the 210 E55 and have money left over for diapers and baby clothes. Your wallet will thank you later. You can always upgrade when the baby is a little older. Invest the money you save in maintenance/repairs/purchase price and in a few years you will be able to upgrade without a sweat.

CharlyE500

Thanx again everyones input, very appreciated. I have W211 E55 06 so.... I know how about W210 will be. I guess the E55 will be better for long run if I keep it for 3 years and more, it can't depreciate anymore! 745LI looks need more $$$ in long run but I think its a bigger car therefore might be safer.
I will let u guys know by next week ! Thanx

MBFLO

goodluck , either way im sure you will make out .. cant go wrong .. Goodluck with your new purchase !!!