Corvette Forum  


Go Back   Corvette Forum > Off Topic > Other Cars
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?
Register Vendors Buy a Vette Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read FAQ PhotosGarage

Other Cars Non-Corvette Content, Daily Drivers, Winter Beaters, Work Trucks, Tow Vehicles, for sale

Corvette Store
 
 
C6 Parts & Accessories
C5 Parts & Accessories
Wheels & Tires
Sponsored Ads
 
 
Vendor Directory
 
Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 09-19-2008, 01:27 PM   #1
Vette_Fan
CF Senior Member
 
Vette_Fan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Default BMW or Mercedes-Benz

Hi guys,

I'm trying to get a daily driver right now, due to new job, long distance driving. (Save the Vette)

The two cars I'm looking at:

2001 BMW 530i, 104K miles, AT (steptronic) Navigator, stereo upgarded, excellent in/out condition. $10,000. Silver/Black.

2001 Mercedes C320, 87K miles, AT (steptronic), Basic, but clean in/out. $10,500 asking. (Will offer 10K, IF I get it).

Which is a better car over all... and why (if you know).

Plz HELP me make a decision soon........ Buying today/tomorrow...

Thanks... as usual
Vette_Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2008, 02:16 PM   #2
HOWSER
CF Senior Member
St. Jude Donor '09
 
HOWSER's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Work
Default

I'd go with the 5 series. The C class just (I don't think) isn't enough of a car for comfortable driving. Myself, I have an E class for my DD, which is comparable to the 5 series.
HOWSER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2008, 07:39 PM   #3
mraoshi
CF Senior Member

 
Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles California
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HOWSER View Post
I'd go with the 5 series. The C class just (I don't think) isn't enough of a car for comfortable driving. Myself, I have an E class for my DD, which is comparable to the 5 series.
although I am a fan of benz, the C class just doesn't cut it. It's a bit too small, and it's the cheapest Benz. Go with the 5 series, mid size sedan. just my opinion.
mraoshi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2008, 09:27 PM   #4
runutzzzzz
CF Senior Member
Support Corvetteforum!
 
runutzzzzz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Haymarket Virginia
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mraoshi View Post
although I am a fan of benz, the C class just doesn't cut it. It's a bit too small, and it's the cheapest Benz. Go with the 5 series, mid size sedan. just my opinion.


The C-Class is the entry level car.

BMW all the way.
runutzzzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2008, 10:50 PM   #5
Stingray23
CF Senior Member
 
Stingray23's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2006
Default

BMW, no question
Stingray23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 01:59 AM   #6
Vette_Fan
CF Senior Member
 
Vette_Fan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stingray23 View Post
BMW, no question
Thanks for the replies guys....But did you read the Milage on both cars.

BMW 530i has 104K, drives strong though (105 mph, during test drive). Interior looks more boyish. From outside, the car looks "Plain", like simple Sedan (Accord, Maxima, Camry etc like)

Benz has the traditional look. Lesser milage 87K, drives pretty good, but not giving the confidence of a Bimmer over 100 mph.

However, the 2001 C320 is not the typical C series like C230/C240/C260. The C320 looks Exactly like the "S" series. Even in the articles I've read, they say its a smaller sister of the Top notch "S" sereis. I like the looks of it, and also the brand name. It seems people's eyes open wider when they hear you have a Mercedes. (Sorry guys, I'm an average guy who's not had such cars before. So, its a Big thing for me). The interior of the Benz looks quite refined and luxurious, with nice materials used. However, the inside looks more like a Business man/middle aged guyish, than the boyish style of BMW. Has 10 Air-Bags!!

BMW rides better than the Benz and sticks to the road better encouraging confidence. Benz encourages ego.. hee..hee..(Can't beat the Benz Star on the hood ego thing...)

Well, all that creates nothing...........but tons for confusion..

Both Sellers are calling me and I have to buy one in the morning..............WHICH ONE ? Still confused

Last edited by Vette_Fan; 09-20-2008 at 02:57 AM.
Vette_Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 04:14 AM   #7
Dave68
CF Senior Member

 
Dave68's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2000
Location: Member: Double Yellow Dirt Bags San Diego, CA
Default

STAY AWAY from Mercedes anything. Their reliability history has plummeted throught the years and they now have the dubious distinction of being the most most unreliable German brand of them all. Of all German vehicles, the 3-series BMW is the most reliable. Way above them all as far as comfort and especially reliability, however, are Lexus vehicles. Get a used GS hybrid for 26 MPG average and very good acceleration. You will never regret it.
Dave68 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 07:40 AM   #8
Vette_Fan
CF Senior Member
 
Vette_Fan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Default

So nobody likes Mercedes anymore? Quite surprising. What's all the fuss about it then, the name, the brand, the status symbol, etc?

3-Series kind of small for me, being married and all that now. Rear seats in the 3 are very tight. 5 Series is what suits me. I would get the 7 Series but again, too big (hint: V8/gas prices) for me, for now. So, last call guys is the Benz totally out? My wife seems a lil' disappointed by that; she kind of liked the Benz (in/out). Me: BMW rides better, sticks better. Her: So, does Benz. Its the C320 (3.2 V6), has enough power for everyday use. Looks like a "Mercedes". And it doesn't have to behave like a sports car. You gotta Vette for that. AND it LOOKS better from outside when people see it. Me: (Ya she used "looks" twice in the sentence) I have to agree somewhat though. Even the top notch BMW's look very plain.
Vette_Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 10:15 AM   #9
runutzzzzz
CF Senior Member
Support Corvetteforum!
 
runutzzzzz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Haymarket Virginia
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan View Post
Thanks for the replies guys....But did you read the Milage on both cars.

BMW 530i has 104K, drives strong though (105 mph, during test drive). Interior looks more boyish. From outside, the car looks "Plain", like simple Sedan (Accord, Maxima, Camry etc like)

Benz has the traditional look. Lesser milage 87K, drives pretty good, but not giving the confidence of a Bimmer over 100 mph.

However, the 2001 C320 is not the typical C series like C230/C240/C260. The C320 looks Exactly like the "S" series. Even in the articles I've read, they say its a smaller sister of the Top notch "S" sereis. I like the looks of it, and also the brand name. It seems people's eyes open wider when they hear you have a Mercedes. (Sorry guys, I'm an average guy who's not had such cars before. So, its a Big thing for me). The interior of the Benz looks quite refined and luxurious, with nice materials used. However, the inside looks more like a Business man/middle aged guyish, than the boyish style of BMW. Has 10 Air-Bags!!

BMW rides better than the Benz and sticks to the road better encouraging confidence. Benz encourages ego.. hee..hee..(Can't beat the Benz Star on the hood ego thing...)

Well, all that creates nothing...........but tons for confusion..

Both Sellers are calling me and I have to buy one in the morning..............WHICH ONE ? Still confused
BMW! I don't think the C class looks exactly like a S.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave68 View Post
STAY AWAY from Mercedes anything. Their reliability history has plummeted throught the years and they now have the dubious distinction of being the most most unreliable German brand of them all. Of all German vehicles, the 3-series BMW is the most reliable. Way above them all as far as comfort and especially reliability, however, are Lexus vehicles. Get a used GS hybrid for 26 MPG average and very good acceleration. You will never regret it.
I didn't know I can pick up a used GS hybrid for $10k

BTW We have a Mercedes ML500 with 130K, owned it since new and we've spent money on tires, brakes and I had to have a cat welded together, it seperated at a weld. I'd concider that a very reliable car!
runutzzzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 11:54 AM   #10
HOWSER
CF Senior Member
St. Jude Donor '09
 
HOWSER's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Work
Default

Have you seen what a 5 series with some sweet rims looks like? Makes a big difference.
HOWSER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 03:58 PM   #11
Dave68
CF Senior Member

 
Dave68's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2000
Location: Member: Double Yellow Dirt Bags San Diego, CA
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan View Post
So nobody likes Mercedes anymore? Quite surprising. What's all the fuss about it then, the name, the brand, the status symbol, etc?

3-Series kind of small for me, being married and all that now. Rear seats in the 3 are very tight. 5 Series is what suits me. I would get the 7 Series but again, too big (hint: V8/gas prices) for me, for now. So, last call guys is the Benz totally out? My wife seems a lil' disappointed by that; she kind of liked the Benz (in/out). Me: BMW rides better, sticks better. Her: So, does Benz. Its the C320 (3.2 V6), has enough power for everyday use. Looks like a "Mercedes". And it doesn't have to behave like a sports car. You gotta Vette for that. AND it LOOKS better from outside when people see it. Me: (Ya she used "looks" twice in the sentence) I have to agree somewhat though. Even the top notch BMW's look very plain.
I would strongly discourage anyone, especially my wife from buying a Mercedes. Check out the Mercedes forum for that model and you will run away from buying one, I guarantee it. RunutZ has been very luck (and must have a huge gas budget!), but really, I know quite a few former MB owners who have avowed never to buy another. Pick up an annual Consumer Reports Auto issue and show your wife all the black marks. Explain that she will have to pay for repairs if she insists on buying one.

As far as status symbols - the people in the know move toward Lexus, Acura, and BMW. New Mercedes are somewhat rare in San Diego and I know why.
Dave68 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2008, 08:38 PM   #12
runutzzzzz
CF Senior Member
Support Corvetteforum!
 
runutzzzzz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Haymarket Virginia
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave68 View Post
I would strongly discourage anyone, especially my wife from buying a Mercedes. Check out the Mercedes forum for that model and you will run away from buying one, I guarantee it. RunutZ has been very luck (and must have a huge gas budget!), but really, I know quite a few former MB owners who have avowed never to buy another. Pick up an annual Consumer Reports Auto issue and show your wife all the black marks. Explain that she will have to pay for repairs if she insists on buying one.

As far as status symbols - the people in the know move toward Lexus, Acura, and BMW. New Mercedes are somewhat rare in San Diego and I know why.
21 MPG on the ML500 and my Camry Hybrid makes up for it LOL...

Yes, I agree, we've been really luck to have no major issues with our
ML500.
runutzzzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2008, 03:10 AM   #13
Dave68
CF Senior Member

 
Dave68's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2000
Location: Member: Double Yellow Dirt Bags San Diego, CA
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by runutzzzzz View Post
21 MPG on the ML500
...definitely not city driving! Our RX400h gets almost 30 MPG in heavy (congested) driving, which is quite common here.

Quote:
and my Camry Hybrid makes up for it LOL...
That car has got to be the most efficient semi-luxury vehicle in the world - good choice!

Dave
Dave68 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2008, 10:12 AM   #14
runutzzzzz
CF Senior Member
Support Corvetteforum!
 
runutzzzzz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Haymarket Virginia
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave68 View Post
...definitely not city driving! Our RX400h gets almost 30 MPG in heavy (congested) driving, which is quite common here.

That car has got to be the most efficient semi-luxury vehicle in the world - good choice!

Dave
21MPG on the ML about 90% hwy.

Camry is a nice car but as you imagine it's sllooowww...
I can get 40-46MPG on the HWY. I just did a trip from NoVA to SC about 400 miles each way through the mountains and got 39 down and 40 up



Soooo OP, what did you end up getting?
runutzzzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2008, 03:39 AM   #15
Vette_Fan
CF Senior Member
 
Vette_Fan's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Default

Just got the 530i yesterday - upon all the feedback I got from you guys. Thanks! The car rides so well, I didn't know there were cars that could do that. And it corners at 80-90 Mph in corners where, no other car I've ever driven could do that, and Still asks for more.... (except Vette). AND it makes no noise while cornering, very smooth ride, and a solid feel, with enough power. I'm getting the hang of this Luxury car thing. Materials used in the car are unbelievable compared to Japanese and American cars... Its a Joy to drive it to work every day.

Thanks again for all your input and advice..
Vette_Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2008, 03:55 AM   #16
TBIRD57
CF Senior Member
 
TBIRD57's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Default Always the bimmer!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan View Post
Hi guys,

I'm trying to get a daily driver right now, due to new job, long distance driving. (Save the Vette)

The two cars I'm looking at:

2001 BMW 530i, 104K miles, AT (steptronic) Navigator, stereo upgarded, excellent in/out condition. $10,000. Silver/Black.

2001 Mercedes C320, 87K miles, AT (steptronic), Basic, but clean in/out. $10,500 asking. (Will offer 10K, IF I get it).

Which is a better car over all... and why (if you know).

Plz HELP me make a decision soon........ Buying today/tomorrow...

Thanks... as usual
absolutely no reason to pick any m-b unless you like the cheap tiny 3point star...............bwm is a fun car
TBIRD57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2008, 03:56 AM   #17
TBIRD57
CF Senior Member
 
TBIRD57's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave68 View Post
I would strongly discourage anyone, especially my wife from buying a Mercedes. Check out the Mercedes forum for that model and you will run away from buying one, I guarantee it. RunutZ has been very luck (and must have a huge gas budget!), but really, I know quite a few former MB owners who have avowed never to buy another. Pick up an annual Consumer Reports Auto issue and show your wife all the black marks. Explain that she will have to pay for repairs if she insists on buying one.

As far as status symbols - the people in the know move toward Lexus, Acura, and BMW. New Mercedes are somewhat rare in San Diego and I know why.
TBIRD57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2008, 06:02 PM   #18
runutzzzzz
CF Senior Member
Support Corvetteforum!
 
runutzzzzz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Haymarket Virginia
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vette_Fan View Post
Just got the 530i yesterday - upon all the feedback I got from you guys. Thanks! The car rides so well, I didn't know there were cars that could do that. And it corners at 80-90 Mph in corners where, no other car I've ever driven could do that, and Still asks for more.... (except Vette). AND it makes no noise while cornering, very smooth ride, and a solid feel, with enough power. I'm getting the hang of this Luxury car thing. Materials used in the car are unbelievable compared to Japanese and American cars... Its a Joy to drive it to work every day.

Thanks again for all your input and advice..


If this is your first BMW, be prepared for a lot of brake dust!
runutzzzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2008, 06:02 PM
 
Go Back   Corvette Forum > Off Topic > Other Cars
Reload this Page BMW or Mercedes-Benz
 
 
 
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Click for Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is an aluminum frame safe for the track?? mattsmallett C6 Z06 Discussion 34 07-08-2005 05:31 PM
Oil Filter Experts Shylor C5 Tech 28 04-22-2005 09:22 AM
Changing just the oil filter? thisMSGgood4me C5 Tech 154 03-30-2005 03:52 PM
2005 C6 Convertible---or Mercedes E55 AMG 2thDr C6 Corvette General Discussion 85 05-28-2004 10:58 PM
Believe it or not. funshipone C6 Corvette General Discussion 67 11-07-2003 05:04 AM
DONT GO TO BILL HEARD joe03z06 C5 Z06 Discussion 107 04-18-2003 05:55 PM
03' Z06 vs 03 Mercedes CLK500 Raron C5 Z06 Discussion 13 07-10-2002 11:14 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.1 PL1
Emails & Password Backup