[DubVBenz]

The prices for these used cars are pretty similar. I know I'll get BMW biased replies here, but I figured I'd ask the question for anyone that may have cross shopped. A little background: I've driven a chipped E320 Bluetec for over 5 years. At one point, I considered trading it for a 335d until all of the CBU issues came to light. I tend to trust MB's reliability more but have found myself drawn to the F10 Diesel.

Some details:

Engine:
BMW 255HP 413Ft/Lbs inline 6 w/twin scroll
MB 240HP 458 Ft/lbs V6 w/twin scroll

Weight:
BMW 4,085 lbs
MB: 4784 lb

Suspension
BMW: Standard Springs
MB: Airmatic

Transmission:
BMW: ZF8 (universally praised 8 speed, I've had it in a bunch of rental cars and it seems pretty decent).
MB: 7g+ (updated mb built 7 speed, I have the original in my E320)


Interior: Subjective, but I tend to like BMW's more drivercentric interior

Handling: ?? Haven't driven either yet. I assume the BMW is better in this regard, but there have been tons of complaints about how numb the F10 is in general. I know the MB won't be a track car, but I've always found Mercedes' handling to be very competent

Gadgets/Infotainment: While MB has more " luxury tech", I feel like they're always a bit outdated from the gadget standpoint. My 2007 E320 Bluetec is rocking a navigation system from the 2002 release, which they continued to use through 2008 on the W211.

So I'll open this up for discussion

[Gilgorm]

I haven't driven either of the cars you are looking at but I've driven BMWs and MBs all my driving life. So my comments are general in nature.

You should find the S-class a much more comfortable car but the added weight and less HP will not provide you with the spirited driving you can experience with the BMW. The extra torque will be needed to move the extra weight so they should be a wash once they get going. S class cars perform better at highway speeds, IMHO.

Also, the 5 Series should be more accurately compared to the E class, not the S class. The 7 Series would be more accurately compared to the S class.

You need to drive both and decide which is better suited to your driving needs.
GL

[DubVBenz]

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

I haven't driven either of the cars you are looking at but I've driven BMWs and MBs all my driving life. So my comments are general in nature.

You should find the S-class a much more comfortable car but the added weight and less HP will not provide you with the spirited driving you can experience with the BMW. The extra torque will be needed to move the extra weight so they should be a wash once they get going. S class cars perform better at highway speeds, IMHO.

Also, the 5 Series should be more accurately compared to the E class, not the S class. The 7 Series would be more accurately compared to the S class.

You need to drive both and decide which is better suited to your driving needs.
GL

I appreciate your input. The only reason I'm comparing an S to a 5er is because MB made the stupid decision to discontinue their 6 Cylinder Diesel in the E-Class. While the 2014 E-Class facelift is competitive with the F10, the pre-facelift is not. Unfortunately, 2014+ models only offer the 4 cylinder diesel.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by DubVBenz

I appreciate your input. The only reason I'm comparing an S to a 5er is because MB made the stupid decision to discontinue their 6 Cylinder Diesel in the E-Class. While the 2014 E-Class facelift is competitive with the F10, the pre-facelift is not. Unfortunately, 2014+ models only offer the 4 cylinder diesel.

Same as poster before I haven't driven S or 5 diesel yet, so I'm not sure this will be of any help. But, I did cross shop between E350 and 5 series. In fact my first test drive of both was back to back. I quite liked the look, refinement and fit and finish of E series, but handling wise it was no contest. Even base 5, which is known to a bit on a softer side feels much sportier, handles better, "feels" faster and much better planted on the road comparing to E class. 5 also offers more space, both front and back - can't recall trunk space to be honest. All of this should be improved going up to S class except for maybe handling.

Good luck shopping, I think it's hard to make wrong decision with these two, once you drive them and compare features, usually it's easy decision to make.

[Alcenos]

I recently had a S350 as a rental car in Germany. It was a great highway cruiser, but it was not an F10 in terms of handling. If you take a lot of long trips where you drive in a straight line, then the S350 may be for you. If you like to drive, turns, overtaking, etc. then it is the F10.

[DubVBenz]

Originally Posted by Alcenos

I recently had a S350 as a rental car in Germany. It was a great highway cruiser, but it was not an F10 in terms of handling. If you take a lot of long trips where you drive in a straight line, then the S350 may be for you. If you like to drive, turns, overtaking, etc. then it is the F10.

Ahh, the myth that BMW drivers tell themselves. Somehow only BMW has figured out how to turn!

[Alcenos]

It's no myth. My wife owned a C340 around the same time as I had my 3 series. There was no comparison in the handling difference. I'm not saying that Diamler makes a bad car, it's a good ride, it's just not a Bimmer.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by DubVBenz

Ahh, the myth that BMW drivers tell themselves. Somehow only BMW has figured out how to turn!

Somewhat funny but also uncalled for. Nobody here was saying or implying that. You asked for opinion, got one you didn't care for, why trash BMW owners (a@#%@ as some of us might be, no need for that).

Don't forget you're on BMW forum, lots of us did cross shop with Benz and ended up here. Since I have no brand loyalty (my first BMW) I went in with fully open mind and also, I wanted pretty badly to like E350. And I did, in most areas, but engine and handling were not it's strong points. S350 could be better and perfect for you, can't really tell for sure, but E was a mayor disappointment for me personally, comparing to both, 5 series and A6 (oh, and Volvo S80 T6 too).

[shikbas]

I will stay away from any air suspension if airmatic is one

[AeroTerraAqua]

DubVBenz Did you ever test drive and compare? I'm just curious on your thoughts...looking at both myself...leaning to 535d.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by AeroTerraAqua

DubVBenz Did you ever test drive and compare? I'm just curious on your thoughts...looking at both myself...leaning to 535d.

Doubt you'll get a reply...

Last Activity: 12-05-2016 07:09 AM

[DubVBenz]

Talk about a resurrection ! I ended up with a 2015 MB E400 and did an ECU tune. It's a fun car that embarrasses others. I ended up buying a 1987 560SL, which has become my favorite car of all time. I still have my 2007 OM642 E Bluetec, but it is DPF deleted and tuned and basically undrivable unless you have racing slicks on it. My most recent purchase is a 3L inline 6 diesel GM 1500 that is incredibly fast considering what it is. My next purchase my be one of the last G30 540ds.