Buy the 545, E500, or?

[Alvin]

I'm in the market for a new car, and right now leaning towards an '05 545 or '05 E500. Looking for something with some highway power, and believe it or not something automatic. As much as I want the E39 M5, my left leg and tickets are telling me no in Southern California. Now for some background.

Car will be mostly a freeway vehicle to run errands and socialize, other use is for weekend trips 200-800 miles away. Will be used on ocassion for work, but I think the M3 will take most of the toll. Work is nice enough to give me 700-1000 a month for car expenses, so that will cover most of the car costs. Both cars are plush, and have torque which I'm looking for. Geting older, and trying to improve my insurance rates I won't need the top end speed.

I would like to hear from others on suggestions, and pros and cons from owners of these vehicles. I know I can get a new M3, but thats not what I'm looking for right now. Trying to stay away from an SUV, although the extra space for the snow gear would be a definte plus. I'm open to other brands and model types. Open thread, would love to hear from as many people as posibble. Thanks!

[E34nication]

either car is a great choice... i can't say anything bad about either. go test drive and see which one suits you better. the one thing i can say about the 545 is that with the SMG transmission will be a lot more entertaining than the auto in the benz.

[dagoo98]

I rather the looks of the E500 compared to the 545. The 545 has a sportier feel but that doesn't appeal to you. If I were you I would buy the E500.

[Greco540]

E500.

[Gunslinger]

Another vote for the E500. The new E-class is a great looking car.

[Kdog2112]

Either is a great buy,.....the 545 is awesome....the e500 is amazing...Ive never driven an e500 but have the s55 and that was awesome..just pure Balls and luxury at the same time.....Mercedes is just a TOTALLY different ride....the gas pedal is soft and steering is "loose"...from the rack and pinion.....Bmw is more sporty....but go with what makes you happy....

[sdwhitney]

Fully loaded it looks like you can get either car for just over 60K. They both are great cars. With both of them having distiguishing looks about them. Good car comparisons though.

I guess I am just a BMW guy, so I would go 545, but I am not the one spending the dough here. So I would have to say, with such equal cars, it really would come down to your preference.

Just my .02 :)

[MIMI1]

E55 anyone :devillook

[heezyo2o]

A test drive should answer your questions.

Check out www.e60.net
and www.mbworld.org

[humanoid]

E500!

A friend of mine has one and it is a great ride inside and out. The 6 speed auto is smooooth. The E500 is more expensive to mod then BMW though.

[Jason540i6]

I vote for the E55 - drove one recently, and its just an amazing car.

For the posted two - 545.

[Alvin]

An E55 would put any doubts about buying the 545 away, but the 20K+ difference is keeping me away. Going this weekend to drive the 545, I will have a good idea on the feel of the car. Hopefully it'll brake the way I want, and stay on the ground. I used to drive my friends older E55 on occasion and it seemed a little floaty. Almost a boat like ride. I have someone who is trying to get me an E500 for a weekend to test out. Hopefully I'll know by years end what I'm going to get! BTW, thanks for the help and keep the ideas coming.

[randomg]

Caddilac sts isn't on the list? Come on... go drive it at least, motor trend seemed to like it more than the 545i, even if the bimmer barely beat it in the performance stats. The magnetic ride control beats both of the other cars suspension, best mix of a soft ride, and sporty handling, short of this new bose thing. Oh yeah, and Caddilac beats both the mercedes and bmw badly in reliability, and it's going to cost less when it breaks down too.

That's a lot of advantages I mentioned there, does the name caddilac really enough to cancel them all out?

[GriMpY]

Mom has an 04 E500 7 speed automatic...

That car is cool... I'm waiting for her to get tired of it... So I can have it. :buttrock

But how about a Lexus LS?

[sirtiger]

E500

[italpasta]

Caddilac sts isn't on the list? Come on... go drive it at least, motor trend seemed to like it more than the 545i, even if the bimmer barely beat it in the performance stats. The magnetic ride control beats both of the other cars suspension, best mix of a soft ride, and sporty handling, short of this new bose thing. Oh yeah, and Caddilac beats both the mercedes and bmw badly in reliability, and it's going to cost less when it breaks down too.

That's a lot of advantages I mentioned there, does the name caddilac really enough to cancel them all out?

I never liked the STS, or caddy for that fact, and the new ones look like a bad rash. Sure it's cheaper than an E500 and 545, but I feel that you just can't compare it to the two. The interior is STILL plasticy, and the outside still has rough lines. Motor trend picks the caddy over the benz and bmw because well, they're biased. They chose the Chrysler 300 as car of the year...come on....what a piece of dirt trash that car is..

Go for the E500. I test drove it and it is an unbelievable piece of machinery. I haven't driven the 545 so tell us how it is.

Good luck!

-Paolo

[Mblaster]

I'm in the market for a new car, and right now leaning towards an '05 545 or '05 E500. Looking for something with some highway power, and believe it or not something automatic. As much as I want the E39 M5, my left leg and tickets are telling me no in Southern California.


Sorry but that's about the most stupid thing I've ever read on bd.c. :confused

How is the lack of a manual supposed to keep you at posted speeds in a 545 or an E500? :pullover

[heezyo2o]

E500

never seen one that looks good.... the ones I seen... godaweful if u ask me


For someone that doesn't like the e60, why are you searching and bringing back old posts? I don't think you searched for e500, so I'm guessing you typed in 545 in the good 'ole search function. If you don't like the looks, that is fine with me, but there seems to be a bit of envy here.

[Hypr5]

Have you considered the Lexus GS430?

[Mblaster]

Please for the love of God STOP bringing back dead threads!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad

[jimmyz2]

Please for the love of God STOP bringing back dead threads!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad
OK,but first:Has Alvin("You go first.No,you go.No,you go please.") tried a Caddy?

[killcrap]

do not get a e500, the electrical problems will set you back as soon as waranty is over.

[sirtiger]

do not get a e500, the electrical problems will set you back as soon as waranty is over.

I am confident the e60 has its own electrical issues.

[Mattldm]

If you can Wait till the new 550i comes out this fall, It should be pretty nice!

New engine, 360 HP! No active steering in the sport package! (now a seperate option)