CDNROCKIES

I know S.

IS-SV

Btw, C. am I hearing crickets related to OC335d's original question?...

CDNROCKIES

Now you're confusing me S.

If the original question was: I've currently got both.

If you're referring to his questioning: I agree with the statement. Our ML had several annoying issues early on in our ownership, but since those, it has been quite solid. I also spent 3 days in an S550 last fall and previously looked hard at purchasing a W212 E-class or 535xi. I do feel the MB's feel more "solid" while they do lack the sportiness of the BMW's. And, again, in my experience BMW has never been reliable for us (325is, 3 X5's and an X6).

DustinV

I have no experience with the Sportcoupe so I can't really talk about it.

From what I hear, they were relatively solid cars but simply dull and not very comfortable or sporty and the 4-cylinder engines weren't that refined. These are characteristics you don't associate with Mercedes', I know. I also know that they were poorly marketed in the US and buyers were confused as to its place in the North American Mercedes-Benz lineup. Was it a car for a younger audience? Was it a sports car? Or was it a luxury Mercedes' coupe? I myself am not sure what the purpose of this car was.

I think the Sportcoupe was developed with a younger audience in mind. At the time Mercedes' needed a car to lure in new buyers and above all, a younger market and the C class was the best place to start. I agree that the final product was far from perfect, but at the same time I think the car generally succeeded in attracting new buyers and getting them to perhaps step up to a C class or even an E class (or other MB products) for their next purchase.

Still, it is definitely one of those cars from a brand that is best forgotten.

bad co

There's something magical about driving a Mercedes that I have yet to experience in a BMW. It just feel's special. The BMW are to stiff for Chicago road's they don't respond well to potholes. But my ML with 275 tires just drives over potholes effortlessly. The only BMW I would consider is the 335D power and MPG.

Past Benz's Owned : 89 300E, 95 C280, 98 ML320, 02 ML320, 06 ML350.
Current Mercedes : 06 ML500, 04 CLK500, 03 Spritner 3500, 72 280SE 4.5

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

^Someone likes their ml's haha. When i was looking for a car, i was looking for a 98-03 ml, i only wanted one with a v8, and they were really nice, just disappointed with the reliability of them. I test drove about 6 of them, and all but one had its fair share of problems. The interiors also just didnt have that luxurious of a feeling, not what i expected from driving e-class' of the same years

IS-SV

98-03 model years was some time ago and all Benzes except G-class fortunately have been redesigned thoroughly since.

INHOCJP

Great analysis. As a child, my parents owned a W126 and a W140 S-Class. The MB I remember from that era was a car manufacturer that spared no expense in producing their cars. A definite change from the MB that produced cars during the DaimlerChrysler era.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Depends on which MB and which BMW.

IMO, BMW can't build a proper flagship luxury sedan (the 7 series totally sucked until recent, and still isn't as good as S class). At the same time MB can't build an entry luxury car (C class has sucked until recent, and still isn't quite as good as the 3 series).

BMW was always better at mid luxury, the 5 was always superior to the ugly, boring E class, even the ugly bangled 5 was still better than the E.

Also, BMW has never built total horrendous disasters such as the ML and R class, but it doesn't have have cars that are as halo as MB's 65AMG series.

Today BMW has more models that appeal to me than MB.

IS-SV

Sorry about the confusion.

OC335d's original question was directed to Suislide (only), and the crickets are still chirping away....

jracerlmn

BMW 5 Series GT is pretty horrendous on the eyes...

redmanV8

iTrader: (2)

bmw's seem too plain on the outside, and benz interior is so much better

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

this could be one of the greatest debates of all time lol. So far I see that the general consensus is:

S class > 7 Series
3 series > C class

but it is pretty even when comparing the E class to the 5 series.

I think BMW has nailed the SUV portion. Even though I would choose MB over BMW anyday, an AMG SUV makes no sense. An suv should not be superchanged, it'll flip. Im glad BMW's M division hasnt touched their SUV yet

bad co

LOL have you been living in a cave? There is X5M and the X6M

Och

iTrader: (3)