Another BMW replacepent.

[Peter T]

My 1998 540i is due for an MOT this month. If it passes OK I'll keep it for a while, but, if it needs anything expensive doing, it will go the "spares or repairs" route.

I quite like the idea of a CLS 500, but my budget will only run to an 05/06.

Is this likely to be as good a buy as my BMW has been, or am I going to let myself in for a world of grief?

 

[E55BOF]

"replacepent"

Is that a combination of replacing the BMW, and repentance for having bought a BMW in the first place?

 

[Peter T]

Oops, where's the edit button?

Although I make no apologies for buying the BMW. One of the most reliable cars I ever owned, and certainly the most comfortable.

 

[m1br]

They were indeed comfortable.
Before endless suspension tweaks to make run-flat tyres almost bearable.
Sadly they still haven't mastered it.

Had to take the 2010 3'er out earlier - was like a rickshaw compared to the new MB.
And its not even on RFTs

 

[Peter T]

I did try an 09 535 with sports seats a while ago.

Don't know if it had run-flats, but it was pretty dire compared to my e39 with comfort seats.

 

[John]

I once had an E39 Alpina B10 V8 which had those comfort seats (they all did) as 'standard' and they were amazing.

Even my current E55K's seats are not as good.

Maybe the CLS seats or even S class seats are better than the E...

You really need to try them I guess.

540i is a cracking motor.

 

[Peter T]

*** STOP PRESS ***

Passed MOT with flying colours earlier today!!

Looks like I'll be waiting a while before sampling the delights of a CLS, although I might try one anyway just to sarisfy my curiosity.

 

[Carabosse]

If you want a 4-door, I do think the CLS is one of the best looking saloons on the road - very distinctive.

The BMW 6-series Gran Coupe is, arguably, its only rival in that department

 

[Peter T]

If you want a 4-door, I do think the CLS is one of the best looking saloons on the road - very distinctive.

The BMW 6-series Gran Coupe is, arguably, its only rival in that department

Absolutely agree!

6 series doesn't do much for me. It's ok but the styling doesn't come close to the CLS, IMHO!!

 

[big boss]

Absolutely agree!

6 series doesn't do much for me. It's ok but the styling doesn't come close to the CLS, IMHO!!

That's why you're here, and not on the BMW forum!

 

[W2--]

The CLS seats are very comfortable, especially ones with nappa leather. The cushions are much softer than Mercedes of old. I.e the seats in my w210 is like seating on a wood chair.

 

[cinek]

If you want a 4-door, I do think the CLS is one of the best looking saloons on the road - very distinctive.

The BMW 6-series Gran Coupe is, arguably, its only rival in that department

Audi A7 would be another contender.

 

[Peter T]

A7 looks nice but a bit beyond my budget at the moment.

 

[b1g1an]

Oops, where's the edit button?

Although I make no apologies for buying the BMW. One of the most reliable cars I ever owned, and certainly the most comfortable.

You're quite right not to apologise and it seems the CLS was designed for people who don't like Mercedes so will be your perfect choice

 

[Peter T]

You're quite right not to apologise and it seems the CLS was designed for people who don't like Mercedes so will be your perfect choice

Sorry, don't understand!

I would say that I prefer the current MB range over current BMWs. Not so sure about some of the older ones though.

 

[E55BOF]

I think the CLS looks ace, but I can neither afford nor justify one.

If you want comfortable seats, the SAAB 9-5 Aero is a good place to be. Those in mine are WAY better than those in the E55 (W210), but sadly, the rest of the car is not, so go it must. Can't have everything, I suppose...

 

[b1g1an]

I found the Saab seats to be the worst I'd ever sat in, Volvo on the other hand were bliss. Still not convinced by Mercedes ones yet but still more comfortable than most out there.

 

[Dryce]

6 series doesn't do much for me. It's ok but the styling doesn't come close to the CLS, IMHO!!

My money went with the 6er. The CLS styling left me cold both inside and outside. 6 was more special to sit in and prettier to walk round.

(I didn't have an issue with the way the CLS drives.)

 

[isleaiw]

I found the Saab seats to be the worst I'd ever sat in, Volvo on the other hand were bliss. Still not convinced by Mercedes ones yet but still more comfortable than most out there.

I'll second that, whilst i really like most things about my E220 Estate, I do miss the seats in my old Volvo.... and the D5 engine.

Ian

 

[John]

If you want comfortable seats, the SAAB 9-5 Aero is a good place to be. Those in mine are WAY better than those in the E55 (W210), but sadly, the rest of the car is not, so go it must. Can't have everything, I suppose...

I had a 2004 9-5 Aero HOT for 3.5 years and the seats are good - but nowhere near the BMW E39 comfort seats IMO...

You will also notice the drop in quality going from an E39 to a 9-5.