Looking for advice

[Robo12007]

Ok. I'm still undecided. I'm torn between a Merc E350 sport 2010, BMW 530D Msport and the Audi A6 3 litre diesel

All are 3 litre diesel estates.

I've driven the Merc and enjoyed it apart from the placement of the gear lever and brakes. I also tested the BMW but it was a 520d.
The only plus point for the Audi is AWD.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

What do you want it for?

Can't identify a solution without knowing the requirement.

What kind of mileage? What kind of driving? What kind of people will be using it? Ages (broadly) ? Priorities ? Comfort / speed / driving style / long distance...etc etc.

The Mazda 6 is a great car - why the change?

 

[Robo12007]

Can't identify a solution without knowing the requirement.

What kind of mileage? What kind of driving? What kind of people will be using it? Ages (broadly) ? Priorities ? Comfort / speed / driving style / long distance...etc etc.

The Mazda 6 is a great car - why the change?

I need a towing car. I do around 12k plus, all are 2010 models. Typically I use it for to and from work, 13 miles each way of country road or 17 miles of motorway.

Comfort is a massive factor as I fractured my spine last year.

It'll also be a family car so it's 5 people. 2 adults and 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 2.

 

[MercedesDriver]

I need a towing car. I do around 12k plus, all are 2010 models. Typically I use it for to and from work, 13 miles each way of country road or 17 miles of motorway. Comfort is a massive factor as I fractured my spine last year. It'll also be a family car so it's 5 people. 2 adults and 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 2.

Because of an injury you had and number of kids I would recommend Avantgarde (not Sport) in an estate version. Both BMW and Audi have hard suspension and it can be tiring on longer trips. Size-wise E class estate is unbeatable.

 

[clk320x]

Because of an injury you had and number of kids I would recommend Avantgarde (not Sport) in an estate version. Both BMW and Audi have hard suspension and it can be tiring on longer trips. Size-wise E class estate is unbeatable.

E class estate wins!

Well also this is a MB forum after all

 

[Eddy77]

As said a few posts up - Mercedes for comfort (at the expense of ultimate driving dynamics). BMW and Audi are notoriously hard suspension-wise. I've owned / driven both BMW and Audit extensively in the past and confirm that this is not a myth. They really are.

I would personally dismiss Audi altogether. They look nice, but the drive is "inert" and the ride is hard. I don't see the point.

BMW will handle the sweetest, without doubt, but at the expense of ultimate comfort. Unless you find one with fancy pants adaptive suspension....but that is unlikely at this age.

Mercedes will be a wafter if specced correctly. Sport looks lovely but puts it in the hard ride category. Avantgarde and you will be just fine (check that the previous owner hasn't "specced up" the wheels to 19" on rubber bands though. You want wheels with decent side wall and sensible profile.

This is an honest view having had all three marques - I am not wedded to Mercedes particularly. In fact, my CLK 350 Sport constantly irritates due to its overly hard ride. I should have bough an Avantgarde but then I'm a vain bu88er and wanted the car to "look nice"!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Requirements

I need a towing car. I do around 12k plus, all are 2010 models. Typically I use it for to and from work, 13 miles each way of country road or 17 miles of motorway.

Comfort is a massive factor as I fractured my spine last year.

It'll also be a family car so it's 5 people. 2 adults and 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 2.

Ah, now we can talk to the requirement.

1) All three can tow - no difference that I perceive.

2) All three are good family cars, but the Mercedes is the larger car both inside and for luggage. At those ages, space can be useful.

3) Commute - no difference really for that journey

4) Comfort is a hands down win for the Merc - provided you go for the non-Sport suspension and smaller wheels.

5) Styling / looks. The BMW and Audi look younger / more modern. If you're mid-forties that might swing it for you. The Mercedes has more gravitas and, in the UK, a more "mature" image. That's a taste thing - you have to sit in it to know.

6) Wife-friendly? I don't say this lightly..... what does SHE think ?
Especially for colour (sic), but also for fit in the driving seat.

 

[brucemillar]

As you have a "injured back" (my sympathies to you). I would suggest that you get as much test driving in as you can manage. Try and borrow the cars over the road you regularly drive?

As a sufferer from a "teaky" spine, I know that that getting this wrong will destroy a car for me. Making it almost un-driveable.

I drive a mix of car makes (MB & BMW) and models, Estate and SUV.

Both my AMG and X5 have the 'sports seats' as standard.

The BMW allowing me more comfort for longer periods than the AMG. The BMW has fabulous fully adjustable, lumbar support.

The AMG suspension plays a part (it is bone crunchingly hard).

The 124 is sublime. Like driving around in your arm chair, it treats every bump as an opportunity to show off how suspension used to be built.

So. Drive them all if you can and give your self time to move around and get comfy (or not). With a bad back, other peoples opinions on a bit of paper (or a screen) will not give you real life feel ;^).

Good luck.

 

[tron]

If Mercedes still allow one to specify an orthopaedic driver's seat, That ought to be a clincher, Sir.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Comfortable supportive seats are vital. I would therefore throw a Volvo XC70 (2nd generation) into the mix - the ride is supple and the seats are fabulous. Unless the BMW has comfort seats I'd completely rule it out, and Audis of that vintage are hard.

 

[addbuyer]

I suffered many years of back pain and ended with a discectomy which eventually sorted things after a long long recovery.
The seats in the E63 are the worst I've had in many a year. On long journeys I really struggle. However as mentioned above the suspension is adjustable which makes for a better ride as a daily used car on normal length journeys and you can hide an elephant in the estates rear.

Does the suspension and room make up for the discomfort...... NO

But that engine and its sound sure does

 

[Red C220]

I'm about to switch to Audi from Mercedes (but for a new model with air suspension) but I avoided both Audi and BMW for years on ride alone.

As noted above, if ride quality is your number 1 then you have to discount both Audi and BMW of circa 2010.

Get an extended drive in the E though the seat comfort can be hit or miss depending on your frame as they aren't particularly adjustable. Avoid Sport models.

Charles's call on the Volvo isn't a bad idea.

It's a shame SAAB's went to the wall, their seat and ride comfort was not a myth. I owned a couple and they are by far the most comfortable seats in any car I've ever owned, designed by and orthopaedic surgeon. Maybe a late model 9-3 sportwagon might fit the bill.

 

[Smart320]

Agree on Saab seats , had a 900 series then a 9- 5 3 l diesel estate which was the comfiest drive I have ever had

 

[Riverside Red]

I've owned two V6 diesel CLS, a 320 CDi and a 350 Cdi, and I believe that they're one of the best diesel engines around. I've road tested both the BMW and Audi and refinement wasn't a patch on the Mercedes engine.

RR

 

[Teflonso]

If you need a towcar get the A6 Quattro. On any other criterial the 350 is the best option.



Disclaimer: I'd never even consider a BMW. I am ridiculously biased in this area and think they are for complete nobbbs.

p.s. For back issues, get a 350 with leather rather than sports seats. If buying second hand, get a W212 with massage seats. Mine are terrific.

p.p.s If comfort is the primary criteria, I'd recommend a Volvo. I've driven thousands of mies around Sweden in all manner of hire cars (including Saab) but I've never found a better seat than a Volvo. Currently I'm looking at getting a deal on the XC60 and even the R Design sports seats are ultra comfy.



.

 

[Robo12007]

Ah, now we can talk to the requirement.

1) All three can tow - no difference that I perceive.

2) All three are good family cars, but the Mercedes is the larger car both inside and for luggage. At those ages, space can be useful.

3) Commute - no difference really for that journey

4) Comfort is a hands down win for the Merc - provided you go for the non-Sport suspension and smaller wheels.

5) Styling / looks. The BMW and Audi look younger / more modern. If you're mid-forties that might swing it for you. The Mercedes has more gravitas and, in the UK, a more "mature" image. That's a taste thing - you have to sit in it to know.

6) Wife-friendly? I don't say this lightly..... what does SHE think ?
Especially for colour (sic), but also for fit in the driving seat.

On point 1) they all offer sufficient kerbweight for my towing requirements.

Point 2)space is a must as my kids are getting to a point they are uncomfortable as my youngest is in a full sized child seat so the older 2 are restricted.

Point 4) I tested a sport model with air suspension on the rear and it felt comfortable, made a point of testing it when I was in pain.

Point 5) I'm 35, most of my friends are saying the BMW for looks and driver pleasure, but I'm not more bothered for practicality, plus I like the look of the Merc.

Point 6) My wife thinks my current car is big, and very rarely drives it.

 

[Robo12007]

As you have a "injured back" (my sympathies to you). I would suggest that you get as much test driving in as you can manage. Try and borrow the cars over the road you regularly drive?

As a sufferer from a "teaky" spine, I know that that getting this wrong will destroy a car for me. Making it almost un-driveable.

I drive a mix of car makes (MB & BMW) and models, Estate and SUV.

Both my AMG and X5 have the 'sports seats' as standard.

The BMW allowing me more comfort for longer periods than the AMG. The BMW has fabulous fully adjustable, lumbar support.

The AMG suspension plays a part (it is bone crunchingly hard).

The 124 is sublime. Like driving around in your arm chair, it treats every bump as an opportunity to show off how suspension used to be built.

So. Drive them all if you can and give your self time to move around and get comfy (or not). With a bad back, other peoples opinions on a bit of paper (or a screen) will not give you real life feel ;^).

Good luck.

A lot of my issue is the ride height when getting in and out of the car.

I understand about softer suspension being more suitable, but I've found that when driving the trucks at work, the air seats are worse than my car.

I've to decide between comfort whilst driving, vs comfort getting in and out

I can't drive my wifes Leon fr but cope with my Mazda sport. (must be the heated seat)


Her indoors suggested the xc60, xc90 or Audi q5. I tried the Hyundai Tuscon, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX5. The kuga I felt restricted in the seat, the Tuscon felt underpowered and the cx5 felt uninspiring in bends.