Merc or Beamer are better cars?

[MBManInKen]

So if we go by the logic proposed here... the A-class is the new entry level?

I said entry level saloon.

 

[hawk20]

I've also got a 2006 MINI Cabrio. When did they put this stop-start system in? I didn't know it was offered as an option on the new ones either!

The stop/start system is only on manuals and even on those the local MINI dealer told me most owners switch it off. Just a device to get a lower VED bracket IMO. As the dealer said, how many owners want the engine to switch off at traffic lights. That is where Beemers and MINIs start to concentrate.

 

[RoseTattoo]

This just seems to convince me more and more that I should get an S Class.

 

[Alfie]

Speaking from having owned a few BMW's myself in the dim past and my father having had them and a close friend having one at the moment and my sister having a new one also, I can honestly say from my experiences that if you want a fun sporty car that will last longer than a Ford but you dont mind not driving it in the wet/snow, then get a BMW. Yes, they still slide around in the wet.

If you want a car that will last twice as long if not more, than a BMW, then buy a Mercedes. They still have the prestige name above BMW and still are better built. That said, BMW are improving but just look at an older one and compare it to an older Mercedes. One will look very tired the other not nearly so.

Whats more, Mercedes cars are not styled by Bangle the blind

 

[television]

That was an interesting way that Alfie compared the two, and there is alot of truth in that,, they do not last

 

[st4]

Liken Mercedes to Rolex, genuine heritage, real quality and class, and BMW to Tag Heuer, much more common, brasher etc. A good upmarket car nonetheless, but not in the top tier like a Merc. A tag will give 20 years good service, a rolex several lifetimes....

You should see some BMW forums, its all about the newest models and those with older cars is about the them breaking down and mega big bills.

Its not like this forum at all....

 

[mattml500]

in the last 4 cars i have had 2 bmw's and 2 mercs, i know i only had the 3 series 325td and an old one at that , then an 03 3 series the reason i got rid of them and changed to mercedes was not the buid not the power or price .i just got bored of them i didnt think they were that sporty . i loved my ml500 and i love c220 cdi ive got more gadets and is much more fun to drive than either of the 2 previous bmw's .the only problem with mercedes is i get stick from people saying there old mens cars im only 37 ...it dont bother me what they say ,the same as it dont bother me people saying my c class is an entry model (other thread running at moment )

 

[st4]

i loved my ml500 and i love c220 cdi ive got more gadets and is much more fun to drive than either of the 2 previous bmw's .the only problem with mercedes is i get stick from people saying there old mens cars im only 37 ...(other thread running at moment )

Imagine what stick I get @ 23

I find my E class way more involving than I was lead to believe it would be on a BMW forum. Its genuinely sporty, I know this judging by its ability to corner, I was being held up by a motorbike on a sweeping A road yesterday so I overtook it. I was so much quicker through the bends that I had to brake mid bend. A diesel Merc saloon out does a Motorbike. Old mans car, I don't think so....

 

[television]

Imagine what stick I get @ 23

I find my E class way more involving than I was lead to believe it would be on a BMW forum. Its genuinely sporty, I know this judging by its ability to corner, I was being held up by a motorbike on a sweeping A road yesterday so I overtook it. I was so much quicker through the bends that I had to brake mid bend. A diesel Merc saloon out does a Motorbike. Old mans car, I don't think so....

Some old men are very wise,, nothing wrong with a little wisdom earlier on in life

 

[jeremytaylor]

Very generally speaking BMW models do tend to have a sporting edge over the equivelant Merc, but it can be argued that the Merc has more real world appeal, not just the 3% of the time you are really pressing on.

Dead right.

Before I bought my first Merc (a W203 C270) I was tempted by a 330D, on account of their reported performance and handling, engine quality, etc. A guy I knew was a BMW dealer and so leant me a 330D M Sport for the weekend. I'm really glad he did because it made me realise that, yes it was quick and handled quite nicely, but I could never live with it day in, day out. The suspension was harder than a rock and the steering was surprisingly heavy. I suppose motoring journalists call both characteristics 'sporty'. I found them to be a pain in the butt.

Compare that to the comfort, luxury and smoothness of a C-class ... Far more relevant in day to day use.

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

With regards to built quality, you just need to look at Eastern Europe/Africa and count how many MB you see for every BMW. I know a few countries where MB comprise the 3/5 of the cars around. Most though are W123 and W124s.

Commenting on the styling it is true that BMWs do not age well. If you look at jaymanek's photoshoot his SEC look considerably more contemporary than the 7 series in the background. Not that the Jag looked modern but at least it has aged with style. To put in prospect BMWs age like beige 15" CRT computer monitors.

 

[gbjeppm]

I have had 3 Mercs, and just the one BMW a 530D Sport (the previous "nicer" shape). I loved the 3 litre diesel engine, and it had a fantastic gearbox, but after a while it just became another car.

All of the mercs I have had put a smile on my face, and I genuinely still look forward to getting in them to drive somewhere.

I wish that I still had the 300CE, i only changed it for the 202 estate when the kids came along.

I will definitely buy another 124 coupe soon, when funds allow. I really like my current W208 cabriolet as well, so dilemmas, but only of the good kind

In an ideal world, with plenty of garage space (and cash), I would have

An R129 probably a 320SL
A 124 coupe 300-24 perhaps this time
and a 126 Saloon (luxobarge) 420 or 500SE

(And all for around 15k)

Not a BMW in sight.

Anyway back down to earth

 

[st4]

Some old men are very wise,, nothing wrong with a little wisdom earlier on in life

I'm not going to argue that point if only I had more wisdom four months back, I wouldn't have wasted a fortune, then succeeded to lose an absolute fortune in depreciation on my last car.

I had to get rid of it, and it was a BMW

 

[st4]

With regards to built quality, you just need to look at Eastern Europe/Africa and count how many MB you see for every BMW. I know a few countries where MB comprise the 3/5 of the cars around. Most though are W123 and W124s.

.

Any car that "Africa" likes has to be good in terms of reliability, basic mechanical integrity, and also ease of repair.

I hate to say this, but would a more modern Merc (W211 and W203) fufill this criteria quite so well.

I go back to my Rolex example, for anyone into Horrology they are remarkably easy to work on, with simple solid mechanical movements with good spare parts. A W124 is also like this, easy to work on (for a mechanically minded chap, and solid).

How many BMW's are like this? Not as many....

 

[hawk20]

...it dont bother me what they say ,the same as it dont bother me people saying my c class is an entry model (other thread running at moment )

Don't let them worry you. They are clearly wrong. Just as when they say the 3 series is the entry level BMW. It isn't. The 1 series is their entry level. And I am delighted and proud to own Mercedes entry level, the A class.

 

[television]

Don't let them worry you. They are clearly wrong. Just as when they say the 3 series is the entry level BMW. It isn't. The 1 series is their entry level. And I am delighted and proud to own Mercedes entry level, the A class.

And that is without any "Smart" comments

 

[IanA2]

Wasn't the Isetta the original BMW entry level machine......

 

[Dryce]

Imagine what stick I get @ 23

I find my E class way more involving than I was lead to believe it would be on a BMW forum. Its genuinely sporty, I know this judging by its ability to corner, I was being held up by a motorbike on a sweeping A road yesterday so I overtook it. I was so much quicker through the bends that I had to brake mid bend. A diesel Merc saloon out does a Motorbike. Old mans car, I don't think so....

This matches my experience.

One of the problems that MB have with image is that a lot of people - including journos - don't realise that there are suspension options.

I don't think the W211 in AG or Sport form is the fastest car on an A or B road by any means. But the lack of drama in combination with pace is remarkable. You can effortlessly chase down a smaller more agile car that is being visibly worked hard and not disturb your passenger(s).

 

[hawk20]

And that is without any "Smart" comments

Indeed. And no MINImising either.

 

[Dryce]

Commenting on the styling it is true that BMWs do not age well.

Taste may vary I guess but I visually rate the 5 and 7 series from the early nineties.

Time may tell but the W211 face lift is slightly tacky and my feeling is that the latest C and S won't date as well as their predecessors.