New Car - Apology Required

[GlueDetective]

As you know, I've been selling my ML420 for a while and now that it's gone I've bought a lovely new car...

Bracing myself for flaming, but I've got an E61 530d which I absolutely love. I am amazed at how much more technologically advanced this car is than the ML however actually does feel alot slower.

I will no doubt be back to MB, however it will be a second car when I've got a bit of bonus coming in and I'll buy an old SL.

Any advice you can give on what to look for ? Want a 1980s ish one...

Tom

 

[Scott_F]

Any advice you can give on what to look for ? Want a 1980s ish one...

In a word...rust.

They can be very good at hiding it too so if you're not sure then a professional inspection would be money well spent.

 

[RKC-benz]

I looked at R107 ... Bloody lovely experience to drive ... But ended up with 1999 R129 320 because you get so much more car for the money.

 

[Dansenior]

Good choice with the bmw, i like these my old chap had a 535 one. They pull really well and drive so well. Still rather have a mb thou

 

[Druk]

^^ agreed. 80's SL's can be rust buckets even if you spend spend spend.

R129 is good choice.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I've got an E61 530d which I absolutely love. I am amazed at how much more technologically advanced this car is than the ML

I'd be interested to know in what way it's more technologically advanced?

Do you mean the iDrive?

You might want to have a read of this BBC One - Watchdog - BMW - Open to car theft? and take the necessary precautions.

Edit: and there's no need to apologise, it's your choice!

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Yep R129 was introduced in 1989, so still technically within your 80's remit, rust not such a big issue on these but check all electrics work! early ones can be plagued with electrical gremlins...as anything look for a cherished examples with full history...

^^ agreed. 80's SL's can be rust buckets even if you spend spend spend.

R129 is good choice.

 

[GlueDetective]

I'd be interested to know in what way it's more technologically advanced?

Do you mean the iDrive?

You might want to have a read of this BBC One - Watchdog - BMW - Open to car theft? and take the necessary precautions.

Edit: and there's no need to apologise, it's your choice!

Just everything that it does as standard. The gearbox is imperceptible, easily better than my 2012 7G+ W204 C Coupe and the older ML.

The iDrive is miles better than the COMAND (Not as good as the new COMAND admittedly) but also everything just feels more up to date. Maybe if I had a 58 facelift ML beforehand I'd be saying the opposite...

 

[GlueDetective]

Just everything that it does as standard. The gearbox is imperceptible, easily better than my 2012 7G+ W204 C Coupe and the older ML.

The iDrive is miles better than the COMAND (Not as good as the new COMAND admittedly) but also everything just feels more up to date. Maybe if I had a 58 facelift ML beforehand I'd be saying the opposite...

Thanks for heads up on this, already have a fake OBD port and have moved it elsewhere with extension cable. Otherwise, that's what insurance is for.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Just everything that it does as standard. The gearbox is imperceptible, easily better than my 2012 7G+ W204 C Coupe and the older ML.

The iDrive is miles better than the COMAND (Not as good as the new COMAND admittedly) but also everything just feels more up to date. Maybe if I had a 58 facelift ML beforehand I'd be saying the opposite...

I do agree about COMAND, Mercedes always seem to be playing catch up with its competitors with regards in-car entertainment/info.

What year is the BMW? It sometimes shows up Mercedes even more when you go for something that's newer in tech.

 

[Crazyfool]

...but also everything just feels more up to date. Maybe if I had a 58 facelift ML beforehand I'd be saying the opposite...

You'll always find that. Audi made a huge step change back in 2007-2008 in tech which made the BMW look 15 years out of date. Then BMW brought out the iDrive which after refinement apparently is much better than the previous system. Audi have taken it further and made their system a lot more visual, to the point that you know what model vehicle you're in by the picture in the computer itself.

It's well known though that a lot of the technology found in cars these days originated from Mercedes.

Having said all that, the 530 is a nice car and hope you enjoy it.

 

[GlueDetective]

They say that what you see in the S Class this year, will be in a Fiat Panda in 10 years (Top Gear)...

I agree that my Mercedes W204 lead the way with music over bluetooth, COMAND Online etc I'm just saying for the 2007 era it seems way ahead.

 

[GlueDetective]

i do agree about comand, mercedes always seem to be playing catch up with its competitors with regards in-car entertainment/info.

What year is the bmw? It sometimes shows up mercedes even more when you go for something that's newer in tech.

07

 

[Crazyfool]

.... I'm just saying for the 2007 era it seems way ahead.

Fair enough. I think it's the nicest looking 5 series available.