Hey guys I know this is a MB forum because I just would like some input. I am soon to be 21 next year and I am planning to buy a new car next year. I have my eyes on the bmw 745iL (2002/03) and the (2003/04) MB E500. I am see the E500's going in the low 30's with very low miles. I am seeing the 745i going for high 30s. What do you guy think would be the best car for me bacause I know many of you have owned MB and BMW. Thank you.
Last edited by cccablecompany : 11-12-2006 at 08:08 PM.
It really depends on what you're looking for. The E is a little smaller and sportier (with the sport package) than the 745. If you you are looking something truly comparable to the 745, I would look an '01 - '03 S500. They are more direct competitors. Personally, I like the smaller E500 better than the S or 745.
I bought a 2003 E500 back in Sept. I test drove a 2002 745Li. Unless you have a PhD in gadgetry to ring all the rings and whistles in the745, you'd better chose the E500. Both cars are fun to drive except with the 745, you'll spend time learning how to drive it when you could be enjoying the ride of a E500. But thats just my opinion.
I bought a 2003 E500 back in Sept. I test drove a 2002 745Li. Unless you have a PhD in gadgetry to ring all the rings and whistles in the745, you'd better chose the E500. Both cars are fun to drive except with the 745, you'll spend time learning how to drive it when you could be enjoying the ride of a E500. But thats just my opinion.
Yes I absolutely agree! Your point is very well made. I for one have testdrove a BMW 530i M Sport and I also testdrove the E320 Avantgarde. Personally, I for one would choose an E Klasse over the 5 series simply because of user friendliness. Mercs use the same command and Beemers have the same iDrive. They're both great cars but Mercs are simple and easy to live with whereas Beemers are painfully complicated.
The CL500 is a totally different car to the E500. Although their engines have the same derivation, the cars are totally different. To begin with, the CL500 is simply, a 2 door S Klasse. It's got the interior space and the gadgets of the S Klasse whereas the E500 is a full size family saloon car. The E500 in my opinion is a more nimbler and agile car than the CL simply because of it's size. Although, the CL does have more toys than the E...w/c is why you pay a lot more for the CL500 as opposed to the E500.
I owned a 745il (03), bought new, for one year. It was by far the worst vehicle I ever owned. Electrical nightmares, brake problems, gas guzzler and handled like a Caddy. I sold it, lost 15k in depreciation and never looked back .. until tonight. The E500 is a superior car ...
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07 E63 AMG ** 05 E500 ** G36 Beech Bonanza
The AMG slams the competition
The E500 keeps up with the best of them
The G36 is the fastest and hardest to parallel park!
ok these are my 2 options that I have narrowed it down to. 03 E500 and the 03 CL500. Both are going for the same price. I have made up my mind not to buy a BMW. What would be the better car for a single soon to be 21 year old guy. I was thinking the CL500 because its more flashy,now that live in florida due to hurricane katrina. I dont see barley any cl's. I do see alot of moms in E's classes.I am now an IT Tech for k-12 school and making nice money. I always drive alone or with one another person max. What would be the better car for my age. Advice needed thanks.
ok these are my 2 options that I have narrowed it down to. 03 E500 and the 03 CL500. Both are going for the same price. I have made up my mind not to buy a BMW. What would be the better car for a single soon to be 21 year old guy. I was thinking the CL500 because its more flashy,now that live in florida due to hurricane katrina. I dont see barley any cl's. I do see alot of moms in E's classes.I am now an IT Tech for k-12 school and making nice money. I always drive alone or with one another person max. What would be the better car for my age. Advice needed thanks.
That depends on what your persoal preferences are. I'm 21 years old and I drive an E240 Elegance. I agee w/ you that it is a car for moms and for middle aged men as well. I would say that persoanlly, I prefer family saloons like the E because if I need to take a number of people and go fast all at once, I'd buy an E500 or better yet, an E55 like what Lear has. That's just my choice. If you think that you'll be taking an extra person at the most, then the SLK55AMG is the way to go!
ok these are my 2 options that I have narrowed it down to. 03 E500 and the 03 CL500. .
The CL500 as mentioned before, is a S500 with 2 doors. It had a higher initial purchase price (85k vs 68k) and if all the variables are the same, would represent a better value. It should hold a better resale in the long run. For a single guy, it would be my choice. It may not handle as well, but the ride is better and the interior comforts are more refined. I have been in several and have been impressed with their ride, performance and style. Just be certain to get three pieces of information before you buy:
1) vehicle VMI from a MB dealer
2) CarFax report
3) TSB and recall data and compliance
An option would be an extended warranty. At $3,0000.00 it may be pricey but based on my experience, invaluable. My son's warranty on his cl500 saved him to the tune of $9000.00 after a trans went south followed by electrical issues.
Anotherbit of advice. Look at every body panel, from bumper to bumper for repair work. You'll see it if you look close enough. Carfax is not always accurate.
Congrats on putting yourself in a position to set an example for the young ones at your school that hard work coupled with an education pays off.
If you showed up in a BMW they would have received a confusing message ... "do people get ignorant with an education?"
Gray haired advice. 
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