Which one to buy? E90 BMW vs 2015-16 Mercedes E350
- Thread starter northestPM
- Start date
Between purchase and ongoing maint/repairs I believe you've created an oxymoron with that thought.
Only here can you say " oh i want a BMW or Mercedes" and you get "buy a toyota" on the first page. 
Id buy the newest lowest mile e90 i could find personally...
Id buy the newest lowest mile e90 i could find personally...
And that's a good thing to know. The sport seats are superior.
Also too, the sound system on our '11 M-Sport is surprisingly good, one of the better ones I've ever had.
Scott
E90s aren't rare and they're plentiful, but be sure to avoid buying an unhappy car. An unhappy E90 could get expensive quickly. You have to find the right car.
Scott
At the risk of simplifying too much, if you want a sport sedan, the BMW, and if you want a luxury sedan, the Mercedes.
Or, a better compromise, a pre-F10 BMW 5er that can do both. Before BMW de-emphasized the "driving" part.
The mid-sized "executive saloons" have long been the German sweet spot. More room, fewer cost constraints than the entry-level range, nicer to live in, can still be sporty. And not as complicated as the flagships, their potentially longer punch lists, or their lead balloon depreciation rates.
Will happily blast down the Autobahn all day with little effort, and much comfort. A middle manager's car.
Depends on your priorities, and what "luxury" means to you. Drive both and see.
Or, a better compromise, a pre-F10 BMW 5er that can do both. Before BMW de-emphasized the "driving" part.
The mid-sized "executive saloons" have long been the German sweet spot. More room, fewer cost constraints than the entry-level range, nicer to live in, can still be sporty. And not as complicated as the flagships, their potentially longer punch lists, or their lead balloon depreciation rates.
Will happily blast down the Autobahn all day with little effort, and much comfort. A middle manager's car.
Depends on your priorities, and what "luxury" means to you. Drive both and see.
Consider a Lexus CT200h, HS250, or ES hybrid.
If you still want RWD, get a GS or Q50 hybrid. Possibly even an older LS430 or LS460.
Of course, the non-hybrids are good choices too. There's also the Hyundai Genesis Sedan or even the Equus. While Hyundai still isn't at the level of Toyota/Lexus, I still trust it more than an older German car
If you still want RWD, get a GS or Q50 hybrid. Possibly even an older LS430 or LS460.
Of course, the non-hybrids are good choices too. There's also the Hyundai Genesis Sedan or even the Equus. While Hyundai still isn't at the level of Toyota/Lexus, I still trust it more than an older German car
Only here can you say " oh i want a BMW or Mercedes" and you get "buy a toyota" on the first page.
Id buy the newest lowest mile e90 i could find personally...
True, but the GS is a surprising contender. It’s not a FWD Camry, though it lacks the beautiful lines of the sleek germans.
I believe MB USA has a warranty extension on the subframe issue:
My vote would go to the Merc E-class as well. The ride is almost limousine-like and they're likely to be better maintained by those who previously could afford to own one. My dad still drives his '08 E320 and he'd never get rid of it. The M276 normally aspirated V6 in the vast majority of those E-class cars are super reliable if maintained.
If you want a little more driving dynamics, consider a 5er like others have mentioned. Trouble is they're likely to be turbocharged which means a little less reliability potential. If you can find a good specimen, they really are excellent highway cruise missiles.
If you want a little more driving dynamics, consider a 5er like others have mentioned. Trouble is they're likely to be turbocharged which means a little less reliability potential. If you can find a good specimen, they really are excellent highway cruise missiles.
BMWs seem to be a lot more DIY-friendly in general, with a great community to support it.
I'm obviously biased, but a naturally aspirated RWD E90 is really hard to beat. I'd stay away from X-Drive, as it adds complexity and potential expensive repairs unless you daily drive in a foot of snow. Keep in mind there is no "cheap" luxury car. Doesn't matter what brand, even Lexus. Lexus don't break down as often, but man are the parts expensive, especially the parts that don't have a Toyota equivalent.
I'm obviously biased, but a naturally aspirated RWD E90 is really hard to beat. I'd stay away from X-Drive, as it adds complexity and potential expensive repairs unless you daily drive in a foot of snow. Keep in mind there is no "cheap" luxury car. Doesn't matter what brand, even Lexus. Lexus don't break down as often, but man are the parts expensive, especially the parts that don't have a Toyota equivalent.
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2022
- Messages
- 5,065
Until the power window switch needs replacement and it’s 4x the BMW (as are many other Toyota parts).
Lexus is $909
BMW is $210. OE to OE.
I see, thanks for the info. Are there any later model MBs (2020+) that are reasonably priced and reliable?
As well as factory support. Germany has a spare parts availability requirement that runs for a minimum 10 years after production has ended. In practice, it often runs for longer.
The following comes from an ACEA document:
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2022
- Messages
- 5,065
sounds cliche but thanks to YouTube and the forum, in 2016, I was able to do the $4,200 DSC Hydro job on my ‘07 335 for in the $400’s…..on many cars there is no DIY for something like the ABS pump, so $5,000+ at the dealer (like say a 2007 LS460)
MB E Class gets my vote. I've had two and no issues at all. If I really wanted to make a suggestion, I'd try to get one with the straight turbo 6 cyl. Very smooth and gets as good fuel economy as the turbo 4. Nothing wrong with the 4, just would be my preference.
My earlier model, a 2014 had the V6, and I thought I'd miss it moving to the 2.0 L 4, but no. It runs just as well, and will give me 40 mpg on the straight and level running 62 mph.
The 9 speed trans is better that the old 7 speed in the 2014 too.
I think they started using the straight 6 in 2016 or 2017.
Avoid any MB with a C in the name.
My earlier model, a 2014 had the V6, and I thought I'd miss it moving to the 2.0 L 4, but no. It runs just as well, and will give me 40 mpg on the straight and level running 62 mph.
The 9 speed trans is better that the old 7 speed in the 2014 too.
I think they started using the straight 6 in 2016 or 2017.
Avoid any MB with a C in the name.
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2024
- Messages
- 70
Love my E90. Bought in April as one owner, garaged with 35k miles for $13k.
Our 328xi is the N51 environmentally friendly model which has some extra complexity.
Our 328xi is the N51 environmentally friendly model which has some extra complexity.