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530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic
Any of you potential wagon owners out there shopping the roundel vs. the 3-pointed star? I've always been a BMW owner myself (currently on my fourth), but the E350 definitely deserves a look, and dare I say it on a BMW forum, is a better looking vehicle IMO. I priced both cars out using Euro Delivery as the means of purchase and assumed $1500 over Euro invoice for the 530 and Euro MSRP for the MBZ (can't seem to find any info on whether ED MBZs can be discounted). With the options that we would choose, I end up with a price of about $46K-$47K (6-spd vs. step) for the 530 and $51K for the E350. The 530 price also includes my $1000 CCA rebate. These include D&H but are before TT&L, of course. As configured, the cars would be almost identical with the exception of xenons which are standard on the 530 and an option that we would waive on the E350. The car would be my wife's and she used to always be a manual tranny driver, but after the last six years of minivan ownership, she's really starting to sway to the AT side. Personally, I would rather have us choose the 6-spd manual, but ultimately, it will be her decision. So, does the premium of $4K-$5K make sense for the MBZ? It's certainly no chump change, but OTOH, when you spend $50K on a car, what's another few grand.  The big plus the MBZ has going for it seems to be the flexibility of the third row seat. We've got two young kids, and my wife will haul around their friends from time-to-time. Having this option would be nice when it's needed. Also, the MBZ has more cargo capacity at 24 ft3 vs. 17 ft3 for the 530 (with rear seats in place). 17 ft3 seems awfully small for a wagon being that one of its primary purposes is to be utilitarian, isn't it? In fact, both of these vehicles fall well short of the Audi All-Road at 36 ft3, and even the compact S4 wagon at 28 ft3. Would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others pondering the E61. Anyone owned or driven the E-class? And no thanks, but I'm not interested in the X3 or X5.  | | Reply » 530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic |
If she wants a manual, get the 530. If she wants an auto, get the benz.
| | Reply » 530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic |
So why no interest in the Audi? You appear to be well-informed; would be curious to hear why you aren't considering Audi.
| | Reply » 530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic |
Quote: | So why no interest in the Audi? You appear to be well-informed; would be curious to hear why you aren't considering Audi. | We tend to keep our cars for a relatively long time, 6-7 years/100k miles, and Audis, with their turbocharged engines, have always worried me in this regard. Perhaps my worries are misplaced, but they are there, nonetheless. Also, I've spent some time over the last few years lurking on the Audi message boards, and there always seemed to be a fair share of complaints from owners about the tiptronic when coupled with the 2.7T engine. This would force us into a MT equipped car, which is great in my book, but may not be what the wife wants. I've seen the same sorts of postings more recently on the Toureg (sp?) V8. Granted that Audi and VW are two separate marques, but they carry a lot of the same parts, and with all the quality issues that have been well reported in the press at VW over the last coupla years, well frankly, it just doesn't inspire confidence in me. Not that BMW and MBZ haven't had their fair share of quality issues, but it seems that MBZ's were more focused on the M-Class and BMW's on the electronics of the newest 7-series vehicles.
FWIW, I really like the looks and capabilities of the Allroad (high level of cargo capacity, added ground clearance option), but the other factors I mention above have always outweighed the positives in my book.
| | Reply » 530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic |
VAG products make BMW and Mercedes look reliable. 
| | Reply » 530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic |
Quote: We tend to keep our cars for a relatively long time, 6-7 years/100k miles, and Audis, with their turbocharged engines, have always worried me in this regard. Perhaps my worries are misplaced, but they are there, nonetheless. Also, I've spent some time over the last few years lurking on the Audi message boards, and there always seemed to be a fair share of complaints from owners about the tiptronic when coupled with the 2.7T engine. This would force us into a MT equipped car, which is great in my book, but may not be what the wife wants. I've seen the same sorts of postings more recently on the Toureg (sp?) V8. Granted that Audi and VW are two separate marques, but they carry a lot of the same parts, and with all the quality issues that have been well reported in the press at VW over the last coupla years, well frankly, it just doesn't inspire confidence in me. Not that BMW and MBZ haven't had their fair share of quality issues, but it seems that MBZ's were more focused on the M-Class and BMW's on the electronics of the newest 7-series vehicles.
FWIW, I really like the looks and capabilities of the Allroad (high level of cargo capacity, added ground clearance option), but the other factors I mention above have always outweighed the positives in my book. | the bimmer is superior to merecdes on several front. first and foremost in my humble opinion it is better looking. the 530 xit is fresh, it integrates classic lines with a modern aggresisve styling. the mercedes is nice, no doubt but arrent quality issues still there with benz? also, i agree regarding the audi. you should give it a look. arguably audi quality surpasses mercedes. fyi, a loaded 530 xit is more like 52k with a deep ed discount (1500 over invoice) and the bmw cc rebate. i dont know where you are getting figures like 46-47? i think it boils down to your preference. i chose the 530 xit myself. i pick mine on on june 7th.
06530 xit titanium grey/beige ZPP, ZCW, logic7, sat, rear side air bags, NAV.
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530xiT vs. E350 4-Matic