I am looking for opinions here guys and gals. Going to buy my wife a new car and she has narrowed it down to these two. I like the 545, and contrary to what some (ok, most) say, I actually like the design. I have driven both and both are quick. Mercedes to me drives more like a Cadillac (noticeable body roll, which kind of suprised me), BMW was much more of a "drivers" car. Gimme pros and cons for both. If you own either one, that much better. I don't want to hear the old "its your car, whatever you like best" line, I like both and want to hear real world opinions, problems, expenses, what options you would recommend and what ones to stay away from, those kind of things. Thanks in advance.

 

It depends on you and your wife. I have driven the E class and E500 plenty of times (I used to work a a dealer, and my mom has a 320CDI) and drove a new 545i SMG on the track. For the driver, clearly the 545, especially with SMG. I loved driving it-no noticeable roll, and simply a hoot to drive hard. It didnt feel at all that it a heavy sedan-gearbox was awsome, no body roll-I like it better than the Z4 for what it was, and the 545i SMG was my favorite car to drive out of all BMWs..But the 545i auto I drove that didnt have the sport pack with SMG and the suspension features was lousy.
Now onto the Benz. The Mercedes is clearly the luxury car. The power is there, and will willingly light up the rears upon demand. However, many times you realize, (and the car tells you) that this is a car to cruise the autobahn in and not the track. The merceces is for going to the grocery store in luxury.

It all depends on style and taste. Like I said, the BMW is the driver, and the Benz is the luxury. Me personally, I would take the BMW just because I am a driver. If you want to race to the grocery store-545iSMG, cruise-E500. If there is no sport/SMG, then go with the E500.

 

Also, in my opinion, I think the Mercedes is more of a simple, driver friendly car in my opinion. With the BMW you have the complex i-drive system, and with the Benz you have several options such as auto climate and such, but all of which are easy to use. I like to think that I am really good with car controls and dials, (as in just sit down and use em) but you really have to pay attention with i-drive, and will probably get frustrated if you havent looked in the manual. For the interior, I go for the Mercedes.
I cannot comment on the service of BMWs, however I can on the Mercedes as I have been in the back many times. The main problems I can see on the E class and in mercedes in general is electronic failure of some sort. Not to say the car is unrealiable, as my mothers 320 has had no problems whatsoever. I have noticed no "traits" such as windshield cracks, the only thing I can say is that if it fails, it is likely to be electronic.

It all goes into taste-drive both of them. Like I said, if it is your wifes, I would go for the E500. If she likes driving to store in a quick time, and you also like driving, go for the BMW. Me, if there is no SMG, go for the Benz. Better styling, better simplicity, just a mercedes.

 

Well thought and very similar to how I feel about the cars. The driver in me is trying to push for the BMW but she is leaning toward the E. It is her car so I have a feeling we will own the E. Never had a Mercedes before, hope they wear as well as a BMW

 

go for the E then; if you have wallet room to play get the sport back and ABC sport functions. I also heard that SMG is jerky around town, and I dont think your wife would like that.