BMW 535i vs MB E-350 vs Lexus GS 350

[kenempireex]

My family is considering trading in my mother's lemon 330i for something that give us better peace in mind. Personally I would pick Lexus, because i trust Toyota quality. However, my dad seems to want bmw and my mom wants a MBen. I can careless as long as it can give ME peace in mind for years to come.

Questions
- Bmw gives 4 yrs maintences, but we spent thousands of dollar for our 2003 330i already. Is it normal for BMW cars? MBen?

[astonv12]

Originally Posted by kenempireex

My family is considering trading in my mother's lemon 330i for something that give us better peace in mind. Personally I would pick Lexus, because i trust Toyota quality. However, my dad seems to want bmw and my mom wants a MBen. I can careless as long as it can give ME peace in mind for years to come.

Questions
- Bmw gives 4 yrs maintences, but we spent thousands of dollar for our 2003 330i already. Is it normal for BMW cars? MBen?

Has your mom considered an Infiniti? G37? M35/45?

I can careless as long as it can give ME peace in mind for years to come.
Out of the above choices She should get the GS. Does she like the lexus at all? Otherwise if Benz makes her happiest then that's what she should get.

[kvangil]

Why consider a BMW again if you've poured thousands into the current one? New one might be more of the same. We all know German cars are $$$ to maintain and fix. The Lexus is of better quality and will be cheaper to maintain.

[Espresso]

Based on your criteria, I would choose:

Lexus GS350 (Best value w/decent power, reliable.)
BMW 535i (Probably best performance but priced much higher than the Lexus.)
MB E350 (Slow boat. Only thing going is the looks.)

However if you bumped your budget up a notch:

MB E550 (Great power & looks good.)
Lexus GS460 (Price sets it in the middle.)
BMW 550i (Looks good but not better than above for the price.)

[Wannabe6MT]

Get an 09 M35 with the HR motor.

[SVLRx]

Humm car and driver had this same comparo ~2 years ago when all those cars were fairly new. it was between the M45/E500/550/and GS430 And the ranking went M>550>E500>GS

and they said the M35 was even a better buy b/c u can get all the options of the 45, and the performance isn't that much different...

Another thing to consider though is that the M and E are due to new models (e-class is already designed and ready to roll out this year) The GS has been out since ~04 so that's also due within a year or so....

[kenempireex]

Yea..i know the new E class is coming. Probably not a good idea to take the first dip on that. IT's my mom's daily drive, so performance isn't the primary thing for her. I personally like something more comfortable than sport/performance. After all, it's a large sedan.

[CliffJumper]

Unless your mom cares about performance... Lexus all the way. Smooth, comfortable, reliable, good value.... if it was me, I'd get the 535 in a second.

[hullio]

Do not get the MB. Trust me - tons of issues with that car. I would probably get the GS - most reliable.

[Klubbheads]

535 is a no brainer for me....

[Triple8Sol]

Since reliability is important for you, Lexus all the way. It's a no brainer. Looks are subjective, and performance/handling are probably not important for her.

[oab97]

Luxury, great reliability, smoothness = GS350
Luxury, good reliability, great sportiness = M35 (I know it's not in the poll but it should be)
Luxury, mediocre reliability, good sportiness, some "image" = 535i
Luxury, bad reliability, boat-like handling, lots of "image" = E350

Personally, I'd get the M 1st, 535i 2nd, GS 3rd, and wouldn't touch the E. For your mom, perhaps the Lexus might be the right answer.

[SVLRx]

i don't know why everyone is dogging the E class in terms of reliability, if he's buying new he won't have a problem. It was only the first year of the current gen that had some computer glitches... I have two current gen E-classed in my family, and neither of them has had a single problem so far....

[kenempireex]

We will buy it new. Not a big fan of used car since none of us are mechanic. Performance isn't a primary thing at all, all these cars have enough power for her already. I do worry about repair and service. Our 2003 330i was cool for 4 yrs, even though it has tons of minor issue, we didn't pay anything. Once the 4 yrs warranty, HOLY SHHHHH!!!

I do worry about Benz very much, because they are premium car and have premium price on every minor issue. But I do know people have no problem on both benz and bimmer

Obviously, Lexus (Toyota) is the way to go. I have more control to it since it's a Toyota after all. At least I know I don't need to fix the Unnecessary.