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BMW 530i vs. Mercedes CLK 350

18 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2007 at 5:26 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 3

#14 of 18 550xi vs. 535xi vs 335i convertible by tx_buzzard

Nov 01, 2007 (2:16 pm)

Here I have the cash saved up and BMW comes out with their twin turbos that seems to make the V8 a lesser choice. I never cared for the 3er too much, felt it was too small. Yet this new 335i convertible is really impressive! You think one should take a wait-and-see approach on this twin turbo? You guys seem to have all the experience and knowledge... of the three, which one do you think would be the better buy to hold on to until it rots off the frame? Forget about passengers, a need for more room and etc. and just give me the facts on which model would most likely be the best for the long-haul.

#15 of 18 Re: 550xi vs. 535xi vs 335i convertible [tx_buzzard] by habitat1

Nov 01, 2007 (2:34 pm)

Replying to: tx_buzzard (Nov 01, 2007 2:16 pm)
Why are you looking at the "xi" models of the 550 and 535 (along with a 335i convertible). If you live in a nice enough climate to be considering the 335cic as a "long haul" car, you surely don't need AWD do you?
 
I would have given the "long haul" award to the previous 530i 6-speed. Nothing too complex about the engine, drive train or transmission. From what I can tell, the 8 cylinder engines are durable, but become considerably more expensive to maintain after 80-100k miles. The jury is still out on the twin turbo 6. Great power, but will those turbos last as long as the engine? But regardless of whether you go for the 6 or 8 cylinder, I'd forget the "x" and I'd stick with a manual transmission. If you really want the car to last 12-15+ years, as I know the old 525's and 528's were capable of, no use in putting extra mechanical or electronic complexity into the car where it's not needed.

#16 of 18 Re: 550xi vs. 535xi vs 335i convertible [habitat1] by tx_buzzard

Nov 01, 2007 (2:49 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 01, 2007 2:34 pm)
I was only considering the AWD models for the handling on the twists and turns, and wet pavement from time to time. Yet I too thought it might be asking for trouble for the long-haul. You think getting the turbos worked on or replaced might be a little less of a hassel vs. maintaining the V8 after 100K?
 
Thanks for your response.

#17 of 18 Re: 550xi vs. 535xi vs 335i convertible [tx_buzzard] by habitat1

Nov 02, 2007 (4:39 am)

Replying to: tx_buzzard (Nov 01, 2007 2:49 pm)
I was only considering the AWD models for the handling on the twists and turns, and wet pavement from time to time.
 
There has been a lot of debate on that subject over on the 3 series boards, as well as the "ultimate AWD sport sedan" board. Essentially, you have one group that advocates the benefits of AWD, without considering the disadvantages. And another (which I belong to) that would claim those disadvantages need to be considered.
 
I strongly suggest you drive all the variants of the 5 series or other cars you are considering, before ever concluding that BMW's "x" system improves handling in the twists and turns. That's certainly the opposite of my conclusion. The AWD version gains 200+ lbs, disrpupts the otherwise near perfect 50/50 weight balance, and, in "sport package" form, has a detuned suspension and tire setup, compared to the RWD models. IMO, the RWD 3/5 series are more nimble, quicker and more fun to drive on any dry surface. And it doesn't take much discipline to tone down my driveing in rain to make the RWD very safe. In addition, the AWD versions are 7-10%+ less fuel efficient in the real world, and have more moving parts to maintain and break.
 
You think getting the turbos worked on or replaced might be a little less of a hassel vs. maintaining the V8 after 100K?
 
Don't know - you might want to ask a couple of BMW service managers for their opinions. If the turbos do need to be replaced, I would expect that to be a very expensive job. I remember a business associate that had an old turbo Volvo and when the turbo went, it was a job that cost more than the car was worth at the time ($3,500) and he handed it to Salvation Army. Of course, it may be that the BMW twin turbos are designed with a life expectancy that is considerably longer, and not an issue.

#18 of 18 Re: 550xi vs. 535xi vs 335i convertible [habitat1] by tx_buzzard

Nov 02, 2007 (5:26 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Nov 02, 2007 4:39 am)
Thanks Habitat, I am pretty much on the same page here... but was considering all possibilities. I need some more "hands-on" with the 535i vs. the 335i conv. to firmly make a decision. I am not sure about the seats in the conv., but am really impressed with the opt. seats you can get with the 5 series!
 
Your input has been helpful... thanks again.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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