[///M-er-gized]

I need to make a decision soon. I thought the BMW 540i was a no brainer. I didn't take the Mercedes seriously but then I took one for a test drive.

Maybe I'm biased but I still think the 540i is a better car overall. I especially like iDrive a lot more.

However, the E 450 4Matic is a beautiful car. It's got style and class. A black Mercedes sedan has always seduced me since I was a kid. The sales representative is willing to deal.

I don't know. Maybe I'm going to the dark side...

Tough choice.

[mk1-fan]

I had the same decision to make, before deciding on the 540i eventually.

The Merc definitely has the better looking interior, and from some angles it also looks better. Performance the 540i has the upper hand, and as you say the Idrive just is better.

What made me deciding on the 540i in the end, was the driving experience. I just felt completely disconnected in the Merc, and build quality also was not on par with the 540i. The BMW felt like a better built car, with absolutely no rattles or squeaks. The Merc's dashboard had constant noises emanating from it.

[mobilejo]

Exterior & interior looks are very subjective - you can't help the fact that you prefer the Merc in those areas.

There are other elements that I felt weren't really something I could argue with - power/gearbox programming/interior build quality/handling/idrive I felt went in favour of the BMW. The first 2 things I noticed with the Merc were poor interior build quality (the cup holder cover was the first thing I touched and it was very flimsy and slightly broken already) and the handling was wallowy, not sporty but also not comfortable on bumps (passive AMG sport on 19" wheels)

Luckily, I preferred the subjective elements of the 540 as well, making it a no brainer for me.

But sometimes you got to let your heart have some say over your head... If I preferred the looks and interior of the Merc it would have been a tough choice for me too.

[clee1982]

I like how BMW 540 looks, E450 has more hp, though performance in real world is probably no difference, like E class interior, one thing I don't like about E class is its back, just hoping it wasn't so sloped.

I wanted a wagon originally, so E450 was the only choice in that class in the US (besides Volvo V90), wife quickly shut down that idea (she think all wagons are ugly).

personally think the E450 interior looks like a luxury yacht, which I can see some dig it but I don't find it better than BMW, in terms of build quality, maybe there were some cheap plastic in mercedes, but didn't really stand out anyway

[Symo]

I think many 540i buyers have at least considered test driving another brand, even if only to confirm the BMW is the right choice and the Merc E450 is the car to compare. I took a E450 for 24 hours and to be honest I was glad to hand the keys back.

The 3 point star on the front was huge and to me seemed a bit to bold, "look at me I'm a Merc". The twin iPads on the dash looked tacky.

The car went ok and was comfortable but it seemed like a old mans car, and even though I'm 61 I don't see myself as a old man.

The tech in the car was confusing but that's probably because I'm more familiar with iDrive. The Sound system wasn't up the the B&W that I ordered in my car and just didn't enjoy it.

When I took the 540i for a drive I loved it so much I also made a offer on the demo I drove - I just didn't want to give it back. But in the end I did hand the demo back and ordered mine.

Now I'm just waiting for it to arrive.

To each their own. But it was a no contest for me.

What also sealed it was the satisfaction data for both cars. Mercedes in Australia have a terrible reputation for poor warranty support. They try to blame the owner for everything that goes wrong with the car. BMW on the other hand support the cars very well in Australia, and so they should, my car costs $152,000 AUD. You would expect support.

[///M-er-gized]

I have been negotiating cost and terms of deal with both Mercedes and BMW for almost a week now. I still like the BMW better. I think it's a better car overall, but still haven't ruled out the Mercedes yet. The deals are comparable right now.

[Symo]

Originally Posted by ///M-er-gized

I have been negotiating cost and terms of deal with both Mercedes and BMW for almost a week now. I still like the BMW better. I think it's a better car overall, but still haven't ruled out the Mercedes yet. The deals are comparable right now.

Are you able to get a 24hr test drive of both cars? Is that something they do where you are? If so do that if you can. Drive it on familiar roads, see how it fits in the garage. Take friends who opinions you value for a spin in it.

After doing that I'm sure the BMW will win

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by ///M-er-gized

I need to make a decision soon. I thought the BMW 540i was a no brainer. I didn't take the Mercedes seriously but then I took one for a test drive.

Maybe I'm biased but I still think the 540i is a better car overall. I especially like iDrive a lot more.

However, the E 450 4Matic is a beautiful car. It's got style and class. A black Mercedes sedan has always seduced me since I was a kid. The sales representative is willing to deal.

I don't know. Maybe I'm going to the dark side...

Tough choice.

If you like BMW's iDrive infotainment system, then you are probably going to hate Mercedes-Benz's infotainment system. Don't forget that maintenance is also included on all new BMWs. As a previous Mercedes-Benz owner, all of the maintenance is extremely expensive even while you're under warranty. Just a thought.

[stein_325i]

I own a new CLS 53 absolutely love it (my 540i was totaled) but I never drove the 450 model, nor any merc with the 3.0TT V6 (mine has the new I6) so can't really comment on the likes of the E450. Interior in my opinion in the Merc is a step up, while both have similar materials I just think the Merc has a nicer interior because of how modern it is, but the 5 has a nice interior too, just not very daring or revolutionary. Infotainment is better in the BMW, but the Merc is relatively close in controls, just more menus though. Go with whichever your heart (and your wallet depending on how much that matters) prefers. Post this on the MBWorld Forums as well, see if they have anything interesting to say as this being a 5 series forum, most will definitely tell you to go for the 5, it always helps to get info on what the E-Class owners think of their cars. Also have you looked at the new A6? They look pretty cool, waiting to test drive one myself to see what they've done with the car. Good luck!

[jkutti2000]

https://www.passportmotors.com/used/...15ff3e9092.htm

sorry to post here- i create a new post- as i am new- but how is this used car..
has a minor fender bender.- claims to be 78K. MSRP !
if it has full factory warranty- should I be concerned about the fender bender ?

[Fred_Boosted]

I like Merc interior better too, the rear of E class is a turn off to me. Plus the handling in 540 should be a little superior. I would agree with Joshua, I wish 5's interior can be more revolutionary.

[///M-er-gized]

I decided to go with the 540.

It seems like Mercedes Benz nickels and dimes you to death with options.

Mercedes doesn't come standard with leather seats; it's a $1600 option. Leather seats are standard in the BMW. You can get a leather dashboard in the BMW; but you have to go with an ultra expensive leather package to get one in the Mercedes.

I could go on and on.

I definitely like iDrive better too and the HK sound system sounds better than the mid tier Burmester sound system in the Mercedes.

Mercedes e540 Burmester sound system: 590 watts, 13 speakers, no subwoofers.

BMW 540i Harmon Kardon sound system: 600 watts, 16 speakers, 2 subwoofers.

Big difference. You can hear the difference and feel the subwoofers in the BMW.

Plus, I get loyalty discounts from BMW so it's tough for Mercedes to compete. The dealer is very nice though. I like him a lot.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Fred_Boosted

I like Merc interior better too, the rear of E class is a turn off to me. Plus the handling in 540 should be a little superior. I would agree with Joshua, I wish 5's interior can be more revolutionary.

The E Class doesn't impress me but I guess a lot of people think that 2 iPad tablets glued together make for a modern and revolutionary interior.

Be warned that MB maintenance is expensive and oil changes run in the $300+ at dealers. They don't offer included maintenance and this has been one reason (Among many) to keep me away from the brand.

I love vintage and older Mercedes until the early 90a but their modern stuff leaves me cold.

[XxLHCxX]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

The E Class doesn't impress me but I guess a lot of people think that 2 iPad tablets glued together make for a modern and revolutionary interior.

Be warned that MB maintenance is expensive and oil changes run in the $300+ at dealers. They don't offer included maintenance and this has been one reason (Among many) to keep me away from the brand.

I love vintage and older Mercedes until the early 90a but their modern stuff leaves me cold.

You can always get a prepaid maintenance package for approximately $800-$1000 for 4 years, which is not bad... so I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by XxLHCxX

You can always get a prepaid maintenance package for approximately $800-$1000 for 4 years, which is not bad... so I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance.

Good to know!

[///M-er-gized]

Originally Posted by XxLHCxX

You can always get a prepaid maintenance package for approximately $800-$1000 for 4 years, which is not bad... so I wouldn't worry too much about maintenance.

That's what I meant about getting nickeled and dimed to death by Mercedes when it comes to option.

You can get leather seats if you want. $1,600 option.

You can get a leather dash: Designo Package. $5,900 option.

[babaikram]

Originally Posted by Fred_Boosted

I like Merc interior better too, the rear of E class is a turn off to me. Plus the handling in 540 should be a little superior. I would agree with Joshua, I wish 5's interior can be more revolutionary.

The interior of E Class looks better in picture than in person. It is dingy and full of buttons and would look dated quickly if you are planning to keep the car for long. However if you are leasing no problems

[Warp Ten]

Glad you avoided the dark side. I am biased, having owned quite a few BMWs, but I have also owned a few Mercedes. My decision was simple: While the Mercedes is nice, I really did not want to learn a new car. All new cars have a great deal of technology. I'm an old guy, had my 535xi for 9 years and the new one is similar enough that I felt right at home. Just had to learn some new options and nuances to the old ones, not an entirely new system. Also like the included maintenance. --Bob