[CassiesMan]

My family (i.e. me and my 'Rents) have owned an ML430, C320, C240, S600, E320, and for a short time my mother drove an SLK. We also have Cassie, owned a E39 5, and my dad at one point had an E36 M3 sedan. All but the 5, I have driven. My dad is about to pick up a 535. Therefore, I think I can speak with some expierence. And note, I truly will speak without bias here.

Mercedes makes some excellent cars. Really, they do. However, ever since the merger with Chrysler, they have gone down hill. Almost as if they lost their way. They spent so much money trying to save Chrysler and build them up, that their products went down the shitter. I can only hope that after dropping the dead weight, they will again return to their normal quality and service.

BMW makes some very nice cars, just as nice as Benzs. However, they are not to be compared. I know everyone tries to have Bimmers go up against the Benzes, but besides the 7/S, they really do go after a different market segment. BMWs are much sportier, and even some of the fully loaded ones are still spartan inside. They really do focus on the driver, and in fact most of the cockpits seem to angle towards the driver.

The Benz is much more about luxery and comfort. They are designed to be ridden in, not driven. And they are all amazingly comfortable. Great sound systems, comfortable seats, very soft, nice ride.

If you are looking for a car that will be fun to take on the back roads yet maintain as a DD, go with a BMW. The BMWs are much easier to push around the twisties, and are, IMHO, a bit more nimble on the highway when it comes to dodging traffic.

The Benz will be a great lux ride. And if you get an open highway, you can just drop it and go. However, all of the ones I've driven seem to be a bit floaty. Not in a bad way, mind you, but they don't feel as tight as a BMW. The BMWs feel much more secure. However, when I have to drive more than a three or four hours sustained, I'd rather be in the Benz.

It really comes down to weather you want a sporty, fun car, or something more luxurious. Its all your call. Based on what little of you I know, and reading your races, I'd stick with a BMW. I think you might be disapointed with a Benz, that it just won't be as sporty as you want. Also, if you plan on modifying, and that includes just some basic bolt ons, don't waste your time with the Benz at all. Their aftermarket is virtually nil, and what is out there makes the BMW aftermarket look cheap.

So, if you want a super comfy, lux, soft ride, go with the Benz. If you are looking for something that is still lux, but a bit sportier, go with the Bimmer. Honestly, neither will let you down.

Oh, and on reliability, none of the BMWs we've owned (including the ones before I was born) have had a problem. The C320 has been ok thus far, had some electrical problems for a bit but we got them taken care of. The ML was so so, but it was a first year run. We never had a single problem with the S600 (and its what I learned to drive on), the SLK was a nightmare. The E had a radio problem early on, but was nothing major.