E60 530i vs Merc E240 Avantgarde

[Zul]

My plan to change to E60 530i has been cancelled due to some unpleasant experience with the local workshop. Now not sure what car to get. Had a look at Merc E240 Avantgarde yesterday.

Would any of you guys that have experience driving both cars give their opinion.

I know the merc is less in power but if power is not the deciding factor what do you guys think.

[kawei]

If you want power + economy, go for diesel. The roadtax is RM 2715/year for E270 Cdi. Don't ever buy E240 if you prefer a petrol car, get E200K instead.

The other deciding factor would be comfort, safety, handling, price, build quality, economy, resale value, cost for maintainance much much more.

Comfort = Merc
Safety = Same
Handling = BMW
Price = Grey importer for Merc is cheaper then BMW from AB, you justify.
Build quality = Merc (BMW is damn fragile!)
Economy = Merc (marginally better, but sacrifice responsiveness)
Resale Value = Merc (buy car sure lose money)
Cost of Maintainance = Merc (not cheap as well)

[Fuhrer]

crap..what's up with these dealers?!! screw you around with your mini and now that you want to spent almost 500k and they can't even treat you right! that's just farked!
what's happen to the brabus zul? i'd buy it and drive it to their showroom and rub it in their face if they even care..

[Zul]

Brabus, YES! The problem is the MB dealer here won't service it so I will have to go to KL each time the car have problem or for service. Most likely will go to KL next week to have a look at the Brabus or Kleensman.

[supergripen]

:) without looking at crappy dealer support etc i wud have to say the e60.
but having said that,ur experience with the dealer might have soured ur taste for bimmers..
if thats the case the Brabus wud be a bitchin' man!! tested the E270 D4 and the car can really go!!! the Brabus looks cool especially in black..
having said that(again???) the e60 530i IMO is a very very very good car and i hope u really really think deep b4 deciding.. jangan menyesal di kemudian hari..

[samhun]

My brother was once a Benz Die hard fans b4, but now he got him self 2 units of 5 series(E39 & E60)...he is in age 45 this year :rolleyes: . And say bye bye to the old man car(Benz). What i was saying...BMW is the latest hits these days and Benz is going down. And talking about E240 to 530i, definetely go for 530i :yes!: Everything gets better thn E240. :yes!: I think the only come close to E60 is the CLS. And definetely not the E-class anymore.

[Juan Powerblow]

I've driven both E60 530i and E240. The Merc is a refined "cruiser" and the looks, interior build quality, space and class really makes it feel worth every buck! HOWEVER, it's really irritating to drive in urban environment cos of tall gearing and lack of low end punch. I heard the E200K is not that deficient and might be more value for money. Well, if it was me, a fully sports kitted 530i esp with new engine (258 bhp) would do the trick nicely!

[supergripen]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Aug 16 2005, 07:56 PM
I've driven both E60 530i and E240. The Merc is a refined "cruiser" and the looks, interior build quality, space and class really makes it feel worth every buck! HOWEVER, it's really irritating to drive in urban environment cos of tall gearing and lack of low end punch. I heard the E200K is not that deficient and might be more value for money. Well, if it was me, a fully sports kitted 530i esp with new engine (258 bhp) would do the trick nicely!
:) i second that!!! in every comparo road test held between the E and the 5 almost all the time the 5 wins.. i'd go for the 5 anytime.
maybe you'd want to change dealers and see how they treat you..
seeing a done up 5 always gets my heart racing,everytime!! love 'em..now if only i can afford them!! :(

[artyca]

5 for me... no 2nd thought... yeah, it may have some tinkling problems but so would an E Class... there is NO perfect car these days... and in terms of driving pleasure, looks and modernity, the 5 Series is leagues ahead of the E IMO...

[Fuhrer]

what about a super charged Jag? doubt they'll have a service dept in m'cca too..

[Zul]

Thanks guy for the input.

Looks like the E60 still a better choice. I think I'll have a test drive of the E240Avantgarde first before I decide on it. Brabus is always in my mind but worried of service and warranty. For me I buy a car to enjoy driving it and don't want to have any problem when come for service and warranty claim. There is no such thing as a perfect car.

Thought of Boxster-S or Cayenne but Mrs not keen since already have the Cooper-S for my really personal use and need to travel to KL for service.

Most likely will go to KL sometime next 2 weeks to settle some matter. Hopefully will be able to preview the Brabus and Kleeman.

Otherwise then it will be 'Plan-C' - keep the present car for another one year. After the arm-bush replacement with the new gear control unit, clutch pump, clutch plate and back to 17" with P-0-Rosso 225/45(front), 255/40(rear), the car feels like new and so good.

Fuhrer, there is no service centre for Jag here. have a friend here driving the X-Type. Everytime service he have to travel to KL which initially not a problem but after some time he got fed-up with it and very difficult to sale.

[beemaro]

Originally posted by Zul@Aug 16 2005, 08:12 PM
Thanks guy for the input.

Looks like the E60 still a better choice. I think I'll have a test drive of the E240Avantgarde first before I decide on it. Brabus is always in my mind but worried of service and warranty. For me I buy a car to enjoy driving it and don't want to have any problem when come for service and warranty claim. There is no such thing as a perfect car.

Thought of Boxster-S or Cayenne but Mrs not keen since already have the Cooper-S for my really personal use and need to travel to KL for service.

Most likely will go to KL sometime next 2 weeks to settle some matter. Hopefully will be able to preview the Brabus and Kleeman.

Otherwise then it will be 'Plan-C' - keep the present car for another one year. After the arm-bush replacement with the new gear control unit, clutch pump, clutch plate and back to 17" with P-0-Rosso 225/45(front), 255/40(rear), the car feels like new and so good.

Fuhrer, there is no service centre for Jag here. have a friend here driving the X-Type. Everytime service he have to travel to KL which initially not a problem but after some time he got fed-up with it and very difficult to sale.
what type of car r u looking at actually?

My personal preference :-

Sports Saloon
BMW 530

Sports Utilities
X 5 (unless can get Cayenne Turbo)

Roadster
Boxster S / SLK

Coupe
M 3
911

cheers

[Zul]

What car am I looking for?

Answer:

Sport saloon car. Comfortable with reasonable power.

Tested Brabus E-K4 today.
HP: 193, Torque: 260 Nm
Claimed by the salesgirl, 0-100 km/h: 7.5 sec. Top speed 260 km/h.
Accessories - Gold edition - fully loaded with Avantgarde and Brabus options.
Price: RM 480k

Impression:
Looks - awesome with the panoramic roof especially the black colour with the black panoramic roof and 4 exhaust muffler tip.
Power - a bit sluggish compared to my SMG but the sound when the accelerator are floored are very nice. Sound like the F1 safety car exhaust but not that loud. Was told the car needs to learn the style of driving of the driver for the computer to programme the throttle respond.
Wheels - 18" with Pirelli P-0-Assymetrico 245/40 all 4. The rear will definitely looks beter with wider tyre.
Suspension - unable to really test it but comparable to my SMG.
Definitely a head-turning car.

Conclusion:
Definitely top on the list for car to consider. Black colour with 19" multipiece rims and staggerred tyre set-up.
Will be testing the CKD E240 Avantgarde tomorrow.

[beemaro]

Hi,

Shud try existing 735i or new 740 il. Nearly as fast and comfortable.

Excellent transmission

But budget will have to stretch ::))

[Juan Powerblow]

Zul, the Brabus E-K4 in black sounds very, very tempting! For RM480K, it's doesn't exactly cost an arm and a leg. I've seen quite a few around my area and it never fails to get me looking. Nice MIB looks. I think you'll be quite disappointed testing the E240 avantgarde after the Brabus.

[supergripen]

:) but for rm418k u can get the 525i e60 with 218bhp and m5 style bodykit..hehe :nyehehe:

[Juan Powerblow]

Originally posted by supergripen@Aug 20 2005, 06:10 AM
:) but for rm418k u can get the 525i e60 with 218bhp and m5 style bodykit..hehe :nyehehe:
True true, it's tough to decide but how I would love to have this pwobwem! ;)

[Zul]

Tested the CKD E240 Avantgarde today.

The pick-up is not bad for the car of this size. Very comfortable and as comfortable as the E60 if not better. Gear have comfort, sport and touch-shift mode like the steptronic. Likes the SBC - sensotronic brake control (also available in Brabus E K4) and the white meter.

But overall, fell in love with the Brabus E K4 although the 'kick' from the power is not comparable to my 325i SMG. I think I can live with the slight less in power as I have the Cooper-S to play with. I think it is a good compromise of comfort, sport luxury saloon and unique identity.

Made-up my mind already. My choice in order of priority now will be

1. Brabus E K4.
2. Maintain the current E46 325i SMG for another year and then get the Brabus E K4.
3. E240 Avantgarde.
4. E60 530i.

BTW Supergripen, I've tested the E60 525i the day it arrived in the showroom. Yes, it looks so nice but once you've driven it I think you would prefer the 523i. The rides is uncomfortable/hard with the 18" Runflat and Sport suspension. Probably my expectation is a bit high in term of comfort for the E60.

[Jipster]

With such an OUTSTANDING shopping list I feel not many of us here are able to provide any useful feedback on your predicament...... anyone with experience with all 4 cars on your list is an extremely fortunate person I must say :yes:

Therefore, from a purely theoretical point of view -

IMHO from what you drive now, my guess is that you are someone who enjoys driving and is pretty committed to the 'driving experience'..... SMG, P-Zero's, AC bits ....very very tasty those.....

So my guess is you want to UPSIZE to better address your other requirements .... (1) SPACE - for carrying a client or customer or even the kids, the maid(s) etc. (2) PACE - you want it to have a bit of go (260Nm qualifies as 'a bit' of go) and (3) GRACE to do (1) and (2) and looking good at the same time (lets just say an MPV is not on the cards) .... sounds like a jag commercial doesnt it SPACE, PACE and GRACE.....

And finally the X-factor - BRABUS...... how cool is that?! That is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cool in my book.

CONCLUSION - get the BRABUS mate!

[Zul]

Hi Jipster,

What U said is partially right. I am pretty serious on my driving. Attended twice the Advance Driving Course. Thanks for the compliment. Lets just say that car is the reward that I gave myself for my hard work.

The plan for this car is actually after the problem in getting my Cooper-S and now the problem with my SMG. Nice way of putting SPACE, PACE and GRACE.

Don't need the SPACE because for that purpose I have Renault Grand Espace. Definitely want to have some PACE but not that important because have Cooper-S for that. GRACE - don't really care what other people say. Even with the Cooper-S is already good enough for the GRACE.

Thanks Guys for all your support. I will still joint U all even after getting the E K4 because I still have another BMW-related car, Cooper-S.

Regards.

[eddiefiola]

i would buy the e60.......... coz bmw is easy to maintain.......

[adliz]

i always see brabus as crazy fast cars, even faster than amg..

but seriously, in terms of all out performance, i think the k4 wud disappoint u after a while.. in this case, the 530 or 530d wud be the more rewarding option..

but in terms of looks, class and 'feel gud' factor, ANY brabus wud win hands down.. but well, what do i know.. :D gud luck!

[Iqlima]

old time story :

Back from singapore to KL by second link. Between midnight .

Brabus badge and very aggresive !

Between 150 kmh and I think maximum about 220Kmh for about 1 hour with this Brabus, I think just the driver make the car look fool to me or car have too much power too handle !

I was drive my R32 GTS-4

Pity Brabus ! And I think must be a lot reason why merc is taxi in German. Regardless what engine you put inside ..

I still regret why I did it because it definitely dangerous game for both of us.

Sorry Zul, not mean to insult anybody.

[supergripen]

Originally posted by Iqlima@Aug 28 2005, 08:33 PM
old time story :

Back from singapore to KL by second link. Between midnight .

Brabus badge and very aggresive !

Between 150 kmh and I think maximum about 220Kmh for about 1 hour with this Brabus, I think just the driver make the car look fool to me or car have too much power too handle !

I was drive my R32 GTS-4

Pity Brabus ! And I think must be a lot reason why merc is taxi in German. Regardless what engine you put inside ..

I still regret why I did it because it definitely dangerous game for both of us.

Sorry Zul, not mean to insult anybody.
:dunno: didn't actually understand what ure trying to get at..

abg zul..whatever u plan to get as long as u are happy with it in the long run i'd say go for it.Brabus wud be cool and the 530i wud be a super nice drive..end of the day its all up to u..

:) :) :)

[Zul]

Hi supergrippen,

Don't understand it either. Its OK, I don't feel offended at all. As I understand it I wrote it here just asking for opinion. i got what I want and the rest I'll take it as some reading material. True that in the end as long as I am happy then it should be OK. At the moment I think I'll be happy if can sell this car and get the Brabus. Don't know about tomorrow. If cannot sell at the price I want then I would still be happy driving this car because the pleasure is still good after all the things done on the car. Don't think will take the E60 530i with all these problems and the problems brought out by the owners of the E60.

BTW supergrippen, U got PM.

Regards.

P/S: To the Mr Administrator, I think U can close the thread now before we wonder off-topic. Thanks guys for all the opinion.

[E46Fanatic]

Great pick Zul... Brabus K4 is the most happening of the lot. Just to note, Energy looked at an Brabus E K4 in Naza a few months ago and got them to go to as low was Rm430k range, which is a steal compared to a CKD E60 525i IMHO.

[tinman]

dr zul .... just my two cents.... my father was using e270 cdi w211 model year 2003 bought new wit three years warranty....to be honest w211 has alot of faults to...mainly alot of electonic bugs plus his gearbox kaput after 9 month... can only use second gear....car was in the work shop two month plus....some non sense that they had to send it to germany to check.... i personally dont believe them...then they had no courtesy car to lend plus you should go to any m benz workshop and see how many c and e class having problem...kompressor model alot of bugs to...problem start after 3 years.... during that time...my dad was using his old e39 528i and was loving it more than his new benz..... within a month he got back his cdi.... air suspension gave problem.... he got so sick of the car that he traded it in and even if he lost a lot of money... he is now so in love wit his new car.....e60 530d..so far it has only had a little noise under the drivers seat.. nothin else..and it will blow away any k4. peace.

[Zul]

Thanks tinman for the advice.

Was inform by one of Mercedes engineer that the CKD w211 definitely have a lot of bugs. But things have improved for the CBU unit. I know the E270CDI is CBU. Was adviced not to buy a CKD unit. He advised me to get the CBU instead which is better in that sense.

Regards.

[kelvinp]

I just want to say that the K4 looks graciously stunning (exterior and interior) compared to the E60.

Finally the "old-man" image has been replaced with "taste for style"

[Zul]

IMHO, If you have a look at the interior of the E240/K4 and compare it to E60 definitely the E240/K4 is better. The only thing that E60 can be above the Merc interior is the Idrive and the lower cost in term of $$$ for power but do you really need it? I think I can live without it. Just an opinion. May be sign of aging or may be because I have my Cooper-S so that don't really need any power in the UDM anymore.

[BMW9700]

Zul Bro,

anytime the E240/K4...

keywords are supreme comfort and reliability!!