Test drove the Lexus ES350 today...am I spoiled?
11-14-2010, 08:36 PM
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I have been looking for a commute car for months, and my candidates are BMW 5-series, MB E350, Infiniti G37 sedan and Lexus ES350.
So for I have test driven 2008 528i, 2011 G37 and today 2010 Lexus ES350. The G37 is sporty but the ride is bumpy and noisy. The 528i (no sport package) rides nice and handles well but a bit lacking in power.
The Lexus ES350 rides smooth and quiet, but I simply cannot make the highway on/off ramp without slowing to a crawl, and the brakes suck big time. I had high hopes for the Lexus since it is probably the most reliable and the quietest car in the group and thought I could sacrifice a little on the driving. However, it just left too much to be desired. BTW, when I was at the dealer today, the shoppers were all over 50. I looked too young to belong there. LOL
I don't want to look rich in the MB so now it seems the 5-series is my only choice. But my concern with its long term reliability really makes me very hesitant. My ownership with the 330Ci so far hasn't help with my confidence.
So what do you say? Is 2008-09 528i better than the E46 quality wise?
So for I have test driven 2008 528i, 2011 G37 and today 2010 Lexus ES350. The G37 is sporty but the ride is bumpy and noisy. The 528i (no sport package) rides nice and handles well but a bit lacking in power.
The Lexus ES350 rides smooth and quiet, but I simply cannot make the highway on/off ramp without slowing to a crawl, and the brakes suck big time. I had high hopes for the Lexus since it is probably the most reliable and the quietest car in the group and thought I could sacrifice a little on the driving. However, it just left too much to be desired. BTW, when I was at the dealer today, the shoppers were all over 50. I looked too young to belong there. LOL
I don't want to look rich in the MB so now it seems the 5-series is my only choice. But my concern with its long term reliability really makes me very hesitant. My ownership with the 330Ci so far hasn't help with my confidence.
So what do you say? Is 2008-09 528i better than the E46 quality wise?
11-14-2010, 08:56 PM
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Jzwu, I might agree with you on the MB part. S class, E-class CLS...
Those MB's do look fleshy than the 5 or 7 ( 50/50 on the 7 btw)
BUT
You are buying a car that is made in US, unlike bmw like the 7 series ( maybe 5s) anyways some bmws are made in germany and shipped to US and CANADA. Now... Quality wise, MB can not compare to a quality of a BMW.
Sportiness and handling, out of German cars, I am definitely giving it to BMW, 2nd Audi ( in my opinion). You will never get bored, there is always something attracting you with that machine.
I am working at German used car dealership now, and most of carsI test drove were, R8, S5, M5, M6, M3, Alpina B7, bla bla bla... I might be a BMW freak, but there is nothing better than that.
You make the cut. If I am wrong dear fellow members please correct me.
Those MB's do look fleshy than the 5 or 7 ( 50/50 on the 7 btw)
BUT
You are buying a car that is made in US, unlike bmw like the 7 series ( maybe 5s) anyways some bmws are made in germany and shipped to US and CANADA. Now... Quality wise, MB can not compare to a quality of a BMW.
Sportiness and handling, out of German cars, I am definitely giving it to BMW, 2nd Audi ( in my opinion). You will never get bored, there is always something attracting you with that machine.
I am working at German used car dealership now, and most of carsI test drove were, R8, S5, M5, M6, M3, Alpina B7, bla bla bla... I might be a BMW freak, but there is nothing better than that.
You make the cut. If I am wrong dear fellow members please correct me.
11-14-2010, 08:58 PM
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My Ride: 14 550i
If you're concerned about reliability get a car under factory warranty. If you don't want any issues period buy Japanese. I hate to say it but German cars are not known for reliability, you pay for the experience.
Did that help at all?
Did that help at all?
11-14-2010, 09:05 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550i
To add to that, if you're concerned about reliability but are pretty intent on a 5 series, the 528 is the way to go. The NA inline 6 has much better reliability compared to BMWs turbocharged 6s and even the V8s... plus they're damn silky and sound great.
11-14-2010, 09:06 PM
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Yeah, it helps to state the fact no matter how many times it is said. 
If I do get the 528i, I will definitely get one with factory warranty plus CPO for sure. Without it, I will die soon in a heart attack while driving.
Now whenever I drive my 330Ci I always sub consiciously glance at the dash gauge from time to time waiting for some alert lights to pop up. LOL
If I do get the 528i, I will definitely get one with factory warranty plus CPO for sure. Without it, I will die soon in a heart attack while driving.
Now whenever I drive my 330Ci I always sub consiciously glance at the dash gauge from time to time waiting for some alert lights to pop up. LOL
11-14-2010, 09:28 PM
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I kind of just went through what you did. I was leaning for more of a sporty feel though since I was coming out of a 335i. I thought I had settled that the 2011 G37S was probably the way to go, though I agree they were the loudest of the bunch, they seemed best bang for buck... the ES350 was sooo sleepy, and I was very scared of the Mercedes reliability, more then any other car. When i decided this I had not driven CPO'd 5's yet... so i gave a few '08s a try... 528, 535, 550. I hate to say it, but the 535 sport had everything I was looking for... it was sporty, right price, bigger, great gas mileage (unlike 550), had a very quiet ride (as expected from the 5), and the turbos left the car not feeling underpowered... so I bought a CPO 535i with just over 30K miles, with a sport package, and the HPFP was already replaced on it.
Frankly I am extremely happy with the choice, and I now feel like I am crazy that I even considered leaving BMW. It is so hard to leave the BMW drive once you get used to it, whether it is a 3,5, or 7 they all have that BMW thing in their soul.
As far as the engine goes, I think the severity of the Inline 6 Turbo issues are getting a bit overblown... I put 50K miles on my 335i, and yes at 40K I had to get the HPFP replaced, and the ignition coils... but that was the only hiccup I had with it, it was a simple in and out to get it done, and had no problems after the service. i think the issue is so out in the open service centers are not messing around with it anymore. Granted I will never let the car out of warranty! , but I don't think i would even if it was a 528 or 550. So if you can have a little faith, don't overlook the 535... I think it is probably everything you want... just get it CPO'd!
Frankly I am extremely happy with the choice, and I now feel like I am crazy that I even considered leaving BMW. It is so hard to leave the BMW drive once you get used to it, whether it is a 3,5, or 7 they all have that BMW thing in their soul.
As far as the engine goes, I think the severity of the Inline 6 Turbo issues are getting a bit overblown... I put 50K miles on my 335i, and yes at 40K I had to get the HPFP replaced, and the ignition coils... but that was the only hiccup I had with it, it was a simple in and out to get it done, and had no problems after the service. i think the issue is so out in the open service centers are not messing around with it anymore. Granted I will never let the car out of warranty!
, but I don't think i would even if it was a 528 or 550. So if you can have a little faith, don't overlook the 535... I think it is probably everything you want... just get it CPO'd!
