tachyon

This is an expected sales trend. At the beginning (calendar year 2004) and again at the end (2010) of the life of the E60, the E-Class completely dominated sales (by a total of 25,607 units). But during the core of the E60 cycle (2005 - 2009), the BMW consistently outsold the MB (by a total of 23,782 units).

So in total, these two models have experienced very similar sales volumes across the life of the E60, with the E-Class edging out the E60 by about 2%.

If this trend repeats for the F10, we can expect that F10 sales will overcome the E-Class in about 12 months.

swajames

You have to look at the global position to get the real picture. According to both company's annual reports, BMW sold 175,983 5-Series in 2009 whereas Mercedes sold 212,100 of the E Class. Global numbers for 2010 won't be available until both companies file their annual reports in early 2011, but it's unlikely that there will be any material changes in the sales differential. Germany remains the biggest market for the E-Class and there it is also the segment leader.

CVTBenhogan

Interesting stuff guys. It seems the f10 is doing well outside the U.S. and if BMW was doing better in the U.S. the global numbers would be close. The early numbers in the U.S. for BMW are very poor and I reckon something got screwed up in the F10 launch. First half number are terrible, down even from the 07 crash figures. But it seems the numbers can change quickly and I wouldn't be suprised if the f10 catches Merc before year end on the monthly tallies.

That said, something else might be going on. Maybe Merc has a better product mix and this is getting people in the showrooms. I mean the 5 GT is complete crap, sport activity whatever is stupid,the 3 is old, and 5 is not stocked much and looks like the seven. Ads for the 5 seem rare. Merc has the better SUV offerings, solid S class and a new C lineup. Also, maybe the usual BMW drivers are amongst the folks on the unemployed or underemployed ranks. You figure the average BMW driver is younger, a professional and possibly concentrated in the financial sector. The well healed Merc drivers always have dough. Just a thought.

Porsche 911 sales are down as well, while Panamera sedan is doing well. Again, the old money prevailing.

Gene

I am seeing Panamera's daily now...seems to be the new S-class around these parts

savela

Agree here. Didn't buy a 550 because i'm a BMW fan...did so because it was a far better car than the e550. Night and day. I've been on the sidelines for years. Very pleased with what they've done with this model.