In my experience w/ both brands, this is the case, but the experience at the Mercedes dealer is 10000x better than at the BMW dealer. And I think my Benz dealer has actually broken significantly less than my BMW dealer. At the Benz dealer they at least attempt to fix things (by replacing it) and at the BMW it's either cannot reproduce or bring it back next time, also both dealers have scratched my cars (BMW did it 2 times actually) and the Mercedes dealer handled the situation significantly better, for the BMW I ended up taking it to the Mercedes dealer's body shop b/c the BMW one is horrible.

Of course I have to say there is nothing like driving a BMW, but more than likely my next car will have a star and not a BMW roundel.

I have had one major problem with my X5 dealing with variable value timing.

After three tries they fixed it. The third time the check engine light went off and triggered codes that they could follow. The problem was intermittent and therefor hard to solve.

In general I don't have any problem with BMW service or reliability. I don't think a CD changer problem is a big deal and I would much rather drive a BMW.

Ok I am still in shock after you told me you were getting the E. But good luck with it! And I want a ride whenever I make it to SD.

Ok also, my mom's CD changer was sent back to Benz...she never got her CD's back either. So its a universal problem. (Although I am agreeing with M on the CD suicide. I mean if I had to play Clay Gay'kin music I would kill myself as well.) :)

Seems you got some good options at least. Though I would have held out for the AMG...mmmm those are sweet.

Glad you had a good experience. My experience at BMW has always been great. No damage has ever been caused by any dealership and they always repair my ride professionally, and so far have always provided a loaner. The one body shop repair i had done was excellent and not done by a Mercedes body shop.

Psh Whatever, If BMW could design a safe car maybe I would be ordering a 5 right now!

So Far our 06 5 series is a sweet ride and very reliable. :thumbup:
If realibility is all you want, how about a toyota?

EXACTLY... :iagree:

I'm buying a new car, the 2008 5 failed the side crash rating

And the E class was also bad.. you should buy an Acura RL...