alexz & x54.4blue,

I wholehearted agree on the BMW being a much better driver's car. I love the ride & feel of my 4.4 far more than my wife's ML. I feel much more "in touch" with the road, love the cornering, etc. I really looked hard at the 335i coupe, and just love the looks & performance data.

I also like the 5 series sedans a lot.
I know BMW holds value better as well.
My problem is size. I'm a bit over 6'4", with very long legs. I'm fairly large in width as well, :rolleyes: , big shoulders, can't wear a coat smaller than a XXLarge Tall size.
Tryed sitting in a 550, and my right knee is on the dashboard even with seat all the way back. No way can I fit in the 3 series coupe, if I could that would be my first choice. What a sweet looking machine.

I did not even look at the 7 series, they are just too rich for my needs & means.
My final decision is still not made, but I'm about 90% convinced the Benz E fits my desire & size.
Thanks for your replies.
I'll keep my progress posted
David

David, you might also consider throwing it up on EBay....you'll get a lot of serious bidders with such low mileage. Enjoy the new MB, I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. I haven't been keeping up, is the '07 a redesigned E?

Chris

07 E is just a facelift (front bumper, mirrors, tailights, seats, interiors, etc.)

If you are going to go with a Benz what about the S class?

Its new and looks real nice.

It probally will hold its value better than the E.

Re-sale vales down here are pretty savage....

Paid $165k for my 4.8 X5 18 months ago.... and now worth $98k through stealer. BIIIIG bath on the resale value. Never again.

One word of caution; if you think the Beemer dealers are piece of work in terms of service; the Mercedes dealers are the absolute worst on the planet:mad:

x54.4blue,
We did actually check out the new S series this weekend. Quite the luxury liner, but just too darn big. For the kind of change they are asking for them, I'd rather go back to the BMW dealer and check out a 7 series. Have to say that S sure is nice though.

gordonn,
I unfortunately know just what you mean regarding service at the Benz shops. My wife absolutely hates the ordeal of taking her car in for routine scheduled service. I am now working with a different MD dealer than the one we bought the wife's car from. I did a "dealer rating" search, and found we are not the only people dis-satisfied with the (as yet) un-named stealer who sold me her car.

All that said, here's where I am. I ordered the E550, in Granite Gray with charcoal interior, Premium II package. I did not order the Sport, as I really don't want to be any lower to the ground, and the interior trim on the Sport looks to dam plasticy. The dealer has a car in production schedule that he was able to modify to my preferences, and he anticipates delivery around the 2nd week in December.

David

David, the new ride sounds like a beaut!

I'm probably going to leave the beemer sav fold in the next 6 months too. I just have to check into the porsche turbo.

Cheers,

Gord