I wanted to ask Mercedes or BMW **owners **about their experiences with the cars. I am mostly concerned with repairs and maintenance. I much more familiar with BMW’s as I have owned one in the past. My car was fairly durable and all repairs were done under warranty so I spent nothing out of pocket. I did have to change tires which were fairly expensive.
I have been looking at cars and it appears that Benzs are actually less expensive than BMWs. I have primarily looked at precertified used C-Class and 3 series models for this comparison. Although I did see a CLK within my price range. So my concerns are 1. maintenance costs 2. drivability.
Your thoughts would really appreciated bcause I don’t want to a a cheaper Benz only to pay for excessive repair costs.
I have not owned a Merc yet (always stuck with BMW), but based on my knowledge, both BMW and Merc are expensive to maintain (especially if you use dealership for service). At least in the US, BMW still offers 4 years/50k miles free maintenance for new cars (and various plans for CPO), however after that, unless you have extended warranty, you are on your own. Merc, usually does not offer that kind of free maintenance any more.
Even after market kinda service places can be pricey if you want to put quality parts. Engine maintenance is just one part of the issue, but with modern cars, with all their fancy electronics, any problem there can quickly cost you a pretty penny.
Faisal, have you had the car for more than 4 years, or have you gone beyond your 50K miles yet? If not, do you plan on keeping the car or selling it once you go past or get close to the warranty limit?
Faisal, have you had the car for more than 4 years, or have you gone beyond your 50K miles yet? If not, do you plan on keeping the car or selling it once you go past or get close to the warranty limit?
I had bought my former 7-series used, and drove it way past its warranty period. It gave me some trouble initially when its water pump/radiator leaked and had to be replaced. Fortunately, that was a very known issue for 7-series, so BMW had drastically reduced the part price and the whole thing was fixed for under $500 - non-dealer (ironically I had to spend way more when a similar issue came up on my wife's Japanese car). Other than that, no significant electronic or mechanical issues up to 120k miles, at which point I sold it.
Personally, I think these cars are like a live time bomb, and I have now completely swore off used or out of warranty cars (at least premium brand cars). I have seen enough friends go through very expensive repairs on their Mercs and Bimmers, when they are out of warranty, so I don't think its a great idea, unless you are a big time DIY kinda guy who loves to "fix" things yourself.
I have 2002 BMW 530i that I had put 50K miles in 2 years so was out of warranty. No issues during this period. In fact no issues for 4 years till 2006 when I had about 110K miles on it. Went to dealer for regular oil change when they ripped me to change water pump that cost me about $1K including oil change.
Regular maintenance include brakes and tires once a year (if you put 20K+ miles) that can cost about $2K. BMW dealers don't change pads alone, have to be rotors and pads per manufacturer's recommendation.
Then I had to spend about $1500 on check engine light issue that required various parts and labor.
Even if you have warranty, be prepared to spend about $2000 per year for normal maintenance (wear and tear) if you drive a lot. These cars can last you 5 years easily with no mechanical issues.
I had bought my former 7-series used, and drove it way past its warranty period. It gave me some trouble initially when its water pump/radiator leaked and had to be replaced. Fortunately, that was a very known issue for 7-series, so BMW had drastically reduced the part price and the whole thing was fixed for under $500 - non-dealer (ironically I had to spend way more when a similar issue came up on my wife's Japanese car). Other than that, no significant electronic or mechanical issues up to 120k miles, at which point I sold it.
Personally, I think these cars are like a live time bomb, and I have now completely swore off used or out of warranty cars (at least premium brand cars). I have seen enough friends go through very expensive repairs on their Mercs and Bimmers, when they are out of warranty, so I don't think its a great idea, unless you are a big time DIY kinda guy who loves to "fix" things yourself.
Thats what I am afraid of. Right now there are pretty good deals out there for cars due to the rising fuel costs, but I am more concerned about the repairs. I would not be using the car for every day commuting but would like to to go on longer rides (Visit my parents ~ 200 miles/ summer home ~ 45 miles) so I need that 'confidence' to be on the open road. With my 325, I felt that I could be on the road on a whim (like a Friday evening).
I didn't know that Mercedes no longer offers the warranty, perhaps that is why they are less expensiv then BMWs? In terms value, Bimmers do hold up well, so might just go with the CPO route. In the US they are offering 2.9% financing which almost makes me wonder if I am better off financing and using my car fund for investment purposes with a higher return.
I have 2002 BMW 530i that I had put 50K miles in 2 years so was out of warranty. No issues during this period. In fact no issues for 4 years till 2006 when I had about 110K miles on it. Went to dealer for regular oil change when they ripped me to change water pump that cost me about $1K including oil change.
Regular maintenance include brakes and tires once a year (if you put 20K+ miles) that can cost about $2K. BMW dealers don't change pads alone, have to be rotors and pads per manufacturer's recommendation.
Then I had to spend about $1500 on check engine light issue that required various parts and labor.
Even if you have warranty, be prepared to spend about $2000 per year for normal maintenance (wear and tear) if you drive a lot. These cars can last you 5 years easily with no mechanical issues.
Thanks for the response. I agree that brakes and tires are always the first to go. I had to replace my tires and they were really expensive, the brake work was done under warranty but I think the $2K/year figure is about right.
I have a strange check engine light story: When I first got the car, I drove it 300 miles to bring it back home. Along the way, the check engine light came on and I was so worried that I had brought a lemon (even if it was covered under warranty). So as soon as I got home, I went to the local dealer to have it checked out. Do you know what the problem was?I screwed gas cap on incorrectly! I have done it along the way when I was filling up at a gas station.
This is really helpful because I am always concerned about the 'true cost' of ownership including repairs and maintenance. 3 series is pretty good on gas compared to the 5 and 7...of course they are more executive/family cars :)
^ You may get lucky. I just don't see cars as a viable investment. IMV, they way cars depreciate, its impossible to make money on your car.
Coming back to the original question, if you have the car properly inspected before purchase and maintain it, it won't likely break down on the road. The problem is when you take in your car for regular service (to the dealer), they start telling you that you need to replace this that and the other thing. If you are not very knowledgable, your regular service bill can go in multiple thousands every year, even when the car is seemingly running perfectly fine. Its hard to get peace of mind on an expensive car when it is out of warranty. In most cases, you can always get extended warranty, if the car is under 70k miles. Read carefully the exclusions section of the extended warranty though. You don't want to get an unpleasant surprise when you are about to use your warranty.
^ You may get lucky. I just don't see cars as a viable investment. IMV, they way cars depreciate, its impossible to make money on your car.
I am sorry I actually meant use my car fund for another investment instead of paying cash for the car- since 2.9% financing is pretty attractive.
Too many hours at work causes me type incomplete thoughts.
Coming back to the original question, if you have the car properly inspected before purchase and maintain it, it won't likely break down on the road. The problem is when you take in your car for regular service (to the dealer), they start telling you that you need to replace this that and the other thing. If you are not very knowledgable, your regular service bill can go in multiple thousands every year, even when the car is seemingly running perfectly fine. Its hard to get peace of mind on an expensive car when it is out of warranty. In most cases, you can always get extended warranty, if the car is under 70k miles. Read carefully the exclusions section of the extended warranty though. You don't want to get an unpleasant surprise when you are about to use your warranty.
I agree. I guess the best way to do it would be: Buy a CPO at 30-40K miles drive it up to 70K and then trade it in for a newer (warrantied) model?
Has anyone had a good experience with certified used cars? The ones which have less than a certain mileage and are inspected throughly by the dealership in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, and comes with a good warranty?
Has anyone had a good experience with certified used cars? The ones which have less than a certain mileage and are inspected throughly by the dealership in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, and comes with a good warranty?
My last BMW was a certified used car. I brought it 26K miles and sold it at 43K miles, all under comprehensive warranty.
My experience was pretty good because I only had to pay for new tires (mostly due to my driving). Other than that, I had no out of pocket costs.
If you have specific questions, ask away!
Also, thanks to all those who replied. I think I am going to go the CPO route. Can't deal with the out of pocket costs.
why not consider a lexus? no maintenance to speak of. i have had one since 95. other than oil change this car just wont die. with merc you just pay for the logo.. there is nothing innovative about anything they do anymore in my opinion. if you need to do radiator repairs on this crap within a year what does that tell you about its engineering? bmw is just now getting around to putting some decent gadgets in their cars. i owned one a few years ago and sold it within a year.
why not consider a lexus? no maintenance to speak of. i have had one since 95. other than oil change this car just wont die. with merc you just pay for the logo.. there is nothing innovative about anything they do anymore in my opinion. if you need to do radiator repairs on this crap within a year what does that tell you about its engineering? bmw is just now getting around to putting some decent gadgets in their cars. i owned one a few years ago and sold it within a year.
Nothing against Lexus (or Acura for that matter) just a preferred drivability. I think BMW owners can back me up on this - driving is uniquely amazing in BMWs. I am not taking anything against Lexus but I feel very comfortable in a BMW expically on long road trips.
why not consider a lexus? no maintenance to speak of. i have had one since 95. other than oil change this car just wont die. with merc you just pay for the logo.. there is nothing innovative about anything they do anymore in my opinion. if you need to do radiator repairs on this crap within a year what does that tell you about its engineering? bmw is just now getting around to putting some decent gadgets in their cars. i owned one a few years ago and sold it within a year.
this is bull****
just oil change since 95
bloody transmission needs oil change atleast after 100k
tyres need to be changed 25 to 40 k
brakes
timming chain every 100k
these are norms for every manufacturer
i would say buy a toyota instead of Lexus
why paythe price of BMW and have toyota by buying a Lexus
they have nothing special to wingh abt
Benz are smooth runners. As long as you keep the maintenance on time, you should have no mechanical issues. Certified Pre-Owned ones go through dealer inspection to insure that they are at-par with the current year and mileage that they represent.
I would recommend a certified evaluation of the vehicle if purchasing from a dealer other than Benz. Or if at all possible, invest in a certified pre-owned because it will give you more peace of mind.
Benz don't usually give you surprises with sudden breakdowns and/or repairs under normal circumstances.
Benz for luxury.
BMW for stiffer, sporty ride.
That's how most view the two. And to some extent, it is true.
Benz are smooth runners. As long as you keep the maintenance on time, you should have no mechanical issues. Certified Pre-Owned ones go through dealer inspection to insure that they are at-par with the current year and mileage that they represent.
I would recommend a certified evaluation of the vehicle if purchasing from a dealer other than Benz. Or if at all possible, invest in a certified pre-owned because it will give you more peace of mind.
Benz don't usually give you surprises with sudden breakdowns and/or repairs under normal circumstances.
Benz for luxury.
BMW for stiffer, sporty ride.
That's how most view the two. And to some extent, it is true.
Thanks! I like the analysis. CPOs are the way to go. I am going to be checking out both Benzs/Beemers this weekend. I have an eye out for a Silver SLK Convertible beauty. Get this 1999 model and 41K miles! Probably used as a second car.
Gotta get Pakis away from the Toyota/Honda/Acura/Lexus stereotypes!