BMW Driving Event Cars vs. My '05 TL
07-20-2010, 10:01 AM
#1
Cruisin'
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BMW Driving Event Cars vs. My '05 TL
I went to a driving event that BMW held yesterday at a local dealer. They let you drive a 2011 E350 first and then a 2011 535i for comparison. It was basically a standard test drive for both, but was still interesting.
I wasn't impressed by the Merc. It had a smooth ride nice but didn't seem to have enough power for the money. I'm also not a big fan of the new interior. I actually like the interior of the older model better as it seemed more upscale. The exterior is just okay, but when I see one on the road I'm never sure if it's a C class or E class. Mercedes needs to step it up a bit for their mid and low end autos.
I liked the 535i. Lot's of power and a smooth ride with very tight steering. They also changed the interior to make it look like the one in the 7 series and it's very nice. I was never a big fan of the Bangle BMW's but after comparing the new models with last year's I think the new exterior is actually a little bland.
Overall they are both nice cars but I don't feel like I'm missing enough yet with my 5 year old Acura TL to warrant going back to a car payment just yet. The Acura engine is very smooth and, while 40 HP less than the BMW, and I just don't notice a big difference in everyday driving. The ride is stiffer in the TL (a bit too stiff for my liking) but it handles really well through the turns and the front wheel drive is good in the snow (although I'd rather have 4WD). All-in-all, still a fun car to drive!
I also continue to like the Acura interior. It's really held up well over time in my opinion. The touchscreen nav/radio/bluetooth is still much easier to use than either the Merc or BMW systems. That being said, I wish it had a hard drive and better ipod integration.
Don't get me wrong, if I could earn enough to justify the $100K needed for the 2011 M5 I'd probably make the jump in a second but in the mean time I'm very happy with the car I own and would highly recommend it to someone buying a used car.
I wasn't impressed by the Merc. It had a smooth ride nice but didn't seem to have enough power for the money. I'm also not a big fan of the new interior. I actually like the interior of the older model better as it seemed more upscale. The exterior is just okay, but when I see one on the road I'm never sure if it's a C class or E class. Mercedes needs to step it up a bit for their mid and low end autos.
I liked the 535i. Lot's of power and a smooth ride with very tight steering. They also changed the interior to make it look like the one in the 7 series and it's very nice. I was never a big fan of the Bangle BMW's but after comparing the new models with last year's I think the new exterior is actually a little bland.
Overall they are both nice cars but I don't feel like I'm missing enough yet with my 5 year old Acura TL to warrant going back to a car payment just yet. The Acura engine is very smooth and, while 40 HP less than the BMW, and I just don't notice a big difference in everyday driving. The ride is stiffer in the TL (a bit too stiff for my liking) but it handles really well through the turns and the front wheel drive is good in the snow (although I'd rather have 4WD). All-in-all, still a fun car to drive!
I also continue to like the Acura interior. It's really held up well over time in my opinion. The touchscreen nav/radio/bluetooth is still much easier to use than either the Merc or BMW systems. That being said, I wish it had a hard drive and better ipod integration.
Don't get me wrong, if I could earn enough to justify the $100K needed for the 2011 M5 I'd probably make the jump in a second but in the mean time I'm very happy with the car I own and would highly recommend it to someone buying a used car.
07-20-2010, 10:05 AM
#2
Completely disagree with your choices, I don't think you've driven enough of luxury cars.... E350 > 535i > TL
07-20-2010, 10:10 AM
#3
Veni, vidi, vici
07-20-2010, 10:56 AM
#7
Veni, vidi, vici
Merc's are pretty ghey, Iono... maybe cuz i only see women drive them, that i think it's a woman's car. The styling IMO is pretty gurly, and interior spacing is ment for like 5' -5'5" people.
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07-20-2010, 02:44 PM
#8
Used to drive an E class and that car had twice the room the TL has. I could fit 4 sets of clubs in the trunk.
gas pedal felt like a tanks throttle
07-20-2010, 06:34 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
when i sat in the new C-class the seats felt lightweight and it feels like the car can fly if pushed hard enough i dont know about E-class though but thats my personal experience with a Benz.
07-20-2010, 07:40 PM
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07-20-2010, 08:08 PM
#15
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Got to agree with you on the 3G interior. I still love mine and think the only better one that Acura did since was the 2G RL.
I have driven the E350 and it felt like enough power, but much more low and midrange torque. But I do agree that some more power is in order for a sedan running 48 thousand stripped. I really enjoy the interior as well, but it's all opinion in the end.
Haven't driven the new 5-Series, but a seat in one makes me agree with you there. But if the engine is anything like the outgoing 535i's, then I personally find it much nicer than our 3G.
I have driven the E350 and it felt like enough power, but much more low and midrange torque. But I do agree that some more power is in order for a sedan running 48 thousand stripped. I really enjoy the interior as well, but it's all opinion in the end.
Haven't driven the new 5-Series, but a seat in one makes me agree with you there. But if the engine is anything like the outgoing 535i's, then I personally find it much nicer than our 3G.
07-20-2010, 09:50 PM
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07-21-2010, 09:32 AM
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I do agree it's difficult to differentiate between a C and and E in the rear view mirror.
And as far as power, no one buys a e350 if they want power. They get a e550 (382 hp).
The power delivery in the e is so smooth that most times you don't even realize you're accelerating that hard.
And as far as power, no one buys a e350 if they want power. They get a e550 (382 hp).
The power delivery in the e is so smooth that most times you don't even realize you're accelerating that hard.
07-21-2010, 09:36 AM
#21
I do agree it's difficult to differentiate between a C and and E in the rear view mirror.
And as far as power, no one buys a e350 if they want power. They get a e550 (382 hp).
The power delivery in the e is so smooth that most times you don't even realize you're accelerating that hard.
And as far as power, no one buys a e350 if they want power. They get a e550 (382 hp).
The power delivery in the e is so smooth that most times you don't even realize you're accelerating that hard.
The E550 is so sweet. I'm trying to convince the wife to test drive one, but she seems to want another A6.
We'll see... I still have time to work on it
07-21-2010, 02:13 PM
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The E went down 3k in MSRP so MB did de-content the car a little to accomplish that. Still, the Nav in the Merc is better than the TL. As for the BMW haven't seen the new bodystyle 5 Series but they ain't exactly going down in price.
The 05 TL is a great car but it's not the same as an E or a 5.
The 05 TL is a great car but it's not the same as an E or a 5.
07-21-2010, 03:24 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
The TL forum scares me.
07-21-2010, 05:25 PM
#26
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I think I'd be hard pressed to turn down a new E-Class or 5 Series for a TL, and by "hard pressed" I meant there's not a chance in hell I'd take a TL over either of them. 
07-21-2010, 06:12 PM
#27
Team Owner
was this moved from TL forum?
04 TL vs 2011 535... even i dont really like BMW all that much but u r comparing a 6 year FWD V6 accord ,, i mean TL.. to a 2011 Inline 6 twin Turbo RWD Benchmark Sport Sedan .. REALLY???
And regardless what it says on the paper... 535 has wayyy more power than just 40 hp compared to TL...335 have close to 300 to the wheel.....
04 TL vs 2011 535... even i dont really like BMW all that much but u r comparing a 6 year FWD V6 accord ,, i mean TL.. to a 2011 Inline 6 twin Turbo RWD Benchmark Sport Sedan .. REALLY???
And regardless what it says on the paper... 535 has wayyy more power than just 40 hp compared to TL...335 have close to 300 to the wheel.....
Last edited by oonowindoo; 07-21-2010 at 06:15 PM.
07-21-2010, 08:55 PM
#28
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The MB COMAND interface is ugly, IMO.
Functional though.
07-21-2010, 08:58 PM
#29
I'm Craig
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was this moved from TL forum?
04 TL vs 2011 535... even i dont really like BMW all that much but u r comparing a 6 year FWD V6 accord ,, i mean TL.. to a 2011 Inline 6 twin Turbo RWD Benchmark Sport Sedan .. REALLY???
And regardless what it says on the paper... 535 has wayyy more power than just 40 hp compared to TL...335 have close to 300 to the wheel.....
04 TL vs 2011 535... even i dont really like BMW all that much but u r comparing a 6 year FWD V6 accord ,, i mean TL.. to a 2011 Inline 6 twin Turbo RWD Benchmark Sport Sedan .. REALLY???
And regardless what it says on the paper... 535 has wayyy more power than just 40 hp compared to TL...335 have close to 300 to the wheel.....
07-21-2010, 09:12 PM
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07-21-2010, 10:24 PM
#31
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
I have no idea how someone cannot distinguish the E-class from the C-class. The exterior design is completely different. Headlight design and taillight design look very different.
07-21-2010, 10:28 PM
#32
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
By the way, how can you rationally compare the E-class and 5-series to the TL?
I owned a 2006 Acura TL...Was it great? Yes. Do I still think it's a nice car? Absolutely, it's the best car I have ever had. However, the differences in build quality and components are apparent. The TL just isn't on the same level as those two autos.
I owned a 2006 Acura TL...Was it great? Yes. Do I still think it's a nice car? Absolutely, it's the best car I have ever had. However, the differences in build quality and components are apparent. The TL just isn't on the same level as those two autos.
07-22-2010, 01:07 AM
#33
Yeah, Unless it's far away in the rear view.... at night. It's not that hard. Easy way to tell is the split headlights.
07-22-2010, 04:54 AM
#34
Burning Brakes
07-22-2010, 07:48 AM
#35
At this point it seems pretty obvious the 5 series and E class are overall "better" cars than the TL. However, they do come with a price tag. You are essentially comparing two 55K cars to a 35K TL. I mean if I could buy a M5 theres not a chance in hell I would take a E350 or 535 over it, but then again I am paying 85k for it....I think it is better to compare overall value of the TL vs. the high end luxury sedans. For 35K, I would say the TL is a pretty solid all around car.....people need to stop comparing apples to oranges.
07-22-2010, 09:55 AM
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Actually I'd barely be able to swing a new 2012 A6 supercahrged assuming pricing doesn't change that much. I'd probably have to lease.