Reliable Luxury rides

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frankie

New member
for all the car buff that know about the various issues some cars have please chime in



if you had to pick between a 98-2001 Bmw 740il or same years in the mercedes S-500 which would be the MOST RELIABLE, not the fastest or fun to drive but the one with the LEAST problems headaches, glitches etc. i know the lexus ls400 and q45 probably wins hands down but im looking for something else besides another lexus.



or if you have any other super reliable luxury car picks let me know
 
I haven't heard of many owners with problems with their E38's. I can't comment on the Mercedes. Personally, I think either of them might have little things go wrong, but they are cars, and stuff happens. I guess that level of reliability isn't that important to me. If something breaks, I fix it, or I take it to a shop and they fix it.



You might want to check out some Mercedes/BMW forums and do some searches for E38 and S500 reliability.
 
Both of those car are pretty stout and reliable. The BMW 700's prior to the i-drive system are pretty bullet proof and very reliable. The Mercedes are also pretty reliable prior to about 2000-2001. Then Mercedes like BMW tried to but too much cutting edge electronic equipment in their cars. You also see that since the merger with Chrysler Mercedes quality has decreased. There has been quite a bit of media attention about Mercedes quality control problems. The M class has been horrible and recently about 1500 S class cars were recalled replaced by Mercedes because of problems with the nav system that their engineers could not fix. There was a recent article in Autoweek where the head of Damiler-Chrysler said they were going hold back on some technology in their cars because quality was suffering. Co worker currenlty has a 2003 CLK and has all kinds of problems with the sun roof, electric mirros, and window shades. Nothing that has effected the ability to drive the car but very annoying for a $50k car. BMW has had some similar problems with i-drive although not as bad.
 
I have no experience with E38 7-series, however, E39 5-series have been generally very reliable 1999 and on. You can get them with a manual transmission (not available on US 7-series) which are stronger and more trouble-free than automatics.



Just another option...
 
The 2000 S-Classes Have Been known To Have A Few Little problems, But The Kinks Are Supposed To Have Been Straightened Out For 2001-On. With that said, my mother has a 2000 S-Class and it has been absolutely trouble free.
 
bet993 said:
Both of those car are pretty stout and reliable. The BMW 700's prior to the i-drive system are pretty bullet proof and very reliable. The Mercedes are also pretty reliable prior to about 2000-2001. Then Mercedes like BMW tried to but too much cutting edge electronic equipment in their cars. You also see that since the merger with Chrysler Mercedes quality has decreased. There has been quite a bit of media attention about Mercedes quality control problems. The M class has been horrible and recently about 1500 S class cars were recalled replaced by Mercedes because of problems with the nav system that their engineers could not fix. There was a recent article in Autoweek where the head of Damiler-Chrysler said they were going hold back on some technology in their cars because quality was suffering. Co worker currenlty has a 2003 CLK and has all kinds of problems with the sun roof, electric mirros, and window shades. Nothing that has effected the ability to drive the car but very annoying for a $50k car. BMW has had some similar problems with i-drive although not as bad.
Click to expand...



Actually I don't recall bmw ever having any "cutting edge" technology in their vehicles before mercedes. Mercedes was always the leader with technological advancements... first airbag, abs, ASR, ESP, brake assist, etc. With that said the S-class is a much better vehicle then the comparable 7-series. S-class is a smoother ride, nicer interior, smooth lines on the outside, and is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Also, Mercedes didn't "recall" the 2003 E-classes... recalls are only for issues that affect the vehicles safety. Mercedes offered to buy the vehicles back and offered a replacement vehicle to the owners. Lastly, Our 99 ML has been pretty durable vehicle. It had some minor issues that most models had but it never left me stranded. My friend's 02 ML320 feels extremely solid and well built. Anyway, my vote goes for a 2000-2001 S430/500, make sure you get xenons.
 
You are correct "recall" was a poor choice of words. Additionally, I did not mean to imply that BMW introduced cutting edge technology before Mercedes. Mercedes is usually ahead of BMW in this regard; the SMG transmission notwithstanding (of which there have been some teething problems with it also). That said, both companies have suffered problems with their electronics in their flagship cars recently. Most of the problems would not necessarily strand the driver but to me if I am paying that type of $$$ for a luxury car then I would expect better R&D of the components and less trips to the dealership to fix the naggles.
 
i agree for the money these cars cost they should be super reliable and there electrical glitches should be worked out. i just checked out some pre owned benz's and they have many of the problems mentioned previously, including faulty windows going up/down, radio problems, trunk opener problems, vacuum assist closing doors are shot, rough idle, and the majority the ac condesner was shot which is about 2400 to fix which is absurd.



for this type of money these cars shouldnt have to see a repair shop excpet for routine oil changes brakes etc. i just dont have the time to bring a car and leave it there to get fixed all the time, i cant even believe the benz dealer is selling cars with all these problems, there just outright annoying, even a 10k car at least the radio and windows function correctly.



anyone got any more feedback on the 7 series 98-2001 last generation bodystyle. or any other luxury cruiser these benz's are to much of a pain to deal with
 
Face it Frankie,

you like myself ( LS400) have been spoiled by the Lexus quality and reliability. Not only mechanically but also the durability of its mechanical components, paint, fit and finish and factory support ( Toyota ).

With that said the next daily driver will be a new BMW 5 series in a few years when all the teething pains of this new model are fixed. Had a 3 series (320i) with zero problems and perfectly reliable for 200K. :wavey
 
Co-workers have a 1998 740il and a 2000 540i. Both cars have been trouble free. Both were purchased used. The guy that owns the 740il has had it for 2 1/2 years. He is by no means a car guy (in fact he doesn't take of it at all) and has driven 2 lexus (lexi?) prior to the 740. He has no complaints and is planning on getting a 2001 700 series to replace this one when the lease is up. The guy with the 540 has had it for about 7 months no problems.
 
when I was looking into buying a BMW 740iL, that if I get one, to get rid of it before warranty expires. I have an Audi A8, and he told me that it was more stout than the Beemer. Told me that after the warranty expires, expensive things start heading south. Told me, either get another A8 or step up to a Benz.



New A8 is getting great reviews. However, after owning a Lexus, you are spoiled. None of the German cars will measure up to the Lexus trouble free index. Again, this is generally speaking, everyone's mileage will vary, but overall, Lexuses are more reliable than any German make. That being said, I believe German cars are generally more fun to drive.



Take it for what it's worth, which is just another opinion.
 
yes i gotta agree i think the lexus has spolied many of us, ive seen some with upwards or 550k miles anoother with 400k miles, its just incredible. so far the 7 series sounds pretty good, ive also heard good things about certain 3 and 5 series. i was just really dissappointed when i looked into mercedes with there reliablity and quality issues they have. they make some hot looking cars, but i cant drive around a unreliable ride.
 
Mom had a '95 740i Sport and the engine went out completly at about 70k. BMW assumed no responsibility for the car that was literally one month out of warranty.



Just somthing to think about.
 
Frankie,



IMO and based on reading many threads in various forums both the 7 Series BMW & S-Class Mercedes fall into the same reliability category. The volvoguys comment above is definitely not the first time I've heard of the older body style 7 Series having major engine trouble. As you already know the A/C on the W140 S-Class MB is a trouble spot as are a few other components you've mentioned. The newer S-Class will have it's issues with electronics as will the new 7-Series.



The major difference between the two older bodied cars is driving style. While the MB is a heavy (Tank-Like) luxury cruiser the BMW is a driving machine that handles well and keeps you in tune with the road. The MB will provide better materials of construction that should last longer IMO.



If you want the German feel you'll give up some reliability, if all you want is luxury then stick with the Lexus. You might also consider some of the newer Cadillacs as I've heard good things about them lately. Whatever you decide spend the extra money for a good warranty.
 
Stay away from 1995 BMW V8's - they have the infamous Nikasil engine blocks that are very unreliable.



http://www.lestac.co.uk/bmw/nikasil.htm



As far as Lexus and Japanese cars in general, they're not bulletproof. Toyota/Lexus V6's are prone to sludging and Honda/Acura V6 transmissions do fail. I personally find Lexus cars overrated... they're nice, quiet Toyotas, but nothing incredibly special. With the exception of the IS, most provide for a very sterile driving experience.
 
Well, I have to say being a Lexus owner that has owned two, these seem to be for me the most reliable.



I had a RX-300 AWD, fully loaded with NAV, Moonroof, heated seats etc. No problems whatsoever!



Currently own a new '03 SC430. No problems with this vehicle.



Engines are smooth and the transmissions are by far one of the best, very quite and just glide to next gear.



No, Lexus is NOT over rated! It's a very high quality car and does not require any odd maintenance, just nomal oil change and tire rotation. Wish I could have kept the RX-300! I drove all high-end SUV's and found the RX the best! I drove a BMW X5, MB, Infinity and the Lexus was the best in quite ride, smooth ride etc.



All other Lexus owners I asked all say the same, that's why I stay with Lexus. The other is customer service!!!



Regards,

Deanski
 
wow you guys are really making me confused lol i appreciate all the advice very much. so i guess if you go with a 97 and up bmw 740il you should be covered from the nikasil engine problem correct?



i didnt know toyota/lexus had a problem with its v6, very interesting. how is the 8 cylinder ok? like in the ls400, lx470 and sc400/430?



thanks for your info
 
Honestly, with a bulletproof as the LS430 is, either Mercedes or BMW may let you down with regards to reliability, especially if you go with the new BMW 745s or either models V12's. I've got customers with them and they seem to be in the shop all the time.



One you may consider is a late 90's CL500. I have a customer who has a '98 and so far, it has been extremely reliable.
 
I love talking cars, so just slap me to shut me up :D



Frankie, what are you looking for in your luxury ride? If you want tomb like quietness, solid reliability luxurious interior materials, incredible comfort and an isolated driving experience then look no further than Lexus. Toyota has done a excellent job of building cars that offer all these things. The down side? They are not necessarily exciting to drive from a go fast perspective, I don’t necessary mean this as a negative because these cars are designed this way. Aside for a few exceptions they are front wheel drive and softly sprung, basically tuned for ride quality and comfort resulting in fantastic cruising machines that absorb just about anything poor road conditions can through at it without being “floaty� and the dealership experience is usually second to none. They are your typical Japanese vehicle, spectacular to the point of being boring. All controls work well are easy to figure out with ergonomics being spot on. Toyota incorporates all technological features and niceties that you would expect in a luxury vehicle without taking risk on such cutting edge features that may result in problems. Overall well built cars that require minimal maintenance and have well above average fit and finish.



However, if punching the accelerator and diving through twisty roads in a luxury sedan is what you are about then Lexus is probably not the best choice. MB and BMW are rear wheel drive and usually more tuned for sport luxury, the trade off here is they are not quite as comfy as the Lexus vehicles and you will feel the road and receive more feedback. The driving experience is wonderful. The cars communicate well with driver with arguably the best steering feel of any car in its class (and some out of its class). Luxury fanatics will complain about the stark interior, seats that are too firm (comfortable just not plush and infinitely adjustable)and steering that is to heavy (fantastic feel at highway speeds and better). The ergonomics are typical German with lots of little buttons everywhere with cryptic symbols, but once you figure them out they all make sense and things are easy to use (idrive notwithstanding) they just aren’t user friendly at first glance. The maintenance required is a little more involved and there may be some slight issues with some of the electronics on some of the cars (nothing that would strand you though). The dealership experience does not compare to Lexus and the cost for parts and labor are usually higher. The bottom line with most of the Germans is it is about the driving.
 
hey thanks brian you sure know ur cars. i know what ur saying about lexus they are bulletproof and only require routine upkeep.



im leaning more towards the 740il, last bodystyle like 98-2001, the benz'z on the lot just had way to many problems for cars only a few years old, alot of electrical stuff, and the AC was shot on nearly all of them which is a big repair. people as a whole seem to lean towards the beemer for reliability from what i can see. ive read in jd power that porshe is a very reliable ride, i believe it was ranked 4th. i know a porshe is different all together as a sports car, but i would consider one. for me right now reliability is the 1st issue, i have a lexus just not sure i want another, just want to try something new, variety u know
 
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