Mercedes CL 500 or BMW 840csi

[Denver09]

I have 10k to spend on a weekend cruiser and for driving through Europe. Can anyone help me decide between the MErc and BMW.

My basic understanding is the Merc is more modern but not as reliable (ABC problems etc) The BMW is more exclusive but long in the tooth. Both are expensive to maintain, that's a given, but I'm curious to hear what other PH'ers think...

[Targarama]

I think you might want to look at the BMW 645 instead, much more modern. Although an 840 is a lovely car and would be my choice among your two options...

[Art0ir]

I looked into a CL a few months ago but decided to bury the cash in something more profitable and spend a lot less on a car.. The ABC really put me off and the more I read about it the more I was convinced that it just wasn't worth risking - I wouldn't be taking one across Europe.

The struts, valves, pumps.. the whole system just seems a disaster. I know a few that have had no issues at all, but for me it's not worth buying a £10k car and spending half that if the ABC sts itself. I guess a Warranty would be an option, but I still wouldn't want to run the risk of not having a car for a week or longer.

[Denver09]

oooo 645 hadn't thought about that. Slightly challenging looks to my eye..

[Gruber]

If it were my £10k, I'd be buying a minty 635csi or a Porsche 928 S4.

[Denver09]

I love 928's I have been very tempted by this one

http://www.amarisupercars.com/index.cgi?action=3&a...

I heard maintenance costs are stratospheric though

[AClownsPocket]

I saw a Burgundy 8 series yesterday and I did think it looked better in the flesh than on TV. I've have it