Should I change cars?

[junglie]

So the time has finally come - I have found the car I think I want (always so fickle as there are so many great cars out there).

I have a Mercedes Benz C320 CDI Estate and I have seen a BMW 545i M Sport.

Both are the same year, both roughly the same mileage, same spec the biggest difference is one is a V6 diesel and the other a V8 petrol (BMW is also a manual which is good for me).

I have not yet driven the BMW is from a dealer a long way from me but I have been told on PH that there are only 8 of these registered in the UK (this model rather than an E60 5 Series!) so I am keen on this particular one. I am making the assumption that the BMW accelerates as hard, if not more so, than the MB?

Fuel is not really an issue for me so do I change?

Wants £2,500 + my car but I think that is a bit steep.

[kpb]

I'd rather have the BMW over the Merc for lots of reasons. But my concern would be its eventual PX value being a large-engined petrol. I can't see many dealers wanting to pay book price for one.

But if you plan to keep it for years or sell privately after a shorter time, I'd say go for it.

[junglie]

I had planned to go down tomorrow (3 1/2 hours) to see the car but now the dealer is not open!!!

Should be open again on Sat - is this an Omen?

Buying cars used to be easy!

[Wafflesmk2]

Winter tyres on the BM, don't forget the remap.

Get an MX5 with any spare money.

[junglie]

[billzeebub]

Good work, definitely would get the Beemer. It doesn't really matter if it feels like it accelerates quicker. Having the petrol V8 will be night and day over the Dalziel as an experience. Get it done!..

[325Ti]

If fuel is not a concern then yeah go for it

the bmw might have generally higher running costs - but I would have expected the trade in to be more of swap or a small figure - not the amount he has asked for

The Merc will be easier for him to sell in the current climate - so push him for a better deal

[junglie]

Everyone should own a V8 at some stage in their life.

How much better is a BM V8 over their straight 6?

[junglie]

Hora,

You may be just the guy to ask - the stats of both:

BMW 545i M Sport
2005 / 05
60,000 miles
FBMWSH
Silver
19" Alloys
Sat Nav
F / R Parking Sensors
Electric memory Leather Seats
6 speed manual

Mercedes Benz C320 CDI Avantgarde Estate (with Sport Pack)
2005 / 55
66,000 miles
FMBSH
Silver
17" Alloys
Full COMAND (Sat Nav, DVD etc)
F / R Parking Sensors
Heated electric memory leather seats

BMW = £10,750

MB = ???????

He has stated £2,500 + my car.

I have looked at Parkers / Glass's etc and they vary wildly as you would imagine - I would have thought both cars should be priced the same but I guess he has to make a profit somewhere.

There is a degree of part ex fever as you say perhaps - it is a long way to go to try and get my price only for him to turn around and say no.

[junglie]

Thought I may allow myself an Easter bump before I buy the thing (potentially)!

[thinfourth2]

Oh just buy the thing

[lost in espace]

I am not sure I could stomach the mpg difference, but then I am a tight git.

[V88Dicky]

Stick with the diesel, it's more fuel efficient and that's all that counts these days, right?

Won't somebody please think of the children/polar bears?








Ditch the filthy thing and get the V8. We run two V8s, they're the bees knees, and they don't necessarily have to be costly

[junglie]

V88Dicky - now that is a man who speaks the truth!

There does not appear to be too many people who run an E60 V8 so not much information about them on here.

[tbc]

why not just sell your Merc privately

I don't understand why anyone would PX a car, apart from maybe it saves a lot of hassle and having to deal with tyre kickers

the dealer usually gives you 20% less what your cars actually worth

[Deerfoot]

tbc said:

I don't understand why anyone would PX a car, apart from maybe it saves a lot of hassle and having to deal with tyre kickers

You`ve just answered your own question.

[dave_s13]

I had an E39 Touring 540 (4.4l V8) for a bit.

It was a novelty that wore off after a short while to be honest. It was rapid obviously but you didn't really get and aural pleasure from the thing and it was quite nose heavy when pushed. 18mpg too!

I would say there's not really to much to be gained over a larger capacity I6 really.

If your bum is twitching about the £2.5k to change figure then, as you say, rocking up after a 3.5hr trip leaves you zero negotiation leverage. Unless you are quite happy to spend all day to see a car and not buy it.

[junglie]

TBC - first time I have P/X a car. Normally I just do a private sale and it has always gone really well. This time it is just a matter of timing as I am away from home so often.

[honest_delboy]

Defo worth punting on that 320CDI privately, everyone loves a diesel nowadays don't they? Dealer must be pleased about getting rid of the large engined BMW and getting a frugal Merc in exchange.

[junglie]

I suppose it is a nice position to be in deliberating over 2 good cars - always an E46 M3 convertible to throw into the mix as well