W211 estate vs E39 touring
Discussion
HI All,
I have a specific question. Has anyone on here owned a W211 E class and an E39. I know the W211 is effectively a generation on from the E39 and comparable in age to the E60, but I currently have an E39 I had for 6 years and wondering what a change to a W211 estate would be like.
My car is a 530i manual sport touring. I'd be look at a probably an E350 estate, which has a bit more poke than the 530i. I'll leave it at that for now. Maybe if I can find an E500 I'd think about it, but for comparison purposes lets assume a 350 as the performance is similar.
Obviously newer more toys, safety equipment, more powerful engines, just normal stuff because of a new car. But what is the drive like. The E39 6 cylinders a famed for their communicative steering which I don't imagine the W211 has, but how big is the difference.
I know the Mercedes will have softer handling, and be more comfortable, but I consider my E39 fairly wallowy, and it's a sport with all new suspension. I don't mind a bit more comfort as I don't charge about much these days, and can always upgrade the suspension if required so not an issue.
Curious to know people's opinions who have driven owned both cars.
I have a specific question. Has anyone on here owned a W211 E class and an E39. I know the W211 is effectively a generation on from the E39 and comparable in age to the E60, but I currently have an E39 I had for 6 years and wondering what a change to a W211 estate would be like.
My car is a 530i manual sport touring. I'd be look at a probably an E350 estate, which has a bit more poke than the 530i. I'll leave it at that for now. Maybe if I can find an E500 I'd think about it, but for comparison purposes lets assume a 350 as the performance is similar.
Obviously newer more toys, safety equipment, more powerful engines, just normal stuff because of a new car. But what is the drive like. The E39 6 cylinders a famed for their communicative steering which I don't imagine the W211 has, but how big is the difference.
I know the Mercedes will have softer handling, and be more comfortable, but I consider my E39 fairly wallowy, and it's a sport with all new suspension. I don't mind a bit more comfort as I don't charge about much these days, and can always upgrade the suspension if required so not an issue.
Curious to know people's opinions who have driven owned both cars.
Edited by drpep999 on Sunday 21st April 10:06
I've had 2 e39s (both Sport saloons - manual 530d and auto 530i), w211 e320cdi Sport and I've also had an e60 LCI 530i manual which is worth mentioning.
Best car out of all of them was the e60 which I did a huge amount of enjoyable miles in and only sold recently. The w211 was good and very practical but the steering wasn't great.
I believe the e350 can suffer with chain issues.
The w212 is also worth looking at, steering much improved over the w211 however it loses some of the waft factor for that.
Best car out of all of them was the e60 which I did a huge amount of enjoyable miles in and only sold recently. The w211 was good and very practical but the steering wasn't great.
I believe the e350 can suffer with chain issues.
The w212 is also worth looking at, steering much improved over the w211 however it loses some of the waft factor for that.
markirl said:
I've had 2 e39s (both Sport saloons - manual 530d and auto 530i), w211 e320cdi Sport and I've also had an e60 LCI 530i manual which is worth mentioning.
Best car out of all of them was the e60 which I did a huge amount of enjoyable miles in and only sold recently. The w211 was good and very practical but the steering wasn't great.
I believe the e350 can suffer with chain issues.
The w212 is also worth looking at, steering much improved over the w211 however it loses some of the waft factor for that.
Thanks.Best car out of all of them was the e60 which I did a huge amount of enjoyable miles in and only sold recently. The w211 was good and very practical but the steering wasn't great.
I believe the e350 can suffer with chain issues.
The w212 is also worth looking at, steering much improved over the w211 however it loses some of the waft factor for that.
You preferred the E60 to the E39? I sometimes look at them and think I can live with the looks, then other days I look at them an think no way.
I like the face lift 212.
A mate has had a 2002 E39 530i for about 10 years. Rusty sills and jacking points, big hole below the rear window, exhaust rotted out a few years ago, etc. He loves the car, but it's maybe a year away from being a scrapper.
His missus had a 2006 E61 520d. Bought cheaply, been abused, but no sign of rust.
The E60 has a few common weaknesses, but rust doesn't seem to be a problem.
I had a very early (2007) E61 LCI 525d, which I ran up to nearly 130k. Only issues were tailgate glass microswitch, wiper linkage, and air suspension compressor relay. Bodywork and interior was perfect, and it drove very nicely.
I'd go for an LCI E61 over an E39 Touring any day.
His missus had a 2006 E61 520d. Bought cheaply, been abused, but no sign of rust.
The E60 has a few common weaknesses, but rust doesn't seem to be a problem.
I had a very early (2007) E61 LCI 525d, which I ran up to nearly 130k. Only issues were tailgate glass microswitch, wiper linkage, and air suspension compressor relay. Bodywork and interior was perfect, and it drove very nicely.
I'd go for an LCI E61 over an E39 Touring any day.
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