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