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E39 528i vs. MB E320

<<rom: Tristan Wardell <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, 23 Sep 96 15:11:00 MDT
Subject: E39 528i vs. MB E320

<<I am in the process of purchasing a new vehicle.  Two of the vehicles that I 
have narrowed it down to are the 96/97 Mercedes Benz E320 and the 97 BMW 528i.>>

Tristan -

I have a 95 525i.  It is a wonderful car.  An absolute pleasure to drive.  And
it delivered 29 mpg on a vacation trip to Oregon from San Francisco - even tho
speeds were often vicinity of 80.

But, there are a few things that you might want to be sensative to.  Of course,
BMW has listened to their customers and fixed all problems in the new 528!!

First, the car has high wind noise.  On a smooth road surface, try two things.
First, with the car at a standstill, set the radio to a comfortable level and
then accelerate to 70.  Can you still hear the radio?  Then reset the volumn at
70 and stop.  Is the radio too loud?  Or just drive along at 70 and listen!

Second, the car doees not adjustable mid-lumbar support.  That's OK for a few
hours, but an 8-hour day leaves me in pain.  Of course, your back may be
different.

Third, BMW will not sell a maintenance manual for the 528, and since most owners
of such cars do not even change their oil, there will probably be no
after-market manual for several years. What is MB's policy?

Finally, and as an antidote to whatever you learn from the above, try a few
quick corners.  The last MB that I drove (93 C-series) was not pleasant in
corners, whereas corners are a source of great pleasure in the 525.

Enjoy the selection process.

Brant