Z-Man, you may serve my crow pie now (Got a new car!)

[HardDrive]

I'm sure it has escaped the notice of most, but over the past few years, posts have come up involving the entire Mercedes\BMW\Lexus debates, and being a VERY happy Lexus owner, I have said some rather disparaging things about Mercedes. Both Z-man and Island911 have endured my tirades.

Now, in my own defense, I own a 2004 Lexus, and bought it at a time when Mercedes quality (by their own admission) had issues. And I think MBs attack on Consumer Reports was rather poor form. But I'm not some blind brand loyalist, and if a brand is 'walking the walk', I won't hesitate to switch brands.

This morning I traded in my Boxster for a 2006 Mercedes E350. I have decided that the next step in my Porsche ownership will be to own a track car, and I needed a daily driver. I looked at a number of options, but it really just came down to buying a BMW 530, or an E series Mercedes. I doubt you care to hear my rather long winded reasoning, so I will make it quick:

1) WTF is Chris Bangle going for? I just don't get it. I think Mercedes styling will age better than BMWs styling if I decide to drive the car for the next 15 years.
2) Mercedes quality has risen dramatically since the 06 model year.
3) Lexus simply does not have a comparable offering. The ES350? Oh please....

So there it is. Despite my railing against Mercedes, here we are. Its a beautiful car. The 3.5 engine lays on power in a buttery smooth band through the 7 speed. The shifting is almost imperceptible.

There you have it. Z-man, I ask only that you remove the beaks from my crow pie!

On to finding that track weapon (I'm thinking an SC......).

[Racerbvd]

Good looking car, enjoy it. BTW, there is a track SC on the PP Porsche for sale thread.

[the]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

This morning I traded in my Boxster for a 2006 Mercedes E350.

You go, girl!

[cantdrv55]

Oooh, burn!

[mschuep]

Originally Posted by the

You go, girl!

LMFAO!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Should have bought a new GS.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Should have bought a new GS.

I think they're ugly. The IS3350 is nice and speedy, but I barely fit in the front seat, and I'm only 6'2". My head was on the ceiling with the seat all the way down. I also looked at lease return LS models, but those things are huge.

Now if you excuse me, I have go. Our hair stylists union local is having a meeting, and I'm secretary this week.

[gprsh924]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I think they're ugly. The IS3350 is nice and speedy, but I barely fit in the front seat, and I'm only 6'2". My head was on the ceiling with the seat all the way down. I also looked at lease return LS models, but those things are huge.

Now if you excuse me, I have go. Our hair stylists union local is having a meeting, and I'm secretary this week.

You've got it right about the IS. My dad really liked those and when our GX went into the shop he made sure we got an IS as a loaner, basically as a long term test drive. I rode in it/drove it and was shocked at how cramped it felt sitting in. The M3 convertible we wound up with feels less cramped even with the top up.

Congrats on the new ride, I really like the styling on those.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Just giving you crap. I like the new GS, but to each his own. My wife's uncle has a new GS3XX (whatever the number is), I was VERY impressed.

Classy looking E-class, great color. One of our VPs here at work has an identical one, it's a great looking car.

[slow&rusty]

I have always liked the E-Class from the W124s to present, some of the W210 look a little homely but the new models are very attractive.

Lexus makes NOTHING that is remotely interesting, the new "F" series to take on AMG and BMW "M" will be interesting, although I just saw the new IS"F" and it is ugly!! Whay do all the Lexus cars look like Camry\ Avalon jellybeans.

I bought a new IS250 and it was horrible for power not even 190hp especially here in the Rockies! My ex crashed it and did us both a favor. The backseats are terribly small.

I also looked at the E350 and really liked them but they were a little on the average side for power. Either way you made a good choice.

I did decide on a Infiniti M45 after much research and test drives but the non-logical side of me wished I bought a slightly used Supercharged AMG E55!

Good luck to you.
Yasin

[livi]

That really is a very nice car, although here in Sweden it is the traditional TAXI model.

[daepp]

I bought an 08 GS350 in January. I have been very happy with the car. It lacks a little personality but it's made up for with power, comfort and ergonomics.

I still own two Benz's tho - an ML (01 w/200K) and GL (07 w/30K). Reliability has not been a big problem.