Which would you choose?

[Erakad]

Moving to Germany soon and would like a car there when I arrive. Not really interested in spending a lot, I'll be replacing it in the next couple years. Had one of the locals look for BMWs and Mercedes (in a limited price range) and this is what he found. I want it for local and some autobahn driving. Which would you go for:

[widgeon13]

I'd go with the 535i and lower mileage.

[fxeditor]

Don't both those cars seem REALLY expensive? Even doing the Yen to Euro conversion in my head I seem to think so. BMW's are a dime a dozen in Germany and there must be better deals to be had.


Good luck on your move,
Michael

[Erakad]

BMW's are a dime a dozen in Germany and there must be better deals to be had.

I've considered this and checked it out. They are a dime a dozen, but they all have twice (or more) Km's on them for the same (or more) price. Plus I like the idea of having a car there when I get there (I only have Rt hand steer now) while I shop replacements. Costs me nothing to ship it, except the gas to the port.

[EarlyPorsche]

The 93 just really looks dated and tired. The 96 is a little better.

[924slover]

neither...they're both auto.... but if i had to choose the lesser of both evils id choose the 535i , i have a soft spot for the early 90's bmw's

[island911]

I expect that the 528 will bring much better economy. (fuel isn't cheap over there)

[masraum]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I'd go with the 535i and lower mileage.

Ding, Ding!! We have a winner.

[island911]

Seriously? ..you'd put 7750 fewer miles as more important than 3 years of age?

[gtc]

I would pick the '96. The E39 is a wonderful car, even with a 6-cylinder.
400,000 yen = $4,250 = pretty cheap!

[Erakad]

I really do prefer the manual transmission, but not finding them. The only concern I had with the 528 was the accerlation and ability to keep up on the autobahn. I look at a 5 series, it's a bit larger and heavier than a 3 series with comperable engine; don't know if .7L is going make a significant improvement in power and performance for the size (but better km/L??)...and you're right, fuel is at $3.20+/gal right now.

[gprsh924]

The acceleration might be a little bit slow, but it will comfortably cruise at 100+ all day. My 525 can

[Rob Channell]

535i and then add one of these:

e34 535i Stage 2 - Turbo Charging Dynamics

Instant Bahn burner....

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by 924slover

neither...they're both auto....

This

[vash]

if i moved to germany, i would buy a cherry 1969 Z28 camaro...or a 55 chevy pickup. isnt a benz the taxicab over there?

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Erakad

This one... Classic looking, better colour and cheaper.

[cbush]

I was driving down the Frankfurt autobahn in my Boxster going over 150MPH-a pretty steady cruise as traffic in front of me was clearing the way. That traffic was led by an Opel station wagon.
My point being that there are lots of fast, safe, fuel sipping cars in Germany- you don't need to buy an expensive, gas sucking pig like an older BMW 4 door. The little diesels there are fast, comfortable, fuel efficient, and cheap. I think gas there is 5-6 dollars per gallon.

[Sapporo Guy]

Expensive even over here.
i don't see too many Japanese folks wanting either, therefore the dealers trying to ship out of the country. Plus, many dealers here have been hit by the fact that sending garbage cars to Russia fell out since the tariffs in Russia have sky rocketed.

These cars to buy in Japan would cost an extra ¥200,000 to put on the road due to registration fees, taxes and car inspection.

Therefore, the idea of dropping these cars to out of country buyers is very appealing.

If you need help let me know, I know a few people in the industry.

[legion]

MaryAnn.

I mean Kari.

Wait, what was the question?

[kanadary]

go for the 535. nicer engine.