F10 VS My W212 (Side By Side Pics!) & Little "Review"

K-A · Jun 15, 2010

Today I finally was able to get some time with an F10.

First one I saw, a 550i, was sitting pretty in the Showroom. A Charcoal-y color. My heart immediately started to sink (Sh**, did I really make the right choice?). I start expressing my situation, and as soon as I said I have the new E-Class, the Salesman was very much complimentary towards it, just saying how in awe he is of the new E's lines, and styling, and especially front end (especially compared to the upsetting front of the new 5'er). Being someone who's been against the E for so long, and now an Owner, I can fairly state that the E seems to be the popularity contest winner this time around (like the E60 before it.... So that crown doesn't mean much to me).

We went upstairs to see an Alpine White 535i. GORGEOUS. Tears almost streaming down my face now (in potential "remorse"). The White pops very much, it's a more "White White" than M-B's kind of "Off White" Arctic White.

I couldn't get enough of the car, just beautiful. Sticker was nice and high at $69K-ish, it had EVERYTHING.

Took it for a drive, man that thing flies, just so zippy, and power when you want it. More remorse for me, as it's a whole different animal than the E350. As soon as I started it up, I notice it's a performance 6-Cylinder, based off of sound.

The interior is very nice, I don't know if it's nicer than the E's though. Materials are very comparable. The E has a more "Business", open-air, confident approach, while the BMW is very at-your-service, driver oriented, yet still very comfy and coddling. Seats felt outstanding (remember, this is the Loaded Loaded Car).

All in all, that aspect is purely preference.

The car felt very nimble, not as substantial and "heavy cruising" as the E, basically, it's a "BMW VS Mercedes". I love the Benzes substantial, strong feel, yet love how zippy and nimble the Bimmer feels, preference again.

I did the "Self Parking" thing, and WOW, completely insane. The car literally parked itself. Something that would have saved me from curbing my rims.

I couldn't test the handling much, but considering how good the W212's steering feel is, it wasn't an immediate night and day, but it was definitely more willing, and a bit lighter feeling to me. I really wanted to throw it through some curves, but no such luck really.

Big deal breaker is how WIDE the base of the wheel is (the bottom plastic portion, between your thigh area), my knee/leg kept hitting it, very uncomfortable.

All in all, I told the guy "if I was comparing both cars right now, and didn't have either, I might have went with the 535i".

We get back, and I snap pics of both cars. Some people came up and couldn't help but seem more interested in the E. Including the workers. Seeing them both together, I had a tough time finding my "favorite". However, my happiness-o-meter went back up, as I felt the E is the one I wanted to get in, the one I want to call "My Own". All in all, I couldn't help but to be drawn by its styling more-so. Although I think the 5'er is purely gorgeous (minus the front, mainly, which isn't all thaat bad, but doesn't compare to the E's, just like the E's rear isn't really as interesting as the Bimmers IMO, although it is less "bloaty", so that's a toss up to me as well).

I got in my E, and to be honest, I couldn't be happier.

Phew (for now).

BTW, the Salesman restored my faith in BMW Dealerships (I became a big baby after some bad experiences at a Bimmer Dealer). Stand up guy, true Car Enthusiast, and he was nice to let me spend some time comparing the cars, etc.

Pics below:

K-A · Jun 15, 2010

And some of an E60 M5 VS a New F10:

Potential · Jun 15, 2010

The 5 Series is in my opinion the much better looking vehicle. To be honest, both are great looking, I just prefer the BMW. Can't go wrong with either.

K-A · Jun 15, 2010

Yup, that's what I told the guy even. Regardless of which one I end up truly loving more, it's not like anyone who is "stuck" in either, is in any way suffering, lol.

Mr. Mercedes · Jun 16, 2010

Thanks for the review KA!

I hope you don’t mind me doing this here, but I’ve written a brief summary of my experience with both. I’ve driven the E daily for the past 4-5 months and the 5 for about 45 minutes on various roads I’m very familiar with and drive almost every day.

They are both very attractive. The MB, in standard trim, could use more punch in the rear and the BMW definitely needs a bit more at the front. It's a bit too bloated barge out the front. The rear is perfect as is the side profile.

Driving both cars back to back I actually found the E's steering to be truer to what's happening on the road. The BMW was very accurate in its placement yet numb and slightly artificially feeling. With the E you know exactly what is going on down there and it points almost as accurately. It’s more consistently weighted too. Some might think the E conveys too much of the road. This may have to do with the AMG suspension/steering set up.

Interior wise, the E feels supremely solid and built like a vault. No fuss quality. The BMW is undoubtedly cushier/plusher. The materials are comparable. It’s personal preference here really. The very ‘German’ Benz or the plusher BMW. The BMW felt cosier upfront and the Mercedes more spacious. The Mercedes seemed more accurately and solidly assembled, the BMW had a few fancier details and touces. The BMW’s rear seat was more accommodating than the E’s due to its deeper bench and better angled backrest. Up front they’re both extremely comfortable. I found the BMW’s seats lacked a little lateral support, but then our E does have the fully adjustable seats, so I don’t think this is a fair comparison. Again the BMW’s seats felt a little cushier/plusher and the Mercedes more firm and supportive.

In terms of ride quality, the BMW I dove had the adaptive suspension and our E, which I am comparing it too, has the AMG suspension. The BMW was superior in terms of damping at all times, yet in all settings it was slightly more knobbly then the E at lower speeds. At higher speeds they were on par in this respect. In comfort mode the 5 had an edge over our AMG equipped E over bigger bumps, in sports they were probably on par and in sports + the E had the edge. Ideally the E should be equipped with Airmatic. The E sat flatter when cornered hard even with the BMW dialled to sports +. My dad, who I suspect is slightly more bias then even I, said the E transmitted less bump and pitch to the back seat passengers than the BMW, but I think the rear seat comfort of the BMW would pay dividends in the long run and I would probably prefer to be back there over a very long drive.

NVH and general refinement were pretty much on par. I would be hard pressed to chose between the two. In terms of road noise, tyres are going to play a big part. They’re both excellent in cosseting their occupants and wind noise is nary an issue.

Comparison of the engines and transmissions isn’t really relevant since ours was an E35CDI and the BMW was a petrol 535i. Both execute their objectives outstandingly. As an engine begging to be driven, I fell in love with the 5’s unit. It’s an absolute gem. On a daily basis I adore the E’s frugality (outstanding!), pulling power and refinement.

The BMW has a few fancier options, being about 12-16months newer, which I’m sure Mercedes will add somewhere down the line, if they haven’t already. I find command easier to use, but that’s probably now due to my familiarity with the system and not a reflection of the BMW interface which is pretty easy to operate even initially. The navigation was quicker and smoother in the Mercedes. Screen size was the same on both. This BMW did not have the optional larger display which would look really nice if optioned. However the fact that the BMW’s standard screen does sit in a larger ‘housing’ makes it seem a bit less finished/well integrated. The BMW’s graphics are clearly superior to the Benz.

Lingatronic in the Mercedes is superior and I find it odd that the BMW does not have an SD card slot, only a USB connection. There is also no in dash CD stacker, but that’s probably not even relevant. Sound quality in both was good. I’d give the Harmon Kardon in the E the slight edge over the 5’s Logic 7 (who makes the speakers in the BMW btw?), but again this you would only be able to make a true assessment after listening to a wide array of different music. Neither are outstanding systems, though certainly better than the standard ones. The standard BMW system is embarrassing.

In all I think my family made the right decision with the E-class. It suits what we’re looking for perfectly. It’s been five months and we have not had a single fault or a single rattle or loose interior trim. It feels as perfect as it did the day we took delivery. I look forward to driving the car everyday. It’s supremely solid, planted, stable and refined. That we have the AMG package also means it will handle when I feel like giving it a bit, yet at the same time it delivers the ride comfort you expect of a Mercedes. It’s been a truly excellent/faultess ownership experience so far (knock on wood).

That said, the 5 will likely appeal to more buyers. It has the plusher interior and better range of larger engines. It’s adaptive suspension is outstandingly judged for comfort and handling and the equipment available very impressive.

Both class acts really.

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

Mr. Mercedes said:
Thanks for the review KA!

I hope you don’t mind me doing this here, but I’ve written a brief summary of my experience with both. I’ve driven the E daily for the past 4-5 months and the 5 for about 45 minutes on various roads I’m very familiar with and drive almost every day.

They are both very attractive. The MB, in standard trim, could use more punch in the rear and the BMW definitely needs a bit more at the front. It's a bit too bloated barge out the front. The rear is perfect as is the side profile.

Driving both cars back to back I actually found the E's steering to be truer to what's happening on the road. The BMW was very accurate in its placement yet numb and slightly artificially feeling. With the E you know exactly what is going on down there and it points almost as accurately. It’s more consistently weighted too. Some might think the E conveys too much of the road. This may have to do with the AMG suspension/steering set up.

Interior wise, the E feels supremely solid and built like a vault. No fuss quality. The BMW is undoubtedly cushier/plusher. The materials are comparable. It’s personal preference here really. The very ‘German’ Benz or the plusher BMW. The BMW felt cosier upfront and the Mercedes more spacious. The Mercedes seemed more accurately and solidly assembled, the BMW had a few fancier details and touces. The BMW’s rear seat was more accommodating than the E’s due to its deeper bench and better angled backrest. Up front they’re both extremely comfortable. I found the BMW’s seats lacked a little lateral support, but then our E does have the fully adjustable seats, so I don’t think this is a fair comparison. Again the BMW’s seats felt a little cushier/plusher and the Mercedes more firm and supportive.

In terms of ride quality, the BMW I dove had the adaptive suspension and our E, which I am comparing it too, has the AMG suspension. The BMW was superior in terms of damping at all times, yet in all settings it was slightly more knobbly then the E at lower speeds. At higher speeds they were on par in this respect. In comfort mode the 5 had an edge over our AMG equipped E over bigger bumps, in sports they were probably on par and in sports + the E had the edge. Ideally the E should be equipped with Airmatic. The E sat flatter when cornered hard even with the BMW dialled to sports +. My dad, who I suspect is slightly more bias then even I, said the E transmitted less bump and pitch to the back seat passengers than the BMW, but I think the rear seat comfort of the BMW would pay dividends in the long run and I would probably prefer to be back there over a very long drive.

NVH and general refinement were pretty much on par. I would be hard pressed to chose between the two. In terms of road noise, tyres are going to play a big part. They’re both excellent in cosseting their occupants and wind noise is nary an issue.

Comparison of the engines and transmissions isn’t really relevant since ours was an E35CDI and the BMW was a petrol 535i. Both execute their objectives outstandingly. As an engine begging to be driven, I fell in love with the 5’s unit. It’s an absolute gem. On a daily basis I adore the E’s frugality (outstanding!), pulling power and refinement.

The BMW has a few fancier options, being about 12-16months newer, which I’m sure Mercedes will add somewhere down the line, if they haven’t already. I find command easier to use, but that’s probably now due to my familiarity with the system and not a reflection of the BMW interface which is pretty easy to operate even initially. The navigation was quicker and smoother in the Mercedes. Screen size was the same on both. This BMW did not have the optional larger display which would look really nice if optioned. However the fact that the BMW’s standard screen does sit in a larger ‘housing’ makes it seem a bit less finished/well integrated. The BMW’s graphics are clearly superior to the Benz.

Lingatronic in the Mercedes is superior and I find it odd that the BMW does not have an SD card slot, only a USB connection. There is also no in dash CD stacker, but that’s probably not even relevant. Sound quality in both was good. I’d give the Harmon Kardon in the E the slight edge over the 5’s Logic 7 (who makes the speakers in the BMW btw?), but again this you would only be able to make a true assessment after listening to a wide array of different music. Neither are outstanding systems, though certainly better than the standard ones. The standard BMW system is embarrassing.

In all I think my family made the right decision with the E-class. It suits what we’re looking for perfectly. It’s been five months and we have not had a single fault or a single rattle or loose interior trim. It feels as perfect as it did the day we took delivery. I look forward to driving the car everyday. It’s supremely solid, planted, stable and refined. That we have the AMG package also means it will handle when I feel like giving it a bit, yet at the same time it delivers the ride comfort you expect of a Mercedes. It’s been a truly excellent/faultess ownership experience so far (knock on wood).

That said, the 5 will likely appeal to more buyers. It has the plusher interior and better range of larger engines. It’s adaptive suspension is outstandingly judged for comfort and handling and the equipment available very impressive.

Both class acts really.

Thanks for that great Review and absolutely agreed!

Yeah, the 5's interior is more coddling and more cozy, while the Benzes feels more spacious, and more vault-like.

Also, the screen in the 5 is biig, bigger than the 212's indeed.

Yeah, the 5 does seem to have some fancier (and COSTLIER) Options, but I always saw BMW as the Tech leader between the two (fancy and performance tech, not safety tech, mostly).

I feel the 535i would be the more fun car to get into and zip around town in, along with being a beautiful and elegant Luxury car. However, the Benz seems to be more of a "style statement" (for better, or worse, of course), and seems to be more of the "Bank vault solid, I own the road Luxury Car". I think both give me aspects of what I want, and I think I'd be thrilled with either.

Seeing them both side by side, I couldn't help but love my E next to it, but maybe that has to do with me conforming my tastes into it (maybe not though), and if I Owned the 5, I'm sure I'd focus on its aspects I like a lot more than the E's.

I have always preferred Luxury over Sport when the two are weighed against each other, which is why I love the Mercedes brand. However, with this 5'er, BMW is getting extremely close.

I will say, the W212's steering feel is phenomenal, much more dialed in, accurate, smooth, and composed than the W211's. You point it to where you want it to go, seemingly regardless of what speed you're going, and it takes you there, smoothly, and fuss free. And MAN is it quiet, almost insane how a car could be so quiet and isolating.

On paper, the BMW objectively will do almost everything better, as always. This time, even its Euro NCAP Scores are better than the W212's, which is as safe as it gets in its own regard.

Mr. Mercedes · Jun 16, 2010

K-A said:
Thanks for that great Review and absolutely agreed!

Yeah, the 5's interior is more coddling and more cozy, while the Benzes feels more spacious, and more vault-like.

Also, the screen in the 5 is biig, bigger than the 212's indeed.

Yeah, the 5 does seem to have some fancier (and COSTLIER) Options, but I always saw BMW as the Tech leader between the two (fancy and performance tech, not safety tech, mostly).

I feel the 535i would be the more fun car to get into and zip around town in, along with being a beautiful and elegant Luxury car. However, the Benz seems to be more of a "style statement" (for better, or worse, of course), and seems to be more of the "Bank vault solid, I own the road Luxury Car". I think both give me aspects of what I want, and I think I'd be thrilled with either.

Seeing them both side by side, I couldn't help but love my E next to it, but maybe that has to do with me conforming my tastes into it (maybe not though), and if I Owned the 5, I'm sure I'd focus on its aspects I like a lot more than the E's.

I have always preferred Luxury over Sport when the two are weighed against each other, which is why I love the Mercedes brand. However, with this 5'er, BMW is getting extremely close.

I will say, the W212's steering feel is phenomenal, much more dialed in, accurate, smooth, and composed than the W211's. You point it to where you want it to go, seemingly regardless of what speed you're going, and it takes you there, smoothly, and fuss free. And MAN is it quiet, almost insane how a car could be so quiet and isolating.

On paper, the BMW objectively will do almost everything better, as always. This time, even its Euro NCAP Scores are better than the W212's, which is as safe as it gets in its own regard.

Euro NCAP scores, as with any controlled crash tests, need to be taken with a pinch of salt. MB are masters of safety in the real world.

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

Agreed. Credit to Bimmer for putting effort into it, but it's obvious after the E60's controversy, they put tons of effort to ensure this car passes with flying colors.

M-B's have never done great in standardized Tests, in fact, the W212 does surprisingly well for an M-B, but even with cars like the W210, and W211, which had meh Ratings, they were proven to be the Safest cars on the road, in terms of lowest Death Rates/Saving Lives, etc.

I have no doubts the W212 is perhaps the safest car on the road, one place M-B REALLY does put everything they've ever learned about Engineering, into a new Model, is Safety. And the W212 sets their records for things like highest strength steels used to date, and the most of any production car (used throughout the car) I believe, etc. Not to mention Airbags in every crevice, etc.

ree · Jun 16, 2010

Many thanks for your first impressions and short review. Great to have side by side photos - and both cars have the same colour! PERFECT!

Interesting to see that both cars have a presence you don't get from their ancestors. Especially the side by side E60 vs. F10 comparison is fantastic.

Well on first look, the 5-series looks much better then the W212, but by longer comparison both cars have pros and cons and I still think, that you can't do anything wrong by buying one of these two cars.

So many thanks again K-A - and you definitely did a great deal with your W212. Love the mods and the AMG package is hot…

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

ree said:
Many thanks for your first impressions and short review. Great to have side by side photos - and both cars have the same colour! PERFECT!

Interesting to see that both cars have a presence you don't get from their ancestors. Especially the side by side E60 vs. F10 comparison is fantastic.

Well on first look, the 5-series looks much better then the W212, but by longer comparison both cars have pros and cons and I still think, that you can't do anything wrong by buying one of these two cars.

So many thanks again K-A - and you definitely did a great deal with your W212. Love the mods and the AMG package is hot…

Thanks very much Ree!

Yeah, the F10 VS E60 (didn't even know it was an M5 until I started Uploading the Pics, lol) is very cool, and interesting. The F10 is so much more dynamic and sleek. However I gotta say, I've never liked the E60's front, but next to the F10's, it looks really good, lol. Not necessarily "better" maybe (maybe so though, I'm kind of down the middle), but I was surprised.

Yeah, the White VS White made for perfect comparison pics!

I agree, the F10 is just gorgeous, it's much more "Me" than the W212 is, SO FAR, being that I really morphed myself into the W211 approach, and appreciate when I notice that approach again. The W212 is a whole different monster, so my tastes are getting more comfortable with it. But for the record, I am in love with my car right now, including the styling. I'm having great fun owning one, considering it was such a controversial car to me, and I think it looks great. It's got a look that needs to be digested, as it's an extremely modern design (I think the most modern on the road right now), and has a lot of quirky elements, that will either age great and distinctively, or not so well, lol.

Also, again, by themselves, the F10 drops my jaw more. Most people I've talked to, seem to say the opposite (mostly outside of car Boards). It is worth mentioning, that I'd created this world of hate toward the W212, so I don't know if that truly had to do with how genuine my first impressions were (i.e how I'd feel if I didn't own a W211).

Together, seeing the F10 and W212 side by side, is where I noticed I might like the 212 more. Wishful thinking, maybe, but hey, it's working, and I'm going with it.

I will say, this is a great time for the Mid-Size Sedan rivalry between these two Companies. I usually like one far more than the other (can't remember how I felt during the W210 and E39 era, I think I liked the 5'er a lot more). This time, I can practically close my eyes, flip a coin, sign the papers, walk out, click the key-fob, and be cool with whichever car goes "Beep".

Hard to say that I've ever felt that way before.

aleks_16 · Jun 16, 2010

Thanks alot K-A but I think it is a bit unfair to compare this two models because your e-Class had the AMG-Pacr was regulark and the 5er without the M-Pack..........

:t-cheers:

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

True ^.

Though, BMW did have the "Sport Package", whatever that is, I'm thinking, being a BMW it's actually performance related (as opposed to M-B being aesthetic). Also, to be fair BMW's regular version still has a sportier stance and 18's, while M-B's "Luxury" Edition still follows that "Classic Luxury" look.

Still, I agree, the M-Pack will be the most proper comparison.

SKY · Jun 16, 2010

The problem is that the MB need the AMG pack to look as good as the standard 5er. Wonder what will happen when BMW releases the M pack for the 5er.

klier · Jun 16, 2010

Fantastic thread. Great story, great pics. Both are fantastic cars, and I prefer the Bimmer.

Karma given!

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

Thanks Klier! Glad you enjoyed it.

I definitely agree, great cars, both of them.

Tarek · Jun 16, 2010

Gorgeous pics,thx bro.

After seeing the 5er in person IMO the E looks more serious,stylish and commanding while the 5er looks more elegant,sporty and dynamic.

My choice if i had the money would be an E500 Avantgarde with the new TT V8,700nm of torque and 435hp is pretty enough.

Levi68 · Jun 16, 2010

Nice comparision. I am glad your still happy with your new E Class. I like the 5 Series more, but it is me. AMG package is a must for any Mercedes. Both are really the best cars in this class at the moment. The Audi A6 is outdated. The new one shall come. Hope it won't look as ugly as the new A8.

Yaz · Jun 16, 2010

You finally got to drive it. You should've asked them to fix your curbed wheels

.

To be honest though, the 5er needs the M-Package since yours has the AMG package.

Who knows, we'll probably be shocked again when you show up in a 535i when the M-package is available

.

K-A · Jun 16, 2010

Yaz said:
You finally got to drive it. You should've asked them to fix your curbed wheels .

To be honest though, the 5er needs the M-Package since yours has the AMG package.

Who knows, we'll probably be shocked again when you show up in a 535i when the M-package is available .

LOL! Oh man, no I need to take a break, need to start investing my money in smarter areas than Cars! LOL.

Knowing me though.... :eusa_doh:

Yeah, the M-Pack will be the true test.

And I'll say it again, DAMN YOU M-B FOR MAKING THE AMG PACK SO COMMON!!!! M-B's DO need them, but they could have designed the regular cars to be somewhat passable (like a normal F10), and keep the AMG Pack as the exclusive one.

No matter which looks better, the M-Pack is now going to be more exclusive and prestigious than the AMG Pack.

Tarek said:
Gorgeous pics,thx bro.

After seeing the 5er in person IMO the E looks more serious,stylish and commanding while the 5er looks more elegant,sporty and dynamic.

My choice if i had the money would be an E500 Avantgarde with the new TT V8,700nm of torque and 435hp is pretty enough.

No problem man, thank you guys for appreciating it!

Yeah, it was when I saw them together, that I felt comfortable with my decision again. On their own though, the F10 really made me melt, but again, the W212 was jumped on by me since I first saw it, and the F10 spoke the language my tastes were acclimated (or naturally) to.

NarutoRamen · Jun 16, 2010

AWESOME!! I'm getting excited about this car. I'm finally gonna get to test drive it against the new E-class this Saturday. Can't wait.

F10 VS My W212 (Side By Side Pics!) & Little "Review"

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