I know they are in a different class, but I have a big problem which one to buy. The BMW is $15K with 70K miles on it and the Benz is $13.5K with 60K miles. Which one would you chose? Don't care for the bad BMW's cup holders but quality and reliability
The BMW is probably going to be more reliable. After all Mercedes is no longer an independent company. It's owned by Chrysler now. You can already tell which has a higher "value", the BMW with 10k more miles and costing $1.5k more. I'm not sure of the specs off the top of my head but I presume the 525i is a V6 and where as the Kompressor is a 2.3 I4 that might just be turbocharged (not really confident about that though). I'd take the BMW even though the Mercedes probably looks a little "cooler".
Obviously, it is better to see the options available, i.e. leather seats and so on. Based on this, then buy the desired car. If u like space, then, The BMW is your choice, but if you have a small family then the C220 is recommended.
Obviously you either want a real wheel drive vehicle, German auto engineering or you live in L.A. and are giving into the stereotypical hype.
Honestly, a used Honda Accord (or Toyota or Lexus G coupe) would be better than both of these cars... if you're talking those two most important words, QUALITY and RELIABILITY! BMWs and Mercedes maintenance will be killer if something goes wrong. Honda is reasonable and you can't beat Honda's customer service. Look at Honda's depreciation compared all other manufacturers..... Honda's value holds strongest.
But if you must go German, Mercedes has better quality.... BMWs really aren't that great as far as reliability, but they are fun to drive.
but quality and reliability