Used car warranty with dealer - BMW vs Merceds

mitra · 16-02-2021 4:49pm #1

Hi folks,

I've been thinking about buying a used, company approved BMW or Mercedes from an authorised dealer. I am looking to spend around €20k-22k. I could see there a good bit of options in the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class which are 2015 and 2016 reg cars with decent 80-120k kms mileage. For some reason not many 320d or C-class available.

Until sometime back I was only interested in BMWs sporty looks but the more I started looking at the Mercedes, its beautiful design is getting all over me. Not that I don't like BMW, I just started liking Mercedes a bit more.🙂

But the problem with Mercedes cars is that even if it is an approved car, the max warranty I'd be getting is just 1 year or up to 20k-40k km (whichever is earlier) depending on the dealer.

BMW is giving 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, which I think is a very good considering anything above €20k isn't small money (at least not for me 😜). As this would be the first big buy for me, I don't want to spend more money on repair cost if something breaks, at least another 2 years.

So my question is, does an additional warranty makes any difference? Are Mercedes E-class (2015-2016, I think it's called W212 Facelift) reliable enough to ignore the warranty that I'd be getting with BMW?

coylemj · 16-02-2021 5:04pm

OP, you need to dig a bit deeper and give us more information. What do those warranties cover? Are big ticket items like the alternator covered for parts and labour?

A two year warranty on a secondhand car means nothing unless you list off what is and is not covered. And search the internet for secondhand review websites to see if there have been factory recalls and/or teething problems with any of those models - anything that could put you off those vintages should be well documented by now.

mickdw · 16-02-2021 5:08pm

mitra wrote: »

Hi folks,

I've been thinking about buying a used, company approved BMW or Mercedes from an authorised dealer. I am looking to spend around €20k-22k. I could see there a good bit of options in the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class which are 2015 and 2016 reg cars with decent 80-120k kms mileage. For some reason not many 320d or C-class available.

Until sometime back I was only interested in BMWs sporty looks but the more I started looking at the Mercedes, its beautiful design is getting all over me. Not that I don't like BMW, I just started liking Mercedes a bit more.ðŸ™‚

But the problem with Mercedes cars is that even if it is an approved car, the max warranty I'd be getting is just 1 year or up to 20k-40k km (whichever is earlier) depending on the dealer.

BMW is giving 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, which I think is a very good considering anything above €20k isn't small money (at least not for me ðŸ˜œ). As this would be the first big buy for me, I don't want to spend more money on repair cost if something breaks, at least another 2 years.

So my question is, does an additional warranty makes any difference? Are Mercedes E-class (2015-2016, I think it's called W212 Facelift) reliable enough to ignore the warranty that I'd be getting with BMW?

And to further sway your opinion, bmw allow purchase of additional warranty via the dealer up to pretty high mileages whereas mercedes do not.
Both brands can go wrong so id be getting as much warranty as possible.

bazz26 · 16-02-2021 5:20pm

A 2015/2016 5 Series would be the F10 which was launched back in 2010. A 2015 E Class would be the older model which was launched back in 2010 also, a 2016 E Class would be the newer model that was launched that year. The newer E Class would be superior to the older 5 Series in regards modern tech, finish. The BMW would be more engaging to drive but the E Class would be a more comfortable place to sit in.

The two year BMW warranty is very comprehensive and will cover most major things, it's one of the better warranties you will find out there on a used car of that age especially among premium brands. I'd say reliability will be in or around the same on both. When premium cars break then tend to be expensive to fix.

mickdw · 16-02-2021 5:40pm

coylemj wrote: »

OP, you need to dig a bit deeper and give us more information. What do those warranties cover? Are big ticket items like the alternator covered for parts and labour?

A two year warranty on a secondhand car means nothing unless you list off what is and is not covered. And search the internet for secondhand review websites to see if there have been factory recalls and/or teething problems with any of those models - anything that could put you off those vintages should be well documented by now.

The bmw used car warranty is just about the best out there. Its a must really considering some of the bills bmw can throw at you.

Eric Cartman · 16-02-2021 5:47pm

mickdw wrote: »

The bmw used car warranty is just about the best out there. Its a must really considering some of the bills bmw can throw at you.

it covers turbo's and even things like the audio amplifiers which are prone to damage with water ingress to the boot.

a 2016 5 series with a 2 year warranty would be hard to beat for value OP.

And I say that as someone who really prefers the E class of that generation

mitra · 16-02-2021 5:54pm

coylemj wrote: »

OP, you need to dig a bit deeper and give us more information. What do those warranties cover? Are big ticket items like the alternator covered for parts and labour?

A two year warranty on a secondhand car means nothing unless you list off what is and is not covered. And search the internet for secondhand review websites to see if there have been factory recalls and/or teething problems with any of those models - anything that could put you off those vintages should be well documented by now.

I got an email from one of the major BMW authorised dealer in Dublin confirming 2 year warranty covers the engine, gearbox, electrics, labour in the event of same.

I did some search and there aren't any major issues with the BMW F10 afaik.

mitra · 16-02-2021 5:57pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

it covers turbo's and even things like the audio amplifiers which are prone to damage with water ingress to the boot.

a 2016 5 series with a 2 year warranty would be hard to beat for value OP.

And I say that as someone who really prefers the E class of that generation

Thanks for that! This makes it a stronger case to consider BMW.

mitra · 16-02-2021 6:03pm

bazz26 wrote: »

The two year BMW warranty is very comprehensive and will cover most major things, it's one of the better warranties you will find out there on a used car of that age especially among premium brands. I'd say reliability will be in or around the same on both. When premium cars break then tend to be expensive to fix.

Thank you! Yes, that's what even I thought. No other german brands (MB, Audi) gives a comprehensive warranty for more than a year, which I feel is very less for the money that we are paying for an approved car.

Seth Brundle · 16-02-2021 6:48pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

it covers turbo's and even things like the audio amplifiers which are prone to damage with water ingress to the boot.

a 2016 5 series with a 2 year warranty would be hard to beat for value OP.

And I say that as someone who really prefers the E class of that generation

I've just bought my second BMW with a 2 year dealer warranty. The warranty covers pretty much anything that isn't a consumable and has been said is hard to beat.
The first was on an E60 and I had the turbo replaced (without quibble) along with a couple of bits and bobs.

You do pay more for a car wth such a warranty but when I was looking for my recent purchase I was under time pressure (someone wrote off my E60) and there was nothing of similar quality to the car I bought so it became a no-brainer for me.

kermitpwee · 16-02-2021 6:48pm

What are you currently driving?

Eric Cartman · 17-02-2021 10:02am

https://approvedused.bmw.ie/vehicle/202009234103689

520d , 2016 with 50k miles and the luxury pack and a few other toys, hard to beat

kermitpwee · 17-02-2021 10:18am

At your budget you are getting a very dated looking BMW imo.
I wouldn't rule out a high spec Superb, Volvo S90, Lexus Gs300h either.
If your heart is set on the BMW fair enough.
There not as good as people say but not as bad as people say.

FlubberJones · 17-02-2021 10:26am

I'm in a similar position, looking at 171 Mercedes GLA and this is the 24 month warranty I can add to the purchase of the car, seems fairly comprehensive.

At €450 to add on to the overall price I feel it's something I should be doing

kirving · 17-02-2021 12:49pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

it covers turbo's and even things like the audio amplifiers which are prone to damage with water ingress to the boot.

a 2016 5 series with a 2 year warranty would be hard to beat for value OP.

And I say that as someone who really prefers the E class of that generation

I much prefer, and had an E class of that generation - and I fully agree on choosing a BMW for the warranty alone.

That said though, I had only one issue, which cost €1700 to fix That's on the mid-upper end of the spectrum as failures go - only a Gearbox or engine would have cost more really. A car with a warranty would have cost much much more than €1700 extra.

bazz26 · 17-02-2021 1:57pm

A BMW timing chain replacement would cost you a lot more than 1700 from a main dealer if you were paying for it yourself. Even more so if the chain let go and destroyed the engine too. There are many other things that are expensive that can go wrong too. The premium H/K sound system amplifier in the boot will cost you the bones of 2k from BMW if it gets damaged by a water leak.

kirving · 17-02-2021 2:59pm

As said, the BMW is the better choice due to the available manufacturers warranty. Was the timing still an issue with the BMW by 15/16?

I'm not aware of common, big ticket failures on the Merc OM651 engine, at least not as commonly published ones.

Realistically, what is the maximum cost of a very major repair vs. what premium do you pay for a manufacturer warranty?

bazz26 · 17-02-2021 3:09pm

Nobody can predict what might or might not fail on a used car especially a premium one. The cost and peace of mind in the warranty is obviously built into the price of the car. It's up to the individual to decide if it's worth it or not. You might get good use from that warranty or you might not. You pay or don't pay and take your chances.

mitra · 17-02-2021 4:32pm

FlubberJones wrote: »

I'm in a similar position, looking at 171 Mercedes GLA and this is the 24 month warranty I can add to the purchase of the car, seems fairly comprehensive.

At €450 to add on to the overall price I feel it's something I should be doing

This looks like pretty comprehensive coverage!! May I please know where did yo get this additional warranty? Is this with authorised dealer on an approved car?

I had a chat with Connelly Galway and they are giving only 1 year or 20K kms warranty and there is no additional warranty that i can buy. The sales told me that I can buy outside, but they don't have any recommendation.

mitra · 17-02-2021 4:45pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

https://approvedused.bmw.ie/vehicle/202009234103689

520d , 2016 with 50k miles and the luxury pack and a few other toys, hard to beat

That's a lovely car!

Sorry to digress from the original discussion. I was looking at this 520d one which has decent mileage and within my budget -

I liked the exterior paint colour but the interior upholstery colour (Cinnamon Brown Dakota leather) isn't very appealing. My wife likes it though, so I don't mind shortlisting it.
However I'm planning to keep it for around 3 yrs, so I'm also looking at the resale point of view. I'd like to know what others think about this interior colour? Does looks odd or is it a desirable colour?

Sorry, pls let me know if this needs to be on another thread as this is slightly off-topic form the original question.

FlubberJones · 17-02-2021 5:02pm

mitra wrote: »

This looks like pretty comprehensive coverage!! May I please know where did yo get this additional warranty? Is this with authorised dealer on an approved car?

I had a chat with Connelly Galway and they are giving only 1 year or 20K kms warranty and there is no additional warranty that i can buy. The sales told me that I can buy outside, but they don't have any recommendation.

This is an Nissan dealer who is selling a Mercedes used, but the warranty is fine and covers the most tings that will need it

bazz26 · 17-02-2021 5:09pm

Hard to know from those pictures, it could be the light/shadow but the seats look a little grubby to me. That colour leather is normally nice but some people just don't like it. Regarding resale value, it's going to be an 8 year old car so I wouldn't get too hung up on resale values at that point, these cars tend to depreciate heavily in the early years and then slow down a bit as the years get on.

Seth Brundle · 17-02-2021 5:18pm

That's a nice car. However, the leather isn't for me.

mickdw · 17-02-2021 5:24pm

FlubberJones wrote: »

I'm in a similar position, looking at 171 Mercedes GLA and this is the 24 month warranty I can add to the purchase of the car, seems fairly comprehensive.

At €450 to add on to the overall price I feel it's something I should be doing

Those warranties are useful but nowhere near what bmw offer with their Approved used car warranty.
Take the exclusions as listed on your warranty - wiring and wiring looms excluded.
So you go in with for repair with some random system failure on your mercedes.
You wont know whether its covered or not as it could be a wiring issue for example. You give the go ahead for diagnostic. Dealer reports it looks like a sensor - should be covered. sensor replaced and fault remains - dealer puts many more hours into it in diagnostic - eventually finds that the issue was a damaged loom.
No cover for repair. Big headache.

mickdw · 17-02-2021 5:25pm

mitra wrote: »

That's a lovely car!

Sorry to digress from the original discussion. I was looking at this 520d one which has decent mileage and within my budget -

I liked the exterior paint colour but the interior upholstery colour (Cinnamon Brown Dakota leather) isn't very appealing. My wife likes it though, so I don't mind shortlisting it.
However I'm planning to keep it for around 3 yrs, so I'm also looking at the resale point of view. I'd like to know what others think about this interior colour? Does looks odd or is it a desirable colour?

Sorry, pls let me know if this needs to be on another thread as this is slightly off-topic form the original question.

I wouldnt buy a car with that interior but some people love it.
Overall its probably a negative in terms of resale.

FlubberJones · 17-02-2021 6:26pm

mickdw wrote: »

Those warranties are useful but nowhere near what bmw offer with their Approved used car warranty.
Take the exclusions as listed on your warranty - wiring and wiring looms excluded.
So you go in with for repair with some random system failure on your mercedes.
You wont know whether its covered or not as it could be a wiring issue for example. You give the go ahead for diagnostic. Dealer reports it looks like a sensor - should be covered. sensor replaced and fault remains - dealer puts many more hours into it in diagnostic - eventually finds that the issue was a damaged loom.
No cover for repair. Big headache.

I see your point but it's better than actually having a 12 month warranty, and for only 450 it does add to the peace of mind

mickdw · 17-02-2021 6:36pm

FlubberJones wrote: »

I see your point but it's better than actually having a 12 month warranty, and for only 450 it does add to the peace of mind

Ya, its certainly better have it than not.

Casati · 17-02-2021 8:08pm

mitra wrote: »

That's a lovely car!

Sorry to digress from the original discussion. I was looking at this 520d one which has decent mileage and within my budget -

I liked the exterior paint colour but the interior upholstery colour (Cinnamon Brown Dakota leather) isn't very appealing. My wife likes it though, so I don't mind shortlisting it.
However I'm planning to keep it for around 3 yrs, so I'm also looking at the resale point of view. I'd like to know what others think about this interior colour? Does looks odd or is it a desirable colour?

Sorry, pls let me know if this needs to be on another thread as this is slightly off-topic form the original question.

It’s a different interior option for sure and not for everybody but if you like it that’s all that matters.

That car isn’t bad value with 2 years warranty and 100km on the clock but a lot of the approved used are v dear and it could be cheaper to buy one elsewhere and pay for the BMW warranty separately which I think is feasible if the car has less than 150k on the clock

mitra · 17-02-2021 11:22pm

Casati wrote: »

It’s a different interior option for sure and not for everybody but if you like it that’s all that matters.

That car isn’t bad value with 2 years warranty and 100km on the clock but a lot of the approved used are v dear and it could be cheaper to buy one elsewhere and pay for the BMW warranty separately which I think is feasible if the car has less than 150k on the clock

Didn't know that they also sell just the warranty even on a non approved cars!? That'd be a good option.

Back Home · 17-02-2021 11:32pm

Buy a Lexus Hybrid and forget about warranty

Casati · 17-02-2021 11:34pm

mitra wrote: »

Didn't know that they also sell just the warranty even on a non approved cars!? That'd be a good option.

Im fairly sure they do but I understand the best option is to try to get a car where the BMW warranty is expiring- others will know more but as long as the car has less than 150k (km's) I think you can extend it

bazz26 · 18-02-2021 12:11am

You can buy your own extended warranty. https://www.bmw-warranty.ie

There are different levels of cover from basic drivetrain to the top cover which is very similar to the warranty a BMW dealer will give you. The warranty is offered by a 3rd party company for BMW and is honored by the BMW network. The premium obviously gets more expensive as the car gets older and mileage gets higher as the risk of a failure increases. It also gets more expensive if there is a gap in warranty cover too so you really need to take out the extended warranty just as the old one expires. Alot of folks running M cars find that extended warranty worth it as if anything goes wrong on a M car it's eye wateringly expensive to put right.

mitra · 18-02-2021 10:37am

Eric Cartman wrote: »

https://approvedused.bmw.ie/vehicle/202009234103689

520d , 2016 with 50k miles and the luxury pack and a few other toys, hard to beat

Back Home wrote: »

Buy a Lexus Hybrid and forget about warranty

I love their Hybrid technology, build quality and like the exterior looks, but I just hate their cabin design and the layouts. Even that steering looks soo ugly. I wonder why don't they hire a proper designer for cabin:D

The newer models after 2018 are somewhat okay but they are a bit expensive, and there aren't many available in the used market.

Stallingrad · 18-02-2021 10:44am

Just make sure you drive both extensively OP. As a long time BMW fan bought an F10 a few years ago and sold it a year later. Was a great spec (Luxury model) 2014 main dealer car with a 2 year warranty. It need over €3000 worth of warranty work in the first year, which was all handled without quibble from BMW, the warranty is really excellent, but it didn't inspire confidence for the years ahead. The interior was fantastic (far better then E-class IMO), sublime build quality, and the car looked great.

But the N47 diesel engine was a disappointment, performance was fine but it was too unrefined, the ride was average at best, it never settled off the motorway, and it was just wooden and dull to drive. Of all the cars I've owned it disappointment the most.

Replaced it with a petrol Superb and in many ways (comfort, equipment, infotainment, refinement, space) I feel it is the better car.

kermitpwee · 18-02-2021 11:08am

Stallingrad wrote: »

Just make sure you drive both extensively OP. As a long time BMW fan bought an F10 a few years ago and sold it a year later. Was a great spec (Luxury model) 2014 main dealer car with a 2 year warranty. It need over €3000 worth of warranty work in the first year, which was all handled without quibble from BMW, the warranty is really excellent, but it didn't inspire confidence for the years ahead. The interior was fantastic (far better then E-class IMO), sublime build quality, and the car looked great.

But the N47 diesel engine was a disappointment, performance was fine but it was too unrefined, the ride was average at best, it never settled off the motorway, and it was just wooden and dull to drive. Of all the cars I've owned it disappointment the most.

Replaced it with a petrol Superb and in many ways (comfort, equipment, infotainment, refinement, space) I feel it is the better car.

I can't see why people think the f10 is so good.
I thought the ride was okayish but lacking in comfort. The interior build quality was below an Audi but looked well.
I have a feeling the op has a tight budget and I think is coming from a 07 avensis, this BMW is not the answer for them. Look they want it fair enough but there are always alternatives out there if they take there head out of the BMW bubble

Back Home · 18-02-2021 11:16am

Stallingrad wrote: »

Just make sure you drive both extensively OP. As a long time BMW fan bought an F10 a few years ago and sold it a year later. Was a great spec (Luxury model) 2014 main dealer car with a 2 year warranty. It need over €3000 worth of warranty work in the first year, which was all handled without quibble from BMW, the warranty is really excellent, but it didn't inspire confidence for the years ahead. The interior was fantastic (far better then E-class IMO), sublime build quality, and the car looked great.

But the N47 diesel engine was a disappointment, performance was fine but it was too unrefined, the ride was average at best, it never settled off the motorway, and it was just wooden and dull to drive. Of all the cars I've owned it disappointment the most.

Replaced it with a petrol Superb and in many ways (comfort, equipment, infotainment, refinement, space) I feel it is the better car.

Sublime build quality;) but needed 3000 grand in the first year:eek: Agree with you on the Superb, far far better car.

mitra · 18-02-2021 12:01pm

kermitpwee wrote: »

I can't see why people think the f10 is so good.
I thought the ride was okayish but lacking in comfort. The interior build quality was below an Audi but looked well.
I have a feeling the op has a tight budget and I think is coming from a 07 avensis, this BMW is not the answer for them. Look they want it fair enough but there are always alternatives out there if they take there head out of the BMW bubble

Tbh I wasn't too into BMW that too not very particular about F10. When I thought of changing the car and figured out the budget, I started doing some search. In that process, I also came under a bit of peer pressure, so my attention went toward BMW, MB and Audi. I found that I could get a decent mileage F10 and there are plenty available in the used market. I was after F30 2Lt diesel but they are rare to find and as expensive as F10. I had a fair idea about N47 engine problems but as I read horror stories, I kind of decided to go with an approved car with 2 year warranty for some peace of mind.

My 07 1.6L Avensis is still in very good condition with 197k mileage. I hardly spend any money except for routine maintenance which is around €120

. Surprisingly it is so good that there isn't an audible squeaking noise. Just that there is no fun to drive.
Until the lockdown hit last year, I was doing a decent mileage of around 15-18k a year. Even in 2020, I did around 10k. I like going on long drives for camping, hiking and weekend getaways to the country along atlantic coast. So considering all these I need a car which is dependable, practical with and also fun to drive.

Since you have inflicted this idea, now I started wondering what other options I have? :P
Is Superb really a "Superb" car? Is it better than Passat or Mazda3/6 in terms of the overall package? I have heard a lot of praise but also a few criticisms as well. And any idea how is the Automatic transmission version? What other options I have pls, I don't mind good recommendations, thanks

kermitpwee · 18-02-2021 12:20pm

mitra wrote: »

Tbh I wasn't too into BMW that too not very particular about F10. When I thought of changing the car and figured out the budget, I started doing some search. In that process, I also came under a bit of peer pressure, so my attention went toward BMW, MB and Audi. I found that I could get a decent mileage F10 and there are plenty available in the used market. I was after F30 2Lt diesel but they are rare to find and as expensive as F10. I had a fair idea about N47 engine problems but as I read horror stories, I kind of decided to go with an approved car with 2 year warranty for some peace of mind.

My 07 1.6L Avensis is still in very good condition with 197k mileage. I hardly spend any money except for routine maintenance which is around €120 . Surprisingly it is so good that there isn't an audible squeaking noise. Just that there is no fun to drive.
Until the lockdown hit last year, I was doing a decent mileage of around 15-18k a year. Even in 2020, I did around 10k. I like going on long drives for camping, hiking and weekend getaways to the country along atlantic coast. So considering all these I need a car which is dependable, practical with and also fun to drive.

Since you have inflicted this idea, now I started wondering what other options I have? :P
Is Superb really a "Superb" car? Is it better than Passat or Mazda3/6 in terms of the overall package? I have heard a lot of praise but also a few criticisms as well. And any idea how is the Automatic transmission version? What other options I have pls, I don't mind good recommendations, thanks

There isn't really any cars that are fun to drive in the budget your looking at.
I guess fun to drive is all relative.
If your going camping and hiking would you not consider an estate?
One thing to consider is tyres and service isn't cheap for premium cars.
The joy often goes out of them when they cost more than your used to run or your paying a loan on it.
I'm not trying to put you off buying the BMW. Just make sure you know what your getting into.
It can also be a brilliant feeling moving from an older run of the mill to a more premium car.

bazz26 · 18-02-2021 12:44pm

Back Home wrote: »

Sublime build quality;) but needed 3000 grand in the first year:eek: Agree with you on the Superb, far far better car.

Funny that I owned a VW Passat CC before my BMW, it developed a fracture in the gearbox at just over 2 years old that leaked transmission fluid onto the clutch and flywheel meaning all 3 had to be replaced. Sublime build quality indeed.

Some people cannot seem to get their heads around premium branded cars, they can still be a 60k car to fix when they break despite being bought for 1/3 that price second hand a few years down the road. BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc they are all the same. If people are not prepared for that then yes they are looking at the wrong car and better off sticking with something like a Superb.

As for fun to drive, this is a big heavy wide car, it's not a hot hatch. They are designed to eat motorway miles in comfort.

Wailin · 18-02-2021 12:49pm

Back Home wrote: »

Sublime build quality;) but needed 3000 grand in the first year:eek: Agree with you on the Superb, far far better car.

Lol. Let's not forget that the f10 came out in 2010 whereas stalingrad is talking about a much newer model skoda superb. What was the superb like in 2010?

Back Home · 18-02-2021 1:18pm

Wailin wrote: »

Lol. Let's not forget that the f10 came out in 2010 whereas stalingrad is talking about a much newer model skoda superb. What was the superb like in 2010?

Plenty of 2010 Superbs driving around with very high milage. I think the new hybrids will be even better.

kirving · 18-02-2021 1:19pm

Totally different comparison between an F10 and a Gen3 Superb. 5 year difference in their release dates like.

A closer comparison would be against a petrol G30 from 2016

kermitpwee · 18-02-2021 2:19pm

kirving wrote: »

Totally different comparison between an F10 and a Gen3 Superb. 5 year difference in their release dates like.

A closer comparison would be against a petrol G30 from 2016

22k max budget and I can't see any 2016 petrols available

ShadowHearth · 18-02-2021 2:34pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Funny that I owned a VW Passat CC before my BMW, it developed a fracture in the gearbox at just over 2 years old that leaked transmission fluid onto the clutch and flywheel meaning all 3 had to be replaced. Sublime build quality indeed.

Some people cannot seem to get their heads around premium branded cars, they can still be a 60k car to fix when they break despite being bought for 1/3 that price second hand a few years down the road. BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc they are all the same. If people are not prepared for that then yes they are looking at the wrong car and better off sticking with something like a Superb.

As for fun to drive, this is a big heavy wide car, it's not a hot hatch. They are designed to eat motorway miles in comfort.

Buying a premium brand car is an easy part, keeping it on the road is a hard part. Some people make a mistake by investing all their money in to premium brand car and expect it to be as reliable as Corrola. That never works. You have to be ready for something expensive to go and have a few quid spare.
At least BMW warranty makes it easier, and so far, I heard it actually worth the paper its written on, but even then, it's not a silver bullet.

Tl:DR To be able to buy a premium car, does not mean you can afford it.

kirving · 18-02-2021 2:36pm

kermitpwee wrote: »

22k max budget and I can't see any 2016 petrols available

Budget aside, the comparison between the two cars isn't on a level playing field, especially on refinement (petrol vs diesel), infotainment and equipment (2015 vs 2010).

The two cars are in different brackets, and of course you'll get more for your money in terms of technical specification with the Skoda.

I'm not particularly a fan of the F10 myself, and would probably have the Skoda all things considered (I was close to buying one actually) given the same budget.

Stallingrad · 18-02-2021 3:07pm

kermitpwee wrote: »

22k max budget and I can't see any 2016 petrols available

You would have no problem getting a petrol (1.4 or 2.0) for that money in the UK.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011206303240?make=SKODA&postcode=w37tz&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE%20L%20Executive&price-from=14000&price-to=16000&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=relevance&model=SUPERB&include-delivery-option=on&fuel-type=Petrol&page=2

kermitpwee · 18-02-2021 3:25pm

Stallingrad wrote: »

You would have no problem getting a petrol (1.4 or 2.0) for that money in the UK.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011206303240?make=SKODA&postcode=w37tz&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE%20L%20Executive&price-from=14000&price-to=16000&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=relevance&model=SUPERB&include-delivery-option=on&fuel-type=Petrol&page=2

I was referring to BMW petrols

punisher5112 · 18-02-2021 3:31pm

Stallingrad wrote: »

You would have no problem getting a petrol (1.4 or 2.0) for that money in the UK.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011206303240?make=SKODA&postcode=w37tz&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&radius=1500&aggregatedTrim=SE%20L%20Executive&price-from=14000&price-to=16000&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=relevance&model=SUPERB&include-delivery-option=on&fuel-type=Petrol&page=2

Source from Northern Ireland if possible to get around new charges.....
Car must be registered and within time frame in.the north too

adox · 18-02-2021 4:08pm

bazz26 wrote: »

A 2015/2016 5 Series would be the F10 which was launched back in 2010. A 2015 E Class would be the older model which was launched back in 2010 also, a 2016 E Class would be the newer model that was launched that year. The newer E Class would be superior to the older 5 Series in regards modern tech, finish. The BMW would be more engaging to drive but the E Class would be a more comfortable place to sit in.

The two year BMW warranty is very comprehensive and will cover most major things, it's one of the better warranties you will find out there on a used car of that age especially among premium brands. I'd say reliability will be in or around the same on both. When premium cars break then tend to be expensive to fix.

Had the same experience. Just came from a CC to a G30 520D. The CC gave me a lot of trouble in the two and a half years I owned it. The last was a sensor failing in the DSG gearbox which would eventually lead to it not recognising the car being in park and not being able to lock it.
Not only did the sensor have to be replaced, it needed a whole new gear lever system as the sensor was right at the bottom of it and couldnt be replaced on its own. Over €1700 to fix. Also had issues with coolants leaking that had to be sorted and other minor issues that werent consumables. Luckily I took an extended warranty at the time of purchase that covered most things.

Now I`m under no illusion that the BMW will be any more reliable but the 2 year warranty is great piece of mind when making a purchase.
Mercedes would only offer 12 months with no option to extend. They told me I could look for a third party for another warranty.

As it happened I test drove both and much preferred the 520D over the E220D.

mickdw · 18-02-2021 4:38pm

Just going back to tbe fun to drive bit.
Remember the op is coming from a 1.6 avensis.
Now i once was given one of those for a couple of hours while my car was being serviced and also had a hire one at one stage - believe me, everything mentioned on this thread will be fun to drive after the avensis.
They are just horrible horrible things.

kermitpwee · 18-02-2021 4:44pm

mickdw wrote: »

Just going back to tbe fun to drive bit.
Remember the op is coming from a 1.6 avensis.
Now i once was given one of those for a couple of hours while my car was being serviced and also had a hire one at one stage - believe me, everything mentioned on this thread will be fun to drive after the avensis.
They are just horrible horrible things.

Yes I had one very reliable but the most boring synthetic feeling car I ever had, but very cheap to maintain

Used car warranty with dealer - BMW vs Merceds

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