1997 740i (e38) vs a used S320 Mercedes - <wob>

["Stephen Robinson" <stever@xxxxxxxxx>]

I was chatting with a gent on the digest a month or so ago and noticed he
didn't own his 740i any longer and was selling his 99 323i and was curious
about his getting rid of them both, so I emailed him and found out that he
bought an S320 Mercedes (the peppy 6 cylinder) and sold his 740i (think it
was a 1997) and is alot happier with it the Benz - he said it is much
quieter than the 740i, and it makes the 740i seem "tinny" in comparison, in
terms of feel of the doors when they shut, and just overall materials.  It
is more "vaultlike" and heavy, and the seats are better designed and more
comfortable especially in the front, according to him.  He added it doesn't
handle quite as well as the 740i did, but it was worth giving up a bit of
handling for the quiet ride and more substantial feel of the S Class Benz. 
It got me to thinking, I guess, as I've never driven an S class yet, what
I'm missing...  For me, I think the BMW has the sportiness in look and feel
that I love.  My next door neighbor has a used mint S600 (12 cyl - blk/blk)
4 door Benz that he also keeps out in the driveway (we both have 2 car
garages and he's got a blk 500SL Benz and a new Jag for his wife in there),
and I have to wonder what I'm missing, if anything.  Any thoughts on this? 
At one time I was interested in the S500 or S600 coupe, a used one, but I
need a 4 door. 

Steve Robinson
1995 740i (been out in the driveway for 2 months now as the garage spot is
given up to the fiancee's 95 540i)
1988 911 

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