Which car do you prefer and why?

BMW. Much more solid of a car. Fewer problems. I am going to purchase a BMW myself this weekend. X5 though, because I need an SUV, or SAV as BMW calls it. Much better than the ML.

Well I drive a 2004 330Ci, so maybe I'm prejudiced, but . . .

1. Mercedes have established a reputation as being unreliable. There was a blurb somewhere that pointed out that they make about six times as many trips to the dealer for service other than routine maintenance than a Buick.

2. Consumer Reports just instituted a new feature in their Annual Auto Issue that shows all auto manufacturers, and what percentage of their models CR has tested and recommended. Mercedes scored 0%. BMW was around 65%, if I remember correctly.

3. Every automobile magazine for the last 15 years has rated the BMW 3-series the best car in its class, mainly because of their precise and communicative steering. I took a little old lady who only drives to church on Sunday (literally) for a test drive in both BMW and Mercedes (and Lexus, but that's not the question), and even she could tell the difference within a block and a half.

4. A straight six engine has perfect primary balance, and the BMW straight six engines have consistently rated among the best automobile engines in the world in refinement, smoothness, and driving character.
Mercedes has switched to V6s, which require balance shafts to make them run smoothly, and that adds rotating mass, which slows throttle response.

5. And there are no Mercedes CLK 320s with manual transmissions, if that's important to you. If not, at least it indicates where the emphasis is: Mercedes - Luxury; BMW - Sportiness.