Need help choosing between 2003 M45 and 2002 Mercedes E430

[mindovermatter81]

So I can't choose between these two beauties. I drove the E430 and loved it because it had a smooth ride, ala Lexus. They said they sold it and I moved on to the M45 and last night they called me and said the E430 was still available, so now I'm in a dilema. Here's the specs:

2002 E430 sport: 53,500 miles, black on black, has several small paint chips, but they can be taken care of easily. I like the square look of this model before the 2003 update.Cost: $16,500 (probably $17,000 after paint chips are fixed).

2003 M45: 59,350 miles. Diamond Graphite on black. The stupid dealer put an after market spoiler on there and I don't like spoilers, especially on big cars, so it'll cost me a couple hundred or so later on if I wanna take it off and have it patched up...Cost: $16,995I like the look of both these years, more than the newer rounder models.

The reason I first wanted a luxury car was because of a Lexus I drove and fell in love with the comfort and smooth ride. I'm not too sure if there's a smoother ride on the E430 or M45, probably E430. The M has more 65 more horses and looks more modern inside. They're very similar in price at NADA and KBB. Please help me decide.

[Manok]

well, since this is an Infiniti forum I suppose people will tell you to get the M45. I don't think you will be disappointed in the M.

[Q45tech]

The E430 transmission will cost $1500 more to replace at 100k vs M wereas the M45 might last 150k-200k if you replace ATF NOW.

The AT needle bearing fail in E so fluid exchange is not 100% protective.

Does the 2002 still have 2 spark plugs per cylinder ? how is AC on E [leaks].

Have a C43 AMG but it is a 99 which just received a remanned $5,000 AT at 103k.You need to specify how long you intend to keep each and how good a salesman you are to private sell you cast offs.

[mindovermatter81]

I plan to keep the vehicle about 3 - 4 years. I do think it has two spark plugs per cylinder. I am a good salesman I think...

[szh]

I like the look of both these years, more than the newer rounder models.

True indeed! Same with me.

Z

[MagicM]

Ask yourself if you want Luxury more, or Performance more. Lux and smooth ride go with Merc, and performance go with M.

[MattB]

M45. No question. I wish I'd found one for well under $20K like that before I bought my I30.