Re: Just took 530i for test drive, and have a few (archive)

1. steering wheel - did you testdrive the non-sports 530i? The non-sports steering wheel is slightly bigger, but the sports steering wheel that comes with the sports package is smaller and thicker in the 2 and 10'o clock.

2. engine noise - my ears are bad, can't notice the difference. Another thing is, 2001 is throttle by wire, so the gas pedal seems to be more responsive(at least to me), thus you may need to be easy on the pedal.

3. 530 a muscle car? Hmmm, I wonder what the 540 and M5 guys/girls would add to that ....

I also testdrove the C320, and I agreed that it is not in the same league as 530. C320 is small and clumsy with little rims.

My 2 cents worth ....

Before I ask, I must say that I am a newbie, so please go easy. Thanks.

I'm looking at the Mercedes C320 and the 530i, and have recently taken both for a test drive. Needless to say, the 530i seems to be much more car for the money, but there were a few nagging concerns. First, the steering wheel was awfully hard, thin and big. Does this just take some getting used to, or is there another steering whell that might be better. Second, the engine roar was extremely loud. I understand that you can't keep these things quiet (or even want them to be), but every litttle application of the gas created a rather loud growl. Third, the car seemed rather more like a muscle car than the Mercedes - big and pretty intimidating, and requiring much more driver involvement (not a bad thing).

I'm wondering if anyone can comment on these things. Are my impressions accurate? ANy help would be appreciated. Thank you.

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