Would you recommend the 2008 BMW 520d SE or the Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI?

I have found two saloon cars for a similar price. Both are 2008 models with full service history and will come with a 2-year warranty. The dealer will take my wife's car as a trade-in. The cars are a BMW 520d SE with cream leather at 97,000 miles, and a Mercedes-Benz E220CDI at 87,000 miles, also with cream leather. Both cars are in very good condition. Which would be more reliable and cheaper to run for two years and 30,000 miles a year?

Asked on 8 June 2013 by SW, Eire

Answered by Honest John
Probably the Mercedes. I'm guessing it's a post-2006 facelift W211 with 'Venetian blind' effect diffusers over the main headlights. It's not as good to drive as the BMW, but is a better long term bet. Tens of thousands of European taxi drivers can't be wrong.
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