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Is the BMW 5 Series 8-gear auto more fuel efficient than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 7-speed?

I'm thinking about getting either a BMW 530d or a Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI coupe. I want an automatic, but the BMW has comes with 8-gear automatic and the Mercedes-Benz comes with a 7-gear automatic gearbox. Both (at least on the website) have similar fuel consumption - but wouldn't the BMW be more efficient since it has eight gears instead of seven?

Asked on 8 July 2010 by cinek

Answered by David Ross
The 530d does indeed have an 8-speed automatic available and will average 45.6mpg. The E350 CDI Coupe has a 7-speed and will average 41.5mpg so the BMW is more efficient because of its extra gear.
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