A large, unnecessarily high powered saloon is beckoning...

[scorcher]

With my new daughter due any day now, I'm considering swapping the 911 so we can have family holidays (2 UK ones coming up this year) in comfort and speed - the L200 and the wife's Qashqai don't quite tick the right boxes.

But obviously it has to have four doors and over 500 bhp.

And sound even better than my 911.

And be moddable and reliable (so not a Maserati)

And around £45k.

And SMG or auto.

And not a 4x4.

Despite our recent trip to MB World, I'm still none the wiser about Mercs, and TBH the ones I sat in felt pretty cheapo, but I might be tempted by an AMG of some sort.

I'm thinking E60 M5 - thanks to Raj - doh :rolleyes: - loads of AUC ones in that price range, and all with rear ISOFix :)

What do we think chaps?

[AM13REZ]

Audi RS4??

[XKaLiBaR]

Audi RS6 ;)
but the new ones out your price range. M5 Touring?

[Stock323iSaloon]

RS6 will give you the power and practicality. shame to see your porker go tho....

[styler2002i]

you dont have to go for a new model rs6 the old one can still do the job, and they still look quiet nice,

with the money you save i think you could tweek it match the porkers performance and still have the comfort of a everyday audi...

[lumus]

Has to be the E60 M5 for me. There arent many more imposing beasts.

The RS4 is well worth a look if you fancy the extra stability from 4WD.

[mr sideways]

M5 for me aswell!!!!

[benny boy]

M5 gets my vote too.

[scorcher]

RS4 is only manual :(

[BigFas]

Project Kahn RRS

http://image57.webshots.com/557/0/42/83/2803042830036459600cfCEwL_fs.jpg

/thread

[cableguy]

With the Qashqai and L200 I suppose you've got the 4x4 route covered? otherwise i'd have recommended the Cayenne Turbo ;) fantastic performance and an easy 500bhp+ with re-map and sports exhaust... performance and V8 sound don't get much better IMO. :D

e60 M5 would be my choice for saloon car though, followed closely by CLS55/63. :cool:

Good luck in your decision.

C.

[Chaos]

I know where there's a lovely 55 reg M5 that's been dangling a carrot in front of me for weeks now. Pretty sure that they'd take 40k on it, too. The prices are down into sensible regions now, and it's a crazy amount of car for the cash... :cool:

[peppernick]

TBH, the interior of the E60 M5 doesn't look any more 'expensive' than a Merc :p

My choice, a late E55 AMG :cool: It's easier and feels faster to drive because of the gargantuant torque. The new E63 lacks the bottom end shove and you have to work the engine hard to get the most of it. Remap the 55 and you'll see 550BHP easily. The perfect family motorway sledge hammer. Like all AMGs, depreciation is a headache though :( If you're just going to keep the car for a couple of years, you'll lose lots. But if you are not concerned, try one out ;)

Alternatively, an E60 Alpina B5. Given your previous fixation with Alpinas, I think you'll love it :D The autobox is nicer to drive everyday than the SMG on the M5.

[scorcher]

Quite right Cableguy - don't want another 4x4 - 2 is quite enough!

Old shape RS6 are too old - new ones aren't supposed to be much cop, and too expensive

I'm feeling Inter-wotsit Blue with Silverstone leather M5, but will explore the AMG route too :cool:

[cableguy]

Good call Nick, the B5 is an awesome machine and much more exclusive than the M5. ;)

Check out this fine machine in my fave colour combo... Black on Black. :cool:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/423870.htm a whole lot of car for the money.

C.

[Sav]

Peppernick suggested a Alpina B5..how about a B5s :D supercharger!!

its expensive though :(

[BMW JAY84]

E60 M5 or as a wild card would you get into an early Maserati Quatroporte for that sort of budget. I think you may :)

[scorcher]

Couldn't bring myself to mod a B5 :o

And could afford a Maserati, but again, couldn't mod it and unsure of reliability

E55 AMG does look interesting Nick - did we see / hear one of them going round the track at MB World?

[peppernick]

E55 AMG does look interesting Nick - did we see / hear one of them going round the track at MB World?
Sounds like thunder (that is with a stock exhaust) and goes in straight line line nothing else. The shove feels a great deal more than your 996TT because it weighs nearly 2 tonnes! The momentum is shocking!

Doesn't do corners splendidly but reasonable for a big car like that. Traction is the main issue round bends but I'll buy an E55 purely for it being a luxury MEGA hot rod :D

[XKaLiBaR]

jay, the wild card would be a 535d ;)
at the end of the day, you dont want to be stopping for petrol every 100 miles, with kids screaming in the back :D

[Moe]

E55 sounds the god, whens the new e class due though this may impact prices??

The mercedes that really is appealing at the moment is the CL63

[adood84]

Just got a ride in an E60 M5 yesterday with DSC off , the guy did a couple of drifts lol , so a :cool: machine sounds awosme too and looks perfect

[FullHouse]

Dan its a no brainer, but to be absolutely sure its got to be an extended test drive in both, my car should be ready in about 2 weeks, hold on till then and then make your decision. like Nick says the E55 isn't much cop around corners and you dont live in the states so a little swift town driving will leave you a little limp in the Merc. I have been fortunate enough to own both engines and in my opinion its not even a close call. M5 will always win hands down, you feel attached to the car which feels attached to the road.

[scorcher]

Oooh, exciting choices!

Will be a few weeks yet until I make my decision, and would love a drive in your car Raj - cheers :)

[FullHouse]

Oooh, exciting choices!

Will be a few weeks yet until I make my decision, and would love a drive in your car Raj - cheers :)

Will PM you when its done mate

[mystic sport]

What a nice decision to have to make. I love the M5 and it is a consideration for my next car. The AMG sounds like thunder with performance to match but the M5 sounds like all hell is unleashing as the revs rise - it just screams. I always thought the M3 sounded highly strung near the readline but that V10 is insane.

[scorcher]

...just had a peep at a black E63 at my local Merc dealer - out of my price range, but looks very mean in the flesh

http://www.mercedes-benz.motortrak.com/images/4x3/K/KU06RPA.jpg

:cool:

What's being done to your M5 Raj?

[FullHouse]

The quad oval tip eisenmann (race level) is going on, H&R Lowering Springs 30mm drop rear 20mm drop front, then 20" forged 3 piece wheels (the ones i posted up about 3 weeks ago with colourcoded Interlagos blue 4" lips / Gloss Black Centres and colourcoded Interlagos blue Studs all round.

[XKaLiBaR]

The quad oval tip eisenmann (race level) is going on, H&R Lowering Springs 30mm drop rear 20mm drop front, then 20" forged 3 piece wheels (the ones i posted up about 3 weeks ago with colourcoded Interlagos blue 4" lips / Gloss Black Centres and colourcoded Interlagos blue Studs all round.

And with that, Raj becomes the Lean, Mean, Grinning :D Machine

[scorcher]

The quad oval tip eisenmann (race level) is going on, H&R Lowering Springs 30mm drop rear 20mm drop front, then 20" forged 3 piece wheels (the ones i posted up about 3 weeks ago with colourcoded Interlagos blue 4" lips / Gloss Black Centres and colourcoded Interlagos blue Studs all round.

Cor - that's going to be one fine looking car :cool:

[SJD]

Congrat's Dan - for being in a position to have that choice to make :D

For me it would have to be the M5 as it just brings that much more to the table. Enjoy those test drives in the meantime and all the best with what you decide.

[huzi7]

It has to be the M5 Dan

Awesome car!!! :cool::cool::cool:

[Doc Matt]

I'll PM you with details of an M5 for sale thats a stunner.

[Imola]

M5 or RS4 nice decision to make :cool:

[Griff]

1)M5 Touring
2)RS6 Avant
3)E55 or E63 AMG Estate
4)S8 - with the Lambo engine
5) Alpina B7 (supercharged 4.4 V8) Rare. or the B5

[Sport Coupe]

Three more grown up options are:

1) Face lifted Jaguar XJ possibly an XJR.
2) Daimler Super 8 (lovely one at HA Fox in Guildford with the 20's).
3) Bentley Arnage Red Label.

[robinh20mrv]

1st dibs on your wheels m8!!

[sonny]

id have to say the E60 M5 aswel mate..

[robinh20mrv]

M5 M5 M5 M5 M5 M5 M5 you NEED a E60 M5!!

[Mud]

I saw a couple of M5 tourings recently and they looked like proper beasts!

[Tilly]

M5 or S8 although S8's depreciate for fun. Saying that.... it didn't stop you with the 7er LMAO

[Vin]

if it was me personally CLS 55 AMG.

A few weeks ago a modified CLS 55 AMG took me out on the M40 and made me look like i was standing still.

[madmatt m3]

its tough at the top hey mate???

gotta be an M5 really although I'd prob be swayed into considering an RS6 Avant

[scorcher]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys :)

Just been given the ok by the missus, so it's all systems go now - wonder if I can sneak a couple of test drives in before the baby arrives next week :D

Robin - guess I won't be needing those brakes now :o - but yep, the wheels are all yours matey :) Cos you need another set don't you :p

[Styler]

Good choice!



.....Interlagos blue Studs all round.
Raj get a stud conversion done! i'm getting a cool one done for the summer :) involving the colour red of course

[Mahal]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys :)

Just been given the ok by the missus, so it's all systems go now - wonder if I can sneak a couple of test drives in before the baby arrives next week :D

Robin - guess I won't be needing those brakes now :o - but yep, the wheels are all yours matey :) Cos you need another set don't you :p


M5 seems like a good choice, but i think they are still gonna continue dropping in value... but for the moment it seems to have ticked all your box's

Also congrats on the baby... My Bros Mrs is due next week aswell (Friday) although the way she looks it will be over the next few days...

[Raja_SMGII]

A dark grey M5 saloon, beckons :)

[scorcher]

Whoops!

Just sold the 911 :eek:

Andy's collecting it for demodding on Sunday :cool:

Have a test drive of one of the suggested cars at 10am Friday :)

[ShaanK]

that was quick lol!

full report on the car once you drive it please! whatever it may be! and pics!!!

[FullHouse]

Whoops!

Just sold the 911 :eek:

Andy's collecting it for demodding on Sunday :cool:

Have a test drive of one of the suggested cars at 10am Friday :)

You dont hang about mate, and people thing i have problems chopping and changing my cars

[scorcher]

Didn't realise it would all happen so speedily! Only told the missus I was thinking of changing cars at 2.30, and sold the 911 3 hours later!

[peppernick]

:eek: ....... further confirms that if you want excellent resale prospect, get a 911! :D

Hopefully THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5u2goFEmMM&NR=1) will influence your decision :p

[scorcher]

Berlimey Nick, that does sound a bit nice!

[styler2002i]

this is interesting... not sure wat model e55 this is but interesting very short though

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pji9jwM_WXs&feature=related

[peppernick]

E55 is E55, no special versions.

As straight line bullet train that doesn't need rails, the E55 is hard to beat. And all at less than £30k!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujsTZduMZAQ

[adood84]

Berlimey Nick, that does sound a bit nice!

this sounds :cool: ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU

[scorcher]

Ooh Adood, you shouldn't have :)

[Sid]

Whoops!

Just sold the 911 :eek:

Andy's collecting it for demodding on Sunday :cool:

Have a test drive of one of the suggested cars at 10am Friday :)

How much did you get for it Dan?

I want my next car to be a 911, before I move onto a 5 series (not just yet though)

Good luck with the next car and the baby! :)


edit:
the guys in this E55 are having an orgasm over the Porsche! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHzxyd7GlOk&feature=related
lol

[Moe]

How about a CLS55 scorcher????

[XKaLiBaR]

E55 is E55, no special versions.

As straight line bullet train that doesn't need rails, the E55 is hard to beat. And all at less than £30k!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujsTZduMZAQ

thats some serious times ther. he used nitrous though, i love his comment about making a deal with god

"Dear God, please let me get 10's on the spray + Kleemann motor without blowing up and I promise I'll never use nitrous on this car again.":D :D :D :D

abood, you smashed it with that tune :D

[FullHouse]

Well Dan still waiting for the results from your mystery 10am Test Drive......??????

[scorcher]

Had two test drives today - and the deal is done :cool:

Moe - I just don't like the shape of the CLS I'm afraid

Not often you test two 500 bhp ish rear wheel drive cars in the pissing rain, and get told to 'put your foot down' by the salesman.

When I was already doing the national speed limit. And then doubling it. :eek:

On a track.

[Moe]

ahh shame about the cls, me thinks you want for a e55 when will the suspence be over????

[FullHouse]

He got the M5, you can tell, good choice pal

[zarnd]

ooohh. intriguing!

[Ali]

Come on, spill the beans :)

[styler2002i]

yep tell us already... were waiting... wat could it be... M5.... ummm interestin....

[BigFas]

Looking at info posted on Tilly's thread, he's got a V8 saloon of some sort. As the 4 door M3 isn't out yet and the M5 is a v10, I'm thinking it's an E55?

[adood84]

could be an e39 M5 :confused:

[Doc Matt]

Looking at info posted on Tilly's thread, he's got a V8 saloon of some sort. As the 4 door M3 isn't out yet and the M5 is a v10, I'm thinking it's an E55?

True, but he said two 500bhp cars, maybe the other is indeed the V10 as he has always been pleased with Bmw :)

[peppernick]

Dan bought an awesome car! :D Congrats!

[adood84]

Dan bought an awesome car! :D Congrats!

why are you not sharing the info :confused::D

[peppernick]

I don't want to blatantly steal his 'thunder' :D

[scorcher]

Arf Arf!

Ok fellas, it's not an M5

Didn't like the M5 at all - maybe 25 mins isn't long enough to get used to the gearbox, but it all felt like too much like hard work to drive, too complicated, seemed enormous on the road, didn't like the interior or exterior and it felt like it would kill me if I stopped concentrating for a second - not really the ideal choice for a family car then :rolleyes:

So it's another first for me - never thought I'd love an MB sooo much :D

5.5L supercharged controlled lunacy

http://www.mercedes-benz.motortrak.com/detail?template=/zoom/zoom&vid=13796962&lang=en

And will be mine in a week or so :cool:

[peppernick]

The way forward ........ :D

[benny boy]

Congrats. Do you think you miss the Porker then.

[scorcher]

Have still got the 911 for a week or so, but don't think I'll miss it.

If I had to sell it, then I probably would - I still miss my Fiat 20VT for that reason, but as I'm getting a fair few grand back, a car that's nearly as fast and with more toys and everyday practicality, I don't think I will.

I do think every petrolhead should own a 911 at some stage, and I've scratched that itch :D

[sonny]

Arf Arf!

Ok fellas, it's not an M5

Didn't like the M5 at all - maybe 25 mins isn't long enough to get used to the gearbox, but it all felt like too much like hard work to drive, too complicated, seemed enormous on the road, didn't like the interior or exterior and it felt like it would kill me if I stopped concentrating for a second - not really the ideal choice for a family car then :rolleyes:

So it's another first for me - never thought I'd love an MB sooo much :D

5.5L supercharged controlled lunacy

http://www.mercedes-benz.motortrak.com/detail?template=/zoom/zoom&vid=13796962&lang=en

And will be mine in a week or so :cool:

congrats, beautiful motor, has it got the new 7-speed auto gear box in it?

[SYE]

very nice congrats, i take it a wheel change will be in order:D

[huzi7]

Congrats on the new car mate :cool:

[amar7274]

Arf Arf!

Ok fellas, it's not an M5

Didn't like the M5 at all - maybe 25 mins isn't long enough to get used to the gearbox, but it all felt like too much like hard work to drive, too complicated, seemed enormous on the road, didn't like the interior or exterior and it felt like it would kill me if I stopped concentrating for a second - not really the ideal choice for a family car then :rolleyes:

So it's another first for me - never thought I'd love an MB sooo much :D

5.5L supercharged controlled lunacy

http://www.mercedes-benz.motortrak.com/detail?template=/zoom/zoom&vid=13796962&lang=en

And will be mine in a week or so :cool:

Congratulations on your new purchase you've made a great choice.
Agree completely with you with regards to the M5, my old mans got one and i can't stand it. Horrible gearbox its jerks and thumps out loud when changing gear quickly. I find it impossible to drive it smoothly. The E55 which i've also driven is a much better car and won't consume as much fuel as the M5.

[scorcher]

congrats, beautiful motor, has it got the new 7-speed auto gear box in it?

yep, sure has - and it's soooo smooth :)

[scorcher]

Congratulations on your new purchase you've made a great choice.
Agree completely with you with regards to the M5, my old mans got one and i can't stand it. Horrible gearbox its jerks and thumps out loud when changing gear quickly. I find it impossible to drive it smoothly. The E55 which i've also driven is a much better car and won't consume as much fuel as the M5.

Glad it wasn't just me then :D

[styler2002i]

nice motor.. dude.. congrats... definately a looker... i have experienced the 7 speed gearbox... and wat a gearbox it is... all round good choice...

[Sport Coupe]

I've heard of some bad experiences about that dealership, make sure you have a good look over the vehicle before taking delivery.

Some dark coloured Brabus wheels would certainly go some way to make it look like it sounds ;)

[imu]

Congrats scorcher - the E55 is an awesome machine :cool:

[scorcher]

I've heard of some bad experiences about that dealership, make sure you have a good look over the vehicle before taking delivery.

Some dark coloured Brabus wheels would certainly go some way to make it look like it sounds ;)

The car is in good nick, one of the PDCs needs attention, and the boot needs a good hoover, but fingers crossed that's it :)

You don't really think it'll be staying on the original 18" AMGs for long do you :D

[mikem]

Looks great Scorcher. :)

[Moe]

Nice love it fella

[FullHouse]

Congrats Dan, a bit gutted you didn't get the M5, i think a little bit more time may be an extended wknd test drive is what was needed, or maybe i should have taken you for a test drive, have to agree with you on a couple of points petrol consumption is a nightmare and driving a little spirited around town is a little harder work but the rewards are a lot higher in the M5, all the same i am really happy for you and cant wait to meet you one evening on a deserted dual carriageway (in Germany of course), well done mate

[BMW JAY84]

Nice one Dan slighlty more restrained than the Porker but im sure some nice new rims will change that :) Enjoy

[Purvesh]

Well done, stunning choice!

[zarnd]

lloks awesome. My Dad has an SL55 AMG and the noise from the supercharged V8 is just awesome. He came to the 'Ring with me in it last year and at one point was averaging 6.3mpg round the track :D

cheers and enjoy!

[zarnd]

lloks awesome. My Dad has an SL55 AMG and the noise from the supercharged V8 is just awesome. He came to the 'Ring with me in it last year and at one point was averaging 6.3mpg round the track :D

cheers and enjoy!

[Raja_SMGII]

Congrats Dan - the [lighter] E55 is actually quicker than the SL55! I think you made the right choice, the M5 is bound to be hit with hard depreciation, whereas the E55 has already taken its major hit and best of all, it doesn't have a front that resembles Dame Edna's glasses!

http://www.austin360.com/shared-gen/blogs/austin/outandabout/243634~Dame-Edna-Everage-Posters.jpg

Cheers :)

[Moe]

Raj you're a funny guy but i can see the resemblance

[am3r]

Congratulations on the motor mate, its a shame you didnt get on with the M5, the gearbox is definately one to to get used to over time, most people hate my M6 the first time they drive it.

But for a family car the E55 is a great choice, the torque, noise and normal auto box all add up to a awesome package.

:)

[Black Sabbath]

Blimey Dan :eek: I only went away for a week and read this post,what are you like :rolleyes: .Anyway congrats on the new purchase,enjoy :D

[scorcher]

Congrats Dan, a bit gutted you didn't get the M5, i think a little bit more time may be an extended wknd test drive is what was needed, or maybe i should have taken you for a test drive, have to agree with you on a couple of points petrol consumption is a nightmare and driving a little spirited around town is a little harder work but the rewards are a lot higher in the M5, all the same i am really happy for you and cant wait to meet you one evening on a deserted dual carriageway (in Germany of course), well done mate

I really thought I was going to end up with the M5 too!

I'm glad that I did test both - I think if I'd set my heart on the M5, and only test driven a couple of them, I would have got one and not been that happy with it, and changed it a few months later :rolleyes:

Pretty sure the family would have felt a little carsick around the Dorset country roads - I'm sure the SMG is fine if you are used to a manual, but I'm not :D

[scorcher]

Congrats Dan - the [lighter] E55 is actually quicker than the SL55! I think you made the right choice, the M5 is bound to be hit with hard depreciation, whereas the E55 has already taken its major hit and best of all, it doesn't have a front that resembles Dame Edna's glasses!

http://www.austin360.com/shared-gen/blogs/austin/outandabout/243634~Dame-Edna-Everage-Posters.jpg

Cheers :)

:D :D :D :D :D - that's spot on

[Raj]

Mahoosive congrats Dan. Lovely choice...:cool:

[mike 318is]

nice one congrats

[bigshout]

I don't think you could fault either choice of car, both are serious cars and the AMG is not as common which has got to be a bonus. Are both cars simular is pricing?

What's the MPG in this beast? I can see you spending allot of time on petrol stations which a engine + SC like that! LOL

[scorcher]

E55 is a little cheaper than an M5, as it's 4 years old compared to 3 year old M5, but it's done most of it's major depreciating.

No idea about MPG - it's not my every day car so not that bothered TBH :)

Edit: - just checked Parkers and apparently it does 21 MPG - yeah, of course it does... :rolleyes:

But it also found out it's got 700nm of torque :eek:

[peppernick]

But it also found out it's got 700nm of torque :eek:
Before a remap ;)

[Ali]

Awesome buy, you really can't beat the E55 bang for buck! :)

Congrats!

[peppernick]

Just saw this and thought Dan might be interested :D ....... I'm sure there are some stone chips to the silver calipers at the moment :p

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/y2.jpg

[scorcher]

Mmmmm, banana brakes :D

[scorcher]

Off to collect the E55 now :cool:

Will post pics later on today :D

[thegolfather]

Awesome car Dan, congrats mate.