"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
12/23/2015 at 02:45 • Filed to: None
1
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"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
12/23/2015 at 02:45 • Filed to: None | 1
| 38 |
So I’m rather at the point in my life where I no longer want to DD either a sports car, nor a truck. While still enjoying these vehicles, I would prefer a larger car with copious amenities and good power.
I came to this epiphany mid September, and became moderately fixated on the W216 CL class. Now I would love to find a CL63 or 65 but I would be quite content with a clean 550.
Fast forward to a few weeks back and I am having a conversation with my friend from Russia who is a big BMW fan. We start talking about the F10 M5, then how the E60 M5 was so much more appealing, especially when equipped with 3 pedals.
This prompted me to check out M5 prices again, where I found I missed the opportunity to buy an 08 with 62k mi and three pedals in the exact blue pictured above, by several hours.
Jump ahead to today, I come across a D3 S8 with 64k mi. The ‘make bad decisions’ voice in the back of my head screams “LAMBORGHINI V10”.
So here are my pro / con lists for each
Mercedes:
Coupe, sportier, plus in my book
probably the most expensive to maintain of the three
The most comfortable of the 3
Message seats
BMW:
Available with proper transmission (HUGE PLUS)
Best looking of the three (IMO)
Best sounding of the 3
Least mechanically reliable
Audi:
Most mechanically reliable
Least electronically reliable (and the electrical gremlins are the worst)
Blandest styling of the three
Lamborghini sourced V10
All of these can be had for roughly the same $ with roughly 60k on the clock.
So, WWYR and why. Also if you have a better suggestion leave it.
AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 02:56 |
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Of those I would probably go for the e60 M5. The reliability problems of the SMG would be eliminated if you go through with the three-pedal version.
That said...the Lamborghini V10 would make glorious loud noises. But then you’d need to have a mighty expensive exhaust system in order to make it sound nice.
How about a CLS63 AMG?
And just because it looks so damn good, have a CLS Shooting Brake:
Wheelerguy
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 02:58 |
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How about a Holden?
If it’s possible, have it painted a bright orange, lime green, or electric blue and get the optional Holden badges.
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AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
> AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
12/23/2015 at 03:00 |
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Can’t believe I forgot about the Audi S7.
sm70- why not Duesenberg?
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 03:06 |
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I’d take either the Audi or the Mercedes.
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 03:21 |
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CL65.
because only a plebeian drives a naturally aspirated car with only ten cylinders.
to quote Johnny Lieberman "oh the poor thing, it's only got 500 horsepower... how will it ever even make it through the intersection ok?"
Sneaky Pete
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 03:58 |
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I trust German cars about as far as I can throw them...
ATS-V or CTS-V if you want something bigger.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 04:46 |
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Pontiac G8?
Chevy Caprice PPV?
pjhusa
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 07:04 |
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M5! M5! M5!
My profile shows no bias. At all.
That's gonna leave a mark!
> AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
12/23/2015 at 07:21 |
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Rear end always kind of looks sad to me, like oh crap he’s flogging me again.
Good luck on your choice. I would make my choice based on which brand has a local independent shop I trust the most. If I like the Merc the best but have to go to the dealer for service, it would kill any fun I might have.
jkm7680
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 07:37 |
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That S8 is a pretty well known car. There’s a few videos on YouTube about it.
That's why you should get it.
djmt1
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 08:25 |
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Audi. BMW E60 transmissions are like sledgehammers to the spine and I want 4 doors so a no to the Merc.
Party-vi
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 08:51 |
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Lamborghini-sourced V10 that was designed and built by Audi.
ETA: Mercedes tests stuff until it breaks, and then engineers it to not break again. BMW has expensive parts. Audi has VW reliability, which is not saying a lot.
Tapas
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 09:00 |
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Put in $5-10k more and get an F Type S (don’t get one without the sports exhaust). 2013 convertibles are going in the low $60k range but I prefer the coupe. And regardless of which F Type you get, it will be under factory warranty for 2 more years. Or else, get the S7 because it is the sexiest sedan/hatchback ever.
If neither of them appeal to you, then what the fuck is wrong with you!
I’m kidding :D Or else, get the AMG Mercedes :D
Vítor
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 09:08 |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZqAckA0wMg
Are you sure the BMW is the best sounding?
KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 09:14 |
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I’d take the Merc. As long as you stay on top of the ABC system in the SL/CL/S cars of recent generations, they tend to be reliable. Just don’t run them if there is a fault, since faults compound rapidly with the ABC system.
Plus if I was going to get an E60, I’d get the SMG gearbox, as I seem to recall that traction control couldn’t be completely disabled with the 6 speed manual.
JR1
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 09:37 |
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Grand touring coupe. That is why you need the Mercedes CL
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 09:57 |
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Which year CL are you looking at? You have the option of either the NA M156 or TT M157 as far as the 63 goes. Both are quite reliable and even ABC was pretty well sorted by the time they made these. The M157 is probably more reliable, more tuneable, more feature/luxury-laden. But the M156 is the M156 and will cost much less. The M157 also comes with the speedshift MCT trans (7-speed auto with a wet clutch rather than torque converter). Up until around ‘09 M156’s have been known to experience cam and lifter failures, though M157’s have been exceedingly reliable.
Then of course there is the V12. If you go this route get the newest one you can afford. If you can find one with individual coil packs you will be in good shape. But even most of its issues were sorted by the time the built the C216.
Side note: “W” stands for sedan, “C” stands for coupe. There are more designations than this, but they don’t apply here.
Interestingly, a well maintained CL550 might just be more reliable than a Mazda or Subaru.
CL63/65 with Designo interior and B&O sound is a hell of a ride and not matched by anything until you start looking at a much higher price range in my opinion.
AM3R shamefully returns
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 10:07 |
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You could get an E60 M5 with a car max warranty
Stevo777
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 11:13 |
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I’m not implying anything here......................................................
*cough*cough* 550i*cough*cough*
You get nearly 450 horsepower and about 470 ftlbs of torque. That’s plenty of muscle out of the box.
I understand where you’re coming from though,
My dad owns an 08 M5 (6spd) it’s amazing to drive and he hasn’t had many major issues yet (140k~ miles) -also my 550 is on par performance wise with that generation M5 with a simple performance tune. The M5 just has crazy top end, but who really uses that unless you plan on driving the autobahn.
Plus if something is actually broken and you have to pay out of pocket
AT A DEALER
you pay roughly $20 more per hour of labor for an M car than an non-M.
I’m also a secret benz fanboy..
Not sure what your price range is... 550i
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CAR_IS_MI
> AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
12/23/2015 at 11:45 |
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I would contemplate a first gen CLS AMG but I dont like the new body style.
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CAR_IS_MI
> Wheelerguy
12/23/2015 at 11:46 |
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Not really a fan of the car. I sat in one and it just didn’t feel as comfortable as the price tag suggests it should
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CAR_IS_MI
> Sneaky Pete
12/23/2015 at 11:49 |
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If I could find a CTV-V sedan or wagon 09+ with 3 pedals I would. But I have better luck finding the ultra rare C300 with manual transmission... Every V I have seen has been auto or owned by an enthusiast who either wont sell or wants too too much.
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CAR_IS_MI
> djmt1
12/23/2015 at 11:52 |
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Yes the BMW DCT systems are, but the Manual, you pretty much have control over.
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Sneaky Pete
> AM3R shamefully returns
12/23/2015 at 11:53 |
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This is...the only way.
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CAR_IS_MI
> Vítor
12/23/2015 at 11:56 |
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CAR_IS_MI
> JR1
12/23/2015 at 11:58 |
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But if I end up importing this Cosmo (which I likely will) then I will have a GT coupe...
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CAR_IS_MI
> AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/23/2015 at 12:01 |
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Thanks for the info. I’m still pretty new into the world of Mercedes but their more recent models have really caught my eye
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CAR_IS_MI
> AM3R shamefully returns
12/23/2015 at 12:01 |
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I could, but I wont, for reasons not to be discussed on the internet.
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CAR_IS_MI
> Stevo777
12/23/2015 at 12:04 |
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Really I just want the M as I have yet to own anything with more than 8 cylinders, and with more stringent EPA and CAFE standards every year, my options tend to get older and older.
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AM3R shamefully returns
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 12:11 |
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Won’t M5 or won’t carmax?
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AM3R shamefully returns
> Sneaky Pete
12/23/2015 at 12:18 |
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I was super surprised (and excited) when I noticed carmax had them!
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Stevo777
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 12:36 |
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Well in that case i would suggest an S65, S600, SL600 or like you said; a clean CL. They’re surprisingly reliable and nothing much better than 12 cylinders and or 2 turbos.
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JR1
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 13:42 |
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Not one with the level of luxury that comes with a Mercedes. Also V12
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CAR_IS_MI
> AM3R shamefully returns
12/23/2015 at 14:46 |
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carmax
Vicente Esteve
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 15:53 |
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This is the most badass video i’ve seen in a while. Good god.
Maidee
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 21:00 |
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E60!! Though my answer would be bias because I'm in love with that car. But it does offer the best of both worlds. You get the luxury car if you want but you can also have the fun of a sports car when you need it.
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AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> CAR_IS_MI
12/23/2015 at 22:32 |
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No problem. Definitely worth at least a test drive.
V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
> JR1
01/13/2016 at 10:35 |
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I support this statement