Happy V-D!  And a Question

"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971) 02/14/2016 at 15:12 • Filed to: None

0

9

Happy VD - may you avoid getting them today!

Question: my S55 (not mine in the pic, but very similar) just hit 140k on the current road trip, and the trans is starting to surge near idle and make noises that make me think it might be on the way out. I didn’t pay much for this car, so I don’t want to spend a lot on maintenance. I had intended to wait for the Giulia QV, but without any firm release date from Alfa I’m not sure that’s too reasonable.

What would you get to replace an 03 S55 in a similar category (fast luxury sedan - or wagon) assuming the trans is about to give up the ghost? I’d like to keep the cost under $20k since I don’t plan to keep it very long at all.

I was thinking about a CTS-V wagon, but they are rare and manuals almost nonexistent. Plus I tend to have a bias towards German iron for luxury.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 15:17

0

no, VD comes later tonight.

Steve in Manhattan > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 15:17

0

What’s a last gen M5 go for?

PS9 > TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! 02/14/2016 at 15:20

0

Download the audio on MP3 and show the whole world how we gave oppositelock VD!

gmctavish needs more space > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 15:20

0

Can you get an E39 M5 in your area for that money?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 15:25

0

What about a used Infiniti FX50S?

0-60 in 5.2, quite luxurious, incredibly reliable, spacious, inexpensive to maintain, and handles surprisingly well. If you don’t want to pop for the full-bore V8 model, you can always pick one up with the delightful VQ engine for less.

jkm7680 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 02/14/2016 at 15:29

0

I wouldn’t say they’re “incredibly reliable” as they have had issues in the past.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > jkm7680 02/14/2016 at 15:39

0

Well, compared to a fast W220, they’re incredibly reliable. Plus, my Uncle has had several FM platform cars, and hasn’t had any problems with any of them.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 16:08

1

Isn’t an S65 the obvious answer?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 02/14/2016 at 16:43

0

As for replacements, I don’t have any suggestions. But I do suggest checking the transmission for leaks at the electrical connector (or “pilot bushing” as it’s often referred to) can leak quite badly and cause a few seemingly serious issues simply due to being very low on fluid. You can also have it scanned for faults as the conductor plate (the “electro” part of “electro-hydraulic” control, or valve body) can be problematic and cause seemingly serious issues as well. The former would cost you easily less than $100 to fix DIY and it’s quite simple if you can just get under the transmission. The latter runs about $700-1000 from a shop, though you could handle it yourself with moderate DIY skills and a full glass of confidence (trans pan comes off and valve body comes out, the plate is removed from valve body, reassemble and fill with fluid).