Wondering about a daily driver...

"KatzManDu" (KatzManDu) 05/29/2016 at 14:09 • Filed to: None

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I’m really sick of the 520d, and I don’t want to deal with the next thing that breaks on it, especially after everything else I’ve put into it (clutch, battery, starter, etc) for something I don’t really super enjoy driving.

So, which of these three?

2.3-16: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

B5 S4: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

500 SEC: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Leon711 > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:15

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500 SEC for sure.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:20

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Normally I would choose the S4, but that blue interior doesn’t really fit the yellow though. And the 2.3-16 is awesome, though quite rough.

So in this case the Drugsdealermobile 500 SEC for the win, though it is a bit less tastefully customized.

KatzManDu > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer 05/29/2016 at 14:22

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IT’s OK, I don’t like how low the 500SEC sits. It’s also LPG conversion, so cheaper to operate.

The B5 S4 has stupid taxes here in Belgium; the other two are 30 years old, so the registration, even as regular vehicles and not “oldtimer” status is dirt cheap.

Trunk Impaired 318 > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:27

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The S4 is probably going to be a nightmare with reliability. The 2.3 is probably your best bet.

KatzManDu > Trunk Impaired 318 05/29/2016 at 14:38

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I’ve been through the sadism of owning a B5 S4 before and am OK with it again.

duurtlang > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:38

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One of the Benzes. I’d prefer the 500 SEC, but only when restored to stock appearance. The LPG system is a big bonus, much lower running costs, especially on a thirsty barge like that. My 406 runs on LPG as well, and I’ve saved many thousands of € because of it. I’d guess about €7k-8k in fuel costs in the slightly over 100k km I’ve driven this car. With LPG being far cheaper in Belgium than here I always wondered why Belgians bothered with diesel.

FoilyDoily > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:41

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Avant!

KatzManDu > duurtlang 05/29/2016 at 14:42

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I actually like the ground effects on that 500, but it seems to sit a little low. I’m not sure if that’s a function of the BBS CH rims being smaller than stock or if someone played with the suspension.

duurtlang > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:51

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This ride hight is very clearly not stock:

Raise the ride hight back to (close to) stock and give it stock wheels like these and you’ll look classy and not like a drugs dealer. You might want to address the lights as well.

Trunk Impaired 318 > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:52

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Haha as long as you know then

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 14:53

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You have a car that you’re sick of fixing... and your solution is to replace it with another old Euro car that you will likely have to keep fixing as frequently as your current car?

Well if I had to pick ONE of those three, I would go with the Merc 190 2.3-16V. It’s manual, it should be reasonably spirited in terms of feel and they’re fairly durable/reliable as far as Mercs go.

But if you really want something that you won’t have to fix as often, get a basic Honda or Toyota.

KatzManDu > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 05/29/2016 at 15:10

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I’m sick of driving the 520d more than fixing it; I don’t want to have to fix something I don’t enjoy driving. And the cash I’ve put into the 520 is plenty...

Invinciblejets > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 15:13

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If your worried about replacing just normal wear items like clutch, battery and starters none of these cars are really gonna be for you.....but like you said better to deal with spending $ on a car you at least enjoy.

My vote is for the 500sec that thing is pretty dam sexy.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 15:22

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As rare as that B5 is, in that color, with a manual, you’ll hate yourself. I’ve seen what a B5 S4 wagon will do to a man and it’s not pretty.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > KatzManDu 05/29/2016 at 15:26

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Well, since it seems you’re not looking for a bulletproof DD, may I suggest some quirky Euro-barges: Alfa 166 (LPG), Citroën C6 .

If you’re willing to go full retard: Ferrari-engined Lancia Thema 8.32 .

As for the choices lined up: 2.3-16.

KatzManDu > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 05/29/2016 at 15:41

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That’s where I’m leaning. 4 doors is practical, and it will be fun to take it to Spa and Sarthe on the weekends.

KatzManDu > duurtlang 05/31/2016 at 15:05

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The ad claims the lowering was “original” and “AMG” — but not 100% sure that AMG ever made a lowering kit. H&R seems to have them for $300 a pop. But stock springs are $50/each.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Feder-hint…

Easy enough to get some springs, though. I liked the AMG wheels on those models.

duurtlang > KatzManDu 05/31/2016 at 15:19

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The thing with these cars is that they walk a very narrow line between ‘classy’ and ‘drugdealer’. As that car stands now it’s deep in the latter category. I see the potential though, and I like the design of those AMG wheels. I hope they aren’t too big optically.

And about next Saturday: