Builder49 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Possibility I might be in need of a reliable saloon (well family) set of wheels. Was thinking I can't possibly go standard after having the Zed (which incidently I am keeping for weekends and non family outings), and so wanted something with a bit more buzz. BMW's are always going to be a safe bet I guess, but I'm thinking more like the M series versions. As I've never owned one of these models, (Always been a Merc man), I was wondering if any advise or experiences are out there I can draw on? Favouring the idea of a M6 at the moment and intend test driving one at the weekend, but would be interested on feedback on any model. Could play safe and go with an X6 but might be a bit boring? So Guys and Girls, your thoughts please. Thanks for your imput. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke0549 Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Don't buy one from Birmingham/Manchester, check the pistonheads forum, near 100 have been stolen due to copied keys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilp Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 M6 = But unfortunately with the new shape out its made the old one look dated and tired tbh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Opinions on all the M's would be appreciated, especially if anyone has one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilp Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 This is my bro's m5. Its an absolute monster of a car and such a nice comfortable place to be in. The gearbox is a bit notchy though for town use but in m-sport mode it is night and day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbyheinz Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Get an RS4 or an S5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ioneabee Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 can be very expensive to run/maintain an M car - also consider its slightly younger brother 335i Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marzman Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 Friend of mine had an M6... he said you'd need a good warranty with them as the slightest problem will leave you with a bill for ££££. If you've got £20 - 30k to burn on a 'family' car, and go down the route of a Range Rover Sport personally, or if you've got a bit more still then it would be this for me: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Point taken on maintenance costs and maintenance issues..... good to know too. Had Mercs and no major issues so could revert to the CL or CLS. Not keen on the Range Rover to be honest, i'm sure it's a great vehicle but as I don't live in Essex or own a farm it feels a little pointless, plus all the local gypsies have them and its become a bit of a statement vehicle in my opinion. Of course so would a M6 be 335i looks nice though, and the A5 I've liked since it was released. Only reason for a BMW is 'she' fancies one !!!! Any other advice wlcomed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 What do you mean by 'family'? What exactly do you want from the car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chettle Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 What about an RS6 or even an RS4 estate? both incredible cars! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 Needs to be practical and to ferry about 2 kids and 2 adults. Most of the time 1 adult and 2 kids on a 24mile round trip to school twice a day. But on the occasions I might drive it I dont want a boring diesel saloon with 100bhp Obviously an M6 is over the top, but they look nice and would be lost on the company as a directors vehicle , can't exactly do that with a skoda!!! Most likely be a decent spec big engine 5 series or equivalent from Audi or maybe Mercedes, but she really wants a BMW !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 If thats the case then forget the M6, 3 doors ain't gonna cut it long term. M5 is your best bet. Amazing car but, personally, it's a bit ugly. I'd be heading straight for an 06 RS4 for about £18k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted June 12, 2012 Author Share Posted June 12, 2012 25k budget, so thanks for the advice Sarnie. Anything else in that price bracket, or do I buy cheaper and do more Zeditising? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I suppose it depends just how much this car is going to be integral to your life I suppose.......an RS4 will be seriously quick, sound amazing and be well under budget. If the car is going to be used reguarly then defo go with 5 doors..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drayvn Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 VXR8, then go to Monkfish and get a few choice modifications... Switchable straight through exhausts is definitely first on the list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 Seriously thinking S5 now.... Anyone got any experience or thoughts on these? Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 Seriously thinking S5 now.... Anyone got any experience or thoughts on these? Paul BMW & MERC > Audi(VAG) I know someone who has an A5. I dont think a coupe is great for families IMO. The doors are quite wide to so supermarkets might be a pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangzoom Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 I initially looked into RS4s, but they seem to suffer very badly with carbon build up on the valves. I think the problem affects all the FSI engines in the VAG group, not sure if that includes the S5. I think all direct injection engines suffer from this (including the N54 engine in my 335i), but on the RS4s this seem to cause major problems with loss of power/error codes (even on cars with low miles), where as on BMWs I've yet to see anyone report carbon build up causing loss of power/error codes..even on cars thats done >100K. I was put off buying any VAG group car because of this, the NEW S4 seems to not suffer from carbon build up..when I was looking 18months ago they were still >£30K so out of my price range, but am sure by now they will be well below <£25K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Not a major issue, once a year can of 10K Boost + injector cleaner bi-monthly will keep things clear. All DFI engines can be prone to this, however the Audi units do seem to suffer worse than most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangzoom Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 Actually it's a very big deal...I hardly have time to clean my car once a month. If am paying £30k+ on a car I don't expect to put foam/cleaning solution into the engine every 2 weeks just to keep the thing working...in any case I'm not sure any one has actually found a way to elimante carbon build up? Even a quick search on the web shows plenty of RS4s producing much lower than expected figures on dynos which than 'recover' once the valves are cleaned (propely by scrubbing the valves not using foam/cleaning solution). As said all direct injection engine suffer from this...BMW have recently produced an official document and specific equipment for cleaning the valves (£500 a time I think, and I'll probably get my car done once it hits 50K). But for some reason the RS4s are really badly affected, I'm actually quite surprised the Americans haven't tried to sue Audi... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 I didn't say every two weeks The methods I mentioned should be taken as preventative ones, not reactive ones. Injector cleaner goes in when you fill it up so takes 30 secs extra, 10K Boost can be done with the MOT or service. It won't eliminate it entirely, but it will make a huge difference. I can see your point though, but I guess I feel the benefits of a DFI engine are worth the downsides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Builder49 Posted July 1, 2012 Author Share Posted July 1, 2012 so for us non mechanical simpletons, the S5 is a no-no, or ok? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexx Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 Second vote for a VXR8. But I am biased. £16k for an 09 LS3. Throw £5k at it with Monkfish and you'll have a 550bhp n/a saloon Aussie rocket. Miss mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 I think you already know the answer............................ 25k budget, so thanks for the advice Sarnie. Anything else in that price bracket, or do I buy cheaper and do more Zeditising? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.