The Competition Discuss the competition to the BMW 5 Series here. Mercedes, Audi, etc...
View Poll Results: Which car would you pick based on my situation?
2008 BMW 550i
17.43%
2006/7 M5
36.70%
2007 Audi RS4
6.42%
2008 Audi S5
9.17%
2008 M3
24.77%
2006/7 Audi S6
1.83%
2005/6 M3 Competition
3.67%
2007 BMW X5 4.8i Sport
1.83%
2008 Mercedes C63
8.26%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll

Pick my Next Car

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Old 12-09-2009, 08:17 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1071244' date='Dec 9 2009, 09:10 PM
Thanks for the Review. I thought that the S6 would be a nice mix of all those cars, but you also opened up another great possibility of a 2005-2006 911 Carrera S or 2002 911 TT . Do you think I would fit in one?
I fit in mine just fine at 6'2" and around 220lbs ( ) if that's any help.

Both 911s on your list are well worth a look. Most people tend to agree that the 997 is generally a better overall car than the 996, but the 996 Turbo (like any 911 Turbo) is very special. The 996 Turbo is a monster when modified. Drive 'em both and see which you prefer! For the 997S, try to look out for the 2006 if possible as Porsche made some changes to the intermediate shaft - this part was seeing some failures in the 2005 models.
Old 12-09-2009, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='1071250' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:17 AM
I fit in mine just fine at 6'2" and around 220lbs ( ) if that's any help.

Both 911s on your list are well worth a look. Most people tend to agree that the 997 is generally a better overall car than the 996, but the 996 Turbo (like any 911 Turbo) is very special. The 996 Turbo is a monster when modified. Drive 'em both and see which you prefer! For the 997S, try to look out for the 2006 if possible as Porsche made some changes to the intermediate shaft - this part was seeing some failures in the 2005 models.
The 06 911 might be a little out of my price range, now a Cayman would definitely work (I have actually heard the cayman handles better than most 911s). Now if that intermediate shaft fails would it have been replaced under warranty with a new and improved part?
Old 12-09-2009, 08:50 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1071263' date='Dec 9 2009, 09:32 PM
The 06 911 might be a little out of my price range, now a Cayman would definitely work (I have actually heard the cayman handles better than most 911s). Now if that intermediate shaft fails would it have been replaced under warranty with a new and improved part?
The Cayman is awesome, as is the Boxster - absolutely tremendous cars. A Cayman S/Boxter S would be a fantastic acquisition.

Re the IMS issue on early 997's, you're right that a failed part will have been a warranty item, the concern is really related to parts that have yet to fail. Don't mean to overblow the issue, it's not like they're all failing every five minutes, it's just something you probably ought to check out if you look at any recent 911s. Porsches are, by and large, pretty bulletproof, but if you do need a major out of warranty repair they will be a little pricey...
Old 12-10-2009, 04:41 AM
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Originally Posted by swajames' post='1071270' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:50 AM
The Cayman is awesome, as is the Boxster - absolutely tremendous cars. A Cayman S/Boxter S would be a fantastic acquisition.

Re the IMS issue on early 997's, you're right that a failed part will have been a warranty item, the concern is really related to parts that have yet to fail. Don't mean to overblow the issue, it's not like they're all failing every five minutes, it's just something you probably ought to check out if you look at any recent 911s. Porsches are, by and large, pretty bulletproof, but if you do need a major out of warranty repair they will be a little pricey...
Is a Cayman smaller than a 911 inside? I read somewhere that the two trunks are very usable I wish the 2007's cayman S had a little more power than 300 hp, but I guess the handling more than makes up for it........

I think if I am leaning towards a 2 door coupe the S5 is much more practical. I just really want the RS5 and it is not out yet :-/
Old 12-10-2009, 04:42 AM
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1071214' date='Dec 9 2009, 11:37 PM
For everyone else that voted, can you please post some rationale for your vote? I have over 20 responses to the poll, but only a fraction of the voting population have described their experience with each car
Anybody care to share the reasoning that goes along with their vote?
Old 12-11-2009, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1071381' date='Dec 10 2009, 08:42 AM
Anybody care to share the reasoning that goes along with their vote?
Old 12-11-2009, 02:54 PM
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I voted for the 550i. Its an incredible do it all car. Room, luxury, performance, handling, technology, and practical.
The M5 is awesome but more costly and less practical (cost, MPG, around town smoothness).
The M3 is great but less room and less technology (no hud, active cruise, night vision, etc).
I like Audi's styling but know too many folks with very problematic Audis.
Most MB except AMGs are booring and even they are more about power than balance.
Of course I'd want a Porsche but you loose lots of practicality.
Old 12-11-2009, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Richard in NC' post='1072351' date='Dec 11 2009, 06:54 PM
I voted for the 550i. Its an incredible do it all car. Room, luxury, performance, handling, technology, and practical.
The M5 is awesome but more costly and less practical (cost, MPG, around town smoothness).
The M3 is great but less room and less technology (no hud, active cruise, night vision, etc).
I like Audi's styling but know too many folks with very problematic Audis.
Most MB except AMGs are booring and even they are more about power than balance.
Of course I'd want a Porsche but you loose lots of practicality.
Richard,

You make a lot of good points. I have also started to see a chiropractor for back pain, so I think the 550i fits the bill. Meeting with the Chiropractor was preventative as well because my dad has had back problems all his life, so I am trying to avoid issues down the road.

I have read that the Comfort seats in the 550i are some of the most comfortable seats available no matter the brand, and that would be good therapy for my back especially with my 1 hour commute (Even though it will be almost non-existent in 6 month)

After reading most of the comments here, I think I still have my heart set on a 2008 BMW 550i with low mileage and fully loaded. If I find a 2006 M5 I may have to take a look at that as well, but it would have to be in great condition and be a great deal.

While I really want an M3 or RS4 I just don't think they offer the comfort and technology that the 550i does. And in general I think the 2008 550i is a nice balance of all of the cars I really like i.e. M5, M3, RS4 (aside from AWD)

Unless someone can convince me that the M3 (or RS4) seats are close to comfort and support to the 550i I think I might have to take them off the list......

I suppose the S6 might be a nice compromise between the M5 and 550i.......Life is so complicated
Old 12-11-2009, 03:41 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1072374' date='Dec 11 2009, 04:30 PM
I suppose the S6 might be a nice compromise between the M5 and 550i.......Life is so complicated
The S6 is no compromise, VTGT. It's a great car - much more car than the 550, and deservedly up there with the M5. If you find a good example within your budget it's well worth a look. The RS4 is pretty firm, so if you have back trouble I'd take it (and the other smaller, sportier cars) off the list.

Now that I know you're leaning towards a larger sedan, my vote goes to the S6.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury...ison/index.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/compar...omparison_tests

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedan...nz_e63_amg.html
Old 12-11-2009, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by VTGT' post='1072374' date='Dec 11 2009, 07:30 PM
Richard,

You make a lot of good points. I have also started to see a chiropractor for back pain, so I think the 550i fits the bill. Meeting with the Chiropractor was preventative as well because my dad has had back problems all his life, so I am trying to avoid issues down the road.

I have read that the Comfort seats in the 550i are some of the most comfortable seats available no matter the brand, and that would be good therapy for my back especially with my 1 hour commute (Even though it will be almost non-existent in 6 month)

After reading most of the comments here, I think I still have my heart set on a 2008 BMW 550i with low mileage and fully loaded. If I find a 2006 M5 I may have to take a look at that as well, but it would have to be in great condition and be a great deal.
The Comfort Seats in the 550 are amazing. I can sit in them forever. And my back problems required a surgeon -- not a chiropractor.


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