I have no idea what car I want... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

JizJizJiz · 15th November 2008, 13:43

It's time for me to sell the M5 and move onto something else. As nice as the M is, I want more power...or no roof over my head.

So, the following are my options...in no particular order:
05+ Cayenne Turbo
05+ S2000
03+ SL55
03+ CL55/65
01+ 996TT

I'm all over the place. Historically, as some of you know, I've briefly had a Cayenne S and a 996TT. Never owned a MB, never had a S2000.

I'd like to keep this car under $60k, of course, the cheaper the better...

I have a daily driver I30 that will get replaced by a LS430 when it dies, so I don't necessarily need a car that can take passengers (although that's not a bad thing). Convertible is nice, actually quite nice. But it's not necessary. I'm single and generally drive alone (at most, one passenger). In case I need to drive people around, I can always call on the daily driver anyway.

I like power (and lots of it)...but I also like cars than handle well. However, to get massive power, I'm willing to trade off some handling (otherwise, I'd buy a Lotus Elise and just look ridiculous everywhere I go).

Gas prices don't concern me too much (this car would get maybe 500 miles a month). I'm not extremely brand conscious, although I can't say I'm completely unaffected either (I live in SoCal, after all).

I refuse to buy a current generation BMW...they're too ugly. I've thought about getting another 01 740i...but my buddy talked me out of it. I'd just get bored at the lack of power the minute I buy it. I've thought about the SLK55, but it looks slightly wrong to me...and my ex had a SLK350, so I don't particularly fancy it. I also thought about a C6 Z06. Nice car, it's just not me. I also played with a GTR. If I wanted a car that drove like a race simulator, I'd go play Forza 2.

Or, I could just hold onto the M5...but I find myself driving it less and less...I'm just itching for more power

.

So, what should I do? The smart thing would be to hold onto my money and invest in undervalued companies...but I'm not smart.

SoCaLE39 · 15th November 2008, 20:16

C6 Z06 > all the other cars you listed.

Personally I have no idea how you have an s2000 in there. You talk about having power, the s2000 is not going to cut it.

Supercharge the M5

DRM · 15th November 2008, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by JizJizJiz

It's time for me to sell the M5 and move onto something else. As nice as the M is, I want more power...or no roof over my head.

So, the following are my options...in no particular order:
05+ Cayenne Turbo
05+ S2000
03+ SL55
03+ CL55/65
01+ 996TT

I'm all over the place. Historically, as some of you know, I've briefly had a Cayenne S and a 996TT. Never owned a MB, never had a S2000.

I'd like to keep this car under $60k, of course, the cheaper the better...

I have a daily driver I30 that will get replaced by a LS430 when it dies, so I don't necessarily need a car that can take passengers (although that's not a bad thing). Convertible is nice, actually quite nice. But it's not necessary. I'm single and generally drive alone (at most, one passenger). In case I need to drive people around, I can always call on the daily driver anyway.

I like power (and lots of it)...but I also like cars than handle well. However, to get massive power, I'm willing to trade off some handling (otherwise, I'd buy a Lotus Elise and just look ridiculous everywhere I go).

Gas prices don't concern me too much (this car would get maybe 500 miles a month). I'm not extremely brand conscious, although I can't say I'm completely unaffected either (I live in SoCal, after all).

I refuse to buy a current generation BMW...they're too ugly. I've thought about getting another 01 740i...but my buddy talked me out of it. I'd just get bored at the lack of power the minute I buy it. I've thought about the SLK55, but it looks slightly wrong to me...and my ex had a SLK350, so I don't particularly fancy it. I also thought about a C6 Z06. Nice car, it's just not me. I also played with a GTR. If I wanted a car that drove like a race simulator, I'd go play Forza 2.

Or, I could just hold onto the M5...but I find myself driving it less and less...I'm just itching for more power

.

So, what should I do? The smart thing would be to hold onto my money and invest in undervalued companies...but I'm not smart.

Well Zack, your thought about keeping your $$ and investing in "undervalued" companies is certainly relevant; especially now, when so many great companies (well managed, strong cash flows and balance sheets, dominate in their space, etc) are "babies being thrown out with bathwater" in this highly volitile/down investment market. Lord knows, I live for markets like this. 'Have made significant $$ trading in this market; especially since it's irrational "cratering" last last month. FWIW, most of the selling that's causing intraday share prices to swing violently during most market days is result of hedge and other institutional funds being forced to liquidate their holdings to cover redemptions from scared investors. 'Takes a little time investment to do research and screening, but 'well worth it. 'Just can't believe what a buyers market there is right now.

Anyway, to your question, in the position and budget you described, I'd take a hard look at an '02 - '04, low mileage, pristine 996TT (either coupe or convertible) that has factory X50 pkg (an understated 450hp/450tq) and a 6speed manual. 'Know you've owned a TT before, but you didn't say what you thought of it. I've owned mine since new, and 'have highly modified it. It's been absolutely "bullet proof" (that's the common refrain by owners of these cars), and with mind boggling acceleration and speed (< 4 sec to 60mph and < 9 sec to 100mph); yet a joy and very comfortable to take on multi-day roadtrips; something I do quite often. Hell, it even gets mid 20's gas mileage!!

With some focused searching, you can find a ton of option loaded examples (some, unmodified, even CPO'd at dealers; although, I think the xtra cost of a CPO'D car is a waste of $$$), at way <50% of their original $150k+ MSRP's; including many that have already been modified by high-end tuners; and little to no premium asked, despite their expensive mod's. BTW, 'typical suspension mods by those same tuners virtually elimnate AWD understeer; and result in superb handling capability. I can't think of a better value for a very high performance, extremely well engineered, sports car with plenty of room for traveling/golf clubs/etc. It'll be a "cold day in hell" before I part with mine.

You might want to take a look at www.speedonline.com for some examples in the FS section; but you can find these cars at all the usual online sellers sites.

That's my 2 cents........good luck!!

rhouse181 · 15th November 2008, 23:33

stick with BMW, pick up a slightly used 335 coupe for cheap... then take it straight to Procede for the V2 flash. 400 whp and 412 wtq... add a dinan oil cooler, fmic, suspension, and exhaust.

you will have nothing but

out of that tt inline-6...

don't even consider the s2000. once you notice there is zero torque down low, you will hate yourself for selling the M5

cpark352 · 15th November 2008, 23:40

what about a 01~03 911 gt2, gt3 or turbo. I saw some on ebay and the prices look good with the right amount of style. I don't how much power it has... anybody??

DRM · 15th November 2008, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhouse181

stick with BMW

Why?? New gen BMW's (all models) are POS cars. They spend a huge amount of time "in the shop" for all kinds of electronic/software problems, mechanical failures, and fit/finish issues. BMW engineering and factory QC has deteriorated badly. They've become a typical, market share driven sales company; giving short shrift to any semblence of quality control; only volume production at any cost. It's a crying shame, IMO.

But hell, don't take my word for it. Just read of any of the BMW online forums, or independent customer satisfaction survey results (whether initial, one, or three years). Geez, read the subscribers letters section in BMWCCA's monthly magazine - Roundel (and those are from diehard BMW fanatics). Or, better yet, do what I did, find BMW dealer service dept. managers who're willing to have a quiet, objective (off the record) conversation with you about the state of new gen BMW quality these days ( Those guys/gals live it every day, and you'll be shocked). It's become painfully obvious that BMW has "lost it's way" as a design/engineering/builder of high quality performance coupes/sedans. IMO, they aren't even "drivers cars", anymore. Just unreliable, overly complex, ueless "gizmo" laden marketing exercises.

Oh, their performance envelope is still very good. It's their quality/durability/reliability that's fallen so very far. I wouldn't touch a new gen BMW. Period.

TrickyTrev · 16th November 2008, 15:11

JizJizJiz,

If it were me, I'd ship the car to DINAN for the full S3 treatment, and never change it ever again.

Alternatively, I'd buy an Alpina B5s of the CLS 55K because all of the cars have supercharged V8 - Yahoo!

Cheers

TrickyTrev

JizJizJiz · 18th November 2008, 21:43

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I do truly miss my 996TT, so that's at the top of my list. The C6 Z06 is a brilliant car...but I don't think I'm ready for an American car yet. I just can't get used to the driving position or the huge hood.

The 335, while nice, is something I can't go to. At least 3 of my close friends have one, and it's really not my style either...this applies to all the new BMWs, actually...otherwise, I'd seriously look into a M6.

At this point, I'm going to take a long and hard look at the 996TT again...and maybe end up with one

. Thanks guys!

Blue Angel · 19th November 2008, 05:36

993 tt would be my choice otherwise E60 M5. I have driven both and both are amazing works of art.

E39 ///M Power · 19th November 2008, 06:34

if you can swing a bit more cash, how about an aston martin V8 vantage? not sure if meets your power requirement, but those looks...