Hey guys I know this is a MB forum but I still post even though the C32 is gone. As you know I was looking at the E55, 996 911 and E39 M5. Well I ruled out the E55 and the 911. The E55 was very quick but just did not handle like I want. The 911 handled very well and was quick but way to small with 2 little kids. So I narrowed it down to the E39 M5 and believe it or not the 4 that are for sale around me ALL have had some sort of paint work so I have not bought one. Well I am getting itchy to buy something and just came across a 2004 CTS-V. It is a 6 speed 400/400. I have never driven one of these and I have no idea how they are mechanically. I thought I remember people saying they were rocket ships when they came out. I am open to any and all thoughts on a 2004 CTS-V. I am going to see if I can find what they are running in the 1/4 mile stock.

I think it has around 30k miles on it.

Like I said I know this is the C32 section but you guys have always been real helpful and know more about cars than just the C32. I am sure if I go to the CTS-V forum I will get a biased opinion.

 

www.expomc.com if you cant what you want local

 

I can say this. My brother in law had one. It's a vette that almost turns well.
The fit and finish SUCKS did I say that the fit and finish SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Chevy malibu kinda SUCKS not ok I can live with it. The fit and finish is more like DEAR GOD THIS IS GM'S best shot at this . As for engine and tranny its bulletproof but everything else SUCKS. Cheap feel all around the car. And it rattles in the inside like a MOTHER FU*KER. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THAT CAR. Just my .2

 

Geez Mike, don't hold back!!!

 

Well it comes with a ls engine so the mods for it are limitless. Three biggest complaints with the cts was poor brakes, poor suspension and too much weight.

The pros were decent interior and great engine.

If the e55 didnt provide enough handling for you i doubt the cts will.

However if you were looking at getting the new cts..then thats a different story. Biggest improvements they made to the cts was not in the engine but in the brakes and suspension. I believe the new cts v bests the current m5 on road tests and i think ring times.

You can probably get a pretty smoking deal, since gm is going to bk in about 3months...without addition funding.

I would just go with used m5 or e55.

 

Basically exactly what Top Gear said about it. You'd think that they could have done better for the price. Could be the reason that the resale on them sucks ***. I thought about getting one before I got the C55 since they have a nice V8 and a manny. Just decided that I'd be sick to death driving it with all the rattles and such.

Have you looked at the 545 or 550 with a manual? They have ****ty resale typically since every 5 series driver wants an auto. Carmax has, or had, a 550i w/ sport, premium and a manual last night. Just an idea.

EDIT : OK, just tried to find the 550 manny. Its not showing up on their web site so don't know but did find this 545 ... http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/...3-06e5fc6b0a4b

 

Tahnks guys for the input. The CTS-V just sounds like what a Cobra would be around 50k miles with the rattles.

I have not driven one yet so I am not sure what the car can do.

I have been eying out the 545's also and finding a manny tran is very hard. I have found a handful of E39 M5's but they have all been re painted ins ome form rather if it was the hood or fender. I just do not want to dump money into a car that has had paint work.

So it sounds like I will keep my search going for the E39 M5.

Thanks guys for the input

 

bud4ya, do some research on the manual transmission issues in the e39 M5. Next door neighbor had a pin shear inside of his transmission. Turns out it is a 'known' problem ( I won't say common cause there are so few of them that its hard to call it that ). Biggest problem is that the 39 M5's transmission is specific to the M5's and is not shared across the board. translation, big dollar transmission that is really pricey to fix.

Neighbor's 3d party warranty company tried to play games and deny the claim saying it wasn't an internally lubricated part, despite the fact that the thing was covered in fluid ...

Not saying you don't want one, just make sure that you know what you're getting into.

 

I really like the interior and exterior of the car. My only issue buying far away form me is the whole paint thing. even though a car comes back with a clean car fax that does not mean they have not had paint work. Any ideas on how I would find out if any body panel of this car has been re painted. I was trying to find a 545 or E39 M5 local so I could bring it to a body shop and have them put the paint guage to it.

Thanks for finding the car looks great

 

Carmax, or any reputable dealer these days, should be able to do a paint meter on the car and provide it in writing so you can verify upon receipt. If they "can't" or won't, I'd take a walk. The Benz dealer I bought my 55 from did it before I signed off on the purchase.

 

I went to the Miami auto show today and I saw the 'NEW CTS-V' It looks good inside and the motor as expected looks good. Sadly the headlamp had (water) condensation inside. 'New car INDOORS' and it already has water inside..sorry guys

Lots of power and room for more but I would get the new M3.

 

at condensation...but $55k for 550hp...can't go wrong with that even if the car's still a Caddy.

IS-F > M3 for value and performance IMO.

 

eh its easily fixable, just add another vent hole. Then the condensation should go away...given how humid florida is.

 

i found same re e55. felt like a boat. i drove a 2003. i think improvements can be made- i would get really responsive tires (advan ad07, bridstone re 01 etc), could destagger and would definitely add kmac camber bushings. i don't know if sways are made for the car but if you found a fitment then the beast could be transformed.

Craig- have you looked at RS6? seems perfect for you in the northeast for a 4 dr , all season car. the rs6 was winning comparos back in the day against w211 e55 and e39 m5.

 

my person choice would be the M5 you had already suggested.

 

go for an E55 and get it LET tuned! *MONSTER!*

or get the new C63 *DROOOOL*

or if you can live with a lesser fit and finish, get a CTS-V (with warranty - GM offers 100k on certain years)
and if you feel like voiding the warranty, the aftermarket for that engine is plentiful. LET may even be able to help you squeeze that motor to it's full potential.

M3 / M5 isn't a bad choice either, I just don't know much about them

regardless, you will have a formidible beast.

my $0.02

 

[QUOTE=Mikegpr03;3163417]I went to the Miami auto show today and I saw the 'NEW CTS-V' It looks good inside and the motor as expected looks good. Sadly the headlamp had (water) condensation inside. 'New car INDOORS' and it already has water inside..sorry guys



and with GM in its bad shape, I can expect the value of the new CTS-V to drop like the old one did as well. I hear that JRCART has a new one coming in soon (from the E55 forums), fully loaded with brake package and all

 

I don't know what your price range is but I will consider something like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...fCarsQ5fTrucks

 

07 Audi RS, gorgeous car BUT a LOT of miles for an 07??? Heck, my C 32 (04) only has 29 K on it??

 

cars are meant to be driven, but 42k miles in approx 2 years...WOW this guy's commute must be 150 miles each day or something. lol

 

its easilly possible if you commute 30-40miles each way to work and drive around during weekends and such.

I'm at 23k for the year and i bought my car last december.

 

I'm with you guys on the mileage note, but... if I'm in the market for an W211 E55, a 996 911 and an E39 M5, I would consider something like that RS4. Why?

Well, I'm going to be in the OP's shoes for a minute here:

1) The RS4 is the newest of them all.

2) It has a current factory warranty which can be easily extended for another 60K miles. You can, right now, make a laundry list and take it to the dealer for all the usual bugs.

3) The mileage is more than likely in the OP's range (+30K miles at least) and in the price range which I'm assuming low to mid $30K. The Audi is maybe $5K more than what the OP's wants to spend.

4) As FrankW clearly mentioned, the mileage must've been mostly highway miles considering the short time the car is being available. My car is living proof of what a daily driver is. I bought my 02 C32 with 40K miles for $26K in 2005. Three years and a month later, I'm at 120K miles... that puts me at 26.6K miles/year. Yes it is a lot of driving, but that's what I bought it for.

5) The OP has two small kids so the Porsche is a no go.

6) The E55 did not handle like the OP's expectations so it's ruled out.

7) I'm sure the OP's like the E39 manual transmission which you can get in the RS4.

8) Quattro and superior handling out of the three 4-door choices.

9) The color combination (to me) is one of the most desirable one for the RS4; correct me if I'm wrong.

10) As rare as the E39 M5.

11) 420 HP stock!

12) The RS4 interior wins in my book.

13) You can probably offer $37K-$38K and drive the car home.

All these points aboved are valid if a) the OP likes Audis, b) the car is flawless as the ad states.

I can honestly keep going, just don't get the caddy.

My .32 cents.

 

I have been eying the RS6. With low miles they are right up there in price but all around nice car

 

Thanks guys for all your input. From the sounds of it the caddy does not seem like a good choice. If I di go with the Audi I could get ride of my winter car and just have one to drive year round.

Thanks

 

BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!= e39 M5!!! My friend has had one since it had 16,000 miles on it, it now has 98,000! It has been resonably reliable, still the original tranny! Right now you can get one for excellent prices. I personally love the w211 E55, just cuz of the power, but a Gs430 that costs much less out handles and outbrakes the E55, not an all around performer. E55 is not a true "drivers car", but most people dont know the true meaning of performance all they know is HP,1/4 mile times. I love the overall feeling of the M5, balance, braking, steering, it is a true drivers car, for people that actually know what to do with such a machine and can appreaciate its capabilities. I personally do not wish to no longer always push or test my vehs capabilities, hence why i like the E55 for some quick simple spirited drives.