So I may be leaving the C32 family. Need some input/ideas from you.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
So I may be leaving the C32 family. Need some input/ideas from you.
My objective is to have a 4+ seat convertible as a daily driver. That gives me the following options:
1. Benz CLK (lightly used). Keeps me in the family. I have come to appreciate Benz engineering. But it's a pretty dull ride. Not sure I want to be getting thumbs-up from white-haired ladies.
2. BMW 3 Series (lightly used). It's been a while since I've owned a BMW, but I like and respect them. Hardtop convertible would be a plus. Lots of engine options over the past few years.
3. Audi A5. Convertible model is coming in 2009. It looks amazing. Gonna be pricey though (and not available used). (PS: A4 cabriolet just doesn't have any visual appeal at all.)
4. Jaguar XK (lightly used). Nice looking car. Never thought much of Jaguar though. Dark horse candidate.
5. Saab 9??. Bleh. 1980s interior. 1980s engines.
Don't even mention any Detroit cheese. Have you SEEN the interior on the Mustang? Ouch.
1. Benz CLK (lightly used). Keeps me in the family. I have come to appreciate Benz engineering. But it's a pretty dull ride. Not sure I want to be getting thumbs-up from white-haired ladies.
2. BMW 3 Series (lightly used). It's been a while since I've owned a BMW, but I like and respect them. Hardtop convertible would be a plus. Lots of engine options over the past few years.
3. Audi A5. Convertible model is coming in 2009. It looks amazing. Gonna be pricey though (and not available used). (PS: A4 cabriolet just doesn't have any visual appeal at all.)
4. Jaguar XK (lightly used). Nice looking car. Never thought much of Jaguar though. Dark horse candidate.
5. Saab 9??. Bleh. 1980s interior. 1980s engines.
Don't even mention any Detroit cheese. Have you SEEN the interior on the Mustang? Ouch.
Last edited by Fifth Ring; Dec 9, 2008 at 04:00 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
I'm in a similar boat, trying to find something fast, cool and built (German) well, oh and AWD because I am going to go to one car (winter car (subaru) lease is up); tired of 2x payments and insurance. I'm down to two....
335xi (adding software, exhaust, etc asap)
S5 (seriously leaning towards this car)
335xi (adding software, exhaust, etc asap)
S5 (seriously leaning towards this car)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
I'm checking out of the tuner world. I might drop the suspension a bit and pick up nice wheels, but I have to confess that I really don't need more than "adequate" horsepower. That's why I'm thinking A5 not S5. I get my adrenalin fix driving the 944 on track (150HP!!!).
I spend 75% of my driving on crowded roads, so all I really need is comfort, reliability and efficiency. But a HAVE to look good doing it.
I spend 75% of my driving on crowded roads, so all I really need is comfort, reliability and efficiency. But a HAVE to look good doing it.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
335i stock > A5 (now S5 is another story)
vishnu = problems
I've done some research and these guys were innovative and beat everyone to the punch, but their customer service is really bad. A lot of customers have been getting check engine lights and other problems with little to no support on the issues. There are several other aftermarket companies that have safer software that is trouble free now.
vishnu = problems
I've done some research and these guys were innovative and beat everyone to the punch, but their customer service is really bad. A lot of customers have been getting check engine lights and other problems with little to no support on the issues. There are several other aftermarket companies that have safer software that is trouble free now.
Last edited by 5150_C32; Dec 9, 2008 at 04:49 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
02 C32 AMG; 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon
Next year's S5 will have a Supercharged 3.2 with 333 hp. tuning possiblities are greater than the current V8.
<I spend 75% of my driving on crowded roads, so all I really need is comfort, reliability and efficiency. But a HAVE to look good doing it.>
Then definitely go with the 335i
<I spend 75% of my driving on crowded roads, so all I really need is comfort, reliability and efficiency. But a HAVE to look good doing it.>
Then definitely go with the 335i
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,856
Likes: 4
02 C32 AMG
vishnu = problems
I've done some research and these guys were innovative and beat everyone to the punch, but their customer service is really bad. A lot of customers have been getting check engine lights and other problems with little to no support on the issues. There are several other aftermarket companies that have safer software that is trouble free now.
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
I honestly like how the A5/S5 look over the BMW. However I think it's only coming with a soft top. After driving the SLK, I couldn't imagine owning a soft top now (noise, break ins, etc.).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 0
From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
Bimmer 3 series, although I despise their interior. Barely a step up from the mustang you refer too and WORSE than the new 'stangs interior. But yet, 335i is one sexy beast on the outside and tons of potential if you were to ever get bored with it stock.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
The interiors are a question of taste. My brother has a Roush Blackjack Mustang which is as good as the "old" Mustang interior gets. I had no issues with the materials, but the layout was incredibly busy and clearly emphasize form over function. BMW interiors are pretty stark but functional. Audi always nails it with function and great looks.
Last edited by Fifth Ring; Dec 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 C32 AMG, 2003 E39 M5
My vote is for the 335 as well. JB3 in those cars and they become very fast. From what I hear the newer ones are bit harder to mod as BMW can tell if it was done. The older ones they could not tell as easy I guess.
My objective is to have a 4+ seat convertible as a daily driver. That gives me the following options:
1. Benz CLK (lightly used). Keeps me in the family. I have come to appreciate Benz engineering. But it's a pretty dull ride. Not sure I want to be getting thumbs-up from white-haired ladies.
2. BMW 3 Series (lightly used). It's been a while since I've owned a BMW, but I like and respect them. Hardtop convertible would be a plus. Lots of engine options over the past few years.
3. Audi A5. Convertible model is coming in 2009. It looks amazing. Gonna be pricey though (and not available used). (PS: A4 cabriolet just doesn't have any visual appeal at all.)
4. Jaguar XK (lightly used). Nice looking car. Never thought much of Jaguar though. Dark horse candidate.
5. Saab 9??. Bleh. 1980s interior. 1980s engines.
Don't even mention any Detroit cheese. Have you SEEN the interior on the Mustang? Ouch.
1. Benz CLK (lightly used). Keeps me in the family. I have come to appreciate Benz engineering. But it's a pretty dull ride. Not sure I want to be getting thumbs-up from white-haired ladies.
2. BMW 3 Series (lightly used). It's been a while since I've owned a BMW, but I like and respect them. Hardtop convertible would be a plus. Lots of engine options over the past few years.
3. Audi A5. Convertible model is coming in 2009. It looks amazing. Gonna be pricey though (and not available used). (PS: A4 cabriolet just doesn't have any visual appeal at all.)
4. Jaguar XK (lightly used). Nice looking car. Never thought much of Jaguar though. Dark horse candidate.
5. Saab 9??. Bleh. 1980s interior. 1980s engines.
Don't even mention any Detroit cheese. Have you SEEN the interior on the Mustang? Ouch.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
The Jag is starting to seem like an interesting off-the-beaten-path choice. Funny that the CLK gets so little interest, on an MB board!
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: New York City
'14 E550
ok the BMW 3 is as common as a honda civic has good potential though, but i've heard a few stories that reliability becomes a big issue after modding, the Jag is as reliable as our economy, why are we even talking about a Saab. the A5 and CLK get my vote. The A5 has a timeless design in my opinion and if you go S5 then you got the ***** to back up that pretty face. The CLK is my top choice not only cause i own 1 ( coupe not vert) but i think its one of the sexiest 2drs out there and i get thumbs up from white haired ladies as well as hot blonde, brunette, red haired ones as well. As for it being dull, as long as you stay away from a v6 CLK, no offense to the 320 350 guys, then you got the power to match and beat any of those vehicles mentioned, there's nothing like a good ol Benz V8. i have a 500 and for me its got a great balance of everything. Remember there are CLK amg verts as well. anyway goodluck on your search
Last edited by wazv6; Dec 10, 2008 at 05:23 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Cee Fiddy Five
I say A5 with sports package is better looking than 3 series coupe. Jag would be a very odd choice, but it is the best looking of the three.
Only CLK AMGs are really attractive, others are...eh. Also relatively older design.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
As to price, I guess I could swing the new A5 vert ($50K?), but I have gotten addicted to lightly used, premium cars.
