Fifth Ring

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.

e1000

335i vert. hardtop + LOTS of tuning potential.

///AMG4EVER

My vote goes to the BMW as well.

advans

yeap, BMW verts as well,

before I bought the C55, I looked at a CLK350, and it does look quite dull

5150_C32

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)

e1000

335i + vishnu > A5

Sorry, just how I see it.

Fifth Ring

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.

5150_C32

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.

5150_C32

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

jturkel

juicebox piggybacks FTW!

DarkXerox

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.).

TemjinX2

i say the a5 or the jaguar. The jag's classy and you don't see many around. But i say get the xkr...supercharged v8's are always nice

SilverBulletAMG

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.

Fifth Ring

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.

CLK Operator

2007 XK8 or XKR would be my choice.

bud4ya

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.

aleksandar1099

I know its not a convertible.... but for how cheap they are a e55 is a VERY good car for the money.... and adequate power..

Fifth Ring

If I wanted a fast, four door Mercedes, I would .... keep the C32.


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!

5150_C32

The non AMG CLK's are like a fat girl with a really pretty face....

wazv6

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

CLK Operator

How much money are you looking to spend anyways? Because if you can shell out $60K just bite the bullet and go all the way for an 05 SL65.

MercedesFTW

And yet, people kept on offering 335i with some sort of tuning...

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.

SilverBulletAMG

SLK > CLK and used prices are reasonable on both. Either of those would have to be an AMG however. You just cant go from an AMG to a non AMG. Sacrilegious!

5150_C32

AMEN, brotha!

Fifth Ring

SLK flunks the back seat test. I agree though that it looks phenomenal.

As to price, I guess I could swing the new A5 vert ($50K?), but I have gotten addicted to lightly used, premium cars.