As a few of you probably know, I've been seriously thinking about selling my Z4MR.
I'd like a bit more practicality, ie. boot space, maybe occasionally be able to take more than one passenger.
The heavy clutch and steering, and occasionally akward gear change are a bit of a pain at low speeds.
The suspension could be a bit less crashy, especially with all these pot holes around.
The trouble is the car has spoilt me and I can't decide on a decent replacement that doesn't cost £10k more.
My M has been reliable and I've not needed a warranty, service costs are ok, fuel consumption is not bad with the mileage I do but it does have me thinking when I do a longer journey.
I want a decent sized petrol, automatic that doesn't feel dated inside and has a nice spec. Fuel consumption is fine as long as it's not worse than the M
I went to look at an '05 645 at the weekend, it's still not totally practical but it has enough space for me. Not sure how fun it would be on the back roads and looking at forum reports, it's best to own one with a warranty, I'd probably try get into a AUC 650 if I went this route. A 550 would be more useful but I'm less and less convinced by the E60 shape, although if a nice touring came up I'd consider it.
BMW 335i coupe- looks about right size/performance wise, not many in my price range and spec I like. Reliability seems a problem. I'd like an M3 but they're more than I want to spend at the moment and I keep considering a C63 as an interesting alternative.
Have browsed Merc V8 CLS's, similar to the 6 series but with four doors so slightly better practicality. Sat in one at the weekend, it was a diesel though, interior is nice although the steering wheel is notably off to one side (then sat in my car and noticed that's the same but maybe not quite so pronounced) Not sure on looks or reliability. I think I'd prefer a nice v8 C or E class coupe but the newer ones I like aren't in my price range.
Audi's, not remotely interested...
My original plan was to get a cheap run around and keep the roadster in a garage but I'm going off the idea of running two cars, the M would end up not getting used enough to justify that much money sat doing nothing for most of the year. I rarely bother with weekend hoons now, I like to get my enjoyment when the chance arises during normal usage.
Any experience with the above cars?
Any other options I should consider?
I'd like a bit more practicality, ie. boot space, maybe occasionally be able to take more than one passenger.
The heavy clutch and steering, and occasionally akward gear change are a bit of a pain at low speeds.
The suspension could be a bit less crashy, especially with all these pot holes around.
The trouble is the car has spoilt me and I can't decide on a decent replacement that doesn't cost £10k more.
My M has been reliable and I've not needed a warranty, service costs are ok, fuel consumption is not bad with the mileage I do but it does have me thinking when I do a longer journey.
I want a decent sized petrol, automatic that doesn't feel dated inside and has a nice spec. Fuel consumption is fine as long as it's not worse than the M
I went to look at an '05 645 at the weekend, it's still not totally practical but it has enough space for me. Not sure how fun it would be on the back roads and looking at forum reports, it's best to own one with a warranty, I'd probably try get into a AUC 650 if I went this route. A 550 would be more useful but I'm less and less convinced by the E60 shape, although if a nice touring came up I'd consider it.
BMW 335i coupe- looks about right size/performance wise, not many in my price range and spec I like. Reliability seems a problem. I'd like an M3 but they're more than I want to spend at the moment and I keep considering a C63 as an interesting alternative.
Have browsed Merc V8 CLS's, similar to the 6 series but with four doors so slightly better practicality. Sat in one at the weekend, it was a diesel though, interior is nice although the steering wheel is notably off to one side (then sat in my car and noticed that's the same but maybe not quite so pronounced) Not sure on looks or reliability. I think I'd prefer a nice v8 C or E class coupe but the newer ones I like aren't in my price range.
Audi's, not remotely interested...
My original plan was to get a cheap run around and keep the roadster in a garage but I'm going off the idea of running two cars, the M would end up not getting used enough to justify that much money sat doing nothing for most of the year. I rarely bother with weekend hoons now, I like to get my enjoyment when the chance arises during normal usage.
Any experience with the above cars?
Any other options I should consider?
Thats a no then!
By the seaside...
Seriously expensive when new, full of quality touches and comfort, an M5 beater in every respect and fast as f*k: a real sleeper. There are even a few tourers around.