Drove an awesome car today..
 

I am still tossing around with the idea of holding onto the X5 4.8is for another year while I wait for the "is" to be introduced. But since there is no clear date on the calendar, I think it's only fair that I check out the competition.

Also, I've been having a suspension problem with 4.8is, I've had it in for service twice and everytime I bring it in, the problem goes away, it's an annoying clunking noise in the drivers side front (like maybe a CV joint or something.) It's driving me crazy.. And they can't find it.

So today, I dropped in and drove a sweeeeeeet car. A 2007 Audi S8. It's got 450hp, drives incredibly well, handles on rails, and is generally a great, great car.
- I am seriously considering it.. The big problem, hurdle to get over and probably the deal breaker, the lease options are HORRIBLE.
On a 36 month lease, the residual is 44%. And, the money factor .00336 equates to 8% interest rate.

So basically, a $100k car, is worth only $44k after 3 years. And they are also charging 8% on the MSRP. Not exactly a steal of a deal.. I think most BMW's have about a 58% residual.

I do like the car better than the M5 though. Damn, it's hard to find a replacement for the 4.8is.. I just wish I wasn't having this continual suspension issue.

B

Why don't you drive a 550 with M Sports kit?? It's the same engine as the 4.8is.....

Cheers

A 2007? Not even a 2008? Wow that sucks. I agree it's a good car, I'd rather go for a S550 though, even if it's less powerful. The A8/S8 is getting a refresh for '08. Link.

Why would I get a 550 with M sports kit over the M5?? I am just not that thrilled with the current BMW 5 series. They don't speak to me like the last generation.

As for the S8, there won't be any major cosmetic or engine changes in 08. It's a fairly new car. Secondly, since my lease is up in NOV, I would be getting an 08 Audi, not an 07.

The Mercedes is just a little too "not my speed".. If you know what I mean.

B

Fair enough...

In answer to your question, the M5 either belongs on a race track or in the hands of someone who likes a weekend blast (eg a Ferrari) IMO. It's not a good daily driver and doesn't have the torque for stop start traffic. The 550, on the other hand does and people like myself have opted for a smaller engine (or even a 540) for everyday driveability.

The LCI version of the 5 series fixes all the little gripes I had, which were mostly interior...

Finally, I only suggested you drive it...

Cheers

LVR,

Good points. And I understand your comments about the M5 being used on the track. I could assure you, if I got one, it would definately see some track time and the weekend romps.

I would also track the S8 at least once...

It kind of sucks that there is no vehicle I absouletely love right now. I do like the new X5, but don't want to commit to one when I know the high output version is just around the block..

So I'm trying to find a vehicle I would be very happy with for a year or two before the X5 I want comes out.

B

the M5 is way too big and heavy for a track car...

Agreed, that's why I have the 911's.. But I still like the idea that I can take my DD out for a couple laps.. (Not that I'm getting an M5)

B

I'm having the same kind of noise with the same results. This is just a guess but I wonder if if's not the brake caliper re-adjusting themselves somehow. I had the same issue with my older 7 series and we found that that was the problem. No fix was involved it just seemed to get tweeked at times and realinged itself "every now and then" when coming out of my drive way turning right.

Have you considered a Quattroporte?

I'm waiting to take a spin in the S5 when it comes out.

Not yet, but it is on my list of cars to "visit"...

I like the S5, but a two door is not practical as a DD..

No joke, a Chevrolet Uplander rental I drove had the same exact problem, it was a very heavy "clunk" from the left rear suspension when driving over a bump at 25-35 mph. I had no idea what it was.
Anyways;

I've driven both the manumatic and automatic Quatroportte. The manumatic was kind of jerky. The automatic made the car seem slow. It had a lovely interior though, and beautiful exterior.
I don't know if it's your style, but I like the Jaguar XJR. It's a bit of a sleeper, and it's more capable than you think for a traditional british sedan. I would also look at the Audi S6, smaller, but do you need the space (and lenght) of an S8?
:thumbup:

Maserati recently changed/revised the sequential transmission in the Quattroporte. It's supposed to be a lot better.

Z06 over M5. However, I take it you obviously want a sedan.

The reality is, as great a car as it may be, the A8/S8 has historically failed to hold it's resale value. You can find '03 models for right around $30k. Granted it's not the same car, but if you're in the business of setting residuals for these cars that's the data you have. For those of us looking at them used it's great news, but for you it's clearly not. Your options, as I see them:

- Buy it and plan to hold it for a while,
- Wait a little bit and buy it used,
- Suck it up, or
- Buy something esle.

I'm of the opinion that, in this class, buying used makes the most sense. These cars (A8/7/S) depreciate much faster than the C- (A6/5/E) or B-class (A4/3/C) do.

dayum! The A8 is a simply amazing car

911 Turbo 'nough said!

I've got one of those... But I need a daily driver.

B

Keep the X5 for another year and get the E70 "is" version and you will not have any regrets. Definitely be out before Nov 2008. A bi-turbo V8, dynamic performance control, DxD, BMW efficient Dynamics and all the other goodies from X6.

How come nobody on this forum likes Porsche Cayenne (spl?).

The turbo models are sweet

Because this is X5World....what do you expect:rofl: ......Phil