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willisit

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lol, this thread is funny. Wasn't the s550 Mustang inspired by the M4? I read that somewhere but I could be wrong. However, if that is the case, then it's not really a surprise that another BMW looks similar to the Mustang.
The documentary regarding the S550s creation dates back long before the 4 series existed, so I can't see how it could have been anything more than a footnote towards the end of testing.
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willisit

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Yes, that's why I can't stand Audi, especially A1s and TTs or Merc Smarts - just overpriced garbage! The TT is supposed to be a sports car but handles like a drunk on ice. If I see a Porsche 911, the previous Cayman, M2 or E90 M3 I have some respect, if I see a A1, TT or Smart I think what a prat.
That's interesting. We've had an S5 for several years, and yes, it's a complicated car that does go wrong (like all cars) so it costs a fair bit to keep, but it's also hugely comfortable and quick - I can genuinely see why they're glued to people's car's rear ends given how they mask speed.

We're replacing that with an S1. Garbage? God no. We tested everything that had a MANUAL gearbox (capitals as it's important here), 4WD, 5 doors, 0-60mph in under 6 seconds - you'll soon see we were limited to about 3 cars. I was keen on the Focus RS, but in terms of quality (and it IS cheap, so I'm not saying it's not worth it, it is) it was miles behind any Audi we looked at. Merc had nothing, BMW had the 2-ers and 1-ers in various guises, but mostly RWD or Auto in 4WD form - and so it went.

Overpriced? Yes. Quality? Absolutely. The paint alone is far better than my Mustang, to say nothing of panel gaps, carpets, plastics.

But I say all of this because regardless, the Mustang is unbelievable value, but my wife wouldn't go near it with a barge pole as her daily driver, so I'm more than happy if she wants to blat around in a 4WD, 230hp Pocket Rocket ;D
 

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I love the look of the new 8-Series.....although BMW have always done nice coupes!

I also LOVE the way most of them drive, especially the M-Sport packages......(although I think their "Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline doesn't really fit any more).

My first was an SE spec 520 Touring (E39). Slower than walking, although the 2 litre straight six was as smooth as silk. Beautifully put together interior, too.

My second was a car I really regret selling. It was a 330i M-Sport saloon (E46). Such a brilliant car to drive.....probably the best I've ever had. Superb steering and lovely body control. The 3 litre straight six was a peach. Not as smooth as the 2 litre, but loads more punch and a lovely snarl to it. Downsides? It had far too many electrical glitches, with sensors failing ever few months! Then the dreaded tin-worm (it was a '53 plate). The front wings had blisters and then it started on the rear wheel arches. Sadly, the value of the car didn't warrant a respray. So I sold it for.....

My third was a E60 535d (Twin Turbo!). Not nearly as nice to look at, and not quite as good to drive as the smaller E46....and the interior was 'orrible. Didn't keep it past 9 months as I was tracking down a serious performance issue that we think was a turbo or two. That was when I decided to say screw it, and I bought the SN95 as my daily driver Mustang. To say chalk and cheese would be an understatement. The SN95 is hardly a good drive, but I forgive it everything for the pony on its nose :D
BMW 535d 4.webp
 

marks

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That's interesting. We've had an S5 for several years, and yes, it's a complicated car that does go wrong (like all cars) so it costs a fair bit to keep, but it's also hugely comfortable and quick - I can genuinely see why they're glued to people's car's rear ends given how they mask speed.

We're replacing that with an S1. Garbage? God no. We tested everything that had a MANUAL gearbox (capitals as it's important here), 4WD, 5 doors, 0-60mph in under 6 seconds - you'll soon see we were limited to about 3 cars. I was keen on the Focus RS, but in terms of quality (and it IS cheap, so I'm not saying it's not worth it, it is) it was miles behind any Audi we looked at. Merc had nothing, BMW had the 2-ers and 1-ers in various guises, but mostly RWD or Auto in 4WD form - and so it went.

Overpriced? Yes. Quality? Absolutely. The paint alone is far better than my Mustang, to say nothing of panel gaps, carpets, plastics.

But I say all of this because regardless, the Mustang is unbelievable value, but my wife wouldn't go near it with a barge pole as her daily driver, so I'm more than happy if she wants to blat around in a 4WD, 230hp Pocket Rocket ;D
Yes, horses for courses. I've always seen Audi as a bit of a compromise in that it can't meet the comfort of the Mercs nor the sportiness of the BMWs. And yes for me a sports car needs to have a manual gearbox, which Audi and especially Mercs seems to lack in that respect. BMW seems to be going that way but the M2 manual is proving popular and so hopefully BMW will reverse this trend, like Porsche has done. Audis can be fast in a straight line but have a reputation of being a bit boring/clinical (mate has older S5, one with the V8, you wouldn't know to hear it or look at it, sooo boring!) poor handling of the TT and also the styling - really not a fan of the design of the TT/A1/A5 etc. The only exception is maybe the R8 but then for the money I'd take a Porsche GT3. To be honest, I have no issue with the panel gaps or paint quality on my car, yes there is a fair bit of plastic but nothing wrong with that - functional! Having said that, my wife finds the Mustang a bit too daunting to drive (wouldn't go as far as wouldn't touch it with a barge poll!) and so prefers her 4x4 automatic :)
 

willisit

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Yes, horses for courses. I've always seen Audi as a bit of a compromise in that it can't meet the comfort of the Mercs nor the sportiness of the BMWs. And yes for me a sports car needs to have a manual gearbox, which Audi and especially Mercs seems to lack in that respect. BMW seems to be going that way but the M2 manual is proving popular and so hopefully BMW will reverse this trend, like Porsche has done. Audis can be fast in a straight line but have a reputation of being a bit boring/clinical (mate has older S5, one with the V8, you wouldn't know to hear it or look at it, sooo boring!) poor handling of the TT and also the styling - really not a fan of the design of the TT/A1/A5 etc. The only exception is maybe the R8 but then for the money I'd take a Porsche GT3. To be honest, I have no issue with the panel gaps or paint quality on my car, yes there is a fair bit of plastic but nothing wrong with that - functional! Having said that, my wife finds the Mustang a bit too daunting to drive (wouldn't go as far as wouldn't touch it with a barge poll!) and so prefers her 4x4 automatic :)
Yeah exactly. Our S5 is the v8 - whilst I mostly agree with your sentiment, if my wife leaves early for work, you can feel the S5 start, throughout the house. It just doesn't have any volume (perfect for her though!). It's a bit numb, but it's still a great car.

I'm with you; money exempted here, I'm a 911 guy and always have been. I'll end up in one when I've tried a few other cars (and had 2 in the past) so I'm getting the Mustang "out of my system" so to speak. I need an AMV8, maybe an R8 - I dunno, lots to choose from but I expect a 991.2 in a few years will be on the drive (if I'm well behaved!). :D

Oh and there is an article that states that future M cars, including the stalwart M3 will be standard autos because they've become so good - and DSG/Manuals are going away. It'll be a huge shame as the M-range has been one of the few to keep hold of a stick shift (and why I like them).
 

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Didn't keep it past 9 months as I was tracking down a serious performance issue that we think was a turbo or two.
Yes I had issues with turbos on my E90 335i, luckily BMW agreed to the repairs out of a good will gesture as just out of warranty. At least my Mustang won't have turbo issues!
 

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Yeah exactly. Our S5 is the v8 - whilst I mostly agree with your sentiment, if my wife leaves early for work, you can feel the S5 start, throughout the house. It just doesn't have any volume (perfect for her though!). It's a bit numb, but it's still a great car.
Yep, I rib my mate on the V8 S5 but he says he prefers to be understated not shouty like a Mustang driver! :) Everyone to their own!

Yes be a shame if M gets rid of the stick.
 

willisit

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Yep, I rib my mate on the V8 S5 but he says he prefers to be understated not shouty like a Mustang driver! :) Everyone to their own!

Yes be a shame if M gets rid of the stick.
Though I don't know him... he's lying. The Audi 4.x series of v8s are creamy, lovely engines (coupled with really odd gearbox ratios) and they sound wonderful, especially on aftermarket pipes. We didn't change ours due to the nature of its use, but had it been mine, I'd have done it within weeks (as I did with the Mustang!).
 

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He hasn't got an aftermarket exhaust and ive heard the engine, it's very quiet for a V8
 

willisit

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He hasn't got an aftermarket exhaust and ive heard the engine, it's very quiet for a V8
Yes, I'm agreeing, but as I say, you can feel it more than hear it. It's clever how Audi have done it. Has a lovely warble inside.
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