Wife might be a prego....might sell my B5 to get...

[Tifun]

I'm thinking of selling my B5 A4 which has a very hefty mod list for something a little more family oriented. Thoughts of the E39 ///M5?????? I think it would be the best replacement option in my budget that still allows me a very fun car to drive. Any other suggestions that are around the 25k range plus or minus 5g's that is family oriented?

[MYDWAGON]

I'm thinking of selling my B5 A4 which has a very hefty mod list for something a little more family oriented. Thoughts of the E39 ///M5?????? I think it would be the best replacement option in my budget that still allows me a very fun car to drive. Any other suggestions that are around the 25k range plus or minus 5g's that is family oriented?

Get an allroad or Avant.Great with kids.

[Beelzeebub]

why would you even consider selling it if it wasnt for a newer model? I have 3 kids and i use my b7 s4 to haul us around. Groceries included.

[Jibberific]

i'm really failing to see how an m5 is more of a family vehicle than an a4

[Tifun]

My car is pretty low, very loud, very stiff. An M5....if youve never been in one or driven one I guess its hard to explain. They have a lot more room, 400hp, amazing brakes, great suspension, great looks and the list for myself keeps going.

Another reason is I've had car seats in the back of my car, and with the length of myself and where I would need the seat position to be comfortable there just isnt adiquate room to fit what is needed. A B7 S4 has a lot more room than my B5 in the back seat department. My buddies B6 S4 fits the child seat pretty good as well. As for the allroad, meh, I they just do anything for me personally.

I guess I just don't see my particular A4 as being very practical other than a toy type car. I'm very open to opinions though. So lets hear the comments good and bad and suggestive. Just try to keep it constructive is all I ask.
-Keith

[Jibberific]

Yeah i guess you are right. i have driven a couple at my work and they are solid and spacious in addition to being super mean in general. and more wife-friendly than any modded a4, no doubt

To me it just seems like b5's are family-sized and roomy because i'm short and have my front seats way way up, haha.

[RelicB5]

That e39 is one of my favorite cars...next to the e34 m5. But e34 probably wouldnt be too practical in your situation.

[Tifun]

In reality it's a very tough choice to make. In one hand I realize that modding will have to stop for a few years, so if I part with my car I could at least get something I would be content with in terms of style, comfort and performance. In the other hand....I want to make my car faster lol. So far though the E39 M5 suits the needs I am looking for in a car. I don't know what else to look at. I suppose I could price out S8's and RS6's in the used market of course since I have no clue what they go for.

[cerfus]

All I have to say is get ready for some fucking serious repair bills if anything happens. bottom line, unless it has a warranty or has been really truly cared for, expect some big numbers. An M5 is not a family car, be honest with yourself here. If your looking for a family car thats going to be a realtivley "inexpensive" older luxury car, I'd say go with something that not going to cost $1,500+ every time you go in the shop, if the car once costed 80+ grand then I'm gonna take that into account on its repairs but that's just me...

Get a CPO'd A8/LS/550i/S4 avant etc..

[Tiesto]

In reality it's a very tough choice to make. In one hand I realize that modding will have to stop for a few years, so if I part with my car I could at least get something I would be content with in terms of style, comfort and performance. In the other hand....I want to make my car faster lol. So far though the E39 M5 suits the needs I am looking for in a car. I don't know what else to look at. I suppose I could price out S8's and RS6's in the used market of course since I have no clue what they go for.

RS6 has reliability and maintence issues too. Definitely search around for an S8. 25k is a pretty small budget though, I think you need to look for something a little more practical.

[NewEnglandRS]

I'd do a C5 S6 Avant.

[Tifun]

All I have to say is get ready for some fucking serious repair bills if anything happens. bottom line, unless it has a warranty or has been really truly cared for, expect some big numbers. An M5 is not a family car, be honest with yourself here. If your looking for a family car thats going to be a realtivley "inexpensive" older luxury car, I'd say go with something that not going to cost $1,500+ every time you go in the shop, if the car once costed 80+ grand then I'm gonna take that into account on its repairs but that's just me...

Get a CPO'd A8/LS/550i/S4 avant etc..

I guess I miss worded what I was trying to get across. I will always have a car that is a blast to drive and have a nice aftermarket support. If I was worried about paying for repairs(which I do myself) I wouldn't have a heavily modified A4. Spending $1500 a year on vehicle maintenance would be a dream. I spend that in a season lol. I don't see how an M5 isn't a family car either....4 door, midsized, child seat locks, widow screens for babies, deep toned exhaust to drown out baby cries and put child to sleep, 400hp, gps, etc.....its a very spirited family that fits the needs of my lifestyle. This wont be my first bimmer either. I've had 5 others already.

Used RS6's are now on my list of car to check out. Although I still like the styling of the E39 ///M5 better.

RS6 has reliability and maintence issues too. Definitely search around for an S8. 25k is a pretty small budget though, I think you need to look for something a little more practical.

It is a small budget yes. However that budget was specific for the E39 M5, a different vehicle I am willing to allot more. It all depends on the year and what I can justify for paying for a specific vehicle. In reality I would be comfortable up to about 50, but would rather not pay that much out of pure justification of why.

[JBM]

cough you could look at the MB S500s

[MacDaddy]

lots of people on here hate BMW's, i bet if you said you wanted to buy a scion or an element, you would get lots of thumbs up for some reason, it makes no sense.

M5 would be perfect, audi's are alot less reliable than BMW's, boost leaks, a suspension system that binds itself to destruction, turbos that like to blow up and are inconveniently located under the engine, etc etc.
BMW, just dosn't do stupid shit like audi does.

[Tifun]

lots of people on here hate BMW's, i bet if you said you wanted to buy a scion or an element, you would get lots of thumbs up for some reason, it makes no sense.

M5 would be perfect, audi's are alot less reliable than BMW's, boost leaks, a suspension system that binds itself to destruction, turbos that like to blow up and are inconveniently located under the engine, etc etc.
BMW, just dosn't do stupid shit like audi does.

That's very funny haha. I seem to be getting that feeling from some individuals here. I blame it on my wording.

[audirs]

cross out rs6 from your list if you are concerned about reliability. that is not a cheap car to maintain by any means

[AudiSport12]

How about an A6 4.2? Do you really need something that quick to haul the family around?

P.S., my A6 is for sale

[Kievskiy]

m5 is a very interesting choice! i would get it, its so balanced even stock! one of the cars that i would get any day, too bad we don't have an m5 wagon in the states...:(

[ultra]

you will have a hard time keeping an old M5 as a daily .
Try an Allroad or Avant.

[Tifun]

I've ruled Audi's completely out. Looking into the mercs now as well. Again, I'm not concerned about maintenance. It's something I justify for the type of cars I enjoy. It's a given in my book and worth it to me because of my passion towards cars.

[Sinister]

Don't know if this interests you at all, but what about the Range Rover? I know it's not for everyone, but I saw one the other day, clean, lowered, nice wheels, it looked really good.

[Tifun]

Don't know if this interests you at all, but what about the Range Rover? I know it's not for everyone, but I saw one the other day, clean, lowered, nice wheels, it looked really good.

Those are very very nice, however I like the weekend track events to much to give up a road course worthy vehicle. The wife has been eying them for years. Might be her next actually. Although I keep pushing the V10 t-reg diesel. She is ready to move into something different as well. She complains about her daily too much.

[LampyB]

the M5 is a SICK car, i absolutely love it. be careful of high mileage for $25K though, BMW is known for the money pit factor. you may not mind paying mildly high repair costs, but think about the additional mods you could be purchasing with that same $. it's just wasted allocation IMO. i also think the M5 is an awesome family car, i plan on getting one a few yrs. down the road when i'm in your shoes. plenty of space, fast, very smooth, gorgeous, overall i think BMW is still very reliable as well. just don't get a lemon!

[Sinister]

Those are very very nice, however I like the weekend track events to much to give up a road course worthy vehicle. The wife has been eying them for years. Might be her next actually. Although I keep pushing the V10 t-reg diesel. She is ready to move into something different as well. She complains about her daily too much.

I was quite surprised with how affordable they are, used, consider what they are. New they are $60k-$80k starting and I could find many for under $30,000. But yes, it does limit track events to virtually nothing. Nice cars though.

I like the M5's, the only thing I would worry about is maintenance and I honestly can't have a car without modding it and both of those can get expensive. But you have stated that's really not a concern for you, so my second thought is: since it's a family car would you want AWD? Some do, some don't, just thought I would throw that out there.

[MTLA4]

B7 A4 just put a chip there ...CPO reliable cheap safe. Keep the money for diapers

[MacDaddy]

Don't know if this interests you at all, but what about the Range Rover? I know it's not for everyone, but I saw one the other day, clean, lowered, nice wheels, it looked really good.

the supercharged sport RR hauls ass, check out this very fitting youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRLa23DAEmM

[MTLA4]

Any RR is a shitbox anyone who had one will tell you so....its a status symbol

[Tifun]

B7 A4 just put a chip there ...CPO reliable cheap safe. Keep the money for diapers

Compared to my car I feel as though that would be a downgrade.

I think everyone is missing the point. I don't want you run of the mill family car. I want exciting. I have a very exhilarating car as is. If I'm going to change that it has to be an upgrade. Which an M5 is that for sure. I just need other ideas for other cars similar in the realms of the M5.

[oneohone]

I love the e39 M5. If I were to have a kid tho the C5 S6 is the way to go.

[MTLA4]

Compared to my car I feel as though that would be a downgrade.

I think everyone is missing the point. I don't want you run of the mill family car. I want exciting. I have a very exhilarating car as is. If I'm going to change that it has to be an upgrade. Which an M5 is that for sure. I just need other ideas for other cars similar in the realms of the M5.

If you want a family car you will have to make some sacrifices...25K is a good budget for a car but you will get less from european car makers. What about buying a used accord or something and keep the a4. I know its a downgrade but in reality you get a newer slower car under warranty. With kids and diapers and so youre car is the last thing you want to worry about. Id get something reliable and later on grab a toy with the way market is going now there will be lots of opportunities out there. I wouldnt own an e39 with no warranty. In your garage it says protege5 whats wrong with that car.....

[MacDaddy]

^^^i think you should put a cork in it frenchie. your suggestions are depressing. and if you want to know what a shitbox is, its your jetta, not a RR.

if you want other options to look at, Mabey a 4.8 X5? they have more torque than a M5, lots of space, and handle surprisingly well for a heavy tall vehicle.
I wold like to recommend a mercedes, but they have all been pretty terrible (looks and reliability) up untill about 4-5 years ago.
Jaguar XJR, its the vehichle that started the 4 door fast as hell saloon car. IMO the best year to get is a 2003, 2004+ are the aluminum body and to me don't feel like a jag anymore, 1998 is the worst, 1999-2002 are pretty good, but the 2003 has the most revisions and IIRC has the metal timing chain tensioners. 1995-1997 XJR's are good too, but getting on in age now and may require a little more TLC.

[Tifun]

^^^i think you should put a cork in it frenchie. your suggestions are depressing. and if you want to know what a shitbox is, its your jetta, not a RR.

if you want other options to look at, Mabey a 4.8 X5? they have more torque than a M5, lots of space, and handle surprisingly well for a heavy tall vehicle.
I wold like to recommend a mercedes, but they have all been pretty terrible (looks and reliability) up untill about 4-5 years ago.
Jaguar XJR, its the vehichle that started the 4 door fast as hell saloon car. IMO the best year to get is a 2003, 2004+ are the aluminum body and to me don't feel like a jag anymore, 1998 is the worst, 1999-2002 are pretty good, but the 2003 has the most revisions and IIRC has the metal timing chain tensioners. 1995-1997 XJR's are good too, but getting on in age now and may require a little more TLC.

I totally forgot about the Jags. I've read a few good things about them. I will put that on the list once I start the actual hunt. I'm wanting to get a list of at least 4 different cars, non SUV keep in mind. And like you said, put a lid on it frenchie lol. I'm not buying a cookie cutter car.

The Protege5 is my work car, dirty and slammed of course Again, I will note to those who don't read all the posts, the 25k was a budget specific for the M5 since they are in that price range . I can go comfortably into the 50k range and still have funds for more diapers than I can handle. It isn't about the money but more what I feel a car is worth. Please don't post if you are going to suggest a Camry or a Passat with a chip or similar. I don't want it....this may be the wrong forum to post in as well. Need to find more folks who understand what I am looking for. Not a Malibu.

[cerfus]

Spending $1500 a year on vehicle maintenance would be a dream. I spend that in a season lol.

It wouldnt be a year, I never said that, I said every time you go into a shop. I had one for about a week and although it was fun, my buddy had just spent about 4k on it for a problem he couldn't do himself,There are known vanos problems on early M5's too. Even 01's have been known to fail. Oil consumption is a biggie too. Clutches and rear tires have a way of wearing out too. Have a look a www.M5board.com

(this is from a Bimmerforums.com mod with an E39M5)

1) Drinks 1 Liter of $12 Castrol TWS Oil every 700 miles, like clockwork.
2) Thrust arm bushings in front wear just like any other E39/E38 causing vibration.


Some other common problems

-VANOS failure
-MAF failure
-Weak clutch
-Having to buy new expensive 275/35 ZR18 tires because it is wayyyy too fun to drive the thing hard.

[Toast]

I have a 7 mo old and understand what your going through, i was going to swap out my modded "loud" open exhaust b6 a4 but now im glad i didnt. My exhaust has a good record for putting my son to sleep. I would recommend leather seats in whatever you buy.

If you research X5 and X3's you find that they really dont offer any more space then a sedan and gas mileage sucks. As for the m5 its probably not a good idea to swap a car you know all the details about for a one you dont. If you think you will have time to wrench on your car you might be semi delusional youll be lucky if you get to sleep more then 3 straight hours a night. Taking your car to the shop will be a PIA if your in charge of taking your kid to day care since you will have to move the car seat and base to your buddys car and back and trust me it sucks.

What about a 540 wagon and modding that a little. Dont forget trunk space will become very important once you have to fit a stroller, diaper bag and...
B6 a4 avant and some mods or b6 s4 avant and just drive it like you stole it - ive seen some for $27k. If you really cool you can add the VF supercharger kit :)

[MTLA4]

^^^i think you should put a cork in it frenchie. your suggestions are depressing. and if you want to know what a shitbox is, its your jetta, not a RR.

if you want other options to look at, Mabey a 4.8 X5? they have more torque than a M5, lots of space, and handle surprisingly well for a heavy tall vehicle.
I wold like to recommend a mercedes, but they have all been pretty terrible (looks and reliability) up untill about 4-5 years ago.
Jaguar XJR, its the vehichle that started the 4 door fast as hell saloon car. IMO the best year to get is a 2003, 2004+ are the aluminum body and to me don't feel like a jag anymore, 1998 is the worst, 1999-2002 are pretty good, but the 2003 has the most revisions and IIRC has the metal timing chain tensioners. 1995-1997 XJR's are good too, but getting on in age now and may require a little more TLC.

frenchie ...u ignorant dumb @ss.
My cousin owns a RR sport SC, 2 of my close friends also had RR sport SC and got rid of them. They bought them for the bling factor thats about it...terrible cars. Whats youre f00kn problem. First of all Im not french. Second the jetta is my daily(yes I can afford 2 good cars). What do u drive? You've only been registered for 2 months and personally attacking me cause I live in Montreal lol ignorant noob....Here's a pic of one of my shit cars like you would say. Like I said chill the $/% out....
PS The tuned 135 is my track car while the jetta is getting replaced with a B6 s4 in january.If you want to attack me do it in pm we'll settle BUT dont pollute this guy thread with dumb remarks...like the province where my parents immigrated when they came to Canada.

Also note that the 4.8 X5 only came out in 07 which makes it more than 25K(The 4.6is and 4.8is E53 X5's we're ///M and cost $$$) ..I can see that you know a lot about cars

Sorry to the OP if I hijacked the thread.

[MacDaddy]

I totally forgot about the Jags. I've read a few good things about them. I will put that on the list once I start the actual hunt. I'm wanting to get a list of at least 4 different cars, non SUV keep in mind. And like you said, put a lid on it frenchie lol. I'm not buying a cookie cutter car.

the only knock against the jag i relized after i posted, it's pretty cramped inside, the 2004+ are much more spacious and you can get the "super V8" which is basically the XJR and Vanden Plas long wheel base married into one vehicle, but then it doesn't have the jag feel anymore, but who knows, mabey you won't mind that. I beleive S-types are a little more spacious, and are also available in a supercharged "R" version, the Lincoln LS is basically a jag with a different body, but only has 300HP with no supercharger available, probably not exactly what you want.

the Pre-TU (technical update) S62 engines burn oil and need the expensive 10W60 castrol oil (liqui moly and motul also make 10W60) because they have race oil control rings, the later engines run less costly 5W50 i believe.
vanos issues while once misunderstood and resulted in terminal engine failure can now be fixed, it basically boils down to some seals and o-rings which can be readily purchased from the dealer for cheap, nothing out of the ability range of Tifun's abilities i'm sure.

the vanos is certainly something to watch for, but can be a blessing in disguise if the M5 owner dosn't know its a fixable problem or wants to ditch the car when they found out the dealer charges $3000 to fix it and thinks only BMW dealers can work on BMW's.

another car you could check out even though i don't like caddy's is the CTS-V, probably sucks, but its a 4 door sedan with lots of power.

[MacDaddy]

frenchie ...u ignorant dumb @ss.
My cousin owns a RR sport SC, 2 of my close friends also had RR sport SC and got rid of them. They bought them for the bling factor thats about it...terrible cars.

if they bought something just to look cool infront of their friends with, they deserve all those problems.

Whats youre f00kn problem. First of all Im not french. Second the jetta is my daily(yes I can afford 2 good cars). What do u drive? You've only been registered for 2 months and personally attacking me cause I live in Montreal lol ignorant noob....Here's a pic of one of my shit cars like you would say. Like I said chill the $/% out....

Jetta is not a "good car" I always get those idiots tailgating my S4 because they think we have some sort of volkswagen-audi brotherhood that makes me want to race or something, no sorry, we don't, its bad enough my car is full of golf parts, i don't want to be reminded of that.
I "attacked" you because your not contributing to the thread at all, he wants a $25K premium vehichle which is fun to drive, your the one suggesting an accord, wtf?
and you never said to chill the fuck out, so you can't say "like i said"

PS its my track car jetta is getting replaced with a b6 s4.If you want to attack me do it in pm we'll settle dont pollute this guy thread with dumb remarks...like the province where my parents immigrated when they first came here.

I thought the jetta was your DD?
not interested in a PM war, sorry.
don't suggest accords
ok, your from quebec, duly noted.

Also note that the 4.8 X5 came out in 07 which makes it more than 25K ..I can see that you know a lot about cars

they made E53 4.8's too, and cars have a lower MSRP in the US and thus a lower resale value than in Canada, a 4.8 for 25K is not outside the realm of possibility in the US. but it dosn't matter, he already said he dosn't want a SUV (or in this case a SAV)

[MTLA4]

PS The tuned 135 is my track car while the jetta is getting replaced with a B6 s4 in january.

I fixed the sentence right after I wrote it its 1am and Im tired.
....Anyhow I dont care....The guy just wanted some suggestions. Ill Im saying is that with this unstable economy(lay-offs,stock market)a budget of 25K is not enough. The car itself+repairs+increasing life expenses with kid is kind of tight on a 25K budget(car budget). I would'nt bother with a car that has a third party warranty or no warranty. It has to be an OEM warranty and even on a CPO E39 its long time gone. The OP knows his budget better then we do but what I would do is get something reliable and in a few years get something else. Plenty of cheap reliable fun to drive car like : G35, IS350, E90 330I,B6 S4(worst comes to worst if you dont like them they have amazing resale values). E39 m5's,e46 m3's etc are way more expensive to fix than an a4 or even a non-M Bimmers. No offense to the OP(I dont know your personal finances). Might be a downgrade from your stage 3 A4 but the kid is an upgrade in your life. You might drive slower now with the baby on board sign in the back window and toddler seat in the back...Life will have a different meaning. LOL

I forgot you should look at the Legacy GT especially the Spec B