RS6, M5 or M3 as a daily hack?
Discussion
Yes, it is a what car thread and all that, but please read on:
Right, after doing some sums and all that, the cost of buying a 'nice' diesel to commute in (eg 335D) is not much different to buying a far less efficient car at a lower price (If you understand what I mean) when you take into account the fuel costs etc...
So, if I was to say f
k it, I am going to go for a much more enjoyable daily driver (up to 18K miles per year) and take the fuel hit what would you go for out of the following:
1. BMW M5 E39.
2. BMW M3 E46.
3. Audi RS6 C5.
Now I would want to pay as little as possible for the car to offset the fuel cost differences versus a diesel.
Anyway, if you can understand what I mean then please comment...
Lee
Right, after doing some sums and all that, the cost of buying a 'nice' diesel to commute in (eg 335D) is not much different to buying a far less efficient car at a lower price (If you understand what I mean) when you take into account the fuel costs etc...
So, if I was to say f
k it, I am going to go for a much more enjoyable daily driver (up to 18K miles per year) and take the fuel hit what would you go for out of the following:1. BMW M5 E39.
2. BMW M3 E46.
3. Audi RS6 C5.
Now I would want to pay as little as possible for the car to offset the fuel cost differences versus a diesel.
Anyway, if you can understand what I mean then please comment...
Lee
A man after my own heart!
I do exactly the same (perhaps not as exotic) and it works out fine - so my twopenneth worth:
E46 M3 - a true driver's car. Lots to choose from (avoid the SMG for daily use, fine on a track), cracking engine and the finest of the IL6 engines BMW have made. Reasonable to run if you use a good indie.
E39 M5 - It has a V8, enough said! Again, lots to choose from and widely regarded as the best of the 5 series. Very easy to ride the torque wave, comfortable, roomy and goes very well. Less manic than the M3 due to the low down torque which makes attaining high speeds all too easy but perhaps without the fanfare. Think of it between the difference of a 4 pot tdi (say an A4) and the V6 tdi in the same model - the 4 pot may seem more punchy (of course it isn't) because of the on / off power delivery rather than smooth and muscular all the way.
RS6 - twin turbo V8, Well built cars with an excellent interior. Huge pace.
It comes down to the costs I suppose - I would avoid the Audi based on reports of auto gearbox woes. That leaves the 2 x BMW. I love both of them but, as the world becomes more and more crazy and fun is frowned upon, you should own a V8. Both cars are brilliant but the V8 must be the one.
E39 M5 it is!
I do exactly the same (perhaps not as exotic) and it works out fine - so my twopenneth worth:
E46 M3 - a true driver's car. Lots to choose from (avoid the SMG for daily use, fine on a track), cracking engine and the finest of the IL6 engines BMW have made. Reasonable to run if you use a good indie.
E39 M5 - It has a V8, enough said! Again, lots to choose from and widely regarded as the best of the 5 series. Very easy to ride the torque wave, comfortable, roomy and goes very well. Less manic than the M3 due to the low down torque which makes attaining high speeds all too easy but perhaps without the fanfare. Think of it between the difference of a 4 pot tdi (say an A4) and the V6 tdi in the same model - the 4 pot may seem more punchy (of course it isn't) because of the on / off power delivery rather than smooth and muscular all the way.
RS6 - twin turbo V8, Well built cars with an excellent interior. Huge pace.
It comes down to the costs I suppose - I would avoid the Audi based on reports of auto gearbox woes. That leaves the 2 x BMW. I love both of them but, as the world becomes more and more crazy and fun is frowned upon, you should own a V8. Both cars are brilliant but the V8 must be the one.
E39 M5 it is!
I'd be tempted by the BMW M5 E39. Very tempted.
But as a daily, I would have to have a good hard look at the Audi RS6 C5 as well.
BMW probably better at being all 'balanced' and 'playful on the limit'. But on a cold wet Tuesday morning in Feb with a 300 miles journey ahead of me, I'd be very pleased if I was stepping into the C5 RS6.
Both cars getting on a bit now though and not without their issues, so both could ream you in spectacular fashion if you are unlucky enough to choose one with bills waiting round the corner.
It would be a tough call though and if you buy well, a nice decision to hsve.
But as a daily, I would have to have a good hard look at the Audi RS6 C5 as well.
BMW probably better at being all 'balanced' and 'playful on the limit'. But on a cold wet Tuesday morning in Feb with a 300 miles journey ahead of me, I'd be very pleased if I was stepping into the C5 RS6.
Both cars getting on a bit now though and not without their issues, so both could ream you in spectacular fashion if you are unlucky enough to choose one with bills waiting round the corner.
It would be a tough call though and if you buy well, a nice decision to hsve.
I would go for the E46 M3, buy the best you can afford. Ignore all the waffle over the SMG and try one for yourself, once you learn to use the system properly it gives you the best of both worlds. The M3 will offer you the lowest running costs of the 3 you have chosen. Tyres, service and fuel would run you to approx £3000 PA
The M5 although reliable is likely to cost more in service costs and fuel will be much higher. Expect fuel, tyres and service to run you up to £4000PA
As for the RS6, its a superb machine. But the running costs can be scary, very scary. Go take a look at the RS246 website and have a read. On the RS6 your running costs could be as much as £5000 PA exluding insurance and tax
The M5 although reliable is likely to cost more in service costs and fuel will be much higher. Expect fuel, tyres and service to run you up to £4000PA
As for the RS6, its a superb machine. But the running costs can be scary, very scary. Go take a look at the RS246 website and have a read. On the RS6 your running costs could be as much as £5000 PA exluding insurance and tax
Thanks all, just to clarify I am aware the running costs can be big with any of these cars and more than handy with a set of spanners so lot of stuff I can do myself (brakes, suspension etc). Also, if I did got one it would not be run on a shoestring as I can more than afford it, just do not want to throw money away in huge depreciation etc
Lee
Lee
I run an E46 M3 to commute in and I would recommend it over the others. Had a M5 and tried the Audi but the M3 has less to go wrong and feels more special for daily driving. M5 is more relaxed and a better cruiser and hides its pace a bit till you check your speedometer. The Audi is the nicest place to sit and great in a straight line but a bit heavy in the corners plus can cost a fortune to run. Buy approved used with a major service done and you will have a year without any bills and then for £86 a month the BMW warranty covers the expensive bits and fully extendable at that cost if you pay monthly plus I get 5-10mpg more in the M3 than the other two.
leemarkadams said:
Thanks all, just to clarify I am aware the running costs can be big with any of these cars and more than handy with a set of spanners so lot of stuff I can do myself (brakes, suspension etc). Also, if I did got one it would not be run on a shoestring as I can more than afford it, just do not want to throw money away in huge depreciation etc
Lee
Well you wouldn’t get any form of sizeable depreciation with any of those if bought at the right price unlike a new 335d.Lee
However the known running costs will be significantly as you’ve pointed out in my experience its double on things like tax, insurance and servicing then petrol my £75 gets 320 miles of commuting (average 26mpg)and around 260> if driving it properly.
Just be aware that’s all.
Finally although people will say bah to me I do find my Z4MC unnecessary for my daily drive... I even found my Elise to be more fun getting to work although when you find a quiet road the sound and brutish poise and speed is great and more than makes up for the high running cost.
If you don't need to take passengers or much luggage, then go with the M3, it's a superb all-rounder.
The M5 as above for more passengers and a lovely V8 soundtrack.
As mentioned further up, on a grizzly cold morning in traffic jams and a long journey ahead, the RS6 is hard to beat. Get the Avant if you often take passengers and weekend runs to the recycling centre.
I have a C6 RS6 Avant, which only this morning took me across 250 miles in lazy comfort, returning 23mpg, which included a couple of naughty blasts that an M3 or M5 couldn't match.
The M5 as above for more passengers and a lovely V8 soundtrack.
As mentioned further up, on a grizzly cold morning in traffic jams and a long journey ahead, the RS6 is hard to beat. Get the Avant if you often take passengers and weekend runs to the recycling centre.
I have a C6 RS6 Avant, which only this morning took me across 250 miles in lazy comfort, returning 23mpg, which included a couple of naughty blasts that an M3 or M5 couldn't match.
Of the 3, I'd imagine the M3 is probably the best on fuel (or should that be, least bad!) and the RS6 the worst.
I'd say only go for the RS6 if you need the estate (which, given the consideration of the BMWs, you don't seem to).
Other than that, drive both the M5 and M3 and see which one you like more.
I'd say only go for the RS6 if you need the estate (which, given the consideration of the BMWs, you don't seem to).
Other than that, drive both the M5 and M3 and see which one you like more.
E46 will certainly be cheaper to buy like for like/better condition as its come from a much lower starting point & in theory your getting more for your £ on the RS6/M5 as tey cost more to buy (if they were worth it is a seperate question).
I personally would go for the RS6.
Auto really handy for the congested commute & huge for shopping/trips to the dump/holidays etc.
M5 - again lovely I'd have that too
M3 - Id have that too.
None are bad which is a great start, however given 18k will be commting I'd recommend that the RS6 surpasses the other two in that area.
I personally would go for the RS6.
Auto really handy for the congested commute & huge for shopping/trips to the dump/holidays etc.
M5 - again lovely I'd have that too
M3 - Id have that too.
None are bad which is a great start, however given 18k will be commting I'd recommend that the RS6 surpasses the other two in that area.
If the interweb rumour factory is to be believed, (the EVO magazine fleet reports did back up the rumours in fairness), then the RS6s are absolutely horrific money to maintain properly .... Nothing is cheap to fix or replace.
I've not owned one, and cannot confirm this from personal experience, of course.
I'm more than happy with my E46 M3 though, if that helps. Budget for £2000-£3000 a year for servicing, repairs and consumables, and low 20s to the gallon.
I've not owned one, and cannot confirm this from personal experience, of course.
I'm more than happy with my E46 M3 though, if that helps. Budget for £2000-£3000 a year for servicing, repairs and consumables, and low 20s to the gallon.
mat205125 said:
If the interweb rumour factory is to be believed, (the EVO magazine fleet reports did back up the rumours in fairness), then the RS6s are absolutely horrific money to maintain properly .... Nothing is cheap to fix or replace.
I've not owned one, and cannot confirm this from personal experience, of course.
I'm more than happy with my E46 M3 though, if that helps. Budget for £2000-£3000 a year for servicing, repairs and consumables, and low 20s to the gallon.
Isnt it the DRC suspension that costs a fortune to replace - self leveling?I've not owned one, and cannot confirm this from personal experience, of course.
I'm more than happy with my E46 M3 though, if that helps. Budget for £2000-£3000 a year for servicing, repairs and consumables, and low 20s to the gallon.
I believeyou can replace with coilovers but yo want to keep your cars std in an ideal world. the E34 M5's had eye wateringly pricy suspension c£11k to replace:OOO
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