The return of my E60 M5 - Wallet drained - now Supercharged!

[rayyan171]

Considering you have an E60, to want an E63 AMG is sacrilege!

But, they are pretty good. Doug DeMuro uses one as a daily driver, they are rather capable. I think he documented his ownership of them. Granted, the M5 F10 just isn't as interesting as the E60 but it is still pretty capable, and quite high tech. I feel the M5 F10 vs that generation E63 is slightly more advanced, with the different M dynamic setups, even digital cockpits if you budget high enough. M6 is a rather good looking car, but I feel thats all the difference to it. Also, I think the 5.5 biturbo is a solid engine, matter of fact only issues I have ever heard of in AMG's are bolt stretch in early 6.2 units.

Slightly left field but have you considered a X5M? Very good value now and saw a recent video of one with some exhaust mods and sounded like an absolute hammer, would put some AMG's today to shame.

[TheAngryDog]

After much consideration it looks like it is staying for a bit longer. I don't think I really need anything else that is more complicated and faster, the M5 is fast enough for today's roads and the type of driving I do. Not sure I could live without the v10 when it's on song either.

[Janosh]

TheAngryDog said:

After much consideration it looks like it is staying for a bit longer. I don't think I really need anything else that is more complicated and faster, the M5 is fast enough for today's roads and the type of driving I do. Not sure I could live without the v10 when it's on song either.

Great to hear.. I often have a similar dilemma and end up going full circle with my VXR8. Have had it almost 4 years now, the longest I’ve ever owned a car!

[Shaoxter]

Good choice. The more modern turbocharged stuff will never be as exciting or sound anywhere near as good!

[TheAngryDog]

Janosh said:

TheAngryDog said:

After much consideration it looks like it is staying for a bit longer. I don't think I really need anything else that is more complicated and faster, the M5 is fast enough for today's roads and the type of driving I do. Not sure I could live without the v10 when it's on song either.

Great to hear.. I often have a similar dilemma and end up going full circle with my VXR8. Have had it almost 4 years now, the longest I’ve ever owned a car!

I'd like something faster, just cannot justify the hit I'd take and the extra complexity of a modern twin turbo engine. I may just put a bit more money into the M5, make it more mine.

Shaoxter said:

Good choice. The more modern turbocharged stuff will never be as exciting or sound anywhere near as good!

This is true. I just wish the SC kit was cheaper and provided more lower end torque

[Fermit and Sexy Sarah]

Mr Pointy said:

TheAngryDog said:

LOL, cheers. I don't want to sell it, but let's see. I still haven't put much effort into selling it yet. In fact I am currently trying to find someone to refurb my leather

There's a poster on PH who does leather restoration:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

Just catching up on this thread, haven't read it for a few months. Yes, we can restore car leather, yes, we can match to any colour, and what we do is fully guaranteed for durability. We're North Notts mind, and I see you're Berks, so unless said seats could be shipped, or you're prepared to travel then we're out of area.

If you find someone else make sure your first question is 'what is your durability guarantee' - there are many people doing leather who don't guarantee cheap work, as their bread and butter business is car dealers, who more often than not want cheap. Still two pages left to read, so you may have even sorted this!

Edited by Fermit and Sexy Sarah on Thursday 5th December 12:21

[TheAngryDog]

Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:

Mr Pointy said:

TheAngryDog said:

LOL, cheers. I don't want to sell it, but let's see. I still haven't put much effort into selling it yet. In fact I am currently trying to find someone to refurb my leather

There's a poster on PH who does leather restoration:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

Just catching up on this thread, haven't read it for a few months. Yes, we can restore car leather, yes, we can match to any colour, and what we do is fully guaranteed for durability. We're North Notts mind, and I see you're Berks, so unless said seats could be shipped, or you're prepared to travel then we're out of area.

If you find someone else make sure your first question is 'what is your durability guarantee' - there are many people doing leather who don't guarantee cheap work, as their bread and butter business is car dealers, who more often than not want cheap. Still two pages left to read, so you may have even sorted this!

Edited by Fermit and Sexy Sarah on Thursday 5th December 12:21

Cheers! I am in Bucks which is a bit closer I think. Do you have an hourly rate or is it a price it up as it comes in type of job?

Edited by TheAngryDog on Thursday 5th December 14:04

[M4CK 1]

TheAngryDog said:

Janosh said:

TheAngryDog said:

After much consideration it looks like it is staying for a bit longer. I don't think I really need anything else that is more complicated and faster, the M5 is fast enough for today's roads and the type of driving I do. Not sure I could live without the v10 when it's on song either.

Great to hear.. I often have a similar dilemma and end up going full circle with my VXR8. Have had it almost 4 years now, the longest I’ve ever owned a car!

I'd like something faster, just cannot justify the hit I'd take and the extra complexity of a modern twin turbo engine. I may just put a bit more money into the M5, make it more mine.

Shaoxter said:

Good choice. The more modern turbocharged stuff will never be as exciting or sound anywhere near as good!

This is true. I just wish the SC kit was cheaper and provided more lower end torque

Have you considered a shorter 3.9 or a 4. 1diff?? It would make M5 a lot livelier!!

[SturdyHSV]

TheAngryDog said:

This is true. I just wish the SC kit was cheaper and provided more lower end torque

Is there a positive displacement option instead of the (presumably) centrifugal option?

I've given it a quick google and it doesn't look like it

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

[TheAngryDog]

M4CK 1 said:

TheAngryDog said:

Janosh said:

TheAngryDog said:

After much consideration it looks like it is staying for a bit longer. I don't think I really need anything else that is more complicated and faster, the M5 is fast enough for today's roads and the type of driving I do. Not sure I could live without the v10 when it's on song either.

Great to hear.. I often have a similar dilemma and end up going full circle with my VXR8. Have had it almost 4 years now, the longest I’ve ever owned a car!

I'd like something faster, just cannot justify the hit I'd take and the extra complexity of a modern twin turbo engine. I may just put a bit more money into the M5, make it more mine.

Shaoxter said:

Good choice. The more modern turbocharged stuff will never be as exciting or sound anywhere near as good!

This is true. I just wish the SC kit was cheaper and provided more lower end torque

Have you considered a shorter 3.9 or a 4. 1diff?? It would make M5 a lot livelier!!

Odd, I could have sworn that I replied to this comment. I haven't really considered it because of the issue with the increased revs at motorway speeds. Also it would be quicker in gear, but the gear changes may negate any gains.

SturdyHSV said:

TheAngryDog said:

This is true. I just wish the SC kit was cheaper and provided more lower end torque

Is there a positive displacement option instead of the (presumably) centrifugal option?

I've given it a quick google and it doesn't look like it

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

Yep sadly there is no PD charger available. According to a mate of mine, ESS are bringing out a new centrifugal supercharge that makes more torque lower down, but I'm yet to see anything so don't know.

7th would still be geared for over 200 mph I believe.

[Shaoxter]

SturdyHSV said:

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

I don't think a shorter final drive would be a good idea at all, even though it has 7 gears it's doing 3k+ rpm at motorway speeds. 7th gear in this car is not a dedicated cruising gear, you're still accelerating after shifting from 6th to 7th at 185mph

And it's not lacking in torque, you're just in the wrong gear

[Boozy]

I enjoy reading this thread - I also have an E63 and think you should take the plunge!

[Fermit and Sexy Sarah]

TheAngryDog said:

Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:

Mr Pointy said:

TheAngryDog said:

LOL, cheers. I don't want to sell it, but let's see. I still haven't put much effort into selling it yet. In fact I am currently trying to find someone to refurb my leather

There's a poster on PH who does leather restoration:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

Just catching up on this thread, haven't read it for a few months. Yes, we can restore car leather, yes, we can match to any colour, and what we do is fully guaranteed for durability. We're North Notts mind, and I see you're Berks, so unless said seats could be shipped, or you're prepared to travel then we're out of area.

If you find someone else make sure your first question is 'what is your durability guarantee' - there are many people doing leather who don't guarantee cheap work, as their bread and butter business is car dealers, who more often than not want cheap. Still two pages left to read, so you may have even sorted this!

Edited by Fermit and Sexy Sarah on Thursday 5th December 12:21

Cheers! I am in Bucks which is a bit closer I think. Do you have an hourly rate or is it a price it up as it comes in type of job?

Edited by TheAngryDog on Thursday 5th December 14:04

We have standard prices for car interior work, so if you let me know what needs doing I'll be able to provide you a cost. S's olds are just outside Marlow, and IIRC it's about 2.5 hours to them, just for guidance.
Maybe email me ([e-mail]) so not to go OT too much for others?

[swampy442]

TheAngryDog said:

Cheers! I am in Bucks which is a bit closer I think. Do you have an hourly rate or is it a price it up as it comes in type of job?

I work in Oxfordshire and live in Lincolnshire, have an estate and would happily relay the stuff up north if it helps.

[MikeM6]

Having just bought myself an M6 with the S85 this thread is an interesting read, but certainly reinforces my decision to spend out on a Mondial warranty!

Such an epic engine.

[SturdyHSV]

Shaoxter said:

SturdyHSV said:

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

I don't think a shorter final drive would be a good idea at all, even though it has 7 gears it's doing 3k+ rpm at motorway speeds. 7th gear in this car is not a dedicated cruising gear, you're still accelerating after shifting from 6th to 7th at 185mph

And it's not lacking in torque, you're just in the wrong gear

Whilst it's an admiral focus on performance, as an actual ownership proposition that seems such a weird choice to have a large 'executive' saloon humming away at 'high' revs for what will be such a significant part of it's life... effortless cruising at speed.

Especially with 7 gears, is being in an optimal part of the powerband at 185mph+ really more useful then having it cruise along at 80 at much lower rpm?

Bloody cool car either way, and not something we'll see again

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

SturdyHSV said:

Shaoxter said:

SturdyHSV said:

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

I don't think a shorter final drive would be a good idea at all, even though it has 7 gears it's doing 3k+ rpm at motorway speeds. 7th gear in this car is not a dedicated cruising gear, you're still accelerating after shifting from 6th to 7th at 185mph

And it's not lacking in torque, you're just in the wrong gear

Whilst it's an admiral focus on performance, as an actual ownership proposition that seems such a weird choice to have a large 'executive' saloon humming away at 'high' revs for what will be such a significant part of it's life... effortless cruising at speed.

Especially with 7 gears, is being in an optimal part of the powerband at 185mph+ really more useful then having it cruise along at 80 at much lower rpm?

Bloody cool car either way, and not something we'll see again

It's geared to over 200mph, it's fine sitting at over 100mph all day long. If you get a taller final drive by, say, 15%, it'll just make it worse for performance, not worth it IMO. Just cruising at 100mph the engine is still basically silent from inside the cabin.

[TheAngryDog]

Boozy said:

I enjoy reading this thread - I also have an E63 and think you should take the plunge!

Cheers. Perhaps one day, at the moment the M5 has a stay of execution. I may also consider an F90 M5.

Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:

TheAngryDog said:

Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:

Mr Pointy said:

TheAngryDog said:

LOL, cheers. I don't want to sell it, but let's see. I still haven't put much effort into selling it yet. In fact I am currently trying to find someone to refurb my leather

There's a poster on PH who does leather restoration:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?h=...

Just catching up on this thread, haven't read it for a few months. Yes, we can restore car leather, yes, we can match to any colour, and what we do is fully guaranteed for durability. We're North Notts mind, and I see you're Berks, so unless said seats could be shipped, or you're prepared to travel then we're out of area.

If you find someone else make sure your first question is 'what is your durability guarantee' - there are many people doing leather who don't guarantee cheap work, as their bread and butter business is car dealers, who more often than not want cheap. Still two pages left to read, so you may have even sorted this!

Edited by Fermit and Sexy Sarah on Thursday 5th December 12:21

Cheers! I am in Bucks which is a bit closer I think. Do you have an hourly rate or is it a price it up as it comes in type of job?

Edited by TheAngryDog on Thursday 5th December 14:04

We have standard prices for car interior work, so if you let me know what needs doing I'll be able to provide you a cost. S's olds are just outside Marlow, and IIRC it's about 2.5 hours to them, just for guidance.
Maybe email me ([e-mail]) so not to go OT too much for others?

Cheers, I will see how things lie in the new year!

swampy442 said:

TheAngryDog said:

Cheers! I am in Bucks which is a bit closer I think. Do you have an hourly rate or is it a price it up as it comes in type of job?

I work in Oxfordshire and live in Lincolnshire, have an estate and would happily relay the stuff up north if it helps.

Cheers for the offer, appreciated.

MikeM6 said:

Having just bought myself an M6 with the S85 this thread is an interesting read, but certainly reinforces my decision to spend out on a Mondial warranty!

Such an epic engine.

Yes it is when on song. A warranty is fine, but only covers you up to the price (that you paid) of the car minus VAT, so be mindful of that.

SturdyHSV said:

Shaoxter said:

SturdyHSV said:

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

I don't think a shorter final drive would be a good idea at all, even though it has 7 gears it's doing 3k+ rpm at motorway speeds. 7th gear in this car is not a dedicated cruising gear, you're still accelerating after shifting from 6th to 7th at 185mph

And it's not lacking in torque, you're just in the wrong gear

Whilst it's an admiral focus on performance, as an actual ownership proposition that seems such a weird choice to have a large 'executive' saloon humming away at 'high' revs for what will be such a significant part of it's life... effortless cruising at speed.

Especially with 7 gears, is being in an optimal part of the powerband at 185mph+ really more useful then having it cruise along at 80 at much lower rpm?

Bloody cool car either way, and not something we'll see again

It could do with more torque tbh, but it's a minor issue really. If push comes to shove and I plan to keep it longer then I may end up going the SC route.

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

SturdyHSV said:

Shaoxter said:

SturdyHSV said:

As above, a shorter final drive would liven it up, it's a 7 speed isn't it? So presumably you'd still have a reasonably cruising gear?

I don't think a shorter final drive would be a good idea at all, even though it has 7 gears it's doing 3k+ rpm at motorway speeds. 7th gear in this car is not a dedicated cruising gear, you're still accelerating after shifting from 6th to 7th at 185mph

And it's not lacking in torque, you're just in the wrong gear

Whilst it's an admiral focus on performance, as an actual ownership proposition that seems such a weird choice to have a large 'executive' saloon humming away at 'high' revs for what will be such a significant part of it's life... effortless cruising at speed.

Especially with 7 gears, is being in an optimal part of the powerband at 185mph+ really more useful then having it cruise along at 80 at much lower rpm?

Bloody cool car either way, and not something we'll see again

It's geared to over 200mph, it's fine sitting at over 100mph all day long. If you get a taller final drive by, say, 15%, it'll just make it worse for performance, not worth it IMO. Just cruising at 100mph the engine is still basically silent from inside the cabin.

The talk was about shortening the final drive, rather than making it taller.

[bucksmanuk]

Keeping the M5?
wise decision, and I need to be taken for a spin in it....

[TheAngryDog]

bucksmanuk said:

Keeping the M5?
wise decision, and I need to be taken for a spin in it....

Hahaha, any time mate! I'll have to pop round for a cuppa or vice versa!