The return of my E60 M5 - Wallet drained - now Supercharged!
Discussion
TheAngryDog said:
Thanks guys.
MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
What has turned your head? Is it a whiney Australian? MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
SturdyHSV said:
TheAngryDog said:
Thanks guys.
MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
What has turned your head? Is it a whiney Australian? MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
At the moment it's a W212 E63 AMG, but the short list is:E63 AMG BitTurbo
F10 M5
VXR8 with charger
Keep M5
Those are the only options I am entertaining currently.
TheAngryDog said:
VXR8 with charger
the only option I am entertaining currently.
The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
Masiv said:
Lexus RC F 5.0 V8 with 470 bhp is what you need. You shouldn't have to worry about reliability then.
I don't actually like them that much tbh. SturdyHSV said:
TheAngryDog said:
VXR8 with charger
the only option I am entertaining currently.
The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
TBH I don't think that is outrageously priced, but it's an auto, which in something like a VXR8 just feels wrong, lol.
TheAngryDog said:
TBH I don't think that is outrageously priced, but it's an auto, which in something like a VXR8 just feels wrong, lol.
Manual is tougher too I'd imagine.
Charged R8 I'd imagine 15 - 20k depending on mileage / condition, although there are some cheaper R8s out there which you could supercharge yourself at Walkinshaw or something and end up back at around £20k...
You know it makes sense
SturdyHSV said:
TheAngryDog said:
TBH I don't think that is outrageously priced, but it's an auto, which in something like a VXR8 just feels wrong, lol.
Manual is tougher too I'd imagine.
Charged R8 I'd imagine 15 - 20k depending on mileage / condition, although there are some cheaper R8s out there which you could supercharge yourself at Walkinshaw or something and end up back at around £20k...
You know it makes sense
I’ve driven a standard manual VXR8 and it drove really well. A nice solid feel to it with quite a muted V8 soundtrack which can obviously be improved with a good system upgrade.
It felt brawny but not fast, I would say just on par with a E39 M5 but not as sharp in the handling dept though.
Always felt big whereas the E39 shrinks around you.
A supercharged one would be altogether different though and would probably then have the power to be truly quick in comparison with more modern Germanic hot saloons.
It felt brawny but not fast, I would say just on par with a E39 M5 but not as sharp in the handling dept though.
Always felt big whereas the E39 shrinks around you.
A supercharged one would be altogether different though and would probably then have the power to be truly quick in comparison with more modern Germanic hot saloons.
SturdyHSV said:
FIxed that for you.
The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
It’s actually a well sorted car, has a good tune and all the right parts. The price is tempting but I’ve already ‘invested’ too much into my own VXR8!The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
The manual S/C also had a lot of money spent on it a few years ago but would need a few bits doing for peace of mind (tune & valve springs first and foremost).
Good luck with the hunt, whichever way you go I hope you find a good one!
TheAngryDog said:
SturdyHSV said:
TheAngryDog said:
Thanks guys.
MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
What has turned your head? Is it a whiney Australian? MOT passed again yesterday, still never failed an MOT. Noted that the discs have some pitting etc. Tester says not to worry, I'll decide myself on that.
All in all though, I think my head has been turned and while I don't completely want to sell the car, I do have an itch to scratch, and the only way I can do that is to sell it. I will be having a look at a potential replacement at some point when covid allows.
At the moment it's a W212 E63 AMG, but the short list is:E63 AMG BitTurbo
F10 M5
VXR8 with charger
Keep M5
Those are the only options I am entertaining currently.
I was thinking of a CLS 63 or another big saloon, they are very nice but have sort have ended up wondering what the point is if I dont do big miles or carry people in it regularly.
But, if it has to be a saloon ?
No love for the XFR ?
I think it depends on whether you're looking to change the M5 because you're tired of setting money on fire, just bored and fancy a change, or if you're looking for something else that the M5 isn't providing...
If it's the first or second, sticking German and going for a big turbo Merc may provide enough of a change to reignite interest, whilst keeping many of the qualities the M5 provides.
If you've found the M5 is lacking a certain something, then it's quite possible the Aussie will provide that... A previous friend had (has) an E92 M3, and many years ago we each drove the other's car just out of curiosity, having both passengered with the other plenty of times.
My impressions of the M3? Heated seats and good brakes (compared to the Monaro anyway!), it felt a very solid car as well, very refined.
He drove the Monaro and TAD you'll know where this is, drove from the car park in Fairford Leys, pootled out past Berryfields train station and then gave it a little bit of oomph once off the roundabout. He immediately laughed out loud.
That's the difference for me.
I think an M car is like classical music and the Aussie stuff is like AC/DC. By no means as sophiticated or broad in scope, and both have their place, it depends what you're after really
If it's the first or second, sticking German and going for a big turbo Merc may provide enough of a change to reignite interest, whilst keeping many of the qualities the M5 provides.
If you've found the M5 is lacking a certain something, then it's quite possible the Aussie will provide that... A previous friend had (has) an E92 M3, and many years ago we each drove the other's car just out of curiosity, having both passengered with the other plenty of times.
My impressions of the M3? Heated seats and good brakes (compared to the Monaro anyway!), it felt a very solid car as well, very refined.
He drove the Monaro and TAD you'll know where this is, drove from the car park in Fairford Leys, pootled out past Berryfields train station and then gave it a little bit of oomph once off the roundabout. He immediately laughed out loud.
That's the difference for me.
I think an M car is like classical music and the Aussie stuff is like AC/DC. By no means as sophiticated or broad in scope, and both have their place, it depends what you're after really
Bright Halo said:
I’ve driven a standard manual VXR8 and it drove really well. A nice solid feel to it with quite a muted V8 soundtrack which can obviously be improved with a good system upgrade.
It felt brawny but not fast, I would say just on par with a E39 M5 but not as sharp in the handling dept though.
Always felt big whereas the E39 shrinks around you.
A supercharged one would be altogether different though and would probably then have the power to be truly quick in comparison with more modern Germanic hot saloons.
A ride in a supercharged one would be good. My only thoughts about a VXR8 are potential rust and halogen headlights. I have become accustomed to the Xenon lights in my M5 and Octavia.It felt brawny but not fast, I would say just on par with a E39 M5 but not as sharp in the handling dept though.
Always felt big whereas the E39 shrinks around you.
A supercharged one would be altogether different though and would probably then have the power to be truly quick in comparison with more modern Germanic hot saloons.
Court_S said:
Pommy said:
Should I buy an E60 M5?
"JUST DON'T"
Great photo and looks great. Think they're aging well.
Another "JUST DON'T"
Great photo and looks great. Think they're aging well.
Glad to hear that the car is largely treating you well.
Janosh said:
SturdyHSV said:
FIxed that for you.
The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
It’s actually a well sorted car, has a good tune and all the right parts. The price is tempting but I’ve already ‘invested’ too much into my own VXR8!The charged ones seem optimistically priced at the moment, ~700bhp below, subs in boot and tinted rear windows, definitely 1 careful lady owner
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009103...
The manual S/C also had a lot of money spent on it a few years ago but would need a few bits doing for peace of mind (tune & valve springs first and foremost).
Good luck with the hunt, whichever way you go I hope you find a good one!
J4CKO said:
Do you have to have a big saloon for family duties ?
I was thinking of a CLS 63 or another big saloon, they are very nice but have sort have ended up wondering what the point is if I dont do big miles or carry people in it regularly.
But, if it has to be a saloon ?
No love for the XFR ?
I have zero need for a saloon car, but I prefer them. My first car was a Sierra Sapphire and I have mostly had saloons or 5 door hatchbacks. For me, the more interesting cars have been saloons.I was thinking of a CLS 63 or another big saloon, they are very nice but have sort have ended up wondering what the point is if I dont do big miles or carry people in it regularly.
But, if it has to be a saloon ?
No love for the XFR ?
ZX10R NIN said:
I'm Mercedes bias but personally if keeping the M5 isn't doing it for you then I'd be buying the Aussie as they just get under your skin & as much as I love the 5.5 BiTurbo because it's an epic engine as a package the VXR8 is the more entertaining & closer to your current M5.
It's a tough one as I really fancy an E63, just something about it. The big thing for me is that I actually don't know why I want to sell the M5 to get one (or something else), I just do.SturdyHSV said:
I think it depends on whether you're looking to change the M5 because you're tired of setting money on fire, just bored and fancy a change, or if you're looking for something else that the M5 isn't providing...
Setting money on fire is fun, especially in these locked down times I just want a change. I have had it for 2 and a half years which is a long time me to own a car, I usually only keep one for a 18 months generally.SturdyHSV said:
If it's the first or second, sticking German and going for a big turbo Merc may provide enough of a change to reignite interest, whilst keeping many of the qualities the M5 provides.
I do think that it boils down to one of the first 2. SturdyHSV said:
If you've found the M5 is lacking a certain something, then it's quite possible the Aussie will provide that... A previous friend had (has) an E92 M3, and many years ago we each drove the other's car just out of curiosity, having both passengered with the other plenty of times.
My impressions of the M3? Heated seats and good brakes (compared to the Monaro anyway!), it felt a very solid car as well, very refined.
He drove the Monaro and TAD you'll know where this is, drove from the car park in Fairford Leys, pootled out past Berryfields train station and then gave it a little bit of oomph once off the roundabout. He immediately laughed out loud.
That's the difference for me.
I think an M car is like classical music and the Aussie stuff is like AC/DC. By no means as sophiticated or broad in scope, and both have their place, it depends what you're after really
When I first drove my M5 on the test drive I was like a dog with 46 appendages. I was buying it. The sound and the experience of it did it for me. The only thing it lack is performance. It's quick, too quick really, but I want more, but I don't want to spend the money to make it quicker, if that makes sense? I tend to do more motorway / dual carriage way driving, rather than fast A road / B road driving, which is why I guess I gravitate towards the E63. I do miss having a bit of mid range shove, but I also know I will miss the sound of the V10, the top end performance and the V10 experience. My impressions of the M3? Heated seats and good brakes (compared to the Monaro anyway!), it felt a very solid car as well, very refined.
He drove the Monaro and TAD you'll know where this is, drove from the car park in Fairford Leys, pootled out past Berryfields train station and then gave it a little bit of oomph once off the roundabout. He immediately laughed out loud.
That's the difference for me.
I think an M car is like classical music and the Aussie stuff is like AC/DC. By no means as sophiticated or broad in scope, and both have their place, it depends what you're after really
Part of me is wanting to change to "keep up" with others as well I think, and I don't know why, as it isn't like I do racing, I don't have anything to prove either. I would want to make the M5 quicker though if I kept it, and that would be an £8k supercharger, plus £2300 worth of brakes and other bits, which are already on something like an E63 as they're turbocharged and have 6 piston calipers as standard....
Re: VXR8 buying - a weak point in these engines are the valve springs. I got lucky with mine a few weeks ago as I broke a spring and didn’t loose the engine! The cam / spring package in my car had only done around 30k miles!
They’ve now been replaced with BTR duals which are known for durability and should they fail they offer an ‘insurance’ in terms of the second spring that catches a dropping valve.
My thread if you want to read more about my ownership: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If a car is still running the original valve springs or running a cam and didn’t have dual springs fitted, budget around £750 to get this done.
Re: tuning - it’s come a long way in the last few years and the red manual car doesn’t have the latest / greatest tune. You can release more power and more importantly add peace of mind if you get it done properly. Budget around £1k for tuning.
They’ve now been replaced with BTR duals which are known for durability and should they fail they offer an ‘insurance’ in terms of the second spring that catches a dropping valve.
My thread if you want to read more about my ownership: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If a car is still running the original valve springs or running a cam and didn’t have dual springs fitted, budget around £750 to get this done.
Re: tuning - it’s come a long way in the last few years and the red manual car doesn’t have the latest / greatest tune. You can release more power and more importantly add peace of mind if you get it done properly. Budget around £1k for tuning.
Edited by Janosh on Saturday 7th November 13:12
Nothing to report of note. I think I have ruled out the VXR8, I think I'd miss some of the aspects of what I like the M5. That leaves the E63 and the F10 M5. I have two concerns though.
I worry that the F10 isn't going to be as good a weekend car as the E60. The V10 sense of occasion. The F10 and E63 I know are a better dailies, but weekend cars? No so sure.
The second issue is a ridiculous one.
I worry that the F10 isn't going to be as good a weekend car as the E60. The V10 sense of occasion. The F10 and E63 I know are a better dailies, but weekend cars? No so sure.
The second issue is a ridiculous one.
As I said my mate sold his modified M6 GC & has kept his stroker E60 to this day he feels it was the right decision & it hasn't been properly mapped yet.
The 63 will be bombastic & feel special the F10 a little less so but both won't imo be as much of an event as long as your fine with that then both would make good weekend car I will say the the M6 GC feels & looks that bit more special imo.
The 63 will be bombastic & feel special the F10 a little less so but both won't imo be as much of an event as long as your fine with that then both would make good weekend car I will say the the M6 GC feels & looks that bit more special imo.
ZX10R NIN said:
As I said my mate sold his modified M6 GC & has kept his stroker E60 to this day he feels it was the right decision & it hasn't been properly mapped yet.
The 63 will be bombastic & feel special the F10 a little less so but both won't imo be as much of an event as long as your fine with that then both would make good weekend car I will say the the M6 GC feels & looks that bit more special imo.
That's the thing, I do worry that the E63 and F10 will be better, quicker cars, but less visceral than the E60... I need to do some test drives, but Covid...The 63 will be bombastic & feel special the F10 a little less so but both won't imo be as much of an event as long as your fine with that then both would make good weekend car I will say the the M6 GC feels & looks that bit more special imo.
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