E55AMG or Audi RS6?

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Oli

MB Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
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Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro
Right, firstly I've had it with my TVR, an eletrical fault has left it stuck in Europe, luckily having breakdown cover I will be able to get it home and fixed, then promptly sold!, so really I need to start thinking about what next, I want something that's going to work and be quick too, would love an E55-would have to be the Kompressor one though so had a few questions, what are they like on running costs, servicing,intervals etc, I assume about 15 MPG?, sub 5 second 0-60 for a big saloon is amazing and I would much prefer one than an E39 M5, the Audi RS6 is of interest too but think overall I'm more a Merc person, budget would be around £14k, would I only be looking at a dog for that?, I assume there's likely to be a bit of room for manouvre when buying as it's not a 320 CDI!(not that there's anything wrong with 320 CDIs their a great car, just very popular)
 
I'd go for a E55 AMG K, over an RS6, more fun to drive and sounds allot better.

476bhp and 700nm Torque
0-62 in 4.6secs!
 
Hi

If the budget does not stretch to a good E55, then the E500 is also worth considering, has a V8 and 0-60 of approx 6 seconds, so no slouch either. The E500's also tend to be very highly spec'd, mine has full AMG kit and wheels, Keyless go, panoramic roof, air suspension (standard on E500), dynamic seats etc.

Regards

Tan
 
i might go on a nissan forum and ask what subaru to get....
 
I'd go for a E55 AMG K, over an RS6, more fun to drive and sounds allot better.

476bhp and 700nm Torque
0-62 in 4.6secs!

They do sound great, to tell the truth I'm not a huge fan of Audis but wondered how the 2 compare, just really wanted to know what the running costs of the E55 are like, can't be worse than a TVR.
 
For 14K you would be looking at some of the cheapest E55 around. I am guessing it would be 2003 model with higher mileage. Running costs can be expensive if you get a lemon.

I also looked at getting an RS6 before I got my E55k. If you are keen on an RS6 check the Audi forum for issues and costs but I believe the E55K is generally a cheaper car to run.

Remember these are 70-80k cars when new.
They may be cheap to buy now but do not expect to run one cheaply.
 
^ as above you cannot expect a car that costs 70K new and has the performance it has to be cheap.

I would prefer the Merc, however in wet / damp conditions I would prefer the Audi...

Reading other posts I would be tempted to save up and try to get a bit more so you can pick up a car with a warranty.

Just as above these E55's, CL500's, etc are becoming cheaper than a focus.....but they will still cost if you want to keep them nice.
 
I was looking at RS6's... this is going to sound very an4l but I was very put off by a couple of things:

1. there is a coolant pipe at the rear of the engine that if it needs changing (and it is common) the part is £50, but the labour can cost upto £500 because the WHOLE ENGINE needs to come out.

2. If the timing belt is worn or breaks, it will do considerable internal engine damage (valves and the sorts). Pathetic design if you ask me.

On the E55 you worry about the Intercooler pump and not much else more in terms of mechanical. And its faster.

P.S. This is a merc forum I'd be interested to know the response you'd get on an audi forum.
 
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^ as above you cannot expect a car that costs 70K new and has the performance it has to be cheap.

I would prefer the Merc, however in wet / damp conditions I would prefer the Audi...

Reading other posts I would be tempted to save up and try to get a bit more so you can pick up a car with a warranty.

Just as above these E55's, CL500's, etc are becoming cheaper than a focus.....but they will still cost if you want to keep them nice.

I'm not saying I'm going to skip on maintence/servicing as I've never been one to do that, just I couldn't go much over £15k for the initial outlay, in regards to spending to keep them on the road the TVR has cost £1200 in servicing then whatever this fault is going to cost to fix when it gets back to the UK, this is since December only, my main issue is that I want something that if it gets a problem while abroad I can take it to the nearest Merc/Audi dealership etc and not have to get it sent all the way home because it's a specialist British sports car.
 
which tvr is it, and what is the 'electrical' problem, my cerbera gave me loads of problems, spent loads tryoing to fix it, and found out after taking big hit on selling it that it was only the alternator intermittant fault.
 
Hi, it's the Tuscan, most likely is an alternator problem.
 
We are not saying you will skip maintenence and servicing but as a car gets older with higher mileage there will be more wear and tear. Your budget of 15k will be at the bottom end of the E55 market so you will either get a older car from 2003 or one with higher mileage.

I would increase my budget and get a newer model or one with less mileage
 
It's all about class, I look at an Audi and think Sales Rep, I look at an RS Audi and think Sales Rep who's done his numbers!
14k gets you a dog, that's where I started, I realized I was never going to get a good one for that, I extended my search up toward £20k then saw my current e55 and had to have it, so I spent nearly double my starting figure and I'm very happy!
But that was last years prices not looked at e55 prices that much but the ones I have seen are pretty much the same as last year!
 
im with E55 and dvb on this one, i started looking at the 16K range and was finding some real tatty ones, up`d my price a little and again have ended up with a nice one!

dont get me wrong, if your willing to travel and not to fussed about spec, then you will find a good un at that price.
 
I ran a CLS55 for 2.5 years and it was very reasonable to run, every 30k or so the plugs (16) and sc drive belt are a biggy but apart from that it was oil (costco)

I would like to say the SC 5.5 engine is the best engine I have ever ever driven and I am not alone in thinking this, its a world away from the 6.3 in "connected feeling" from the whine of the sc to the silly on tap grunt - push the boat out if you can to get a sc engine, you will thank me for it.

Im sort of in the same boat and flummoxed between a none sexy but very appealing new E63 with a soon to be obsolete engine and a very sexy but "something says dont" new Audi RS6. The Merc is cheaper but has huge holes in the spec whilst the Audi is overall better specced but loses money like no other car (you know what I mean) . I cant afford any huge £ mistakes (Im not Rafa Benitez) so Im still in the Bentley until I can decide what to do.

Get a 5.5 sc in any car you can
 

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