View Poll Results: Which color combo is better?
Option 1/Carbon Black/Silver
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3
15.00%
Option 2/Graphite
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12
60.00%
Something else
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5
25.00%
Voters: 20. You may not vote on this poll
Trading the 550i..but for what? Still confused...
#81
Burning Brakes
You get to pick up your car at the factory assembling it in Germany, along with a tour of the factory, and a chance to drive it on the autobahn. On top of all that you're getting the car at a discount compared to buying it from the dealer.
And don't forget about the rest of your vacation.
And don't forget about the rest of your vacation.
#83
Senior Moderator
The OP better post pics when he gets it.
I don't want another one of those *in high-pitch voice* "I'm buying a Cadillac CTS-V...!" and then no pics surface.
I don't want another one of those *in high-pitch voice* "I'm buying a Cadillac CTS-V...!" and then no pics surface.
![Annoyed](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/annoyed.gif)
#89
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
I mean, it's like choosing between a willing French hooker or being tied up in a Thai brothel and... ![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
I don't think I could choose. But both would be kicked out of the bed. More room on the floor.
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
I don't think I could choose. But both would be kicked out of the bed. More room on the floor.
#91
Senior Moderator
![](http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/03-2011-BMW-530d-Mercedes-E-350CDI-Audi-A6-3-0-TDI-aumospo-06-2011-Allrad-c890x594-ffffff-C-67a3109a-463804.jpg)
![](http://img1.auto-motor-und-sport.de/03-2011-BMW-530d-Mercedes-E-350CDI-Audi-A6-3-0-TDI-aumospo-06-2011-Allrad-c890x594-ffffff-C-409eaeaf-463755.jpg)
![](http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/03-2011-BMW-530d-Mercedes-E-350CDI-Audi-A6-3-0-TDI-aumospo-06-2011-Allrad-c890x594-ffffff-C-2faef8e7-463756.jpg)
Quote:
<table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border: 1px inset;"> 1. Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro: 541points
The new A6 wins surprisingly clear: Driving dynamics, fuel economy and acceleration benefit from the weight advantage. It is also cheaper than the competition.
2. Mercedes E350 CDI 4-Matic: 521points
The laid-E-class with her spoiled-projecting comfort, airy background and practical details. When it comes to handling and infotainment however, it is back a little..
3. BMW 530d x-Drive: 518points
The agile 5 has us smitten with its high-quality interior, top service and great seats. The light-footed driving feel of the A6 is not quite reached. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/v...r-3519510.html
#93
#95
My first Avatar....
#96
Senior Moderator
I wont deny this but why is it that if an american company makes a good performing car then it automatically means its reliable/low maintenance in peoples minds?
Example, people used to bash on the mustang for not being that reliable yet as soon as magazines were praising its performance then everyone says its a must buy. What changed?
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
Same with Hyundai, yes they make great cars but there are issues arises on them as well. Yet people are quick to suggest them to others because of how they look and the best bang for the buck they are.
Is it just normal to give more credit to the underdog?
#98
My first Avatar....
I wont deny this but why is it that if an american company makes a good performing car then it automatically means its reliable/low maintenance in peoples minds?
Example, people used to bash on the mustang for not being that reliable yet as soon as magazines were praising its performance then everyone says its a must buy. What changed?
Same with Hyundai, yes they make great cars but there are issues arises on them as well. Yet people are quick to suggest them to others because of how they look and the best bang for the buck they are.
Is it just normal to give more credit to the underdog?
Example, people used to bash on the mustang for not being that reliable yet as soon as magazines were praising its performance then everyone says its a must buy. What changed?
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
Same with Hyundai, yes they make great cars but there are issues arises on them as well. Yet people are quick to suggest them to others because of how they look and the best bang for the buck they are.
Is it just normal to give more credit to the underdog?
But, with regard to the V...the 2nd gen has been out long enough to have shown itself as a very reliable car. Especially considering the performance level of the car...which is stunning. Maintenance costs for GM (and Ford) cars are generally going be to lower then that of high end German cars, although maintenance for the V might be more than a normal CTS model.
Regarding the Stang...I think it's human nature to want the car that is getting the best reviews in the car mags. The new Stang has not yet been proven for it's reliability...it's still too new. However the Chinese made manual trannys tend to be the area where most of the issues are arising. Coincidence? I doubt it. That being said, I know I am assuming since the American car companies were on the verge of collapse they are going to be striving for excellence in their products now, so as to avoid an actual collapse and to be competitive with the Asian brands with regard to reliability.
I don't know if it's normal to root for the underdog. I find myself doing so however. It's refreshing to see Ford and GM finally coming around, producing excellent and desirable cars. I like to see Hyundai making itself heard. Why? I guess competition is a good thing. A corner on a market is bad for everyone.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Anyway if I had the coin...I'd be in a CTS-V without looking at such things as a 550i. Unless BMW made me an offer I couldn't refuse.
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Last edited by pttl; 03-18-2011 at 01:26 PM.
#99
Racer
If you really want to save gas but love the 5-Series, have you thought about dropping down to the 528i? I know it won't be nearly as powerful, but the gas mileage improvement is great.
You could also drop down to a 328i if you didn't need all the space; the smaller body of the 3-Series would mean that the smaller 3.0L engine would be carrying around less mass and be more enjoyable as a result while still being reasonably economical.
Could also consider the Infiniti M35h...
You could also drop down to a 328i if you didn't need all the space; the smaller body of the 3-Series would mean that the smaller 3.0L engine would be carrying around less mass and be more enjoyable as a result while still being reasonably economical.
Could also consider the Infiniti M35h...
#100
#101
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
I'm able to get a 2011 550i starting at $53.8K........ Now if only my daughter didn't want to go to college. Hmmm.....
#104
#106
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
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I know a guy who was cross-shopping cars like the CTS-V, Quattroporte, GT-R, Exige...
He bought a 135. Just because you have the money doesn't mean you need to show it off.
He bought a 135. Just because you have the money doesn't mean you need to show it off.
#107
Three Wheelin'
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
C'mon Aman, your buddy was window shopping at Neiman Marcus and eventually bought at Macy's. No way you "cross-shop" those cars and end up in a micro 1-series.
King Raja, CTS-V or 550i (although as a board we demand you drop it and rock the M6-replica 20s as shown above)
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#109
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Occasionally you'll stumble across a guy who likes cars but actually does realize what godawful investments they are, and acts accordingly. (Hardly anyone you'll catch in here though
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
#110
If he was shopping a Lotus Exige I think it's pretty obvious he wasn't hung up on size with his purchase.![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Occasionally you'll stumble across a guy who likes cars but actually does realize what godawful investments they are, and acts accordingly. (Hardly anyone you'll catch in here though
) Buy an $80k car and it's worth $40k a couple years later. That's a "get poor quick" scheme if I've ever known one.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Occasionally you'll stumble across a guy who likes cars but actually does realize what godawful investments they are, and acts accordingly. (Hardly anyone you'll catch in here though
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
My cars are my toys. Not my investments.
#112
US Navy Seabees
srt-4
#113
Still confused. 80K budget.
I test drove the new 550i. It didn't "wow" me from a performance POV, but it definitely had a lot of gadgets and toys inside.
I tried to test drive a CTS-V but they wouldn't let me. "Our insurance doesn't cover people test driving this car. But you can sit inside it."![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
I did sit inside it, and I wasn't impressed.
So, now I am confused. I want the interior and build quality of the BMW, with the performance of the CTS-V, with free maintenance and warranty, with the 80-85K (TTL inclusive) budget.
I don't see how it's possible and it sucks!
I tried to test drive a CTS-V but they wouldn't let me. "Our insurance doesn't cover people test driving this car. But you can sit inside it."
![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
I did sit inside it, and I wasn't impressed.
So, now I am confused. I want the interior and build quality of the BMW, with the performance of the CTS-V, with free maintenance and warranty, with the 80-85K (TTL inclusive) budget.
I don't see how it's possible and it sucks!
![Annoyed](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/annoyed.gif)
#114
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,552
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Try another dealer I find that ridiculous that they would tell you that you have to buy the car without test driving it.
#118
Three Wheelin'
the manager agreed to let me test drove it and i sure did! i never went back to that dealer!
#119
Three options:
A: visit other caddy dealer, ask for test drive
B: upcoming M5 if 550i didn't wow you, but you will be over 80k
C: chip the 550i, it makes a lot more power and torque once chipped
A: visit other caddy dealer, ask for test drive
B: upcoming M5 if 550i didn't wow you, but you will be over 80k
C: chip the 550i, it makes a lot more power and torque once chipped