ayap

I have been thinking about a replacement for my 2012 S5 as I'm the type who gets restless and thinking about changing cars every few years. My S5 is 3 years old today, which I bought Sept. 2011 when the 2012 model just came out. I have thought about the RS5, but its a bit similar to the V8 S5 in some ways and don't think I wanna blow $78K - $80K. I know this is the Audi forum, but thought some of you owners of the older S5s or A5s are thinking about shopping for your next replacement and looking at some other brands.

There's some value in the newer Bimmer line-up - M235, 435, M3.

I just saw a new Mineral Gray 2015 BMW M235 x-drive with all the M-trimmings, and thought it looked pretty good. Its about the same size as the older M3. It looks like a pretty tight and engaging driver's car and is rated at 4.4 seconds 0 - 60, with 320 HP and 330 lb torque at 1400 rpm. It can also do 30 MPG on the highway, compared to my 24 MPG highway on the S5. Personally, I think the M235 looks better and more proportional than the S3. It's about $48K - $51K

Now, I looked at the BMW 435 x-drive grand coupe with the M-sports. I like the fact that BMW brought in the 5-door grande coupe hatchback. Audi never brought in their 5-door S5 hatchback to the US, which I have seen in Europe. I like the functionality of this car. The 435 had 300 HP and rated at 4.7 seconds 0-60. It's around $59K - $60K.

Now I did also look at the new M-series, I configured the new 2015 M3 and came up with $67K with double-clutch tranny. It's at least $10K cheaper than an RS5 (with the Tech package and some trimmings). The M4 has a $2,500 premium over the M3, so the M3 has more bang-for-the buck and has the 4-doors functionality. I think the back of the M3 looks very similar to the M4, the only difference is the 4-doors vs 2-doors.

Any comments? Thanks.

lmariorod

Wow. Surprising that you're considering BMW. Great cars, but just too common.

Still lovin my S. But if I was to consider something else, it would be this beauty.

Gallery

2014Q5TDI

I just sat in a 2105 C Class and it is worth looking at - very nice interior and the outside looks decent too.

tr3ndsetr

That Jag is dope, Im a little torn between that car and my long time fav Aston Martin DBS

lmariorod

Oh yeah. Saw a Jag F-type R on I-287 and nothing from BMW, MB and only the R8 Spyder can WOW, like that. Simply gorgeous!