cross shopping E550 coupe and audi S5

[rieger]

Actually I think if you wait for the update on the S5 in about one years time you will be rewarded. The S5 will get probably the same suspension as the S4 with Direct Drive Select and also the 3.0T engine that is also on the S4 along with the new 7 S-tronic dual clutch automatic tranny which is the best tranny out. Also probably will also get the sport differential also which will make it the best driving AWD car out. My suggestion would be go test drive the new 2010 S4 and then you will get an idea what next years S5 will drive like. You can also read reviews of the S4 and you will see that it is getting rave reviews from everyone.

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[cmcbenz]

Originally Posted by rieger

Actually I think if you wait for the update on the S5 in about one years time you will be rewarded. The S5 will get probably the same suspension as the S4 with Direct Drive Select and also the 3.0T engine that is also on the S4 along with the new 7 S-tronic dual clutch automatic tranny which is the best tranny out. Also probably will also get the sport differential also which will make it the best driving AWD car out.
My suggestion would be go test drive the new 2010 S4 and then you will get an idea what next years S5 will drive like. You can also read reviews of the S4 and you will see that it is getting rave reviews from everyone.

i actually did drive a 2010 S5 with sport differential and direct drive select

[gaazmon]

Originally Posted by cmcbenz

I very carefully considered the S5 vs E550c. Drove them both, etc. I used to have an M3, so I kind of understand where the S5 is coming from in terms of its aggressiveness/sportiness. I decided to go with the benz for the following reasons: 1) audi salespersons are the WORST i have ever experienced. they don't know anything about the cars, they told me the MSRP stickers were wrong and they were "investigating" how much the car actually is supposed to cost, and they actually criticized my opinions. 2) the audi is ALL sport but I wanted luxury as well. 3) the back seat seems to have more leg room in the benz, 4) the MMI2 system is fantastic but a bit annoying and not as intuitive as the COMAND system in the benz. 5) the audi tranny is surprisingly rough. i've driven a lot of great cars (M5, E55AMG, 911, vette, M3, etc) and never experienced such a choppy ride.

Just some things to consider. In the end, it depends what you want... both are great cars at about the same price. As for power, I understand they both have the same 0-60 time. But the benz is 150 lbs lighter and has ~60 more torque and BHP.

The Benz weighs less??? Wow, didn't see that one.

[cmcbenz]

Yes, straight off the mbusa website:
Audi S5 weighs 3935 lbs, Benz E550C weighs 3783 lbs

this link may not work but it's worth a shot:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/vehicleComparison/

[rieger]

Originally Posted by cmcbenz

i actually did drive a 2010 S5 with sport differential and direct drive select

but the 2010 has the older 4.2l V8 than the new updated S5 that will have the 3.0t V6. Trust me on this one and try the new S4 that will have the 3.0T engine that will go into the S5 with the S-tronic tranny. The 3.0T V6 pulls much better and is quiet. this same engine but not tranny is on the Audi A6 which was compared on the current C&D luxury car comparo that you can read online comparing the 535i, E350, A6 etc and the A6 came first basically because of the engine.

[cmcbenz]

Originally Posted by rieger

but the 2010 has the older 4.2l V8 than the new updated S5 that will have the 3.0t V6. Trust me on this one and try the new S4 that will have the 3.0T engine that will go into the S5 with the S-tronic tranny. The 3.0T V6 pulls much better and is quiet. this same engine but not tranny is on the Audi A6 which was compared on the current C&D luxury car comparo that you can read online comparing the 535i, E350, A6 etc and the A6 came first basically because of the engine.

really? wow. so basically the 2011 S5 will have a V6 turbo? hmmm... will you still be able to get a loud, roaring, torquey V-8? that's what i want

[rieger]

Well it is still up for discussion in NA but from the sounds of it Europe will get the V6 SC engine. It definitely has the torque and then some. I havet he E500 which I think has more torque than the e550(correct me if I am wrong) and when I test drove the S4 let me tell you that it definitely pushed me back into the seat a lot more than my E500, yes it could be the gears also but if you look at the numbers for the V6 3.0T engine of the S4 they are impressive and some chips already came out and numbers are amazing at 430hp and 500nm of torque. Here is a link to one of the first tuners but at this price many will be waiting for the North American tuners to come out with their chips with the same numbers but cost only around $1000 to tune.
http://www.mtm-online.de/en/Audi/S4-...T=m3s4333430qm
Also with the smaller engine handling would be increased because it allows the engine to sit further back than a huge V8.
These are only some of the early speculations but you can always read more into it. One thing that it does not have is the throaty V8 noise which many complain about but I don't think MB cars have that either, or you can just put an after market exhaust on it.
It really depends on if you like to tinker with cars or do you want it all at stock.

[gaazmon]

Originally Posted by rieger

but the 2010 has the older 4.2l V8 than the new updated S5 that will have the 3.0t V6. Trust me on this one and try the new S4 that will have the 3.0T engine that will go into the S5 with the S-tronic tranny. The 3.0T V6 pulls much better and is quiet. this same engine but not tranny is on the Audi A6 which was compared on the current C&D luxury car comparo that you can read online comparing the 535i, E350, A6 etc and the A6 came first basically because of the engine.

Ya, I read that article, pretty good.

Well the 500 has a little over 330 torque while the 550 has over 390. However, the 500 has a little over 300 hp while the 550 has 382, so with the 500, you have more torque compared to hp. The same is with the 320 and 350 (320: 221 hp, 231 torque; 350: 268 hp, about 258 torque).

[stogie1020]

Numbers, for comparison: (MB is Coupe)

[gaazmon]

WTF is with the torque on the BMW? And the mpg is horrible too. An E63 can get 14 mpg. Impressive that the Audi gets 16 since it is AWD.

[K-A]

OUCH, BMW gets that bad of Gas Mileage? I love the M3, and would take it over either of the other two cars, but that Mileage is pretty ridiculously bad. As well, it is lacking in Torque, but it's nature is to be a high revving motor. Me being a Torque fan, I think it would bug me a bit.

[gaazmon]

Originally Posted by K-A

OUCH, BMW gets that bad of Gas Mileage? I love the M3, and would take it over either of the other two cars, but that Mileage is pretty ridiculously bad. As well, it is lacking in Torque, but it's nature is to be a high revving motor. Me being a Torque fan, I think it would bug me a bit.

Agreed.

[220S]

Originally Posted by gaazmon

Agreed.

Yep, torque is the "fun stuff." And it's what you want for everyday street driving.

But on the track, the M3 (and all high revving, high hp NA motors) really shine. Keep the motor spinning and with great throttle control. Steer with the go pedal

[gaazmon]

Originally Posted by 220S

Yep, torque is the "fun stuff." And it's what you want for everyday street driving.

But on the track, the M3 (and all high revving, high hp NA motors) really shine. Keep the motor spinning and with great throttle control. Steer with the go pedal

Ya, that's why I love these torquey MB engines. Can use it all the time anytime

[RJC]

Many '08-'10 A/S5's have been having problems with steering wheel vibrations between 50-80 mph that they cannot seem to fix. Audi has tried replacing tires, wheels, control arms, bushings performed road force balancing etc but with many the problem remains.

Check out the S5 forums:

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...092/index.html

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2752919

[gaazmon]

I just remembered one time riding in my friends A6 quattro. It was quick but had some major lag with the tranny. I mean worse then when my E320 goes into "granny" mode. Lol, he misses his VW Golf VR6. My other friend had a 94 Jetta GLX, that was a pretty sick car.

[rieger]

Originally Posted by RJC

Many '08-'10 A/S5's have been having problems with steering wheel vibrations between 50-80 mph that they cannot seem to fix. Audi has tried replacing tires, wheels, control arms, bushings performed road force balancing etc but with many the problem remains.

Check out the S5 forums:

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...092/index.html

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2752919

The problem already has been solved and it is the control arms which are to be recalled or have a TSB. There is a back order on them.
If you want to know how the new updated S5 will drive maybe you want to read about the 2010 S4 this will probably convince you.

[mkaresh]

Originally Posted by jbrinkley

I'm remembering now why I don't like test driving. I almost just signed on the line for this black black 350 coupe. I really liked it. lol.

My car addiction is bad.

Take a friend along. I frequently recommend this because a friend can remain more objective and, if necessary, smack you upside the head.

Between these two cars, must say I'm with those who prefer the looks of the Audi. Ten years from now the E-Class will look dated, while the Audi will not.

The rest of the car...more open to discussion.

[mkaresh]

Originally Posted by rieger

but the 2010 has the older 4.2l V8 than the new updated S5 that will have the 3.0t V6. Trust me on this one and try the new S4 that will have the 3.0T engine that will go into the S5 with the S-tronic tranny. The 3.0T V6 pulls much better and is quiet. this same engine but not tranny is on the Audi A6 which was compared on the current C&D luxury car comparo that you can read online comparing the 535i, E350, A6 etc and the A6 came first basically because of the engine.

The 3.0T will also be in the 2010 S5 Cabriolet. Once the 3.0T is offered in the coupe, the V8 will most likely be dropped. They are charging less for the 3.0T, and acceleration is probably as good or better. But there's no substitute for the sound of that Audi V8--great-sounding V8.

[rieger]

Agreed the V8 sounds better but their will be aftermarket exhaust and a bunch of other aftermarket parts for the Audi's. The performance though is far superior to the V8. I have test driven the S4 and actually ordered one and the 3.0 pulls much better has a better 0-60mph of only 4.9 stock. It is well known that Audi has tuned the 3.0 to dump half of the boost from the supercharger and MTM who work very closely with audi has already been able to chip it and unleash 435hp which allows the S4 and probably the S5 to get to 0-60 in 4.3-4.6sec. Not only will the audi look nicer IMO it will be much faster also. Ride in the S4 was a little more agressive than the E550 coupe but with Direct Drive which allows for changes to dampening it made the ride very comfortable and harsh when you wanted to. I think this might be also available if not already on the S5 also.

[RJC]

Originally Posted by rieger

The problem already has been solved and it is the control arms which are to be recalled or have a TSB. There is a back order on them.
.

There are still quite a few folks in these threads/audi boards that have changed to the new control arms and the problem remains...


Originally Posted by RJC
Many '08-'10 A/S5's have been having problems with steering wheel vibrations between 50-80 mph that they cannot seem to fix. Audi has tried replacing tires, wheels, control arms, bushings performed road force balancing etc but with many the problem remains.

Check out the S5 forums:

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...092/index.html

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2752919

[Germancar1]

Interesting comparison. I didn't think Mercedes could make an interior to truly rival the S5, but they did in the E550 Coupe. WOW. The exterior on the other hand belongs to the S5 as does the handling ability and overall sportiness. The S5's styling much cleaner, more resolved, but after sitting in the E550 Coupe today it does have hella interior.


M

[rieger]

Originally Posted by RJC

There are still quite a few folks in these threads/audi boards that have changed to the new control arms and the problem remains...


Originally Posted by RJC
Many '08-'10 A/S5's have been having problems with steering wheel vibrations between 50-80 mph that they cannot seem to fix. Audi has tried replacing tires, wheels, control arms, bushings performed road force balancing etc but with many the problem remains.

Check out the S5 forums:

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...092/index.html

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2752919

I couldn't find anywhwere where they say the new control arms didn't fix the problem. From my research you have to do all the balancing and new tires first and if that doesn't fix the problem than they would install the new control arms. Some already have them installed and the vibrations went away. But up to this point they couldn't figure out what it was but they have narrowed it down to the control arms.
When more members have the control arm kits installed then we will know if they have solved the problem for everyone.

[RJC]

Originally Posted by rieger

I couldn't find anywhwere where they say the new control arms didn't fix the problem. From my research you have to do all the balancing and new tires first and if that doesn't fix the problem than they would install the new control arms. Some already have them installed and the vibrations went away. But up to this point they couldn't figure out what it was but they have narrowed it down to the control arms.
When more members have the control arm kits installed then we will know if they have solved the problem for everyone.

There were folks that specifically said the control arms did not fix the issue and are not very happy campers; some even had to get different bushings as well; there have also been issues where the control arms that were installed as part of the TSB were not the updated one's. I hope whatever the fix is, Audi gets it to all the disatisifed A/S5 owners where their steering wheel's shakes can wind their watches for them at highway speeds. I happen to love the rest of the car and am interested to drive the 7 speed kompressor cab...

[rieger]

I think the early 2010 builds could be affected but by I believe the builds that started at the same time as the S4 should be Ok. I say this because the S4 uses the same control arms from my understanding and I have posed the question to the S4 owners if they have this problem and all that replied indicated no problems. I saw a S5 just down the street and it is just beatiful. Hands down best looking 2 door car that is based on a sedan platform IMO. this is a 2 year old model and still beats anything else out there just really timeless shape at a reasonable price.