[tommyboy]

Steve I love the style of the new E class and the convertible looks sharp. I have driven the 350 and the 550, if you were going to step and buy an E550 I would say get that over the S5. It has a hammer under the hood. The E350 is going to be underpowered even with the 302 hp and 272 ft lbs, the car is just overweight( like our s5's).

The S5 has a cleaner interior and the fit and finish is better. Another thing to consider is I'd venture to say the S5 will hold its value better then the MB. In the used market 3-5 years from now you be trying to sell an entry level E class vs a top tier a/s5. Consumers will be looking for the 550 preowned.

 

[tommyboy]

CB,
It sounds like the profile of the MB fits what you are looking for. The S5 cab is more an enthusiasts car where the MB is about prestige. I would also say there is some cross over for potential buyers between these two models specifically around price. At the risk of sounding like a douche by buying the MB for prestige getting the 350 doesn’t carry much clout. It is the car you buy for your wife to keep at the house in West Palm Beach to cruise around in. I say this with sarcasm, but I hope you get the point. The 350 is not quite a sports car or a grand tourer because MB’s drive like marshmallows on the road. You have to get the 550 if you like E, in a straight line it throws down the same numbers as the s5 and that 550 motor’s torque is wonderful. Another thing to consider is the Mb will be more comfortable. The Audi is a bit stiff. I don’t mind it but it sounds like we may be in different age groups. I am a 32 year old single software exec. You may want comfort and a cruiser….
Buy what you like though. The A5/S5 boards are filled with enthusiasts for our own car. For the most part the car has been good with the exceptions of a few warranty items. I just passed 22k and still love the car. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[tommyboy]

Steve if I we in your position I'd hold out for the 2013 with the facelift.Do I like the new headlights, taillights and interior sure. Would I trade my car in and go to the table with 20k abosultely not I like the looks of my car and even the v8 in my coupe, but if I was entering the market now I'd get the newest model. The debate in the forum on which is better looking goes on forever. You have waited this long what is another 4-6 months.

 

[tommyboy]

So getting the 13? Sweet. As for stone guard I hate the edge It creates and wouldn't wrap the whole hood. That being said I hate the stone chips on my hood worse. Next time around I am going with the stone guard.

 

[tommyboy]

CB, TBOOOE is correct. I was reffering to the clear bra that covers your bumper, Hood, Mirrors. I am not a fan of the edge it creates but TBOOE is correct is saves the paint. The stone chips piss me off on my car and the lower part of the front bumper gets sand blasted from highway use over time.