What "sporty wafter" for 5-6k?
Discussion
If a sporty wafter is even a thing 
So after the past 6 years on the lease wagon it's time to jump off as I miss tinkering with the daily. Car history is predominantly littered with hot hatches so it's time for something different.
-Something a bit bigger.
-4 seats (rears only very occasional use),
-petrol (only do 5 or 6k a year).
-Enough poke to get along reasonably, doesn't have to be too rapid as I have a Westfield for those duties.
-Not a huge bork factor but I can spanner and happy to do so.
-prefer the coupe look
Budget 5k. Would stretch to 6.
So front runners at present are:
-E63 bmw 6 series 630i
-C209 clk 320 (balance shaft issues?)
-C207 e class coupe (prob very bottom of market with these and not many petrols)
-Audi a5, not a huge audi fan to be honest and budget wouldn't stretch to a decent s5
-Merc CL? Although haven't seen one up close they look huuuge. Does the bork factor go way up with these?
Any other major contenders I've missed?
So after the past 6 years on the lease wagon it's time to jump off as I miss tinkering with the daily. Car history is predominantly littered with hot hatches so it's time for something different.
-Something a bit bigger.
-4 seats (rears only very occasional use),
-petrol (only do 5 or 6k a year).
-Enough poke to get along reasonably, doesn't have to be too rapid as I have a Westfield for those duties.
-Not a huge bork factor but I can spanner and happy to do so.
-prefer the coupe look
Budget 5k. Would stretch to 6.
So front runners at present are:
-E63 bmw 6 series 630i
-C209 clk 320 (balance shaft issues?)
-C207 e class coupe (prob very bottom of market with these and not many petrols)
-Audi a5, not a huge audi fan to be honest and budget wouldn't stretch to a decent s5
-Merc CL? Although haven't seen one up close they look huuuge. Does the bork factor go way up with these?
Any other major contenders I've missed?
sdh2903 said:
If a sporty wafter is even a thing
So after the past 6 years on the lease wagon it's time to jump off as I miss tinkering with the daily. Car history is predominantly littered with hot hatches so it's time for something different.
-Something a bit bigger.
-4 seats (rears only very occasional use),
-petrol (only do 5 or 6k a year).
-Enough poke to get along reasonably, doesn't have to be too rapid as I have a Westfield for those duties.
-Not a huge bork factor but I can spanner and happy to do so.
-prefer the coupe look
Budget 5k. Would stretch to 6.
So front runners at present are:
-E63 bmw 6 series 630i
-C209 clk 320 (balance shaft issues?)
-C207 e class coupe (prob very bottom of market with these and not many petrols)
-Audi a5, not a huge audi fan to be honest and budget wouldn't stretch to a decent s5
-Merc CL? Although haven't seen one up close they look huuuge. Does the bork factor go way up with these?
Any other major contenders I've missed?
The CLK350 is the one that has potential balancer shaft issues they're also £500+ road tax, the 320 is bulletproof as is the 500 which is the one I'd be going for as the fuel difference is 4mpg real world but the extra torque that's available everywhere makes it the better car.So after the past 6 years on the lease wagon it's time to jump off as I miss tinkering with the daily. Car history is predominantly littered with hot hatches so it's time for something different.
-Something a bit bigger.
-4 seats (rears only very occasional use),
-petrol (only do 5 or 6k a year).
-Enough poke to get along reasonably, doesn't have to be too rapid as I have a Westfield for those duties.
-Not a huge bork factor but I can spanner and happy to do so.
-prefer the coupe look
Budget 5k. Would stretch to 6.
So front runners at present are:
-E63 bmw 6 series 630i
-C209 clk 320 (balance shaft issues?)
-C207 e class coupe (prob very bottom of market with these and not many petrols)
-Audi a5, not a huge audi fan to be honest and budget wouldn't stretch to a decent s5
-Merc CL? Although haven't seen one up close they look huuuge. Does the bork factor go way up with these?
Any other major contenders I've missed?
This first one is actually a nicely spec'd (but surprisingly missing heated seats) one despite not being prep'd yet (haggle hard though seat wear & the lower front bumper has touched a kerb) it's well worth a look:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012287...
This one is nice & very sensibly priced
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012197...
If you don't mind a Cat N then this 55 is well worth a look
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006059...
The CLK's are a much simpler car to maintain than the CL, the CL's issues are mainly suspension but these can be repaired for sensible money but you're still looking at 1k for a pair of front legs.
You could refresh the whole of the CLK's suspension for half of that.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 21st January 18:47
I Think ZX nailed it on this one.
On a personal note though, i'd discount the 630i - or any 6series. There are BORK factors but the main reason is the rear seats, they are for lack of a better word - useless. Just not practical to use, even less so if you the driver is taller than say 5ft 11".
I would maybe suggest as an outlier the CLS. Its big and has the coupe design and its a nice daily driver and you can get the cls500 for within budget
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101168...
Maybe not "coupe" enough as a coupe but thought i'd throw it out there as it covers all the other elements of the brief inc. v8 goodness.
On a personal note though, i'd discount the 630i - or any 6series. There are BORK factors but the main reason is the rear seats, they are for lack of a better word - useless. Just not practical to use, even less so if you the driver is taller than say 5ft 11".
I would maybe suggest as an outlier the CLS. Its big and has the coupe design and its a nice daily driver and you can get the cls500 for within budget
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101168...
Maybe not "coupe" enough as a coupe but thought i'd throw it out there as it covers all the other elements of the brief inc. v8 goodness.
The rear seat thing isn't too much an issue. My daughters only 8 and the Mrs is 5ft 4 so the passenger seat can go well forward. We also have the mrs' focus for any family duties.
The CLS is another to add to the list thanks.
I've a couple months before the cupra goes back to get out and have a proper look at some of these.
The CLS is another to add to the list thanks.
I've a couple months before the cupra goes back to get out and have a proper look at some of these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci-3-0-Clubs...
That would be my choice. Sure to appreciate too.
That would be my choice. Sure to appreciate too.
mbwoy84 said:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-330ci-3-0-Clubs...
That would be my choice. Sure to appreciate too.
Automatic though, what a shame.That would be my choice. Sure to appreciate too.
ZX10R NIN said:
So do you have a shortlist OP?
To be honest not really. For the first time in my 20 years of driving I have no clue what car I want!Ive had 2 e46 bmws in the past so although I liked them I don't want another. Which kind of puts me off the e90 shape too as its quite similar.
The e60 5 series is interesting as I think it's aged well but prices seem all over the place and not many petrols.
The mercs seem very good value but that era of CLK/CL/CLS just seem to have a sense of "old man" about them from the pics. Im probably doing them a massive disservice so post lockdown I need to get out there and take a good look at some.
Out of the initial list I'd say the 6 series is probably marginally the front runner. Unless I could find a 650 that had had the VSS and the usual gaskets done I'd probably choose the 630i.
Either that or up the budget and try and find a petrol e350 coupe.
sdh2903 said:
To be honest not really. For the first time in my 20 years of driving I have no clue what car I want!
Ive had 2 e46 bmws in the past so although I liked them I don't want another. Which kind of puts me off the e90 shape too as its quite similar.
The e60 5 series is interesting as I think it's aged well but prices seem all over the place and not many petrols.
The mercs seem very good value but that era of CLK/CL/CLS just seem to have a sense of "old man" about them from the pics. Im probably doing them a massive disservice so post lockdown I need to get out there and take a good look at some.
Out of the initial list I'd say the 6 series is probably marginally the front runner. Unless I could find a 650 that had had the VSS and the usual gaskets done I'd probably choose the 630i.
Either that or up the budget and try and find a petrol e350 coupe.
Look for ones with the Sport kit fitted they change the look of the car also once your driving it you'll be less worried about the look, also it makes them a bit of a sleeper.Ive had 2 e46 bmws in the past so although I liked them I don't want another. Which kind of puts me off the e90 shape too as its quite similar.
The e60 5 series is interesting as I think it's aged well but prices seem all over the place and not many petrols.
The mercs seem very good value but that era of CLK/CL/CLS just seem to have a sense of "old man" about them from the pics. Im probably doing them a massive disservice so post lockdown I need to get out there and take a good look at some.
Out of the initial list I'd say the 6 series is probably marginally the front runner. Unless I could find a 650 that had had the VSS and the usual gaskets done I'd probably choose the 630i.
Either that or up the budget and try and find a petrol e350 coupe.
Anecdotal report here - had a 630i for about 5 years. Back seats aren't that big a deal tbh - for small individuals it's fine. They are luxuriously upholstered like all 6s. It's a bit of a pig to get in and out of admittedly.
I wouldn't expect too much wafting - they are a fairly hard ride and ditching the run flats is a must like most BMWs.
The auto box is fine but nothing more than. I believe the manual is pretty rare as few typical buyers were interested.
On the upside, they feel surprisingly light and the handling is really pretty good. Plenty of fun to be had on B roads and they have a great sense of "getting going".
With a remap you can get LCI power easily and much smoother delivery plus a few extra MPGs. One of the all time classic BMW engines too - I've had it in a few iterations and it has plenty of character.
The styling is of course a very personal affair - for me it's the definition of Bangle and will be a classic, but many hate it. The acute lines have preserved its modernity over something like the CLK, IMO. Interior is very logical and well laid out.
One note - if you do get one, make sure you find one with the optional cup holders. Mine didn't have it, and BMW did an excellent job of ensuring there wasn't a single space anywhere in the car to store bottles or drinks upright. It was the worst part of the ownership experience. It was a bonkers priced option at new so many didn't bother but it makes a big QOL difference.
I wouldn't expect too much wafting - they are a fairly hard ride and ditching the run flats is a must like most BMWs.
The auto box is fine but nothing more than. I believe the manual is pretty rare as few typical buyers were interested.
On the upside, they feel surprisingly light and the handling is really pretty good. Plenty of fun to be had on B roads and they have a great sense of "getting going".
With a remap you can get LCI power easily and much smoother delivery plus a few extra MPGs. One of the all time classic BMW engines too - I've had it in a few iterations and it has plenty of character.
The styling is of course a very personal affair - for me it's the definition of Bangle and will be a classic, but many hate it. The acute lines have preserved its modernity over something like the CLK, IMO. Interior is very logical and well laid out.
One note - if you do get one, make sure you find one with the optional cup holders. Mine didn't have it, and BMW did an excellent job of ensuring there wasn't a single space anywhere in the car to store bottles or drinks upright. It was the worst part of the ownership experience. It was a bonkers priced option at new so many didn't bother but it makes a big QOL difference.
stevekoz said:
I would maybe suggest as an outlier the CLS. Its big and has the coupe design and its a nice daily driver and you can get the cls500 for within budget
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101168...
Maybe not "coupe" enough as a coupe but thought i'd throw it out there as it covers all the other elements of the brief inc. v8 goodness.
Steve, that CLS is utterly gorgeous, what a wonderful shade of green, I'd have that in a heartbeat if I were in the market. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101168...
Maybe not "coupe" enough as a coupe but thought i'd throw it out there as it covers all the other elements of the brief inc. v8 goodness.
Re the CLKs, I forget how good they look with both side windows down, pillarless is very classy.
Good luck OP
sdh2903 said:
The mercs seem very good value but that era of CLK/CL/CLS just seem to have a sense of "old man" about them from the pics. Im probably doing them a massive disservice so post lockdown I need to get out there and take a good look at some.
The CLK and CL maybe, but I feel more subtle wafter. The CLS looks a bit "middle-aged asian businessman", or at least it does from the people who drive them round here. Let's face it, if you want a "sporty wafter" that doesn't break your spine, you're probably feeling "old man", anyway. I had a Leon FR for a while and that was tiresome especially after a 2 hour singles tennis match when you just want to get home and don't want to have to play dodge-the-potholes-and-bumps (that everyone else is happily driving over), and made me decide that something more "old man" probably works better for me.Joe M said:
Does it have to be petrol? E92 335D with the run flats replaced is a good choice.
Petrol is the only real 100% fixed criteria. A diesel only doing 5 to 6k a year ain't worth the hassle. A 335i did pop onto the list at one point but I think I'd rather stay N/A.I should clarify regarding my initial "wafter" comment. Having years of lowered hatches anything with standard-ish suspension, even the m sport/amg variety would be considered compliant to me.
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