S5 owners: Thoughts so far?
#31
05-14-2009, 12:46 AM
6MT. Whilst the DCT is an incredible gearbox, its an automatic, no way around it.
Theres no way you can justify getting a DCT over a Manual in an M3 unless you are missing your left leg. Whilst the traffic issue definitely has it merits, and it does get a little tiresome after a while in traffic, the benefits when the traffic clears...... But iv'e never experienced London traffic.
The clutch is lighter than the previous generation so is more leg friendly in traffic, the gearbox is still notchy as hell, but i love that, and the throws ( especially 2-3 ) are long as hell. In the previous generation, 3rd gear was the perfect round town gear, could pull from low down etc. This time its not as good ( i probably sit in 2nd in the city ) but it's still geared well enough to limit the shifts in traffic.
And yeah, the interior is pretty boring ( but i dont get why everyone loves the Audi interior ), but you get used to it. I prefered the old interior as you felt more a part of it, like a cockpit, and initially i didnt have the same feelings towards the new one, but it has grown on me. I liked how you used to sit so low in the E46 and you don't get the same feeling in the new one.
The brakes are great around town, but get em ont he track and its a different story. I don't know why BMW underbrake their cars.
I don't need a car that helps me get of the line thank-you. And the gearbox and clutch in the RS's seem to refined.
Theres no way you can justify getting a DCT over a Manual in an M3 unless you are missing your left leg. Whilst the traffic issue definitely has it merits, and it does get a little tiresome after a while in traffic, the benefits when the traffic clears...... But iv'e never experienced London traffic.
The clutch is lighter than the previous generation so is more leg friendly in traffic, the gearbox is still notchy as hell, but i love that, and the throws ( especially 2-3 ) are long as hell. In the previous generation, 3rd gear was the perfect round town gear, could pull from low down etc. This time its not as good ( i probably sit in 2nd in the city ) but it's still geared well enough to limit the shifts in traffic.
And yeah, the interior is pretty boring ( but i dont get why everyone loves the Audi interior ), but you get used to it. I prefered the old interior as you felt more a part of it, like a cockpit, and initially i didnt have the same feelings towards the new one, but it has grown on me. I liked how you used to sit so low in the E46 and you don't get the same feeling in the new one.
The brakes are great around town, but get em ont he track and its a different story. I don't know why BMW underbrake their cars.
I don't need a car that helps me get of the line thank-you. And the gearbox and clutch in the RS's seem to refined.
Will test drive today and report back.
#36
05-14-2009, 07:02 PM
Probably has something to do with the fact that so many people are buying them way under sticker.
#38
05-14-2009, 07:23 PM
I can put you in touch with the dude that did the ED lease deal for my friend. Let me know.
#39
05-14-2009, 08:29 PM
Pretty sure hes in London Town Stuka.
It's an awesome car. Truly capable, and easily the best of the 3 in the segment. It would be pretty hard to be disappointed with it. Even if you did go for the limp wristed DCT.
It's an awesome car. Truly capable, and easily the best of the 3 in the segment. It would be pretty hard to be disappointed with it. Even if you did go for the limp wristed DCT.
Last edited by vtgts300kw; 05-14-2009 at 08:33 PM.