Just in time for winter... my new ride! (Part 4)

[rage2]

The last 3 winter car choices have been pretty much impulse buys for me. A quick recap here...

Part 1 (http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?threadid=212211) - Sold because it wasn't fast enough.

Part 2 (http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?threadid=282712) - One of my favorite cars for winter and summer, lasted 2 winters and 1 summer, sold because I was tired of losing to civics in the winter.

Part 3 (http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?threadid=341126) - Was so much fun in winter, but just didn't have the room to carry anything. Not the greatest daily driver with a family in tow.

This year, instead of an impulse buy, I actually spent time going through every possible option, looked at prices, performance, and being asian, best bang for the buck. Really, the only requirements were AWD, and space to pack stuff, and seat 4 comfortably. The AWD in the 911 absolutely spoiled me last year.

Of course, before kenny has a chance to make fun of me, he's right. I'm a fanboy. But in my defense, I was very close to proving him wrong, but was offered a smoking deal that I couldn't turn down. With that being said, here are the cars I looked at, in the order of most likely to buy, to least likely to buy.

1. Audi S5 Cab - Was never a fan of Audi's AWD system. Was boring in the dry like my 996TT. Finally got to drive both the S4 and S5 with the LSD, and damn what a difference. Went from heavy understeer to mild understeer, and just the right amount of HP for winter/cruiser car. Plus, it's a cab, I've owned convertibles since forever, and haven't had one in 3 years now, so I wanted to get my summer tans back into full swing next year.

2. BMW 550i xDrive - Probably the most fun "big car" I test drove. Handles well, and throttle blip downshifts. Awesome. Gets kinda pricey when you check off the options though...

3. Mercedes E550 4matic - Not as fun to drive as the BMW around corners, but the new V8TT motor is awesome. 12.8 1/4 mile stock (400hp), and 11.7's chipped (530hp). Felt like an old man's car, and next year the facelift is coming, so I'll have old car syndrome in 12 months. And being a fanboy, it's so damn familiar.

4. Mitsubishi Evo MR - I drove this last year, and was probably the most fun AWD car in the summer. The gearbox is wicked too. Only problem? The interior. And the trunk space. It just feels cheap. And the price? 10k more than US? WTF?

5. Nissan Skyline R32 GTR - I had Shohab look for a mint unmolested bone stock GTR for me. This was my dream car growing up, and this was a good opportunity to finally own one and see if I liked it. Hell, I even own the R32 GTR Alberta license plate, ordered 6 years before the first R32 GTR made it here. Unfortunately, there were none to be found.

6. Mercedes CLS 550 4Matic - What a fun car. Close to the BMW in driving dynamics, a brand new model for 2012, same HVAC/Infotainment setup as my BS, nice and familiar, and yes, I'm a MB fanboy. I drove the 2012 CLS63 last November, and it was impressive, big, fast, and still handled well. It's basically an upgraded E550, same V8TT motor, nicer interior, 1 less seat. Unfortunately, for $10-15k more than a E550, it wasn't THAT much of a better car than the E550, and just terrible bang for the buck.

7. VW Golf R - Even though I refuse to drive manual, the MT only R was something that interested me. I drove my old GTI this year again and it reminded me of how damn fun the car was. And everyone getting GTI's was talking about how fun it was. So this could work... until I realized all the fun was because of the DSG box.

So, what did I end up with? I came so close to buying the Audi S5 Cab, but in the 11th hour, MB came back to me with a deal I could not refuse. Bang for the buck, it was the only car that made sense. So here we are, picking her up on Monday. My new winter ride! It's a 2012, and since I didn't option it out, it's my first non Black car in a while. I'll have better pics of her in the next week as I get the usual winterization work done on her. Can't wait!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/242101_10152100268110640_1689019753_o.jpg

[max_boost]

Rage2 is synonymous with Ben see so good choice. That is all.

[benyl]

Brown? Cheap bastard. Lol

[psycoticclown]

Damn sick car!!! How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking, my dad has been trying to decide between the E550 and the CLS all summer lol.

[Perfect Dark]

Your driveway is starting to look like a MB dealership haha, congrats man.

[KRyn]

I still think you should have gotten that R63 MB mini wagon. :bigpimp: That would have been a more practical car. Regardless, awesome car!

[Sorath]

thought you wouldve bought a g wagon.... :poosie:

[Sky]

so it's the CLS 550 4MATIC, love the new design. Last gen just didn't cut it for me but still a cool rare car to see on the road.

I just hate how your winter cars have and always will be 90% of everyones' dream daily drivers.

Congrats! MB all the way.

[JAYMEZ]

Dope!! Congrats on the buy dude!

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Maxx Mazda]

Nice choice!

[brucebanner]

Originally posted by Sky
I just hate how your winter cars have and always will be 90% of everyones' dream daily drivers.

I have to agree with this haha.

Gorgeous car Rage, should be up to the task of a winter daily. :bigpimp:

[Euro_Trash]

Originally posted by Sorath
thought you wouldve bought a g wagon.... :poosie:

That woulda been awesome. Nice car though

[EK 2.0]

Originally posted by benyl

Brown? Cheap bastard. Lol


That's racist...

[buh_buh]

Not AMG or black? Sell out :thumbsdow

[rage2]

No AWD AMG's out there that's fun. Test drove the ML63 and had a 2012 offered to me, but I just don't enjoy DDing so high up off the road. That was the only AMG that would've made the list.

As for the color, I saved a lot of money by not going Black. The white leather interior will be interesting on a daily basis haha.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

I found the white leather on the benz's absorbs the dyes on blue jeans. The few S550's with white interiors that I've seen you can see scrubs of blue jeans.

Perhaps its the owners not washing the jeans and wearing new but it was a huge turn off for white leather for me.

Does your car have night vision? I know the E's have the choice.

[rage2]

Only options the car doesn't have is night vision, and the radar based cruise control. Those 2 are like $5k worth of options that's pretty much useless.

[Weapon_R]

Can't argue with the rates right now on 2012s.

Kinda surprised you picked a non-black car. Ever since you've started beyond, black was the only color I've ever seen you buy.

[Laoz]

Jesus how do you make so much money.... and btw that brown is such a sexy color. So so so so so jelly.

[nismodrifter]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
I found the white leather on the benz's absorbs the dyes on blue jeans. The few S550's with white interiors that I've seen you can see scrubs of blue jeans.

Perhaps its the owners not washing the jeans and wearing new but it was a huge turn off for white leather for me.



This is definitely true, raw denim + light color interior = blue seats. Very easy to remove though.

Congrats on the new purchase, love that color! Any plans to + size the wheels for winter (amg's)?

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by rage2
No AWD AMG's out there that's fun. Test drove the ML63 and had a 2012 offered to me, but I just don't enjoy DDing so high up off the road. That was the only AMG that would've made the list.

As for the color, I saved a lot of money by not going Black. The white leather interior will be interesting on a daily basis haha.

Hit up the dealer for a deal on an interior protection package, it's a 5 year warranty that will have them taking care of your stains lol.

[schocker]

Hmm, never even noticed it was AWD now. I believe the last gen was rwd only? Very nice pick up though, have always liked the looks of the CLS :thumbsup:

[GQBalla]

Pimped out!!!

[jwslam]

Originally posted by max_boost
Rage2 is synonymous with Ben see so good choice. That is all.
LOL

[benyl]

Originally posted by EK 2.0

That's racist...

Haha, he told me about the car a few days ago and mentioned why he got the color. See below.


Originally posted by rage2
Only options the car doesn't have is night vision, and the radar based cruise control. Those 2 are like $5k worth of options that's pretty much useless.

raj2 balls out of control and he is saving $100 on his payment which resulted in a brown car. He is known for his black cars. What next? Will we see raj2 take the bus?

[EK 2.0]

Originally posted by benyl

raj2 balls out of control and he is saving $100 on his payment which resulted in a brown car. He is known for his black cars. What next? Will we see raj2 take the bus?

With AMG badges on the back and a 6.3 badge on the sides of the bus I am sure we can coax Raj2 into public transit...

[max_boost]

Originally posted by benyl




raj2 balls out of control and he is saving $100 on his payment which resulted in a brown car.

That is cray.

[4doorj]

Very nice car!!
Congrats:thumbsup:

[flipstah]

Nice choice, rage! How roomy is the trunk compared to the E-Class?

[Disoblige]

Maybe it's getting the Matte Black winterization treatment again so brown doesn't matter? haha.

[rage2]

Originally posted by benyl
raj2 balls out of control and he is saving $100 on his payment which resulted in a brown car. He is known for his black cars. What next? Will we see raj2 take the bus?
Difference was $11k between this 2012 vs a 2013 over 3 years. So no, it's not over $100 payments. :rofl:

[AaronK]

Nice car!

[Mibz]

Originally posted by Disoblige
Maybe it's getting the Matte Black winterization treatment again so brown doesn't matter? haha. Oh lawd I'd love to see a matte brown car.

[guessboi]

nice ride...white leather? +1 Gonna be interesting. :D

[JustinMCS]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
I found the white leather on the benz's absorbs the dyes on blue jeans. The few S550's with white interiors that I've seen you can see scrubs of blue jeans.

Perhaps its the owners not washing the jeans and wearing new but it was a huge turn off for white leather for me.


Any car will do this, not just MB. The jeans, even when washed, will emit blue dye. Take a wet white cloth or bounty to your jeans and rub it a few times and your cloth will have blue on it. The die comes off the blue jeans too easily. It's a problem with the jeans, not the car seats.


Originally posted by rage2
The white leather interior will be interesting on a daily basis haha.

I have white leather in my car and it's not a big deal to clean it often with a leather wipe to get rid of the blue or dirt. Mine looks very clean and I love it. The contrast is amazing and it gets a lot of compliments.

[flipstah]

Brown with white interior? Someone had an interesting order then backed out I guess haha.

[Disoblige]

^^ I agree. Not many cars have a white interior. However, white cars and brown interior :drool:

[buh_buh]

Originally posted by Mibz
Oh lawd I'd love to see a matte brown car. the color and texture of poo

[Sugarphreak]

...

[DGill]

Beautiful car, I actually like the color good choice :thumbsup:
Let me know when you decide to sell it!

[rage2]

It's not as brown as my pic looks. Color is called Indium Grey. Looks different in all sorts of lighting.

http://images.autojager.com/pictures/52032437.jpg

http://photos.ecarlist.com/Gu/bS/3Z/1H/Zz/Qi/C1/WT/1O/5t/Bw_640.jpg


Originally posted by flipstah
Brown with white interior? Someone had an interesting order then backed out I guess haha.
That's what I asked. Apparently, Lone Star sold a bunch in this color combo. Interior is black wood, just the seats are white (porcelain). Looks like this:

http://www.benzblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2012-CLS550-Porcelain-Interior-595x446.jpg

http://www.benzblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2012-CLS550-Porcelain-Interior-2-595x446.jpg

[Cos]

.

[K3RMiTdot]

congrats on the new ride, the interior is absolutely bad ass!

[flipstah]

Ohh that color makes more sense. It's like silver-bronze than brown. :thumbsup:

[95teetee]

Originally posted by buh_buh
the color and texture of poo but dried out, old poo as opposed to wet, fresh poo:dunno:

[JustinMCS]

Love the white seats. That's what sealed the deal on my car. Not common and looks sick. Contrast FTW.

[BensonTT]

Nice car but thats an old mans car color.. Just sayin...

[Perfect Dark]

Originally posted by BensonTT
Nice car but thats an old mans car color.. Just sayin...

You obviously don't know how old Rage is :D

[BensonTT]

Originally posted by Perfect Dark


You obviously don't know how old Rage is :D

Old Man in like his 50's or 60's... LoL:)

[rage2]

I feel like an old man driving this thing haha. It's fast tho, prob as fast as the BS from 0-100.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I like the color, understated!

[94boosted]

Nice car Rage! CLS's have such nice lines :drool:

Still can't beleive you got something that's non AMG though.

[colinxx235]

Originally posted by 94boosted
Nice car Rage! CLS's have such nice lines :drool:

Still can't beleive you got something that's non AMG though.


Beyond betting pool on how long until he returns it for a black one with AMG package?

[rage2]

I got spoiled by AWD, so for the winter car, that's a priority. Def not getting a CLS63.

Besides, a chip will unleash 530hp on this car anyways, same power as the CLS63 haha.

[flipstah]

My parent's Volvo has white seats.

The indigo will definitely transfer but it comes off after a thorough detailing.

Penmarks will actually be your worst enemy.

[jonnycat]

I use those "wet ones" wipes on my tan seats to get rid of jean stains.

They work well

[Kg810]

Love the interior, but not sure how I feel about the color. It's probably one of those colors that looks 2x better in person than in photos.

[Sky]

Originally posted by rage2
I got spoiled by AWD, so for the winter car, that's a priority. Def not getting a CLS63.

Besides, a chip will unleash 530hp on this car anyways, same power as the CLS63 haha.

Will pushing the ESP completely turn off traction control? Its unfortunate that you can't really drift the 4 matics in winter.

[rage2]

You can drift a 4matic, I made sure before I settled on the car haha. There's videos of the AMG winter schools where you learn how to drift all of the 4matic cars. The traction control that it doesn't turn off is basically a rear LSD. ESP off, the car gets sideways.

So one of the things I don't like about big cars is that they're terrible for parallel parking. Turns out this car parks itself. Bonus!

[Sky]

LOL... guess i haven't been trying hard enough. Finally getting winters this year, should be fun then.

Parallel parks itself?? Awesome! That would totally spoil me.

[zipdoa]

in for carpooling to the office!

[VWEvo]

Originally posted by rage2
You can drift a 4matic, I made sure before I settled on the car haha. There's videos of the AMG winter schools where you learn how to drift all of the 4matic cars. The traction control that it doesn't turn off is basically a rear LSD. ESP off, the car gets sideways.

So one of the things I don't like about big cars is that they're terrible for parallel parking. Turns out this car parks itself. Bonus!

My 550i parked itself, and it was a godsend. Ironically my newer 7 series doesn't. BMW has some ass backwards thinking.

[rage2]

We spent lunch hour looking for the tightest spots to parallel park. It handled it with ease, parking in spots that I could never do in 1 shot. Pretty cool.

Of course, I looked like an idiot on one spot, when I forgot to click OK to activate it. Just kept going back. People looking at me like I'm a moron haha.

[VWEvo]

For some reason, and I swear I wouldn't do this on purpose, I would hold my hands up. Its as if I subconciously wanted the world to know, that my car can park itself. Yes, I know, I probably looked like a douche bag. Interestingly, Ford has sub 30k cars that can do the same.

[jwslam]

One of my best friends has the biggest pet peeve for the auto-park feature.

Can't Park? Don't Drive.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by VWEvo
For some reason, and I swear I wouldn't do this on purpose, I would hold my hands up. Its as if I subconciously wanted the world to know, that my car can park itself. Yes, I know, I probably looked like a douche bag. Interestingly, Ford has sub 30k cars that can do the same.

I wouldn't want to get my arms twisted by that demonic automated steering wheel.

Awesome party trick for kids though.

That and old people lol.

[jwslam]

Originally posted by flipstah
That and old people lol.
My dad came running home one day telling me about this news.
Well... and a lot of other "news" like auto-drop windows and rain-sensing wipers.

Last time my parents bought a brand-new car was 1995 before last year.

[Disoblige]

Originally posted by jwslam
One of my best friends has the biggest pet peeve for the auto-park feature.

Can't Park? Don't Drive.
lol whatever. When you drive a boat, it's fucking nice when you can just park fast and easy on 17th ave or something.

Anyone can say whatever they want but that is a sweet feature.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Disoblige

lol whatever. When you drive a boat, it's fucking nice when you can just park fast and easy on 17th ave or something.

Anyone can say whatever they want but that is a sweet feature.

Long wheelbase + auto-parallel parking = Godsend.

:werd:

[VWEvo]

Originally posted by flipstah


Long wheelbase + auto-parallel parking = Godsend.

:werd:

or in my case

Long Wheelbase + no auto parallel parking = Holding up traffic on 17th like a boss!!

[spiceboy]

Love the CLS ... so unique.
This is the first vehicle that I wouldn't mind keep getting (generation after generation).
Although I still love the looks of my W219, everything is so outdated comparing to W218. I wonder if the handling has been improved on yours. You must be so used to driving the CBS now that the CLS must feel like a boat. You definitely need to have a different mindset (old man's) when stepping inside that cockpit. :D

I wish there was 4matic for the W219 ....


Originally posted by rage2
I got spoiled by AWD, so for the winter car, that's a priority. Def not getting a CLS63.

Besides, a chip will unleash 530hp on this car anyways, same power as the CLS63 haha.

[86max]

That color combo is wicked, nice car!

I think the white/black interior looks so much nicer than all black. Meguiars Leather Wipes also do a good job at keeping light colored leather free of denim stains etc.

[rage2]

Originally posted by VWEvo
For some reason, and I swear I wouldn't do this on purpose, I would hold my hands up. Its as if I subconciously wanted the world to know, that my car can park itself. Yes, I know, I probably looked like a douche bag. Interestingly, Ford has sub 30k cars that can do the same.
haha same, but I think it's because I dunno where to put my hands. Feels kinda weird on your lap haha.

I think Ford was the first to introduce this type of self parking where it only controls the steering. Pretty smart, doesn't need much hardware to make it work. Everyone copied them I think.


Originally posted by flipstah
I wouldn't want to get my arms twisted by that demonic automated steering wheel.

Awesome party trick for kids though.

That and old people lol.
Def a cool party trick. But ya, if you touch the steering wheel it disabled, so you can't really lose your arms.


Originally posted by spiceboy
Although I still love the looks of my W219, everything is so outdated comparing to W218. I wonder if the handling has been improved on yours. You must be so used to driving the CBS now that the CLS must feel like a boat.
It doesn't handle like a boat. It's more tight than the current E550. It's a good balance between comfort and handling. I need summer tires on it to really gauge how it really handles tho, the all seasons on it sucks. Drove it fairly hard, very little body roll, but the damn tires are giving up way too early in the turns.

[benyl]

Originally posted by rage2

I think Ford was the first to introduce this type of self parking where it only controls the steering. Pretty smart, doesn't need much hardware to make it work. Everyone copied them I think.


Wasn't it Lexus? too lazy to google.

[kenny]

Originally posted by rage2

haha same, but I think it's because I dunno where to put my hands. Feels kinda weird on your lap haha.

I think Ford was the first to introduce this type of self parking where it only controls the steering. Pretty smart, doesn't need much hardware to make it work. Everyone copied them I think.


No additional hardware is required for the fully automatic one (since throttle is all drive by wire nowadays). Just did a quick search on the Ford technology (from 2010) and the lady in the video says "just throw it into reverse and ride the brakes".

I think the fully automated parking systems would scare the shit out of me. Neat technology to experience though.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by rage2
We spent lunch hour looking for the tightest spots to parallel park. It handled it with ease, parking in spots that I could never do in 1 shot. Pretty cool.

Of course, I looked like an idiot on one spot, when I forgot to click OK to activate it. Just kept going back. People looking at me like I'm a moron haha. That is damn cool.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by max_boost
That is damn cool.

The life of a bawwws. :bigpimp:

[Mibz]

Originally posted by benyl
Wasn't it Lexus? too lazy to google. Yeah, I remember an old Lexus commercial from years and years ago about them parking themselves.

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by Mibz
Yeah, I remember an old Lexus commercial from years and years ago about them parking themselves.

RsLNNkfSoYI

[4doorj]

Is it slow at parallel parking?

[rage2]

On the CLS I control the brake and throttle, so it can go fast. The steering wheel definately rotates faster than I can, it takes some really aggressive angles. Definately does a better job than me, and I'm a damn good parallel parker.

[heavyD]

Rage you are the ultimate MB fanboy. I will say though that it thoroughly trounces being a Honda fanboy.:rofl:

[buh_buh]

Saw it today.
Thought it was a 60 year old man driving it.

[rage2]

Originally posted by buh_buh
Saw it today.
Thought it was a 60 year old man driving it.
I feel like a 60 year old man driving it. :rofl:

[buh_buh]

If it was flat black, you'd shave off at least 10 years off that look, close to your actual age.

[rage2]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mercedes-Benz-CLS350-CDI.jpg

[JustinMCS]

Originally posted by rage2

haha same, but I think it's because I dunno where to put my hands. Feels kinda weird on your lap haha.

I think Ford was the first to introduce this type of self parking where it only controls the steering. Pretty smart, doesn't need much hardware to make it work. Everyone copied them I think.

Toyota was the initial inventor of the self parking technology on the Prius in Japan. It came out in 2003.

They brought out the next generation parking assist in 2006 on the next generation Prius and Lexus LS in 2006.

Ford came out with a copy of the technology in 2009.

[flipstah]

The human within me would be hesitant not to cover the brake while it does its' thing.

[Toma]

Originally posted by rage2


As for the color, I saved a lot of money by not going Black. The white leather interior will be interesting on a daily basis haha.

Really? Black is more??

When I go to a bodyshop supply, black is always the cheapest colour lol. wtf.

[Henry Ford]"Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black"[/Henry Ford]

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Toma


Really? Black is more??

When I go to a bodyshop supply, black is always the cheapest colour lol. wtf.

[Henry Ford]"Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black"[/Henry Ford]

Black (metallic) is actually a tricky color to paint. Actually, metallic in general is tricky.

Also, it easily shows imperfections against the light.

[Revhard]

I think the colour suits the car, and the interior is the nicest I've seen in some time!! Nice ride for sure.:thumbsup:

[Toma]

Originally posted by flipstah


Black (metallic) is actually a tricky color to paint. Actually, metallic in general is tricky.


Sure, but I was thinking traditional black black. Not some disco ball black.

[rage2]

It wasn't the paint that costed more. It was what it was optioned with, and year of the car.

[buh_buh]

It's probably that they had this one sitting on the lot and wanted to firesale it.

[Mibz]

Originally posted by buh_buh
It's probably that they had this one sitting on the lot and wanted to firesale it. Yuuuuup.

[max_boost]

Still should have gone with the black! Anything else is just whack for you lol

[flipstah]

Originally posted by rage2
It wasn't the paint that costed more. It was what it was optioned with, and year of the car.

Probably 2013. When I went to check the E-Class, they were more than lenient on busting out discounts for the 2012MY.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by max_boost
Still should have gone with the black! Anything else is just whack for you lol

It's a telltale sign of somebody getting a little up there in years when color of their car becomes secondary to price.;)

[962 kid]

Originally posted by JustinMCS


Toyota was the initial inventor of the self parking technology on the Prius in Japan. It came out in 2003.

They brought out the next generation parking assist in 2006 on the next generation Prius and Lexus LS in 2006.

Ford came out with a copy of the technology in 2009.

Nah, VW did it a decade before Toyota