5 Used Budget Versions Of German Icons That Won't Dissapoint

BMW 650i E63/64 - Budget M6

The BMW E63/E64 replaced the BMW E24 6 Series 14 years after its production had ended, BMW also decided to add a convertible to the lineup. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series used a shortened chassis from the BMW E60/E61 5 Series, and has many similarities, the BMW iDrive for example. The BMW E63/E64 design was based on the BMW Z9 Concept from 1999, its exterior was redesigned by Adrian Van Hooydonk, and David Carp designed the interior of the car. The BMW E63/E64 6 Series was introduced in autumn of 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and had its premiere at the North American Auto Show.

The development process of the BMW E63/E64 also had its own documentary with three episodes, the Discovery Channel Canada Series named it Birth of a Sports Car. The episodes were organised from design, testing and production. 630CI and 635D models were not sold anywhere in America, but only sold in Europe and other parts of the world, while the 645Ci and 650i V8 models were available everywhere. Production started on 18 March 2004 and ended on July 31 2010, it was then replaced by the current 6 Series, a 4-door coupe called the Gran Coupe was added to the lineup.

Under the bonnet of the 650i, you’ll find the N62B48 4.8L V8 engine producing 367 horsepower. The engine was shared with the 5 series (E60/61), 7 series (E65) and X5 (E53/70) at that time. A higher mileage example can cost you around 12.000, while a very well kept one cost up to 30.000 and up. And for that, you’ll get a beautiful sounding German V8, excellent build quality, luxury and RWD fun.

By the way, the 650i replaced the 645Ci in 2006.

Audi S6 C6/4F - Budget RS 6

The S6 was the high performance version of the C6 A6 before the RS 6 came along (though, the RS 6 wasn’t sold in America), It was available in Limousine (Sedan/Saloon) and Avant (estate/wagon) versions. Production started in June 2006. The facelifted version of the C6 A6/S6 was released in 2008, which meant the RS 6 only was available as the facelifted version. In 2010, the S6 got an extra little facelift which included Audi’s third-generation MMI electronics controller and real-time traffic information. The C6/4F was replaced by the now current A6 C7/4G in 2011.

The C6 S6 featured the BXA engine, an even firing all-aluminium alloy 5,204 cc 90° V10 engine with Audi’s Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology, 4 valves per cylinder it used the 07L parts code like most other Audi V10 engines. Compared to the 5.0-litre V10 found in the Lamborghini Gallardo (Same engine block used in the C6 RS6’s BUH engine), The BXA/BSM has a longer stroke and wider bore which increases the displacement of the engine so that it produces more torque at lower revs, and is more suitable for the larger and heavier S6 luxury saloon. It produces 435 horsepower at 6.800 rpm and 540 nm of torque at 3.000 - 4.000 rpm. The BXA/BSM is based on the BAR 4.2L V8 engine.

The S6 has the Torsen Differential Quattro system, providing the car with a 40:60 between the front and rear wheels. It doesn’t matter if you choose the Limousine (Sedan), Avant, or the facelifted version, you’ll get loads of V10 noise, typical Audi build quality and grip with the legendary Quattro system. You can get one in your hands for as little as 10.000, and up to 45.000 for a very well kept, low mileage example.

Mercedes-Benz ML 550 W164 - Budget ML 63 AMG

Development on a successor to the W163 already began in 1999 under the codename “W164” and spanned a period of 6 years. In late 2001, the production design styled by Steve Mattin under Peter Pfeiffer was chosen and approved by the executive board in 2002. The design patents were filed in Germany on 10 June 2003, and in the America on 25 July. Chassis prototypes (test mules) were used throughout 2003 and 2004, concluding in early 2005. The redesigned M-class W164 was introduced in April 2005 for the 2006 model after being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January. It was pretty much new, it featured a more sporty and aerodynamic look, and the coefficient of drag went down to 0.34 compared to the previous generation (W163). Mercedes also made the W164 M-Class 71 mm larger, 150 mm longer and 5 mm lower than the first model. The M-Class won the Best SUV award” in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

The AMG version of the W164the was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as a limited edition 2007 model. It featured a 6.2 L M156 V8 engine producing 510 hp and 630 Nm that was handbuilt in Germany. The engine is mated to an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. The W164 ML 63 AMG can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5 seconds, the ML 63 AMG was most powerful naturally aspırated V8 SUV in the world.

Under the bonnet of the ML 550, you’ll find a 5.5L V8 engine producing 382 horsepower at 6.000 rpm. You can pick them up for as little as 9.000 for a higher mileage example, while a lower mileage one can cost around 40.000. You’ll get decent offroad capabilites, a torquey V8 engine and a good amount of typical German luxury.

Porshce 911 (997) Carrera GTS - Budget 911 Turbo S/GT3/GT2

The 997 was the successor of the outgoing 996 generation, the most significant changes were found in the interior as well as exterior styling. Larger 18 inch wheels were also fitted as standard, and other engineering changes included slightly increased power output; however, the car is technically very similar to its predecessor in many ways. A new S version was also offered, with additional power from a slightly larger engine, sports suspension, and sports exhaust.

In 2009 the 997 went through a facelift which included styling changes, revised engines with direct injection and Porsche’s PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgretriebe) dual clutch transmission as know it today. The facelifted 997.2 models were faster, lighter and more fuel efficient than the pre-facelift versions, they also had improved handling in order to keep up with the rivals. In the case of the 997 Turbo, a more advanced AWD system with an optional “torque vectoring” system was also a part of the upgrades package, in an October 2009, Car and Driver magazine estimated that when equipped with the PDK transmission, the updated Turbo should be capable of going from 0-100 km/h in around three seconds.

There was also a 911 Sport Classic, which was a limited 250 units version of 911 Carrera S coupé (they were all sold in less than 48 hours), inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS. The engine produces 408 horsepower via a newly developed resonance intake manifold with 6 vacuum-controlled switching flaps. It included a 6-speed manual transmission, double-dome roof, 44 mm wider rear body, Sports-Design front apron with spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position (also found on the 1973 Carrera RS), PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, 20 mm lower PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) sports suspension, mechanical rear axle differential, 19-inch wheels with black rim spokes, Porsche Exclusive leather seats and door panels, dashboard with Espresso Nature natural leather upholstery and Sport Classic Gray body colour.

In 2011, Porsche launched a new mid-level 911 coming in above the Carrera and below the GT3. Starting at $103,100 and up to $112,900 USD, the Carrera GTS was available as both a coupé and cabriolet, the car also got a wider body, which mean that it was the only Carrera with a wide track that was also RWD. The car also featured an upgraded 3.8L F6 (Flat 6) engine producing 408 horsepower. An AWD version called the Carrera 4 GTS also available. In addition to the AWD system, a Carrera 4 GTS can be identified by a distinct reflective stripe between the tail lights. These might be cheaper than a Turbo S, but that doesn’t meant they actually are “Cheap” at all. The cheapest examples can be found for around 60.000, and up to over 80.000. Also, make sure to have some extra money for the service costs.

VW Golf 5 GTi - Budget Golf R32

The Golf 5 GTI featured a 2.0 L turbocharged I4 with Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology, it produces 200 horsepower. It was available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback body shapes, and also came with a choice of 6-speed manual or a DSG which reduced shift time to only 8ms, resulting in faster acceleration times.

The GTI concept car was first show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The first production model was unveiled at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, France in September of 2004, and went on sale shortly thereafter. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006, the GTI made its American debut in the 3-door version, where it was sold under the “GTI” name, with no reference to the Rabbit. The MK5 GTI had a price increase over the previous mode though, mainly because the it was mainly built in Wolfburg, Germany, unlike the Mk4 which was mostly built in Brazil. The Mk5 Golf GTI won the 2007 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine in December of 2006.

In the end of September 2005, the Mk5 R32 went on sale in Europe. It featured an updated version of the BUB 3.2L VR6 engine (also found in the Audi A3 8P and TT 8N/8J) of the one fitted to the Mk4 R32, with an extra 10 horsepower and courtesy of a reworked inlet manifold. Maximum power was 250 PS at 6.300 rpm, though the torque was unchanged at 320 nm. It reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 0 - 100 km/h will take 6.5 seconds with the manual version, and would be reduced to 6.2 s with the DSG .

You can buy a MK5 GTI for as little as 8.000, and up to 16.000 for a clean example.

Which car do you think is a budget version of a German icon? Let me know.

#Blogpost