Audi S6 -> BMW 650xi Cab

[amelen]

I've been waiting for a 911 cab (and keeping an eye on the up coming 8-series), but have an opportunity to get into a 2018 650xi cab at a great price. Does anyone have any experience going to the 650 from an Audi S6/S7? I'm worried that the 650 won't have the sporty dynamics that I get from my S6 now. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[mrjsmith88]

Ok raced a s7 on the hwy it kept up wit me but my 650 did the work bmw has the suspension and engine I believe Audi has the look and the engine suspension I always see people change em out in ny in Audi

[Opie55]

Depending on how you drive, you might want to consider getting the 650 with the active sway bars. Keeps it very flat in hard corners. I bought my 2015 as a CPO, and decoded the VIN of pretty much every car for sale in the country, and it turns out that, at least in 2015, that option was very rare - 1 out of 50 or so.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Depending on how you drive, you might want to consider getting the 650 with the active sway bars. Keeps it very flat in hard corners. I bought my 2015 as a CPO, and decoded the VIN of pretty much every car for sale in the country, and it turns out that, at least in 2015, that option was very rare - 1 out of 50 or so.

Do you know what that option code is for the sway bars?

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by thebmw

Do you know what that option code is for the sway bars?

It's called 2VA Adaptive Drive. Most cars just have the dampers that adjust to bumps. This options has that and the active roll bars.

[amelen]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Depending on how you drive, you might want to consider getting the 650 with the active sway bars. Keeps it very flat in hard corners. I bought my 2015 as a CPO, and decoded the VIN of pretty much every car for sale in the country, and it turns out that, at least in 2015, that option was very rare - 1 out of 50 or so.

How did you decode the VIN? The build option is now gone from BMW's site as they prepare for the 8-series, but when it was there, I didn't remember seeing that option. Was it for specific years?

[Opie55]

Originally Posted by amelen

How did you decode the VIN? The build option is now gone from BMW's site as they prepare for the 8-series, but when it was there, I didn't remember seeing that option. Was it for specific years?

I have not looked beyond 2016. But I can't imagine they would cancel it - unless it became standard. As for decoding the VIN, if you have a VIN (just need the last 7 digits) there are numerous VIN decoders online. I use one at bimmer.work.

[amelen]

Originally Posted by Opie55

I have not looked beyond 2016. But I can't imagine they would cancel it - unless it became standard. As for decoding the VIN, if you have a VIN (just need the last 7 digits) there are numerous VIN decoders online. I use one at bimmer.work.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/g232266

Seems like it has, might be standard on the M-Sports package now though.

[amelen]

Actually, nevermind, I don't see Adaptive Drive on the one I was looking at or any of the others I spot checked.

[Opie55]

Yeah, if they don't have it, then it will list the "dynamic damper control" like that one does. That will not be listed if the car has Adaptive Drive. I'm surprised it's such a rare option. I would think a lot of people buying/leasing a $115,000 high performance car would check that box. But no.

Actually, I'm surprised how infrequently a lot of options are checked on a car this expensive. Most people get the MSport package and all that comes with that. But after that, the only true option that gets checked with any regularity is the B&O stereo. And a number of buyers opt for the 20" wheels.

I was only looking at 2015s as they came off lease earlier this year, but try to find one with adaptive cruise control. They do not exist. The one I ended up buying has four options that are rare - the active sway bars, night vision, the weird butt massagers, and red sycamore wood.

One thing I thought was interesting is that even people who opted for Individual paint and Individual full leather at an extra cost of $5,500 rarely opted for any other expensive options except B&O sound.

[Flying Ace]

I wouldn't say the 650 convertible is a direct competitor of a S6/7, maybe a 650i GC or a 550i.

[upstate650]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

I wouldn't say the 650 convertible is a direct competitor of a S6/7, maybe a 650i GC or a 550i.

correct. 550=S6, 650 GC=S7. f12 and 13 have no direct competitor in the audi line, as the S5, based on the S4, is a 440 competitor.

[drmlee]

i went from c7 s6 to 650gc rwd. from my personal experience, the audi drove/handled slightly better. power is about the same, i liked the dsg better than standard auto. theres some things i like better in the audi and some in the bmw. the reason i got rid of my 2013 s6 was it left me stranded 3 times in the first 30k miles since new. that really pissed me off and i refused to buy another audi for the time being. in the almost 3 years ive had the 650, it has never had any problems what so ever, other than having to top up oil and add coolant, nothing has ever broke or made me stuck on the side of the freeway/road ever. when i got my 650gc, ive always liked the looks so much that i bought it without a test drive.

[Draman]

Not a direct comparison as I have an S7 rather than an S6 and a 650i GC rather than a cab, but I'll throw my opinion out there.

Subjectively, I think the BMW has a more appealing interior design. The dash layout is significantly more unique than the dash in the S6/S7. The S6/S7 do have better looking seats though.

The BMW is more comfortable and has developed fewer squeeks/rattles.

The Audi is slightly faster. In a straight line, it will walk the 650. With an APR tune, the S7 is a good bit faster than the 650 with BMS (nothing crazy, but it will have a few car lengths).

They are relatively even in cornering performance until around 8/10, at which point the Audi is probably slightly better due to the sport differential. Before I bought my S7, I tested models both with and without the sport differential option. I think the BMW would outhandle the Audi if it lacked the differential. In my limited testing, the Audi tended to understeer and plow into turns without it. Neither car is an expert canyon carver, mind you, but both are pretty fun to let loose with.

The Audi is significantly more economical (I have around 19 mpg lifetime average in the 650 and around 24 mpg lifetime average in the S7).

The Audi is significantly more practical due to the hatchback, but this would not apply to the S6.

The Audi has been to the shop a few times, including 2 flat bed tows with a flashing check engine. Neither ended up being anything major, but it was very inconvenient. The BMW has not had any problems.

In a vacuum, I would take the 650 over an S6 every day. The S6 just looks boring to me. The decision would be much more difficult if it was an S7, in which case I might go with the Audi. S7 vs 650 would probably be a coin flip for me.

[amelen]

Thank you for all the input! Very helpful. The other caveat is my S6 is a blue/white combo (makes it very unique) and the 650 I'm looking at is a black/white (seems boring). I'm thinking about doing a short lease on the 650 and then seeing what the 8-series looks like by then.

Current S6:

[murph914]

The six and 911 are at opposite ends of the sportiness spectrum. The 911 is a better handling quicker and all around more sporty car. The 6 in comparison is much heavier and more luxurious. This makes the 6 a great gt car to travel at speed and to cruise around town. When the 8 comes out I am sure it will be the new hotness everyone will want, so be prepared for that. If I were you I'd get a 911 short term to see if its for you. If you love the 911 keep it, if you want to see what BMW has to offer the 8 would be about the right timing. Skip the 911 if you hate the owner crowd and the environment at the dealer. P Cars are also silly to maintain.

Either way, you're talking about some great metal here! Thought about what MB has to offer?

[amelen]

Originally Posted by murph914

The six and 911 are at opposite ends of the sportiness spectrum. The 911 is a better handling quicker and all around more sporty car. The 6 in comparison is much heavier and more luxurious. This makes the 6 a great gt car to travel at speed and to cruise around town. When the 8 comes out I am sure it will be the new hotness everyone will want, so be prepared for that. If I were you I'd get a 911 short term to see if its for you. If you love the 911 keep it, if you want to see what BMW has to offer the 8 would be about the right timing. Skip the 911 if you hate the owner crowd and the environment at the dealer. P Cars are also silly to maintain.

Either way, you're talking about some great metal here! Thought about what MB has to offer?

Great input. I need a 4-seater sporty convertible with AWD, not too many options from MB. The S550 isn't bad, but costs a lot more than the 6-series, is it worth it? Doesn't seem so. The C43 leases for the same price as the 650xi. The 650xi felt like it was in a different league compared to the C43.

Regarding short term 911, a short-term 650 is 2x cheaper than a short term 911. So if anything, I'm thinking a short term 650 (getting a great price on one), and then decide if to do the 8 or the 911. I'm thinking the 8 will be a good middle ground between the current 6 and the 911.

[murph914]

Originally Posted by amelen

Great input. I need a 4-seater sporty convertible with AWD, not too many options from MB. The S550 isn't bad, but costs a lot more than the 6-series, is it worth it? Doesn't seem so. The C43 leases for the same price as the 650xi. The 650xi felt like it was in a different league compared to the C43.

Regarding short term 911, a short-term 650 is 2x cheaper than a short term 911. So if anything, I'm thinking a short term 650 (getting a great price on one), and then decide if to do the 8 or the 911. I'm thinking the 8 will be a good middle ground between the current 6 and the 911.

Ahh I see. The six seems to fit then. I was thinking the AMG GT Roadster, but it doesn't fit your AWD 4 seat stipulation. I think the six will slide right into what you're looking for.

[drmlee]

Originally Posted by amelen

Great input. I need a 4-seater sporty convertible with AWD, not too many options from MB. The S550 isn't bad, but costs a lot more than the 6-series, is it worth it? Doesn't seem so. The C43 leases for the same price as the 650xi. The 650xi felt like it was in a different league compared to the C43.

Regarding short term 911, a short-term 650 is 2x cheaper than a short term 911. So if anything, I'm thinking a short term 650 (getting a great price on one), and then decide if to do the 8 or the 911. I'm thinking the 8 will be a good middle ground between the current 6 and the 911.

if its the same price as a c43, how much are they offering you the 6vert for? under 1000?

[amelen]

Originally Posted by drmlee

if its the same price as a c43, how much are they offering you the 6vert for? under 1000?

Yes, a couple of grand under $100k (MSRP is $113k on this specific one). More-so though, the BMW leases a lot better than the c43, so in the end the lease rates are almost the same on both.

[MiamiSeminole24]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Yeah, if they don't have it, then it will list the "dynamic damper control" like that one does. That will not be listed if the car has Adaptive Drive. I'm surprised it's such a rare option. I would think a lot of people buying/leasing a $115,000 high performance car would check that box. But no.

Actually, I'm surprised how infrequently a lot of options are checked on a car this expensive. Most people get the MSport package and all that comes with that. But after that, the only true option that gets checked with any regularity is the B&O stereo. And a number of buyers opt for the 20" wheels.

I was only looking at 2015s as they came off lease earlier this year, but try to find one with adaptive cruise control. They do not exist. The one I ended up buying has four options that are rare - the active sway bars, night vision, the weird butt massagers, and red sycamore wood.

One thing I thought was interesting is that even people who opted for Individual paint and Individual full leather at an extra cost of $5,500 rarely opted for any other expensive options except B&O sound.

Just decoded my 2015 F06 and it lists Electronic Damper Control is that the same as the Dynamic you are talking about?

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by MiamiSeminole24

Just decoded my 2015 F06 and it lists Electronic Damper Control is that the same as the Dynamic you are talking about?

It is not

Originally Posted by Opie55

Depending on how you drive, you might want to consider getting the 650 with the active sway bars. Keeps it very flat in hard corners. I bought my 2015 as a CPO, and decoded the VIN of pretty much every car for sale in the country, and it turns out that, at least in 2015, that option was very rare - 1 out of 50 or so.

The active suspension was a priority 1 option - meaning the dealer could not order it for stock without saying the car was sold and listing a purchaser. Now they can of course make up a name, but the option was like $3,600 if I remember correctly and with these cars costing as much as they do, it was rarely something they wanted to tack on. However, I just drove in a brand new M550 and it made a nice difference. $3,600 difference? Well to some people yes.

Re the S6/650 debate... I looked closely at a S6 and 650GC back in 2014. Went with the 650GC because of the interior, looks, lease price, and believe it or not, the steering. The Audi felt so over boosted and light - the 650GC (XI) had the old hydraulic steering and I loved it!

But the car was LONG and lethargic unless you were in sport mode - and then the transmission was always dragging you down from speed. So I suspect the S6 would have had better driving dynamics - except for the DCT transmission - I've been in several of those and hate them in stop and go and... there were those reports of the lag when you needed to take off in a hurry, like crossing a busy street and having to wait for a second or two before the car went.

Anyway... that Blue/Grey combo is sweet. I would stick with it!