Which Cabrio. Which engine

[D11NCS]

Hello everybody , have a 2.4 2003 A4 cabriolet ...only done 40K but wanting to replace for another cabriolet.. due to carting boat stuff etc want a rag top with a big boot and no struts..so BMW 3 series out ..feel my options are either an A5/S5 or the new Merc E class. Plan to test drive both
Biggest prob will be choosing engine.. diesel or petrol.? and then what size? .Clarkson in sunday times said he would rather buy a nose bleed than the smaller diessel. As both makes are in high demand expect I will have to order new (first time ever...usually buy demo with high spec)
I dont do a lot of miles per yr , tend to keep car for a long time and could afford most models . Never had a diesel (noisy? uncool sound?) and am worried smaller petrol engine will dissappoint in terms of performance. 3.0tdi or S5? Or am I being over the top? Am worried re some of the posts on audi new car problems on this forum ..but have no experience about Mercs either. To quote my Audi specialist independent garage "they dont build them like they used to"
Any thoughts welcome. Duncs

[chrisward50]

Hi had diesel engine in Merc E220 and it was brill-performance wise and Ecomical wise-though was a 2000 model. Then had peugeot 406 coupe with similar 2.2 diesel engine similar experience. Recently had Merc S320 )ideal for your use) and converted it to LPG with the Prinz top of the range system-fantastic mortoring and economical-69 pence per litre. Heard lost of nonsense aboput the conversion-went to specilaist in Ripley who did a great job and no issues at-they also serviced the merc which helped.
So Diesels are good in my view and you also have other options-converting an Audi seconf hand witk low mileage-if you keep the cars for as long as you intend then ther payback will come on the initial converdson outlay over the years, helped by the saving in fuel and road tax discount

[fourringsrus]

Your 3.0 tdi A5 is extremely similar in performance to your S5, but is so much better on economy,check them both out and surprise yourself