Made the jump to an ATS-V

[kdphan]

I had a little fun earlier this morning.

Wanted to pass up a guy camping in the fast lane. Stepped on it and didn't realize how fast I got within seconds. Next thing I know I see flashing lights in my rear view.

Younger CHP clocked me at 86 but I might have gone a bit faster.

Long story short, he gave me a fix it ticket to update my address on my license. Told me he was considering the ATS-V before he settled for an S3.

I told him I would've let him drive my car if I wasn't in a hurry to see my mother in the hospital.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by AW BMW

Congrats on your new car, I like the color combo you chose. I guess it's hit and miss with rattles and noises, my wife's MB E350 rattles and creeks a lot compared to my m3. The M is rattle free for me and my car is pretty low to the ground since its on coilovers. Now going back to the gas situation I read earlier, seems that the wife's E350 has worse gas mileage then the M. The E350 averages about 18 miles a gallon and the M about 19.5 miles, I wonder how good the cadi is on gas. Well enjoy your car in good health, thanks for posting your experience.

I think the older V6 designs aren't as efficient.

Wife had a g37 not too far back and it was just as bad as the GS.

[AW BMW]

Originally Posted by kdphan

I think the older V6 designs aren't as efficient.

Wife had a g37 not too far back and it was just as bad as the GS.

I agree, my mother had a Altima v6 and a Maxima v6 and the altima had good gas mileage while the maxima had terrible gas mileage. Both had the same engine but in this case I think the weight difference had something to do with it. Either way I think the 6 cylinder engines now are more efficient, I bet your cadi gets better mileage than your wife's gs.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by AW BMW

I agree, my mother had a Altima v6 and a Maxima v6 and the altima had good gas mileage while the maxima had terrible gas mileage. Both had the same engine but in this case I think the weight difference had something to do with it. Either way I think the 6 cylinder engines now are more efficient, I bet your cadi gets better mileage than your wife's gs.

Through 200+ miles I'm getting 22mpg. But most of it is doing 80-85 on the fwy.

[Rain49king]

Originally Posted by kdphan

Not sure how I'm justifying my purchase. I'm providing an overview of my experience with the 2 cars that are similar and why I traded in the M.

The caddy rides firm as well but not as firm as the M3. It doesn't feel harsh as the M. Even though the ATS rides softer, it doesn't give up anything on the handling department according to magazine reviews.

Lol wasn't trying to offend just stating the obvious. Most people tend to justify a purchase myself included ie. traded my 7000 mile F82 in on F80 because I told myself 4 doors would be more practical. Bottom line it's your money and you don't have to justify your purchase to me or anyone else. You stated the thing about the baby and ride being to rough, when I read that I started laughing because I pictured myself trying to sell the idea to the wife "hey honey I am worried the baby might get a concussion from the stiff ride in this car, lets buy a Cadillac". Anyway enjoy the car like I said before I haven't driven the ATS-V so you are more qualified to give the comparison, but based on the styling the car is not for me.

[Xtabi]

Originally Posted by Rain49king

Lol wasn't trying to offend just stating the obvious. Most people tend to justify a purchase myself included ie. traded my 7000 mile F82 in on F80 because I told myself 4 doors would be more practical. Bottom line it's your money and you don't have to justify your purchase to me or anyone else. You stated the thing about the baby and ride being to rough, when I read that I started laughing because I pictured myself trying to sell the idea to the wife "hey honey I am worried the baby might get a concussion from the stiff ride in this car, lets buy a Cadillac". Anyway enjoy the car like I said before I haven't driven the ATS-V so you are more qualified to give the comparison, but based on the styling the car is not for me.

Rain if it's any consolation that is the way I read it.

I ride in sport/sport+ 90% of the time. Including when the 7 yo and/or 4 yo are in.I have not had a reason to drive the 5 month old yet, but she would get the same settings.

I came from an 8 year old Acura TL. I am loving how the car feels in these settings.

Again OP congrats on the car! I can't imagine dumping my M3 for anything else out there. But if you kid(s?) are getting a better ride, fewer complaints, and you are happy that is all that matters!

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by Rain49king

Lol wasn't trying to offend just stating the obvious. Most people tend to justify a purchase myself included ie. traded my 7000 mile F82 in on F80 because I told myself 4 doors would be more practical. Bottom line it's your money and you don't have to justify your purchase to me or anyone else. You stated the thing about the baby and ride being to rough, when I read that I started laughing because I pictured myself trying to sell the idea to the wife "hey honey I am worried the baby might get a concussion from the stiff ride in this car, lets buy a Cadillac". Anyway enjoy the car like I said before I haven't driven the ATS-V so you are more qualified to give the comparison, but based on the styling the car is not for me.

similar to my excuse when I got the M3, lol. We needed a 4dr for he baby.

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by Rain49king

Lol wasn't trying to offend just stating the obvious. Most people tend to justify a purchase myself included ie. traded my 7000 mile F82 in on F80 because I told myself 4 doors would be more practical. Bottom line it's your money and you don't have to justify your purchase to me or anyone else. You stated the thing about the baby and ride being to rough, when I read that I started laughing because I pictured myself trying to sell the idea to the wife "hey honey I am worried the baby might get a concussion from the stiff ride in this car, lets buy a Cadillac". Anyway enjoy the car like I said before I haven't driven the ATS-V so you are more qualified to give the comparison, but based on the styling the car is not for me.

OP isn't exactly making up ride quality issues. What some might find adequate for them, others might find uncomfortable. Motor Trend wasn't so kind to it in their initial review. Now they have a 30,000 mile update review with their long term road test car.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE: That the above scenario never, ever happens, at least not for us. Instead, living with the M3 means enduring the drama of its carbon-ceramic brakes, which repeatedly frighten us when they get wet and pedal feel vanishes, even as BMW is adamant that they are working properly. It also means suffering a loud, bone-jarring ride that cannot be ameliorated, even by switching the adjustable suspension into Comfort mode. It means listening to the muffler do its best impersonation of a garbage disposal filled with rocks when we start the car in the morning, even after multiple visits to service. It means that by this time in our test, some editors are as tired of the car as the car is tired, even if we all still love the way it looks and performs.

It just goes to show how people opinions can differ. No one is really right or wrong.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by kdphan

My cars before the F80 were a B8 S4 and E92M. I did not remember any rattling issues in those 2.

Seems like car by car issues. Both my e92 and e90 Ms had rattles worse than my f80. I honestly think the full leather helps

[Rain49king]

OP isn't exactly making up ride quality issues. What some might find adequate for them, others might find uncomfortable. Motor Trend wasn't so kind to it in their initial review. Now they have a 30,000 mile update review with their long term road test car.

I stated before "I can't speak to the quality of the ATS-V". I will say I would be a little skeptical of buying a car or discrediting a car based on any one review. I would also be skeptical of GM cars in general based on the history. Look I have have owned plenty, hell sometimes I even miss my Z06. I know one thing go jump in a used 2011 model M3 with 50,000 miles then find a 2011 CTS and tell me which one rattles and creaks more.

[dkhm3]

that was car and driver and not motor trend.

both magazines are all over the place in their reviews (not just for the m3/m4).

i.e. 1st place in the review, then complain about it in the long term review of the same ride. how carlos lagos loves it, then lieberman bitches about it...

much like most of their reviews in general it is all about the clicks. consistency doesn't pay for ads and clicks.

[dkhm3]

you had a b8? I had a B7 S4 and sadly it rattled- there was one particular rattle coming from the tranny shifter that was like a high pitched sound my wife and I both cringed everytime it came up.

our infiniti's barely rattled at all, but both MB products we had creaked and rattled real bad.

by the way, having a good relationship with you SA- makes all the difference.

I had an MB SA tell me that rattles are not covered under warranty and I have had my BMW dealer fix our much of my rattles in my x5 after keeping the car for several days.

[Powerslide]

I'm surprised to hear OP and some others have had rattling issues with the F8x - luckily for me mine has been tight as a drum.

In any event - sounds like you (OP) are having a blast in the ATS V - so enjoy the car to the max - you should take it to the track as well - sounds like its chassis is just a smidge better than the current F8x/C63S.

And one more bit of advice - get yourself a good fuzz-buster...

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by Powerslide

I'm surprised to hear OP and some others have had rattling issues with the F8x - luckily for me mine has been tight as a drum.

In any event - sounds like you (OP) are having a blast in the ATS V - so enjoy the car to the max - you should take it to the track as well - sounds like its chassis is just a smidge better than the current F8x/C63S.

And one more bit of advice - get yourself a good fuzz-buster...

It could be all random on M's having rattle issues.

My E92 was rattle free from what I remember.

I do plan to track the ATS this year.

[Mr Pete]

Kd, those front end shots, looks super aggressive! I like it! Enjoy the new whip!

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by kdphan

It could be all random on M's having rattle issues.

My E92 was rattle free from what I remember.

I do plan to track the ATS this year.

Have had my M4 for 18 months now and it is still rattle, squeak, creak, etc. free.

[davcrz5]

Originally Posted by Tacoma

Also, if you have rattling and creaking concerns, you'll like the Caddy even less as GM quality and fit and finish are materially less refined than BMW.

JD Powers ranked Ranked Cadillac #4, Buick #2 and Chevrolet rank #10. GM quality has gone way up over past few years. I don't particularly care for interior design of ATS V but quality is there.

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by kdphan

I had a little fun earlier this morning.

Wanted to pass up a guy camping in the fast lane. Stepped on it and didn't realize how fast I got within seconds. Next thing I know I see flashing lights in my rear view.

Younger CHP clocked me at 86 but I might have gone a bit faster.

Long story short, he gave me a fix it ticket to update my address on my license. Told me he was considering the ATS-V before he settled for an S3.

I told him I would've let him drive my car if I wasn't in a hurry to see my mother in the hospital.

I wonder if the CHP would have given you a speeding ticket if you were still in the F80 In my vette I've done some pulls next to CHPs (unknowingly of course) only to get the "no no" finger wave lol, in my older import cars it's instant pull over

Anyways sorry for the OT

[S65V8]

Congrats! Rattles would drive me nuts, but I think BMW finally fixed some of those niggles in the recent '16s, at least we think they did...

I never would have looked at the ATS-V, but your post got me curious, and based on reviews it's neck and neck with the M3/4 (better in some cases too), I've got to give a thumbs up to U.S. manufacturers these days, they've really stepped up their game. Ford/Chevy/Caddy really have had a couple banner years lately. It's amazing to think just some years ago, a ATS-V type car from a U.S. manufacturer would be a joke on the track, but here it is really competing with the best german marques. On the flipside, shame on Euro marques.

OP, curious, how does the ATS-V's weight feel on turn-in / corners? Have you turned off the nannies and tried to push it around in corners to see how it behaves? Also, would be interested to see dyno numbers, got a feeling it's underrated, and probably more than what caddy listed.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p-2015-feature

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by fusionchicken

I wonder if the CHP would have given you a speeding ticket if you were still in the F80 In my vette I've done some pulls next to CHPs (unknowingly of course) only to get the "no no" finger wave lol, in my older import cars it's instant pull over

Anyways sorry for the OT

I think in my case the CHP was a younger guy and an auto enthusiast. I did tell him the truth in trying to pass up a guy camping in the fast lane doing the speed limit.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by SROC5

Congrats! Rattles would drive me nuts, but I think BMW finally fixed some of those niggles in the recent '16s, at least we think they did...

I never would have looked at the ATS-V, but your post got me curious, and based on reviews it's neck and neck with the M3/4 (better in some cases too), I've got to give a thumbs up to U.S. manufacturers these days, they've really stepped up their game. Ford/Chevy/Caddy really have had a couple banner years lately. It's amazing to think just some years ago, a ATS-V type car from a U.S. manufacturer would be a joke on the track, but here it is really competing with the best german marques. On the flipside, shame on Euro marques.

OP, curious, how does the ATS-V's weight feel on turn-in / corners? Have you turned off the nannies and tried to push it around in corners to see how it behaves? Also, would be interested to see dyno numbers, got a feeling it's underrated, and probably more than what caddy listed.

Wow. That's great.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p-2015-feature

Weight - I'm still breaking it in slowly and have only done a few hard pulls and fast corners. I really can't tell that the ATS-V weighs about 300lbs more than the M3. Something about the magnetic ride suspension that hides the weight well.

Dyno - I read a few threads on Cadillac forum stating the numbers are understated. But it would probably be better to run both an M3 and the ATS-V together on the same dyno back to back. This would give a more accurate picture of whether or not the stated numbers are true or understated.

[IEDEI]

you're worried about babies and a stiff ride??? makes no sense at all. Babies love bouncy rides puts them to sleep even quicker....and NO you cannot harm a baby by driving them around in a stiff car....lol @ modern parental paranoia!

my 1M is more jarring and stiff than the F8X and has no settings (stock competition package setup) and our 6 month old baby loves it! falls right to sleep!