It's Complicated: 4 Difficult European Cars That We Love Anyway

►We all have one. That one car that makes you question your sanity. The one car that drains your wallet and robs you of your spare time. Our friends and family tell us to move on and part ways, but we simply can't give it up.

The ownership experience of our favorite cars can be complicated, even at the best of times. Despite their quirks, demands, or downright constant need for parts, labor, and diagnostic time, we love them anyway. I'm sure everyone has their own list, but our top four include the Audi B5 S4, Volvo S60R, Porsche 996 911, and the Mercedes C63 AMG.

00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Audi B5 S4
02:30 - Volvo S60R
06:01 - Porsche 996 911
09:20 - Mercedes-Benz W204 C63 AMG
11:46 - Wrap-up

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[andydhillon]

Good info. The M96 suffers from bore scoring much more often now. I can't remember the last time I've heard of an IMS bearing fail.

Bore scoring is actually getting more common in even newer cars.

[darceyciccone]

I owned a 6-speed '04 s60R for nearly 10 years. With a few tasteful go fast upgrades, this thing was an absolute blast. Comfortable as heck, excellent stereo system, and tons of creature comforts. Through all this time she was nearly problem free, other than wear items. One radiator, one TB wiring issue (lets not talk about that one, and fuel sender seals. Just sold her last month. It was like selling a family member.

[IgnitionTube]

I’ve purposely been holding off on B5 S4 ownership until I have a dedicated garage bay available for it 😂😂😂

[Caplax]

Owned an S60R, and now own a 996 Targa. I agree with all the points here.

[Rennsport-Media]

As far the M96 engine goes you have it backwards. The early build models (98’-99) are much less prone to engine problems. What you described are the later ones who came with the single row IMS bearing.

As for bore scoring… everybody knows that 95% stems from inadequate maintenance and prolonged idling.

[Kiss__Kiss]

Thank God, I only LOVE 2 of them... lol The mighty B5 S4(M/T), and the Volvo S60R (M/T)..

[SobridMusic]

I have a 2011 S60 T6 AWD and I absolutely love it! I had an '04 S60 but it wasn't turbo, my current baby is definitely an upgrade. That being said, she's in the shop right now due to a bad coil, water pump and thermostat replacement :(

[justinmckeown]

Love my 996, despite it behaving exactly as described. Even with an engine out service, it still blew up a couple months later. Fortunately, the aftermarket fixes remedy most of the M96 failure points. With all the heartache, they’re still great cars and absolutely worth it to keep going.

[robertbrooks-spicer]

I have a CLK55 AMG and A CLK63 AMG. Both are coupés and both seem to develop Canbus issues on occasion. Love them to bits when they are going, but can be frustrating😂😂

[derrecksmith]

have one of these headaches as you can see in the pic.
My w204 has had most all of these issues fixed, thanks to all the great content you've all provided me.
Again, Thank you for reminding me of my wonderful "Pain I the Ass".

[wiseman]

I was waiting for a BMW model to be on the list, great information.

[AZACKAL]

V70R and s60R loved the line sensible but nutty for it 😂.

[Bobby_Biturbo]

I'm a proud owner of an RS4 B5 since 2017 and would never ever sell it or swapp it for something else. Once you figure out the 2.7t and put some brain and love into it, it's one of the most reliable high-horsepower engines you can get 👏🏻 In fact i love the 2.7t so much that i recently purchased an A6 Allroad 2.7t 6 speed as an daily 😂

[EthanRoyMedia]

I had a B5S4 that looked very similar to the one in the friends always complemented my "Teal Jack-stands" -__-

[troymichaud]

Great Vid, ... I have one on the list. a 2001 996 C4. Currently up in the air, needing a water pump :(

[gunsandcars]

had C4 and now a C2 that has a porsche factory replacement engine, big smile every time I drive it.

[codinglemur]

Can you turn up the background music please? I'm still able to hear what's being said 😂😂

[quiet.n]

I’m surprised the bmw n54 isn’t here 🤣

[mikeleary]

E92 M3 .... I've spent the past 5 years fixing elusive and expensive engine problems. Its been running great for the past 3 weeks and all past sins are forgotten when she sings her 7800rpm song ...

[bernard-francoistaylor]

Loved this video. Wish it was a hour long lol. My love hate relationship is with a E65 BMW. Call me a glutton for punishment