Quote:
Originally posted by Ran:
Looking at possible M3 or M5 purchase. I noticed that a lot of ex M3 owners were on the forum. I was looking for some feedback on the M5 feel when compared to the M3. I do not really have that much NEED for the space but it is a nice to have. How much of the M3 handling, road feel, agility will I lose with the M5. I only got to test drive the M5 in London city when on a trip there. Could not really take it to anywhere close to the limit. Love the torque of course. Oh btw, my dealer here in the US gave me a 540i 6 as the closest approximation to what an M5 may be like since he has no M5 for testing. great torque but too soft for me. But I expect the M5 to be firmer. How much firmer. thanks.
Ran
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I previously owned a 98 Dinan Supercharged M3, and now own a 2000 BEAST!
If you are looking for the same go-kart handling that the E36 M3 has, you may be dissapointed with the M5. You have to remember that the M5 weighs over 700 pounds more than the E36 M3, and about 550-600 pounds more than the upcoming E46 M3. The M5 comes stock with a fair amount of understeer dialed in on purpose. Of course, if you search our board for previous posts on the subject of "suspension", you will find that many of the folks on this board (myself included) have upgraded the suspension with Dinan/Koni adjustable struts/shocks and anti-sway bars as well as Dinan strut braces. This made a fairly sustantial improvement bringing the car past neutral and more towards oversteer, depending on how firm you have the Koni's set?...
As far as acceleration, the M5 wins big time... although from what I have read, we should expect the new M3 to be a screamer! The M5's brute force torque however is unmistakable!!
You should probably also get input from others hear who also own or owned M3's and can accurately compare the M3 and the M5.
Here is the bottom line as I see it. The M3 is targeting a little different crowd than the M5. The M3 (at least until BMW decides otherwise?
) will only come in a coupe version. The M5 (with its four doors) is very able and happy to lug around you and 3 other adults very comfortably, along with golf clubs in the trunk and the A/C on...and still keep up with Vettes, Porsche C2/C4, Mustangs, and Camaros!!
That is really cool
...and don't forget about all that luxury!
Of course, the premium you pay is some loss in agility! You cannot escape the laws of physics no matter what you do?..
My advice... find someone in your area to give you a ride in an M5...so you can make up your own mind! I think you will find the M5 to be INTOXICATING!!!
Good luck with your decision.
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Andy
2000 Imola M5 / Black Nappa - Titanium Trim