Avus

To underline what Michael mentioned above I'll cite some text written by Roman on the previous Messageboard;

Glen,
I was somewhat in a similar position as yourself. I ordered the M5 (Silverstone/Silverstone interior), had been saving up for quite sometime and had the cash ready to take
delivery. I even saw the car, started her up, etc. But I had a difficult time parting with the cash, particularly after assessing the fact that I would have to pay in excess of $9,000
just for various ridiculous taxes. Plus, other things had entered my life (a lot happens in 2 years), so that made things a bit more complicated.

Money is a big issue for a lot of people. But owning something like the M5 is a dream come true as well.

I think it depends a lot on your priorities as well. The M5, for my driving style, skills, and need for speed and comfort, would have been perfect. I drive on average of 22,000
miles a year, all year round. Which means I needed something to get me through the winter as well. To have gotten snow tires for the M5 as well as new rims, for another couple
of thousand didn't seem to make sense for me, and, considering the severity of the winters in the Northeast, there was no guarantee it would be that much better. Plus, I couldn't
see myself driving the beauty in the salt-infested roads throughout the winter. I also couldn't see myself getting into an SUV. No thrill.

So I chose the S4. While what a lot of what has been said about the car is true here, the performance is nonetheless impressive. I can't and won't compare it to the M5. Totally
different. But considering what I had gone through recently in Vermont on a ski trip with a friend in his A6, it solidified my choice. It is a small car, but it is nonetheless
comfortable. If you're a big guy, say over 6'0", and generally very big all around, I would be careful or even hesitant towards purchasing the car. The AWD system is sweet. The
turbo is very effective in delivering the power and I am someone who believes in only normally aspirated engines.

If you want sheer power, go for the Corvette, but you can rest assured you will be limited as to how often you can use the car. The upcoming M3 is supposed to be a monster as
well and will give you sheer performance all the way. But my M3 friends all curse their cars in wet weather as well as in the winter. Either way, you need to consider how often
you will use the car, for what purposes, and how much you're willing to pay. How much are you willing to pay to go fast?

Someone also mentioned to stay away from the tricked out cars. Very true. Unless you are one of the top ten wealthy men in the world, don't do it and or unless you have several
other cars that you can use. Very high maintenance. I think Kelvin brought out some very interesting pro's and con's (thanks for thinking the S4 styling is bland, Kelvin) of all the
cars. That's a good starting point. Not everyone can have an M5, but that's ok.

Good luck on your choice.

Roman

and another nice one;



You CAN'T compare big blocks to small blocks, realistically OR dynamically. You CAN'T compare the M5 to an S4, or a Corvette to an F1. I think those road tests of the E55
versus the M5 are for enthusiasts who may be interested in virtues of both cars. I think even Car & Driver said that the M5 has significant understeer while the E55 tracks
smoothly? I am sure most of you have read the article.

to finish it (or Roman) off;



Yeh, the M5 is an awesome vehicle. I almost got one myself. But be realistic and don't compare it to other makes or say its the best in the world, because best will always be
relative.

and one more



"Thank you, Raymond. I think I made a prety good choice myself, however, that does not detract from the fact that I am VERY pro BMW as most others on the MB here are. I
hope to be able to run neck and neck with an M5'er somewhere along the way, even though I know I won't be able to hold on for long"