my car is at the dealer!!! (long) - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

DoctorV8 · 14th February 2003, 22:28

Hi everyone,

Well, after I was all gung ho with the hoopla surrounding the 516 lb ft of torque in the CL55, I went to Dallas to check out a Black Opal/ Java AMG coupe.

After an extended test drive, I came away impressed....but the car just wasn't me.

I eyed a silver 2002 M5 sitting on the lot, and took it for one quick jaunt on the tollway to finalize my decision on the megabuck CL. Though I've driven a TON of M5's, this was the first back to back comparo. Sure glad I did...I needed a refresher course in why M5's rule the sport sedan roost.

First things first...NO car I have ever driven, my Vettes included, has such a great steering wheel. The thick rimmed M sport wheel just feels right. The AMG specific wheel with shift buttons on the CL is spindly in comparison. The M5 has better steering, better
brakes, and just feels way tighter and lighter (only 200lb difference in reality.) Feels like a Corvette in comparison to the big Benz. Couple of blips of the throttle, matching revs, down shift to third, 3-4 redline shift at 110....yeeehaaa!

It just felt RIGHT. The Benz, well, let's just say it's more....mature.

Let me just say, the CL is a seriously bad *** car, but even in AMG guise, it ain't no M5. It's still a big Benz, with numb steering and mushy electrohydraulic brakes...it just has a shi+load of torque that makes me laugh like an idiot every time I punch it. All the electrotrickery in the world (active suspension, brake by wire, auto trans with a higher IQ than me) can't make it zing around like an M5.

I just couldn't justify all the extra money for the CL55! Esp when the much cheaper M5 gives you extras the AMG doesn't even have like DVD nav, alcantara headliner, better trip computer....

Will I miss the cool pillarless coupe style and the ventilated seats? Yes. Will I miss the big block low end torque? Yeah, but I can drive a different car when I want to roast the tires in 3rd gear. Plenty of time for a more luxury oriented car later. Now, it's M5 time, four doors be damned, this thing is a sports sedan first, luxury car second.

I immediately had them locate a car with the gorgeous Caramel interior....and I'm gonna pick it up tonight....LMB, M audio and fold down seats.

Thanks for listening; pics to follow soon. Can't WAIT to get it!

Sanjay

TCM · 14th February 2003, 22:37

Congratulations on your decision. I am sure you will be very pleased with your M5. Also, great write up on the CL55. The torque must be unbelievable when getting on it. Please post some pics of your new M5 so we can all share in the excitement.

Gustav · 14th February 2003, 22:41

Good decision

Interesting to hear the CL55 AMG test drive.

Saw the new S600 today in traffic. Gorgeous. Debadged btw

DoctorV8 · 14th February 2003, 22:41

Thanks, I will. Good thing I don't have any patients scheduled this afternoon....I'm useless until I get behind that grippy M wheel.

Sanjay

KRM · 14th February 2003, 22:46

Congrats, doc! Can't wait to see the pics!

14th February 2003, 22:50

Very nice writeup. I have gone through the same deliberations many times, and no matter how expensive or how exotic the competition is, there just isn't any car in the world that is better than the M3 and M5. BMW have really got it right, and they stand alone in the auto industry.

Congrats on getting the M5, and doing it so quickly. I think it is cool to make a quick decision and go for it. Instant gratification

.

Cheers.

EBMCS03 · 14th February 2003, 23:14

Great decision! Defiently made the right choice!

Gene · 14th February 2003, 23:23

Great write-up! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Good luck with your new M5, Gene.

Tony Mack · 14th February 2003, 23:33

WOnderful Write Up.

Congrats on the New LMB Beast. I will be here wating patiently for the pics.

BTW: Whats is your field of Expertise?

DoctorV8 · 14th February 2003, 23:36

Thanks, eveyone. Tony, I completed my residency last year in Radiation Oncology.

Sanjay

FastFwd · 15th February 2003, 00:49

Quote:

Originally posted by DoctorV8
...NO car I have ever driven, my Vettes included, has such a great steering wheel. The thick rimmed M sport wheel just feels right. The AMG specific wheel with shift buttons on the CL is spindly in comparison.

Amen to that!
I love the feel of the M5 tiller. It's just perfect.

Best of luck with your new baby.
Keep us informed.

Bert

schnelleM5 · 15th February 2003, 03:50

Great write-up, Sanjay, and congratulations on your decision

I would have been surprised if the outcome of your comparo were any different.