Hi there,
at last the gear ratios have been published...there was this post a couple of days ago from this guy...
I might be wrong, but when looking at the numbers, it seems that the final 7th ratio is identical to the 6th on the E46 M3, and so is the rear axle ratio...This means a lower final drive compared to the E39, just as it happened with M3 e36 to e46. The radius of the wheels on the M5 might be a tad larger but it seems fairly identical.
Right?
I was hoping for the 7th gear to increese the final drive to combine swift gearing with smooth cruising. I use my M3 for normal day to day type of activities 90% of the time, and find that I wouldnt mind a higher final drive. I think I run 2350 or 2400 revs/min when having 100km/h on the speedo. This means that the revs climb fairly high when in 160 or 200.
I think that the majority of M5s will be used in my style and before you go all manly saying "M cars are supposed to be jada jada jada jada..." Don't get me wrong, i like to play around, but I also like comfort when cruising.
My M5 verdict 
Greats: SMG, V10, close gear ratios
Bad: Low final drive
Disaster: Design, I soooooo do not like that Bangle pen
Wish list: M5 touring(please, have a baby now days)
Fire away boys!
/Jerka
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