M Driving Experience E39 vs. E60 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

MCarRacr07 · 26th March 2006, 21:21

I'm curious as to how many board members got to participate in the M5 Driving Exp. with both the e39 & e60 and moreover
which of the cars did better at the track as far as times were concerned & general handling.....
I understand that the speed factor goes hands down to the E60.
What were everyone's impressions
Thanks

Regards
MCar

bernhtp · 26th March 2006, 23:12

Unfortunately I didn't do the M5 DE with either of my two E39 M5s, but will do it soon with the E60. With that said, my subjective feel with aggressive street use is that the E60 has a larger advantage in handling over the E39 than it does in acceleration. The steering is magnificent for such a big car and the EDC works wonderfully. Its handling is really remarkable.

Tom

rodman31 · 27th March 2006, 00:35

Having owned the E39 M5 and having attended the "M" school w/E39, I can say hands down the E60 is a far superior machine!!!
The steering, brakes and EDC all contribute to an awesome and pleasurable driving experience. There were only 3 of us at the E60 DE and I pushed my car hard all day!!! The SMG makes the driving that much more clean, NO more 90%-95% correct shifts, perfect every time now!!!!

Go and see for yourself what the Beast can do!!!

Robert

MCarRacr07 · 27th March 2006, 00:39

interesting

I am curious if perhaps Mr. Drifter could respond to this as he drives this things ALL day long!!

It was my thought that because of the shorter wheel base, perhaps the e39 might handle a bit better not hugely different...but a bit.
So your saying...if I understand correctly....the new technology...smg..active steering....etc. make a world of diff.
Thanks for you input...greatly appreciated

Regards
MCar

MEnthusiast · 27th March 2006, 00:48

similar curb weight between the two.

newer tire tech on the E60

I think also a more advanced LSD

SMG for track use is a big advantage

E39 had sightly better weight distribution

bigger % of torque lower down could be a double edged sword on E39

brakes the E60 is way ahead- as is the steering.

I would think neither is an ideal auto crosser- but head to head the E60 should get the better of the E39 most times.

zeljko · 27th March 2006, 03:56

I did E39 more than a three years ago, and E60 last Thursday. E39 was more fun, since it was a two-day "Driving School".
E60 "Driving Experience" got shortened to just one day, see a quick preview at http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/sho...786#post725786
I wish we had more time on the track, but overall E60 is faster, due to improvements others listed already.

MCarRacr07 · 27th March 2006, 03:59

thanks for all the info........

Regards
MCar

MEnthusiast · 27th March 2006, 04:08

This is of course semantics, but the E39 was also a
"Driving Experience" unless you went to the M School. I believe they have managed to turn this into a 1 day DE now- I do not know why but I suspect it has to do with accommodating more people and being easier to schedule.

MrDrifter · 27th March 2006, 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCarRacr07

interesting

I am curious if perhaps Mr. Drifter could respond to this as he drives this things ALL day long!!

It was my thought that because of the shorter wheel base, perhaps the e39 might handle a bit better not hugely different...but a bit.
So your saying...if I understand correctly....the new technology...smg..active steering....etc. make a world of diff.
Thanks for you input...greatly appreciated

Regards
MCar

E60 is by far an overall better handling vehicle in comparison to the E39. Dont get me wrong, the E39 was/is a great handling car without question. But the E60 is on another level. As it should be. The new software systems combined with the new motor, new brakes and a purpose built SMG transmition should and do lend itself to being a better handling / driving machine. Also, small new features like the massive side bolsters in the seats that help hold you in the car better than the e39 ever dreamed of also adds to the overall driving experience being better in the e60. All this being said IMHO

MCarRacr07 · 27th March 2006, 16:06

Well then we have a verdict

It stands to reason though.......each generation is supposed to strive to better than the last.....right?
Well I better start saving my greenbacks

so as to buy one.

Thanks for the Response

Regards
MCar