Several threads on this subj. Comes down to what you need in the car. If you need 4 doors, carry adults 4 in comfort and have blazing performance with a real gear box, there's only one choice.
Drum roll, please: The Beast.
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Steve ///M
'03 Infiniti FX45 Silver/Tech
'01 Carbon Black/Black Sport (sold 31 Dec, 03)
1967 GTO Conv Red/White/White
Have had an E39 M5 and currently have an E46 M3 and will take delivery of a new M5 in March so will try and give you some insights. The only common themes with the M3 and M5 are that they are made by BMW and they are both fast. Here are the positives for both:
M5
4 doors
more space
V8 lots of torque
12K pounds more
More comfortable ride
M3
2 door coupe or convertible
Super straight 6 engine
Revs to 8,000
More sporty than M5
Lighter and more chuckable
Has SMG Option
12-24 mth waiting list
In truth they are very different cars and am sure you will be happy with either, you just need to decide whether you want a fast 4 door sedan or a sporty 2 door coupe.
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2006 750i Sport, Monaco Blue, Cream Beige Pearl leather
I test drove both an '01 M3, and an '00 M5. I ended up buying the M3, but traded for the M5 3 months later. Why?
As a former owner of a modded E36 M3, I had grown to love the sounds of a BMW engine. The M3 is one of the most satisfying cars to drive with the sound being part of that satisfaction. However...
There is a disgusting noise associated with this car referred to by many as the "snowmobile" sound. It's kind of a vibration or resonance somewhere deep in the exhaust path that made the car sound cheap IMO. I could hear this rattle reflecting off of guardrails and other cars as I passed. BMW dismisses this as a sound "characteristic" of the M3. All of the tuners are scratching their heads for solutions. Most M3 drivers accept this sound and continue to drive their cars. I'm a stickler, and this particular car sounded like crap. Goodbye M3.
My M5 is not as nimble and heavier, but nonetheless still an awesome car. It's a keeper. If the M3 somehow refines thi "characteristic", I'll buy another in a heartbeat.
i've only ridden in an M3 at Laguna Seca, but i think if you really want to track the car get an M3, there's nothing you can do to an M5 to compensate for all that weight on the track (i've done most of them) -- and you can get an M3 without a sunroof so there's room for your head with a helmet
the low end torque and 4 doors make the M5 a better daily driver and really comfortable touring car
No really it all boils down to what you want to do...if track days are a major part of your life go for the mini beast... if bombing along the motorway in 6th at 90mph then flooring it leaving all other cars in your wake, get the beast...
Country roads round where i live are great and the beast really takes them in its stride, you know when you are stuck behind some geriatric going at 30mph on a long country road you just slot the beast into second and mash the loud pedal! You are in a great position!Have fun!
All the best
Adam
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1995 Alpina B8 4.6 #10-(engine blew up. sold)
2001 BMW ///M5(sold)
2003 RUF R turbo
1990 RUF CTR
2006 VW Golf R32 DSG
2005 e60 M5 (sold)
2007 997 GT3 RS Carrara White
2008 Renault Clio 197
"You know it is kinda ironic, these old people are being kept alive by the organs of the young people they ran over" - Chief Clancy Wiggum
I think it really depends on your needs. If you need fours and more room the choice is a no brainer - E39 M5. The best sedan in the world.
If you don't need a sedan then go with the new M3. It is a more sporty drive.
Before you buy you should test drive the M5. After driving an E36 M3 the handling of the M5 takes some getting used to. You will love the engine though. The torque is amazing.
E46 M3 or E39 M5
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