The M5's Interior - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Hutzal · 1st August 2002, 03:30

what kind of interior do you guys fancy on the M5? just really curious, do you like all the technological advances? or do you think its too cluttered and that BMW should go back to the pure plain interior with less weight? feel free to post your thoughts.

EDIT: third Choice should read "All I Need is a gas pedal, stick, and a steering wheel!"

MEnthusiast · 1st August 2002, 04:09

I like the interior of the E39 as well as that of the prior BMWs and even the new 7's "uncluttered" look. so long as it works- because with BMWs, what counts is the positive feedback from the car itself and the cars performance. if that ever changes, then count me out!

HighM5 · 1st August 2002, 06:29

Today I got a loaner from BMW of a 750 LI
Got to know the car a little.
Compared to the M5, I HATE IT!
(except for that back seat and trunk!)

Big, lumbering, unmanuverable.
The interior looks chinzy compared with the M5.
The interior is anti-intuitive and really plasticy.
Looks good in pictures, but hell, I'll take the gorgeous and more direct controls of the E39 M5 ANY TIME.

MEnthusiast · 1st August 2002, 16:20

is that the new one or old one (some confusion because the old is 750 but designation is iL, Li is a new designation)

if you ever get the chance to drive the new one youd be shocked at how manuverable it is. especially with the 19s and sport mode.

PhilSeastrand · 1st August 2002, 19:22

For me I like the balance that the M5 has found between technology and looks. I don't like something that is too busy, but I like the features that the technology brings. I think the I-Drive concept is probably the right idea, I'm just not sure of the implementation.

BTW, I think the old 7-series also had the iL designation. It means the long wheel-base version.

GJ · 1st August 2002, 20:27

I am looking forward to the new M5 (currently on wait list). I would hope that it will surpass the current model in creature comforts and performance. I have plenty of performance cars to pick from and am planning on a 4-door hauler that will be FUN!!!!
I also hope that styling will not disappoint, I am looking for a mature, refined aggressiveness.

HighM5 · 1st August 2002, 22:30

It was the 2002.
I'll take the M5

MEnthusiast · 2nd August 2002, 01:33

high M5- 2002 being the new model or the old one? I ask since the 750 was last times designation.

If it was the new one it had to be with the 18" wheels. the 19s make a nice difference in the handling dept- but there is no denying the cars mass vs the m5.

HighM5 · 2nd August 2002, 07:04

It was the Bangle-Butted 2002.
Yes the car is smooth, but so darn big!
I hated the skinny steering wheel and the flimsy electronic assisted levers. They felt fragile.

When I hopped out of the 745 and back into the M5 I felt so happy!
The throttle response and handling were astonishingly more satisfying.

I tossed in a Lexus LS400 for the M5. Never regretted it for a millisecond. I am just not ready for a luxo-boat.

Richard in NC · 9th August 2002, 02:19

I've always liked technology as long as it is easy to learn and intuitive to use. Compare a Palm PDA vs Windows or Windows CE. The Palm is just SO much easier to use than any Gatesware OS product.

I also like conservative, sporty, but luxurious interiors. I think the e39 M5 nails it concerning the sporty cockpit like styling, the boatload of leather in the luxury package, and the choice of trim. I chose the burl wood BTW. I think the nav has a ways to go to be user friendly (have you ever tried dialing a phone number from the menues?) but it is a step better than the older ones. The new iDrive is a step back in user-friendlyness. Concerning the driving technology, I think it is very effective in the M5 without being to intrusive. Except of course for the traction control when you want to really have fun, but hey, just switch it off! In the new 7 they went too far but it still appears to work very well. But, I agree with the above statements about "why change something that works such as the turn signals".

I also think the e39 M5 nails the exterior styling for its intended market. Very sporty yet conservative. The e34 M5 was also a good looking car but too conservative, especially compared to today's styling. Ditto with the e32 vs e38. I've always liked the e38 styling from day 1 thru today. The new 7? I'll never get used to the ugly tacked on looking trunk!