ThemisN

Doesnt really make sense to only keep the old bodystyle for the M5 while a dif body style exists for the E60 5 series....THAT is why theere will be no M5 while they finish developing the E60 version.

PhilSeastrand

Although they did that for the E36 M3 for at least a year.

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Phil

2010 Toyota Prius
2004 Honda Pilot

2Z77767

Well, anyway how safe is the M3 coupe? Also how is the ride in it?


What do you guys think about SMG? Like it does it work well, any problems etc.


Thanks again!

ThemisN

Very true, almost forgot about that. However the old M3 used to only cost like 42k with the lux package. Seems more people would be quicker to jump on that than jumping into an old looking 75k car.

MEnthusiast

there is also a higher exclusivity factor with the M5. Im glad they will be stopping production. between the M5 and M3 I chose the M5. I think it will be the last great BMW. Just my 2 cents but Im not really thrilled with the design direction the company is going in and even if the next model can blow the doors off this one, Id take this one in a second because its fast enough and is a beautiful design.

the 3 series is also a safe car, but the 5 is safer. click on here:
http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle...html/00006.htm

the ride in the M3 coupe is good, but its a little more sporty oriented. its a little less forgiving over the bumps but it also has less body roll and the car weighs around 500 lbs less. I dont think youd have a problem driving the M3 every day, but the M5 is the very best daily driver sports car out there- because its really a sports sedan and gives you just the right amount of comfort.

the M5 engine has power everywhere in its powerband, the M3 engine has a definate peak at the higher rpms. some people think the M3 is less desirable because it lacks the low end torque. my take on it is that the M5 is like a beast (hence its nickname) that can pull at any moment, while the M3 is more like a hyper-active little sports car that needs the absolute right gear selection. the steering and braking are more immediate in the M3.

as to SMG- thats going to be a personal thing. the system works as advertised. you have to ask yourself what you want the car for and if youre the sort of person who enjoys the satisfaction of shifting the car yourself, feeling the shifter go into each gear position and doing the clutch work; or would you prefer to have the ability to select the gears with a more modern interface and not worry so much about doing clutch work and matching rpms. I fall into the first group. I dont take my car to the track and I dont race it so I dont need the performance benefits of SMG. I just enjoy the act of shifting. If youre going to track the car and if you cant really heel and toe then SMG will be a huge benefit. there is a reason the F1 cars use this, but while thats cool, my take is just because its f1 technology, doesnt mean it should be in a road car.

if youre used to a traditional manual, SMG will take some getting used to also. but from all the reviews Ive read, they say the things like lurching between gears can be smoothed out with proper modulation of the gas.

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All the best,
Jerry
00 Z8 Jet Black/Red Sport / some others

MAVERICK

The 5-series is definitely safer than the 3-series because it weighs more and has a larger passenger safety cage. Refer to the link the ME posted above. It has crash test results for the cars. You can judge the damage for yourself.

From what I've read, the M3 suspension is harsher than the M5. The M3 is very sporty in its ride. In contrast, the M5 suspension is magical at soaking up bumps while still delivering a sporty feel. It will not send shocks up your spine. The best way to gauge each car is to test-drive it over the same roads.

SMG works well after you learn how to drive it smoothly. No reported problems with it. What do I think about SMG? Keep in mind I have only read articles and impressions about it. That said, being a purist, I think it would be as boring as an automatic unless you take it to the racetrack very often. At the track, it simply shines. On the street, it is a fad. It is cool to play with for a little while, but becomes monotonous. The skill factor is 0. My grandmother could drive it. But a true 6-speed manual requires more skill, finesse, and gets more respect when driven well. A vanishing art, especially in the U.S. where 90% of people drive an auto.

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"Friends don't let friends drive automatics!" -- Alpinadvl

2Z77767

I was just wondering is there a waiting list for the M5 or the M3 coupe? If so how long.


Thanks!

MEnthusiast

that will depend on your dealer or the dealers you query.

most likely, there is a waiting list for both. IMHO, if you dont act soon on the M5 it will be gone. there are a few CPOed M5s around (certified pre owned- basically used but the dealer is supposed to make sure everything is ok)

2Z77767

Hey thanks guys for all your help! Sadly I have some more questions.

I am now thinking M3 coupe and I know this is a M5 forum sorry.

1. I know you guys said M3 is a safe but the M5 is safer etc. I mean it is (M3 coupe) more then plenty safe for road driving correct (I'm not one to 90+)? I mean I shouldn't be that worried correct?

2. My friend said I am crazy with no common sense for wanting a M3 because: (This is what he said)

A. "A 330xi is probably safer then the M3 Coupe" true or false? If true that because the 330xi is a sedan? And if true how much do you think?

B. No AWD said I'll be spinning all over the place in the snow even just going to the store. And yes I'd be getting snow tires for the car.


Also one more thing. Another friend of mine is consider a Z4, Z8, or a SL 500 or 55 AMG. What would you guys think?

Little info:

1. He doesn't go on the track. Doesn't go 100+ at all.

2. There is snow here. Probably if it was a Z8 or SL it be his main car if he got a Z4 it may not be his main car.

3. Doesn't matter if it isn't a manual car or not.

Now some questions.

1. What is the 0-60 time for the Z8? BMW's site only says "Well under 5 seconds".

2. Which is faster SL 55 AMG or a Z8? Which has a hire top speed?

3. Is there a 2/3 year waiting list for the Z8 like the SL?

4. Are they are options for the Z8 or it only comes one way (except colors etc)?

5. How is the Z8 in the snow?

6. It has nav correct?

7. Does BMW update them every year or does it stay the same?


Again thanks a ton! You guys are great! And very helpful and always nice!

MAVERICK

1. Yes, the M3 is relatively safe for road driving. It would take a miracle to survive a 90+mph crash unless you were in an armor-plated W140 S-class (like the one that was used by Princess Diana in her accident). Basically, no car or SUV will let its occupants survive in a crash that is 90+. And since you don't drive above 90, you need not be worried.

2) a) False. The M3 and 330xi are the same for front passengers. Although, I cannot say if rear-seat passengers in the M3 will have the same safety (in a head-on crash) as the 330xi because I have not looked up the wheelbase specs. and interior space dimensions. In terms of side-impact, the rear passenger safety in either car should be the same only if you get the rear side-airbags and if the rear- interior dimensions are the same.

b) If you get snow tires and turn on the DSC and keep throttle inputs smooth and gentle, you will not spin all over the place.

Someone else will have to answer your questions about the Z8 and other cars.