I've been on the E60 M5 waiting list for almost 1.5 yrs now at my dealer, and think I'm number 4 or 5. I'm really itching for a new car, so here are my options:
1) wait for the E60 M5 - I don't expect my turn to come until late 2005 or early 2006 from what I'm hearing (anyone think otherwise?)
2) i currently have a deposit on a January order date for a 911 Turbo S (so March-April 2005 delivery)
3) i just found an opportunity to purchase an existing lease on a 2002 996TT that will expire in July 2006 (and would consider the E60 M5 at that time). i'm looking for a lease to run through my business, and this gets me out in <2 years vs 4 yrs on the new Turbo S
I've been driving bimmers all my life, but very much enjoyed the 996TT both times I test drove. I know they're different in a lot of respects, but saw that many M5 owners on the board have good experience with the 996TT.
It would be helpful to get some thoughts on whether I should just wait for the E60, go with the '02 lease or go all out on the Turbo S? Thanks.
The deciding factor is whether or not you need the back seats and how much luggage space you want. Performance differences will be very small, but 996 TTS offers choice of 6 speed stick transmission.
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Tim
2005 Porsche Carrera S (cobalt blue)
2004 Porsche Cayenne S (black)
2006 BMW 530xi (alpine white)
The deciding factor is whether or not you need the back seats and how much luggage space you want. Performance differences will be very small, but 996 TTS offers choice of 6 speed stick transmission.
Performance difference in straight line will not be too big, but the M5 will get outhandled in the corners. But like you said, if you want to have 5 doors and a big trunk...go with the M5. Otherwise take the porsche
__________________ 2005 BMW 535d twin turbo - Carbon black
Beige leather interiour, Pappelmaser braun wood, Vision Line, Servotronic, Alarm Class 3, Navigation Professional, Hi-fi professional, Park Distance Control, CD Changer, Rear sunshade, Extended lighting package, Individual High Gloss Shadowline, Individual rear M spoiler
There are several folks on this board who currently own both or have moved to the 996 Turbo. I would wait for their comments as I think there is more to the story than #'s of doors etc (with all due respect to my fellow posters ). Also, as far as performance goes, the Turbo is almost in another league, in my opinion. I have played with one of our board Administrators (Greg) in his Turbo and me in the M5 in a variety of conditions and he pulled on me virtually every time (BTW, not in really driver challenging conditions ie rolling starts on the fwy with clear sailing ahead.) my 5c
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08 - Interlagos/Silverstone all options
SS Race Exhaust
RPI Pulley
RPI Scoops
BMC Filters
CF Delete
20" RAC RG41's
Clear Bra
3M medium tint
03 Cooper S (+ 50 bhp)
98 R1100GS
07 MB GL 450
60 Impala
If you like driving stick shift, you may regret passing on a car like the turbo which can be had with an excellent shifter. If you like driving automatic (well, actually you wouldnt like it, maybe you need it), you might regret passing on a car like the turbo which can be had with an excellent automatic box.
We have yet to drive the M5 so its hard to know. In general though it seems the 911 turbo is a more performance oriented vehicle and it will let you know that via feedback and more responsive controls. In imagining the new M5, I imagine a vehicle whose responses and controls are pretty darn fast though. I think if the idea of a high revving v10 and SMGv3 (which none of us has tried but it is said to be a big improvement over v2) then you should wait.
It seems to me that you have a good opportunity with the 2002 lease. Take over the lease, drive the car for 2 years, by then you can have more information on the M5. In the meantime, get on line for the M5. Just be sure the 2002 vehicle is in good condition.
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All the best,
Jerry 00 Z8 Jet Black/Red Sport / some others
Back to 1993 year model, not boxster look 
). Also, as far as performance goes, the Turbo is almost in another league, in my opinion. I have played with one of our board Administrators (Greg) in his Turbo and me in the M5 in a variety of conditions and he pulled on me virtually every time (BTW, not in really driver challenging conditions ie rolling starts on the fwy with clear sailing ahead.) my 5c 
Linear Mode
