E39 M5s are fast.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by JST

All of you guys who aren't satisfied with the E46 M3 *really* wouldn't be satisfied with the M5. The M5 is clearly a great sedan, but the only reason to buy one over the M3 is that you *really need* two more doors, and simply could not live with a two-door car. Otherwise, save yourself $20K and get the M3.

If my current situation allowed me to have an E39 M5 for daily driving and another car for autox, I suspect that I would be more than satisfied with the E39 M5. I really enjoyed the Q45 while I was driving it (aside from the multiple engine replacements). So long as I need one car to do everything, it won't cut it, though.

[JST]

Originally Posted by clyde

If my current situation allowed me to have an E39 M5 for daily driving and another car for autox, I suspect that I would be more than satisfied with the E39 M5. I really enjoyed the Q45 while I was driving it (aside from the multiple engine replacements). So long as I need one car to do everything, it won't cut it, though.

I'll reserve judgment until I drive one extensively on the street, but comparing the M5 to the M3 is sort of like comparing the M3 to...hmm...maybe an RX-8 with 100 extra hp? The M5 is bigger, heavier, slower-witted, and just not as much fun.

Honestly? Instead of an M5 I'd buy a G35 (which is more direct and offers more feedback) AND an Evo and pocket the extra 10 grand.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by JST

I'll reserve judgment until I drive one extensively on the street, but comparing the M5 to the M3 is sort of like comparing the M3 to...hmm...maybe an RX-8 with 100 extra hp? The M5 is bigger, heavier, slower-witted, and just not as much fun.

Honestly? Instead of an M5 I'd buy a G35 (which is more direct and offers more feedback) AND an Evo and pocket the extra 10 grand.

That's just it...for a car that's only going to be used for commuting, errands, trips, etc...you know, a normal car, the M5 would be perfect. Tractable power is everything while size, weight, and dare I say it, feel just aren't all secondary.

[blee]

I'd rather own an M5 than a G35 and an Evo. Neither car offers the polish and poise of the M5, and neither car offers the acceleration either. Roadholding and handling may be compromised slightly -- and I mean slightly. The catch is that I would not give up a car like my M3 for one. While technically superior in every way, I do not believe that it is as fun to drive. It has a character best suited for a daily driver family car, which is what it is...only with a BIG shot of ///adrenaline.

[dan]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Maybe the MCS's steering feel is THAT good?

it's pretty good

it's no Elise though :P

[nate]

Originally Posted by JST

Honestly? Instead of an M5 I'd buy a G35 (which is more direct and offers more feedback) AND an Evo and pocket the extra 10 grand.

The EVO better be pretty damn good, because the M5 offers much more feedback than the G35 and is a ton more fun to drive.

[nate]

Originally Posted by The HACK

I drove the M5 right after I drove Leif's MINI Cooper S and the difference was night and day. Very first thing I noticed that was sort of out of place on a car like this.

Maybe the MCS's steering feel is THAT good?

What do you expect?

The M5 is a huge car

Never driven a Mini though, so I don't really know. It isn't any faster than my car though.

The M5 is a ton of fun though. Tons of power oversteer :awe: aranoid:

[TD]

Personally, I'd probably pick the S4 over it anyway.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by TD

Personally, I'd probably pick the S4 over it anyway.

I bet there's an alter ego of yours (meaning a different person, not a Holden) over on some Audi boards somewhere, who bought a new A4, sold it for the older model, and would probably pick the M5.

[TD]

Originally Posted by Plaz

I bet there's an alter ego of yours (meaning a different person, not a Holden) over on some Audi boards somewhere, who bought a new A4, sold it for the older model, and would probably pick the M5.

My point was more that when it comes time to drop my, say, $30K in 3-4 years, would I rather get a 2 year old S4 or a 5 year old M5?