M3 vs M5

[fidgits]

Okay.. it might seem a strange one...

BUT...


comparing the last M5 (say 99) with the last M3 (01) how do they compare?

I know they are slightly different beasts, but prices are similar, but what about running cost/usability etc? how do they compare?

what would your choice be?

[225]

I would go with the M5, that great V8 and they are a rare sight where there are so many M3s around they are just not special IMHO.

[DoctorD]

It's difficult to say. Both have their endearing qualities. The M5's engine is nice, lazier than the M3's but more effortless too. Both are about on a par performance wise, we took M5 and M3 down to Le Mans a few years ago and driving hard there was nothing in it. It was easier though to accelerate in and out of traffic in the M3, which picks up speed quicker and is much more agile. Economy is much better in the M3 than M5 when driven in a similar manner. Driven briskly the M5 manages early 20's or late teens MPG, whereas the M3 is a good 4-5 mpg better. Brakes are an issue on both cars, but the M5's are more annoying since there's more weight to slow down. Both are fun to own and were the best cars in their class at the time.

[MattOz]

fidgits,

I've owned both. The M5 was fantastic. I had it for about a year and put some heavy miles on the thing. Never missed a beat. Even went rather well at the 'Ring, four up! Ask AdamT and his dad Mike.

The V8 grunt is subtle, but it sledgehammers in a way that the M3 cannot match. My M3 suits me more, as I've not got a family yet, and a big four door saloon isn't really needed. Performance wise, you ring the M3's neck, but the M5 is more subtle.

Neither car is exceptional on the brakes, but they're adequste. I sold my M5 to a mate of mine who put AP's on it, and then did the Cannonball run in it. Averaged 16.7mpg in the thrash to Morocco and back. Truly an awesome piece of engineering. Again, it never missed a beat.



It's just a bit more grown up than the M3, and if you can get a post facelift car (late x plate onwards) there's not much better out there for the money.

Cheers
Matt

[Egbert Nobacon]

I think the real question/answer is what exactly are you looking for from a car.

My M3 is great as a second car, and great fun, but a bit pointy and jittery for everyday use (my opinion) as I like to mooch about in as relaxing a manner as possible.

Having driven an E39 M5 again just yesterday I would opt for this as an everyday car over the M3 if I had to choose.

Drive both and then see....

[Gyrock]

Just purchased an M5 from Rydale in Cardiff, pick her up this Saturday.

My 'other' car is a CSL so the M5 should suit just fine as a 'daily'

[stub]

Gyrock said:

Just purchased an M5 from Rydale in Cardiff, pick her up this Saturday. My 'other' car is a CSL so the M5 should suit just fine as a 'daily'

Congrats, you git! See you soon

[wrn]

M5s depreciate far harder than M3s - and have since been replaced - so the M5 represents far better used value than an M3 at the moment.

[Smartie]

wrn said:

M5s depreciate far harder than M3s - and have since been replaced - so the M5 represents far better used value than an M3 at the moment.

Do you think? MY2000 M5's are still on BMW AUC at mid £20K's which I think is a high price for a 6 year old car with 60/70K miles on it!

2003 M3's can also be had for about the same (though I do appreciate the difference in original cost)

[Hereward]

Smartie said:

wrn said: M5s depreciate far harder than M3s - and have since been replaced - so the M5 represents far better used value than an M3 at the moment. Do you think? MY2000 M5's are still on BMW AUC at mid £20K's which I think is a high price for a 6 year old car with 60/70K miles on it! 2003 M3's can also be had for about the same (though I do appreciate the difference in original cost)

If the M5's are being sold through Hexagon then ignore the price. At least 5k over market.

Hexagon did the same thing with 540i's a few years ago.

[off_again]

Local BMW dealer to me (well local ish), has / had an M5 - but it was lowish miles, warrantied and with FSH and good spec - all for just over £20k and I am sure there is room to negotiate. That represents a real bargain to me. The warranty alone is worth a lot, and its from a main dealer with the FSH etc....

Bargain of the year? Maybe not this particular one, but M5's are bit of a steal at the moment. Some known ones from the BMW owner boards are changing hands for £11k!!!! Thats a flipping steal - 400BHP for the price of a second hand Focus! And picked carefully they are reliable as hell too.

Damn - must not buy an M5 yet.... must not buy an M5 yet.....

[DoctorD]

We have an M5 for sale for mid-teens that's 60k with a full years BMW warranty. That seems to be the level you need to price them at to sell. There's no way £20k+ is feasible.