M Coupe, M3 or M5

[davpkav]

Hi, I have a dilemma which I hope you guys (more knowledgeable and with more experience than myself). I have admired BMW's for quite a while, old school 2002, CSL's etc and the later model M Power, Alpina etc. However, I have never owned one myself, been a VW Golf man most of my life GTI's, VR6's etc. I have £20,000 to spend on either a M Coupe, M3 or M5. I love the bonkers looks of the M Coupe and my friend is always rattling on about the M3 and Clarkson never shuts up about M5's. I have driven an M3 with the paddle shift gearbox, not my cup of tea, I would really prefer a manual gearbox. I am not bothered about miles per gallon etc, just want a car with lots a appeal and lots of fun (and obviously fast). If anyone could help I would be very grateful.

Thank you

David

[rassi]

You left out a few important pieces of information: Is this your only car, how many miles do you do annually, motorway or B-roads and do you need more than 2 seats?

I had an M Coupe, which was brilliant, unique, individual and such an occassion. Ultimately I needed more long-distance comfort (do 80 % of my driving high-speed cruising motorways) and also didn't mind an electronic safety net (mine was an early MC without DSC).

The M5 in contrast does everything extremely well and effortlessly, and is such a relaxed cruiser. Not so much of an occassion as the MC, but fits my purposes perfectly and just love it.

[belleair302]

Which model of the M3 do you want, which model of the M5 do you want, and as mentioned what sort of experience do you desire? M Coupe is a real hooligan of a car but small and a little rough. M3's are great but somewhat common and M5's are outstanding but can be expensive to run. How about something completely different like an Alpina B10 V8!!

Edited by belleair302 on Monday 2nd April 17:14

Edited by belleair302 on Monday 2nd April 17:40

[DJFish]

M COUPE, M3 OR M5?
Depends how long your legs are......

[kentmotorcompany]

I have just bought an E39 M5.

The reason I dismissed M3's is because they are too comman, although they are an excellent car in many ways.

I decided on the M5 because they are much more exclusive, very usable and very understated.

[davpkav]

Sorry for the lack of details....... It will be a second car although I will use it as much as possible, (I still have my Golf TDI for getting to school and back, if I turn up in the M Coupe I think the head might think she's paying me too much). So the car will be for the thrill, the experience and for scaring cyclists. Thank you for the threads so far. I am leaning towards the M Coupe, exclusivity, bonkers styling etc. And I see what people mean about the M3 being less exclusive, you do see quite a few about, however, they are gorgeous looking things.

[belleair302]

I think you should discard the M3, drive the Coupe and have a blast in an Alpina! More fun than an M5 and more exclusive, without the depreciation and hassle!