E92 M3 or E60 M5

[michaeldorian]

I'm currently deciding between the 2. What do you guys think? Currently the used market for the M5 is great. The car's has already taken the majority of its depreciation and you can easily pick up a low mileage clean one for 60K, which is the same going price as the M3. Anyone driven both you can chime in?

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by michaeldorian

I'm currently deciding between the 2. What do you guys think? Currently the used market for the M5 is great. The car's has already taken the majority of its depreciation and you can easily pick up a low mileage clean one for 60K, which is the same going price as the M3. Anyone driven both you can chime in?

With the M5 you get the same performance but with 4 doors and more space. If that's not important for you, you might consider the following:

M3:
- more efficient
- latest technology: DCT instead of SMG, ...
- carbon roof

[Romo]

M3..............................

Less LBS/KG

Way better looks IMHO.......................

[JerezBlue!]

Originally Posted by swiss_cornholio

With the M5 you get the same performance but with 4 doors and more space. If that's not important for you, you might consider the following:

M3:
- more efficient
- latest technology: DCT instead of SMG, ...
- carbon roof

Agree, but also the new shape 5 Series is out next year!

[M3NNIS]

you should compare the e90 M3 instead to the M5

[cvcabran]

I pondered the same question, then read on m5board.com that BMW will not CPO the M5.

[masmole]

As an owner of an E60 M5, I would have to go with the M3. The M5 is a fun car but a bit too heavy for its own good for the occasional romp at the track, and for a large-ish car with so much luxury, its SMG tranny doesn't fit the part because it's just too damn annoying to drive sedately during daily commutes and such. I'll take an M-DCT M3 over an SMG M5 any day. Now an M-DCT E60 M5.... that would be interesting. Can't imagine that happening for the M5 until the next generation though. One more thing, nothing beats the M5's active sport seats. Best combination of sport and luxury for seats in a car ever!

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by masmole

As an owner of an E60 M5, I would have to go with the M3. The M5 is a fun car but a bit too heavy for its own good for the occasional romp at the track, and for a large-ish car with so much luxury, its SMG tranny doesn't fit the part because it's just too damn annoying to drive sedately during daily commutes and such. I'll take an M-DCT M3 over an SMG M5 any day. Now an M-DCT E60 M5.... that would be interesting. Can't imagine that happening for the M5 until the next generation though. One more thing, nothing beats the M5's active sport seats. Best combination of sport and luxury for seats in a car ever!

Well, the M5 is not too bad on track. Just ride along with the Ring Taxi; there you see what the car really can do. I did it last year. This year I'll go back there and do some laps with my M3 (when it finally arrives; damn, I hate waiting).

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by JerezBlue!

Agree, but also the new shape 5 Series is out next year!

...which means people looking for an M5 should wait until then, cause when the new one's out, E60 prices will take a serious hit.

[e36jakeo]

This is a real dilemma. If the extra space an M5 offers over a 4-door M3 will make your life better, it might be a good choice. Otherwise I tend to agree that the M3's superior gearbox, efficiency, weight, and "newness" trump the M5.

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by e36jakeo

This is a real dilemma. If the extra space an M5 offers over a 4-door M3 will make your life better, it might be a good choice. Otherwise I tend to agree that the M3's superior gearbox, efficiency, weight, and "newness" trump the M5.

Better styling, lower weight, better fuel economy & cruising range, availability of DCT make this a slam dunk win for the E92/E90. E60 has a leg up in sheer interior volume. If you're hauling around full sized adults on regular basis that might be a consideration.

[the_stranger]

M3 - Nimble, Lighter, More efficient, DCT

M5 - Power, space and comfort

[M3NNIS]

stranger,
nice avatar, can you make it a wallpaper and post it up?

[rvacha]

To me the fairer comparison is to the E39 M5. In fact my M3 will replace an E39 M5 and so far from the reviews I tend to think I'm taking a step sideways in most respects and that's just fine with me. The E39 is a fantastic beast!

[!Xoible]

you can get a new m5 cheaper than new m3

[inmotion]

If I had to choose between the two it would be the M5. It's roomier interior and the V10s got me sold. If I were 25 yrs younger, I would choose the M3 without a doubt. Current '06 models make it very tempting for those looking for this car in this price range.

[F1M3]

I would go the M3. Why? 5 series update due in '09. M5 has absorbed most of it's depreciation but consider how many are now already back on the used market, particularly here in Oz...more depreciation to come? Also I have not heard much praise for the SMG.
M3 has latest tech and I believe will retain values significantly better. In fact I would go as far as to say it will become an all time classic. Besides, the current 3 series coupes are arguably one of the best looking cars on the market today.

[GT3 Tim]

Originally Posted by F1M3

I would go the M3. Why? 5 series update due in '09. M5 has absorbed most of it's depreciation but consider how many are now already back on the used market, particularly here in Oz...more depreciation to come? Also I have not heard much praise for the SMG.
M3 has latest tech and I believe will retain values significantly better. In fact I would go as far as to say it will become an all time classic. Besides, the current 3 series coupes are arguably one of the best looking cars on the market today.

I am on the fence between the two also, but leaning M3 now due to the factors listed by most of you on this thread. I have a kid, so a sedan is in order now, and a proper trunk will be nice too! But, I dont need THAT much room for adults in the rear, etc. So, given the power and performance on the new M3, (and price too), I think it is the car to go with. I am going to visit a few dealers this week and maybe place an order...just gotta sell the Porsche now. That will be a sad day, but I think it is time.

[inmotion]

rear leg room is also something to factor in. I'm 6'3 and when I'm driving, there's not much legroom for even the M5 so expect the M3 sedan's rear legroom to be short about 3 inches.