2005 / 2006 M5 vs. 2008 M3

[ck27]

What are some opinions on buying a used 2008 M3, for high 40s to low 50s
vs. buying a 2005 / 2006 E60 M5 for mid 40s?

(No interest in buying NEW right now)

[!Xoible]

u wanna be baller, or u wanna enjoy driving? if u want to turn heads like 100% of the time then M5 is your friend... if u wanna turn heads like 30% of the time and enjoy the drive go for the m3...

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

you'll make up that $10k saved on price in gas receipts

[328i]

Originally Posted by !Xoible

u wanna be baller, or u wanna enjoy driving? if u want to turn heads like 100% of the time then M5 is your friend... if u wanna turn heads like 30% of the time and enjoy the drive go for the m3...

The m5 is just as subtle if not more so than an m3, comparing both to their non m versions. With that said, theyre two different cars. M5 is more of a comfortable GT that is great for lots highway driving, while the M3 is a nimbler slightly more agile smaller package which is a bit more sporty. You can't go wrong with either, it just depends on what you're looking to get out of your car.

[smmmurf]

M3 is the better car.

[imballin2day]

Well the first year current generation M5 started in 2006 so a 2005 wouldn't be an option. That being said the current generation M5 is about to end and depreciation on the M5 right now is horrible. Imagine the price of your M5 once the new body comes out. e46 M3's are a perfect example of that. When the e92s came out, e46s took a huge hit. I doubt you want that to happen to you. The e92 is beginning its 3rd production year and is a great car. Go for the m3.

[F9T]

Originally Posted by imballin2day

That being said the current generation M5 is about to end and depreciation on the M5 right now is horrible.

I thought I read somewhere that the new M5 isn't coming out until 2012. Was that completely wrong?

[SUB-ZERO]

2008 M3

[NewM3driver]

MMM > MMMMM

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

MMM > MMMMM

[M156]

M3 for me since early SMG on M5 is super jerky.

Also depends on your use for the car.

Track or not?
Big family or single?
speed or handling? (even though M5 handles very well for a big car)

[Leozap]

Originally Posted by AutoCouture

lol

[MJC///M3]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

MMM > MMMMM

very clever.

I would agree.

OP....its M3 time.

[NavM]

Try the same question on M5board and you'll get very different answers. I have the E46 version and it is more agile and fun to drive. The same applies to E90/92 M3. I've driven the E92 M-DCT and it is better than SMG in manual and way better in auto. As long as you avoid and minimize using the auto mode in SMG, it is a fine tranny. I actually like the SMG. The highway speed and power of the M5 are incredible. You will need full bolt ons on the M3 to reach M5's speed. Just test drive them and make your own decision.

I wouldn't worry about getting a 2006 M5 as long as all the service and recalls have been done. Get a good aftermarket warranty and enjoy it. As for the gas consumption, the difference is not much. I get around 15-16 mpg (closer to 15) combined and my cousin who has the new M3 gets around 16-17. I am sure others may do better.

[SenorFunkyPants]

If you go for the M5 keep your eye out for a spare SMG gearbox to go with it for when it expires.

[niqui]

i think the m3 turns more heads than the m5.

[yemenmocha]

M5.

M5 weighs 7.5% more but has 21% more horsepower (clearly, better power/weight ratio). Neither cars are "nimble" cars - they're both a compromise between convenience of a saloon and sporty qualities of a sports car, so while the M3 may be more nimble, relatively speaking, it is not a nimble car. If you want a nimble car then get a Lotus or a Porsche. The reply is often "... but but wait 'till the twistiesl". Yes, if you're on a track. No, not on real roads in public. The M5 will take you to the same (rather unsafe) limits on the public roads in the twisties. No M3 is going to leave you behind on public roads.

And lastly, as far as straight line goes, they're close only in 1st & 2nd gears. 3rd gear on up the M5 walks away. A lot of cars are neck and neck through 2nd gear, especially if the outcome of the race is really determined by who happened to have gotten the better launch.

[pepper]

M5 is for old people

M3 is for younger people

[yemenmocha]

Originally Posted by pepper

M5 is for old people

M3 is for younger people

I pretty much agree, though it should be older people vs. young people. Old people drive 750's.

[chrisburns]

Well I have had both and I can tell you now that the M5 takes some beating.
It is much faster smoother and more refined along with that V10.

However that is not what you should be thinking.

I had my 5 for 2 years and had 8k (STG) of warranty work in that period.
One of the main reasons I changed was to move into a fresher car with warranty as to keep the 5 along with the awful market value would simply have required to much outlay.

Go for the M3 enjoy it and when the new M5 comes out buy a demo

[SenorFunkyPants]

They run a similar 1/4 mile but the M3 has better laptimes at just about every track that the M5 and M3 have posted times.

[inmotion]

Difference would be, at least for me, more rear seat space / legroom. The power of the M5 is more noticeable especially when the car's switched to P500. Love HUD, wish it came as an option for the M3. Handling would certainly be taken by the M3. All comes down to what you're looking for.