Re: Selling M5. Would I enjoy an 850? (m) (archive)

I own an 850CSi with less than 10K miles on it, a '92 850i (which I just sold) and have had the pleasure of spending a few days with an E29 M5.
You really cannot compare the 850i with an an 850CSi or the M5. the 850i a great car, but just not in the same ballpark. Just some musings...
- The CSi and the M5 weight about the same
- The CSi has about 20-30 less "brochure" HP
- The CSi V12 is very smooth
- The CSi interior is very nice
- The CSi gets many comments
- The CSi handles very nicely (for a GT car) 500 mile trips with no fatigue
- The CSi V12 revs very aggressively when switched in "sport" mode
- There is a world of difference between the 850i's 2.65 differential ratio and the CSi's 2.93. I'm sure that would extrapolate to a 3.11.
- They made 1500 CSi's total worldwide and imported 200 into the US, making it a rather rare car that (hopefully) will retain its value
- The M5 V6 with VANOS is a very spectacular engine
- The M5 handles very nicely, better in close quarters
- The M5 interior and pilot features (phone, steering wheel controls for phone, radio, cruise control, the nav system, stereo, backup warning etc.) are very useful and enjoyable
- The Euro M5 and the US M5 are very similar while the Euro 850CSi and the USCSi are rather different (brakes, window washers, oil cooler, etc.) and its costly to upgrade.

All that being said, I had the 850i and was on the M5 waiting list when I found the CSi. So I guess I voted with my pocket book!

Regards,
CAS

Follow Ups:

Corrections Greg K 14:35 5/01/2001 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.