I had the pleasure of driving a E39M5 for a week on the Autobahn at max speeds a lot(Kelleners rev and top speed removed)

My first impression is that the new M5 is a very very good machine, but there are things the old 8 does better;

- At speeds close to 300kph the M5 is very unstable, while the 8 is firm.
- Very soft chassis, ie lots of flex.
- Lots! of windnoise and poor acoustics compared to the 8. (M5 with doublepan side windows are better, but still no 8)
- Lots of VANOS noise, more of a feature than complaint from my side...

The comment of the M5 being snappier on throttle is, as mentioned, the mapping of the E31s compared to the M5. The ALPINA B12 was very very, almost to much, rev happy will blimping the throttle in S mode. It was almost impossible to drive the car in S mode in the city. So it's all in the programming.

The M5 will always be a beefed up E39, while the E31 was designed from the bottom up for a V12 and high rates of speed.

But I'm by no means slagging the M5. I had a lap in the passenger seat with Ralf Kelleners on the Nurburgring in a M5... I was speechless for hours... The car was airborn 5 times and power sliding at +200kph is kinda cool...:) It was mind boggling what a 4 door sedan could do in the hands of a good driver! Now if I only could do a back to back comparison with a CSi...

If you are looking to save money, get a nice 850i/Ci. They are different but still very impressive.

Regards
Carl