Re: M5 concerns (Long) (archive)

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I had a 96 M3 and now drive the 00 M5. So I am also qualified. What you observed and what everyone has said is true- Im just gonna give you my 2 cents.

I am a happy owner of a '97 M3 and was going to trade up to a 2001 M5. However, after a test drive, I have following impressions:
1) M5 softer all over. Lacks M3's tightness & immediacy of feedback. Has more float & body roll.

I think you are sensing the difference in the steering systems. The M3 is a rack & pinion while the M5 is a recirculating ball system- basically there are more mechanicals that "get in the way" of the communication. That said- Ive dicovered that the M5s steering is in fact very percise and pretty communicative. The M3 had sharp as a razor steering, I dont mind the difference with the M5 becauase the M5 is a different car with a different mission. I dont think the M5 has a floaty feel, but I could see how you arrive at your impression. my thoughts are kind of like what I wrote before. When I first took delivery of the M5, I really noticed you could feel its mass through turns, while with the M3 I really didnt feel the cars mass- it felt "light as a feather". Now that Ive "gotten used" to the M5, I dont notice this. I credit BMWs engineers for taking a 4000 lb car and making it feel as good as it does.

At first I felt the opposite. I always thought my M3 was an eager rever and the M5 was kind of lethargic. What I discovered was that I was being a little too kind to the M5 when it was new. The M3s I6 is a wonderful engine with lots of character. The M5s V8 is also wonderful and from around 4k rpm on it does have a very distinct sonic character.

Youre preception is pretty accurate. However, as its been said they are different cars for different purposes. Sure, both go fast. But one is really more a sports car- and the other more a sports sedan. Forget performance numbers like g-force handling, you are right to think in terms of how does it make you feel. My favorite thing about the M3 was its feeling of balance. Fortunately I think the M5 retains this feeling- its just that the car is bigger, heavier, and has a more luxury mission that *does* include making the driver a little more removed from the sensations of the road (noise, etc). I also agree that in the daily driving type category the M5 doesnt feel that much faster, but once on the highway it really does and if I gun it 0-60 it does feel faster to me.

I thought so also- turns out that the braking feel is kind of like the gas pedal feel when in normal mode. Youve got to push in around 15% before you get that immediacy- you could call it mushy, but now that I am used to it its second nature. My one panic stop- the M5 stopped from 45mph to close to zero VERY FAST and very well controlled when the car in front decided to put its brakes on for almost no reason at all.

By all accounts, this board included, M5 should be a much better/faster car. Your input greatly appreciated, especially from those familiar with, or own, both models. Thanks, all!

does faster= better? does bigger= better? Does more expensive=better? you answered that question when you talked about driving a 328 Ferrari- you didnt care that others could go faster, you like the feel. The same thing applies here. The M5 is a wonderful car- as is the E36 M3. I am excited to see the new M3. I would recommend you at least wait (its probably a couple of months off now) and check that out. You might find it is more suited to your taste. That isnt a right or wrong thing- its all about what youre looking for. For me, I was looking for some more luxury while retaining that M division sense of balance. Im happy with the M5.

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