wheelbase figures. (archive)

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I still think that the recirculating ball steering has something to do with my lack of total satisfaction with the M5, fine as it is in many respects. That and the size.

Of course, like you I recognise the different purposes for both of these fine cars and would love to have both. With two cars already in my garage, one of which is an E36 M3, I can only get one more car. So I may spring for the E46 M3 since my E36M3 is a 4 dr sedan. Just sold my E46 328i sport in anticipation of the M5 or the new M3.

Don't forget about the long distance from the front tire to the rear. Wheelbase seems so long. I think I need both!

BTW, i am in the same dilemma as you are. E46M3 or E39 M5. Same pros and cons considered as the ones spelt out by Evan. i.e. 4 doors, more torque, almost similar to M3 0-60 etc. while still being bigger, better appointments, two tone seats, more unique too. The M3 has other things going for itself - much better handling, slightly better low end speed, better price (beyond $60 cars are something to think about for me since cars are so easily wrecked).

The only point I may disagree with you on is the resale value bit. I somehow think that the M5 will be strong on resale but not as strong as the M3. Consider the following factors in addition to your own positive history regarding resale of M3..

-- more liquidity (more prospective buyers exist for a lower priced but still a high quality car)
-- the M5 league buyers may be more able or more picky about not wanting a used car.

Of course one can argue against both of the above points as indeed I do too. Which is why I have am still on the list for both M5 and M3.

In the end you said it yourself. Get what you like. I rarely say that to people just because it is a cliche but in cases where affordabiliy really is not the primary issue, no reason not to.

I dont want to miss out on the handling of the M3 and I dont have kids - just me and my wife usually. She already has a four door M3 E36. So I have other factors turning me towards a coupe E46 M3 since it is sufficient space wise. It will be much more common and all kinds of kids will try to race you. The M5 is a bit more subtle adn you can enjoy the M audio enhanced bass while enjoying torque at the low end too.

But the only real thing I will miss if I go M3 is the low end torque of M5, ring lights and the bass.
The things I will miss with the M5 is the handling of the M3 and I will also miss the slightly sportier look of the M3 - less distance from front wheel to nose and from rear wheel to trunk makes car sportier.

We have had a ton of cars some good some bad. In the end any decision concerning this kind of dough needs to be completely thought through. We bought a used Ferrari 348 spyder, drove it for almost a year..put 0 dollars into it and sold it for what we paid. Had a 97 M3/4..paid $38,500 in 97 and sold it for $32 3 years later with 30K on the clock. Thats amazing if you ask me. The flip side is that we have a 00 BMW M coupe...I cant give that thing away for $35K with only 6K on the clock. The M5s will (maybe) depreciate less than the M3..especially if I get a used one BUT, I am sure the M3 would be much more fun to own. Maybe in the end its really a no win situation (financially) and I should simply remind myself that you only live once and you are dead a real long time.........What are others opinions about the 90 day forcast for M5 prices in the midwest?

Got the call..our e46M3 will be hear in the next 60 days..we are #1 at our dealer. I need to decide if I should pay (around)55K for a new M3 or buy a slightly used M5 for 60k. I have been lurking on this board for months and have seen asking prices droping fast...would it be realistic to see M5 prices at or around that 60K # come April. Honestly, I would rather have a M5. Drove a friends, couldnt believe how friggen fast it was. BTW, He traded his to the local dealer in the high 60s and they sold it for 70..this was 3 months ago and it wasnt a real nice car. I need you opinions..Oh yeah, the M3 is at sticker...

Speed wise the 0-60 will be about the same. 80-150 the M5 has better acceleration. On the skid pad the M3 should out handle the M5, not by much but still should never the less. The thing that makes them really different is that no mater how you cut it, the M5 is a pig, it is a big car. The M3 is going to be much more sporty like, much more tossable thru the turns and transfer its weight better. Thne you also have the practicality of the M5's four doors vs. the two of the M3. It is really about what suits your needs more. I looked at an M5 and drove it, (hell I owned a 97' 540.6 and traded it for a 98 M3), I just placed my order with my dealer for my M3 which shouild also be here in April. So you know my choice, it is now up to you.

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