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Re: M5 vs. 540-all around drivability (archive)
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Posted by KC on April 24, 2001 at 22:44:30:

In Reply to: M5 vs. 540-all around drivability posted by cliff on April 20, 2001 at 18:37:03:

I've never driven the 540/6, but I can tell you that there's no car I'd rather drive on a long trip than my M5. I drove cross-country right after I bought it, and the combination of virtues of the M5 made it an absolute standout. Luxury, comfort, and ball-to-the-wall performance. I drove in no traffic and bumper-to-bumper traffic, and just loved driving the car. The shifting did take a bit of getting used to at first (even after 4000 miles my 1-2 shift leaves a lot to be desired) but nothing was ever tiresome. I drove in a lot of rain, and the car performed like a champ with the DSC and the Pilot Sports. I felt safer in the crappy weather in the M5 than in any other car I've driven.

Although I can't compare with the 540, I can compare to the 528i sport. The 528 is a beautiful car in its own right, smooth, quiet, 'peppy', shifts and handles like a dream. However, driving a 528 loaner while my M5 was in for service was a massive letdown. It was no more driveable, just much more tame, even bland by comparison. I couldn't wait to get my car back.

My verdict: if you can get the M5, get it. It is everything a 'regular' 5-series is and more, and you sacrifice nothing (well, except for fuel mileage.)


I have seen I few posts in the archives comparing the performance of the M5 and the 540/6, but I would appreciate any comments comparing overall drivability and long-term use.

The M5 unquestionably performs better, but how would these two cars compare, say over a long drive? Is it more work to clutch,shift, and steer the M5? Would you become more quickly fatigued on a long trip? Would it be a pain in stop-and-go rush hour traffic?

Do most M5 owners reserve the car for fair weather? Would you put snow tires on it and go skiing?

I guess I am wondering if the M5 is strictly suited to performance driving in good weather, or whether it can be used as an all-around car that also happens to be one of the fastest sedans on the planet?




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