New M5 HAS NOT been a mistake for me!!!!!!

[pcdoumas]

So much fun!

I have nothing bad to say at this point.

Great car.

[bmwlotus]

[pcdoumas]

Keep in mind, I traded my E60 545 for the M5.

Similar dynamics, etc. So as far as styling, I-Drive, feel etc...I really can't tell I am in a different car if I am simply cruising on the highway.

The best part of the car is the drivetrain, of course. It is very powerful. Like night and day to my 545 (which was a fast car). I also had SMG in my previous car so there is no transition period for me. Yes, the M5 SMG is "sportier", but it's basically the same_****.

I guess one can imagine why the M5 seems very "familiar" to me.

Highs:

1. Motor
2. Suspension
3. Brakes
4. Seats (active bolsters)
5. full Leather Interior (very nice!!)

Lows:

1. Wheels are a royal pain in the_*** to clean
2. Draws Way too much attention
3. Lower rear bumper is kind of funky, I think


That's it for now. I will update from time to time for anyone interested.

[JIO]

The fenders are not flared out like the E46 M3, so it looks like to me that someone buying a, say E60 530, could install the M5 front end and the M5 rear end (including fake quad pipes), along with the M5 wheels and even brakes. They could very easily "build" a fake M5, except for the side gills.

Wow, a fake M5 for 1/2 the cost of the real one....99% of the people out there would never know.

Just a thought.

I had hoped that the M5 would have a bit more bling with arched fenders and such. From the side (except for the wheels) it looks like any 5 series. Of course this adds to the stealth of the car but for $90K, it needs to turn a few more heads....or you need to be able to get a little more head driving one...he he.

I'm not saying it's good or bad as there are 2 schools of thoughts. The interior is wonderful...I just saw one at the dealer in black with the aluminum trim and it looked great.

I turned down the M5 as I'm now waiting with my little old M3 for the E90 M3.

[savochka]

"99% of the people out there would never know" ?!?!
Do you buy a car for you or for others to enjoy?
You can do that with most any car. You can make it look like something it is not.... except you still lack the most important parts... the amazing M engine, better handling, etc.
Many people, myself included, enjoy cars that have abouve average performance, but are understated in appearance. I could really careless if the guy next to me is driving a "fake M5". To each his own. Seems like you are more about the image than anything else.

05 S4 (6MT, black ext with black and silver Alcantara int)
Retired 02 330Ci (3 very fun years)

[marinakorp]

change the pipes, side mirror, rear view mirror, front bumper, some door sills (i'm for getting a few small pieces I know) sway bars, and for all appearences it is an M5.. who cares...

place a ///M5 on the rear of the clone, I have a problem... swap parts for looks / performance, knock your self out

when you try to pass the ///M ... it becomes aparent who is the imposter

<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<a>Sport Package, DSP, Xenons, 2 tone BLK/GREY Interior, <br><br>Modifications:
<br>Powerchip Gold 93,M5 rear sway <br> Shadow Badged, Shadow Chrome Grill, </a>
<A HREF="http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/gallery/index.php?path=14622,1;-12,1;"

<IMG SRC="http://www.**********.com/photos/data/502/7767Dyno1.jpg?8601" ALT="short_desc" HEIGHT=233 WIDTH=473 BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER></A>
<BR>

[marinakorp]

hope it brings you all you expect it to and much more.


Post some pics?<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<a>Sport Package, DSP, Xenons, 2 tone BLK/GREY Interior, <br><br>Modifications:
<br>Powerchip Gold 93,M5 rear sway <br> Shadow Badged, Shadow Chrome Grill, </a>
<A HREF="http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/gallery/index.php?path=14622,1;-12,1;"

<IMG SRC="http://www.**********.com/photos/data/502/7767Dyno1.jpg?8601" ALT="short_desc" HEIGHT=233 WIDTH=473 BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER></A>
<BR>

[Ed_Healey]

[zapper]

The M5 has different front and rear bumpers, much larger side aprons and wider fenders. The difference between the E60 M5 and normal E60 is like the difference between the E46 M3 and normal E46.

Which is to say much more unique than either the E39 or E36 M5 and M3s were.

FZ

[zapper]

Best all around car I have ever driven.

Suspension is incredible.
I love SMG. Although it took almost 1000 miles to get to that conclusion
Engine pulls like a friggen train on NOS, and I'm still only at 5500 rpm
I really like all the adjustability they built into the car. Goes from comfort to canyon carver at the push of a button.

Small Negs:

Small tank... I don't car about the mileage but it would be nice if the tank held more gallons of gas so the range was greater.

I wish the HUD was adjustable for height

FZ

[jgrant]

I'm pretty sure HUD is adjustable for height. See your friendly stealer for adjustment.

[JIO]

have owned a 2002 E46 M3, a 2003 E46 M3, a 2003 E39 M5, and a 2004 E46 M3. The 2004 M3 is still a daily driver...the other 3 M cars are gone. I was already to get a 2006 M5 but decided to wait until year 2. I am #1 on the list for the new E90 M3 coming out in 2007 (hopefully sooner). Usually I debadge my cars as I prefer not to advertise the exact model I drive. The car nuts know the model whether the badge is on or off the car....for the rest of the people, it's a BMW.

[KJK]

Wow, the world has changed. That was the whole point of an M5. It was for those that want to drive fast but not be noticed. It has gotten progressively more bling over the years.

Kevin
'91 M5 (you have to know how to tell the difference)

[JIO]

Front and rear are different but the fenders are the same...they are not flared out like the M3 compared to the 330Ci. It would be very easy to make a 545i look just like an M5.

[pcdoumas]

How could the part numbers be the same? The fenders on the M5 have vents. That would indicate a different part number, wouldn't it?

[modeyaka]

...the half price jobbie. Most would get it for what the car is all about! A blast!!! I have a M3 and just put a deposit on the M5. I took out the badge from my M3. Consider the Audi S6, only obvious difference is the chrome mirrors. Now, all that said, I do agree, the flared fenders would look great (like the M3).

Well, if you are changing the fenders, then also bring the 'fake' quad pipes a little closer together to give it a more aggressive look(like the M3) . My buddy's grandfather's Caddie has quad pipes :).

[///MCHRIS]

the M5 shouldn't be bought to impress people. Nobody will know the difference between a M5 and a normal 5-Series, it's the driving experience that matters.

If you want bling get a CLS55 or Quattroporte.

[longjc]

[wolverine]

The 545i sport also sits about an inch lower in front than the E60 M5. I have no idea why.

[wolverine]

There are some advantages to having a 'noticable' car. On my first restaurant visit I asked to park the car myself. The valets said 'we'll just move this Porsche so you can park right here".

So far, that technique has worked pretty well. Usually it's right out front. The key never leaves my pocket. I watched 'Ferris Buhler's Day Off' too many times.