New M5 owners

[M3Pilot]

Guys,

Has anyone else besides myself sold their E46 M3 for the new M5? I have had my Interlagos Blue/Black, every option M5 for two weeks now, 800 miles. I actually miss the size of the M3 and in reality do not need 4 doors as I have other vehicles with such. I am pondering selling the car and picking up another M3 Comp. pkg, or 997 coupe until the M6 is out. Don't get me wrong the car is awesome, however it is the size of the M5 I do not care for. Has anyone else experienced this. Feedback appreciated.

[Ed_Healey]

[dickedup]

Driven the "regular" 5'er and it was nice. Guess the lure of that V-10 is what has made everyone so nuts. ;)

Doing my first drive in her this weekend.

[chiphomme]

Won't you lose a lot of money?
I went from an E46 M3 to a CLS55 and am having the same feeling.
The thing is powerful but way too heavy. I know my Merc is faster but it just doesn't feel like it. I felt much more connected with my M3.
I thought that the E60 M5 would be a lot better in this respect.

[JIO]

The last time to buy a 2006 E46 M3 is May, 2006 for the coupes and August, 2006 for the cab. It really is a wonderful driver's car and destined to become a classic with it's looks.

The M3 engine, by the way, is now finding it's way into the Z4 Coupe, just as it ended up in the M Coupe and M Roadster.

[jburke]

Compared to my '01 E39 M5, the E60 M5 feels like a much lighter and more responsive car. It turns in much quicker. I have not really pushed it yet but it feels like the handling balance will be neutral rather than understeer. My E39 understeered so much I put in the Dinan Stage III handling package, that helped a lot but still the E60 feels even better so far. I'll take it to the track once in the spring to really see.

[dp]

but i did have two m coupes. all of my other cars are much smaller (elise and scion xb) but the only time the m5 feels big is when i have to park it or in heavy traffic. on a twisty road it 'shrinks' and is a very willing dance partner, if you know how to lead :)

overall i'm very impressed with mine. it's not perfect by any stretch and ultimately doesn't make sense for me but i'm loving every minute of the experience while it lasts.

[m3pilot]

No I broke even today. I sold the car to Bob Smith BMW for what I paid.

[dickedup]

But you knew that already. :P

[wolverine]

If you're looking for a sports car that you can really toss around, then you'll definitely need something smaller. The M5 is not a Porsche 997, but it's definitely better in just about every way than an M3. The only thing the M3 has going for it is simply there's less car there. OK, and it's got a beautiful manual. The other thing to consider is that it takes a while to warm up to the M5. Give it some time.

In terms of ride, handling, acelleration, braking, the M5 has it over the M3 in everything except size and weight. The 997 S is a different story. That is a true sports car, and if you're looking for the best pure sports car you can buy, and can give up the 4 doors, I'd go for it. There is just no way you'll get that kind of driving experience with the M5. However, I'll bet as long as you don't have a big problem with the SMG, you won't miss the M3 one bit in a month or two.