Choosing between a 2018 M3 CS and 2019 M5

[gprgeorge]

I have been fortunate to be in a position to choose and M3 CS or M5. I currently own a 2016 M3 manual. I love my car but like many of us, I get the itch pretty much now every 3 or 4 years. I did drive a competition M5 a few weeks ago. It was nice but I was not like "I gotta have this" moment. The dealership has a M3 CS San Marino Blue coming soon. My brain says M5 but my heart says M3 CS. Any of you have an opinion on which is the better choice?

[No Boost]

The CS model has that "special/unique" factor. It's definitely a car for hardcore enthusiasts. I'm sure it's more fun to drive than the F90 also....except when going WOT in the straights.

[KevinM]

Tough one. If the CS was available with a MT, it would be an easy decision for me. However, if forced to drive an automatic (DCT or ZF), I might well opt for luxury, MxDrive, 600hp/554 lbft, and 0-60 in 2.9 seconds...

[Negtvions]

IMHO:
You've had the M3 for several years and are getting the itch for something new. CS, while different, is not all that new of a car.

Go for the M5, or something entirely different, and in 3 years or so when the new model Ms come out come back to an M3/4.

[Darth One]

Think you'll have to write more stuff about what you want in a car to get better answers

[gprgeorge]

I am pretty simple. When I drove the M5, yes it was nice but not a fun car feel. I have had the last 3 generations of M3s, all manuals. I'm 48 years old, just seems like a nature jump to the M5?

[NickyC]

If money isn't an object to you go for the M5 I say. But if it is, the depreciation on the M5s is absolutely horrid. I guess it remains to be seen if it will be as bad on the CS, but with limited numbers I would have to think not?

[allinon72]

M3 - raw power, drivers car, more aggressive ride, racer looks

M5 - more electronic power, more luxury to sport ratio, understated looks, can drive to the business meeting while still having some fun on the weekends

[Fender150]

Agree with some others, cs is great but not THAT different to your m3, i would definitely go for The m5 or e63s no question

[gprgeorge]

Originally Posted by Fender150

Agree with some others, cs is great but not THAT different to your m3, i would definitely go for The m5 or e63s no question

I think your correct, but the CS in that San Marino Blue is really nice. I hopefully will get a chance to test drive it. Sometimes I just got to test drive a car to get it out of my system. The M5 is definitely more upscale. The exhaust sound from the CS is pretty nice from what I have heard on videos

[einscot]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

I have been fortunate to be in a position to choose and M3 CS or M5. I currently own a 2016 M3 manual. I love my car but like many of us, I get the itch pretty much now every 3 or 4 years. I did drive a competition M5 a few weeks ago. It was nice but I was not like "I gotta have this" moment. The dealership has a M3 CS San Marino Blue coming soon. My brain says M5 but my heart says M3 CS. Any of you have an opinion on which is the better choice?

keep your MT. neither the M5 or the CS will bring a smile to your face on a curvy road when all you're doing is steering

[Darth One]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

I am pretty simple. When I drove the M5, yes it was nice but not a fun car feel. I have had the last 3 generations of M3s, all manuals. I'm 48 years old, just seems like a nature jump to the M5?

ah, so we have a similar history, then. i've thought about doing that jump with the F10 and the F90 (but not the E60 - hated those at first sight and first drive). neither of them are as great all-around as the same-generation M3. none of them as good looking either, and of course, no manuals (although my M3's are all DCT's but one)

[georgere]

I have been driving regular m3 and test drove the new m5. If I had the means and the choice you are facing, m5 hands down. M5 is a Rolex, m3 CS is skagen with diamond. This makes them equal in price also both tell time... you make the pick....

[wheelpro]

Sure m5

[quattr0]

what bothers me the most is M5 is like a little boat. That might be the reason why you didnt feel like you have to have it

Do agree w test drive the CS tho. Im jelly.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Just went through this exact situation and chose the CS. The M5 is the better car from a rational standpoint; the CS from an emotional standpoint.

Only you can decide depending on your priorities. Can't go wrong with either car.

[Throttleblip]

I understand the dilema from a price point of view because they are in a "similar" price range.

But, having a hard time understanding how you can consider comparing them from a driver perspective.

The CS is a raw sports car (for an M3/M4). It is a car that was designed as a drivers car for people who like to go to the track and/or who like to drive fast on winding roads. Yes it can be set to comfort in all its setting, but is will always feel compromised in comfort to offer sports car performance.

The M5 is an amazing sports sedan, but on a track or winding road you will definitely feel the weight of the car. Yes, the xdrive system makes the car very capable, but it requires it to obtain that level of performance, so it is less is a "true sports car" dynamically speaking.

I am attaching these two videos of the same driver on the same track driving each car. Apart from the CS's lap time being 5 seconds faster, you can clearly see how much more effort (driving inputs) it takes the driver to drive the M5 fast due to the cars weight and suspension.

I would suggest test driving the CS before you make a decision. Hope this helps.

[CanAutM3]

IMO the M5 and M3cs are two very different cars intended for different audiences. The M3cs is the ultimate expression of the practical daily driver for the track hobyist who wants only one car that does it all. The M5 is a fantastic luxury bahnstormer that can still excel trough the twisties. It all depends what one is after.

[espho]

M5

[DS_BMW]

M5 is much more car for the money.

[Damage Inc]

CS for me. Much more fun to drive. I"d be bored of the M5 pretty quick. Plus check out M5 depreciation.

Personally I'd go 911 or something cool to change it up.

[Throttleblip]

Did you decide?