M3 or M5?

[Carl L]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

Exactly. You just have to remember the F80 M3 is a $30,000 cheaper car and there is a reason for it. Or think of it the other way around too, the F10M5 is a $30,000 more expensive car and there is a reason for it. Although close in a lot of ways, both have their strengths and weaknesses, you just have to decided what do you want if you could afford either one.

This absolutely explains the difference in comfort and luxury. I love both the M3 and M5....but, as an ex E60 M5 owner and former RPi visitor, I would take the M3 over the M5 even at equal money. It's simply a more sorted car. Now, were I a drag strip visitor or father of three my answer would be different.

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I can bet you those M5s at the perf school are not running the brake fluid they came with from the factory.

And as for feeling big and heavy at the track, I don't know what to say. When you drive a car in an HPDE which doesn't weigh 4300 lbs, you'll immediately see that the M5 does feel big and heavy.

It's a luxurious, solidly engineered car and it accelerates very hard but you are kidding yourself if you think it's a great track car.

Pat

Great is an obviously relative term. On a track with longer straights at the Advanced //M course, people tend to enjoy the M5/M6 as its power is more easily exploitable. Breaking over 150mph is common.

I'll agree with you and saying it probably wouldn't be your go to car on a track that's more auto-x like, it's just a big car. My point was that with my apparent low skill level, I found the M5 and M6 to be very capable around the track even though I preferred the M3 because of its small size. Interestingly enough, I wasn't faster in the M3 than I was in the M5 even though I felt more confident in the 3.

I think I'd take the F80 over the M5 because I think it's smaller size makes it more fun but am amazed at how agile the M5 is given its size.

To note: I'm speaking from personal experience, not what I've read on the internet. The E90 M3 'felt' faster to me and more trackable, but reality showed it wasn't even though I was more apt to push the M3 harder. The F80 will probably make me love the M3 even more though.

[bimmergoat]

I test drove an M5 extensively yesterday and I was amazed a the level of luxury that it provides. It is so freaking comfortable and fast as heck. I've owned 2 M3's and I'm too deciding on a new M3 or a used 2013 M5. I was not at ease driving the M5 due to its size but I'm sure I could get used to it after some driving courses. In terms of value a used 2013 M5 at 80k is better than a new M3 at 75-80k. Someone else has already taken the 20-30k depreciation hit. "just sayin"

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by bimmergoat

I test drove an M5 extensively yesterday and I was amazed a the level of luxury that it provides. It is so freaking comfortable and fast as heck. I've owned 2 M3's and I'm too deciding on a new M3 or a used 2013 M5. I was not at ease driving the M5 due to its size but I'm sure I could get used to it after some driving courses. In terms of value a used 2013 M5 at 80k is better than a new M3 at 75-80k. Someone else has already taken the 20-30k depreciation hit. "just sayin"

It certainly does beg the question.

If you're not really pining for the smaller more nimble feel from the M3, the M5 offers a lot more width, more luxury (not a LOT) and more cachet for about the same coin, if you are ok with used. And a lot more power, but I don't think a lot more speed.

[ufgtrs2007]

I own both a 2013 M5 and a 2013 M3 coupe, and I agree with most of the comments in this thread. The M5 provides me ultimate luxury and performance in a super exclusive saloon, best all around car in the world.

We all know what the E92 M3 can do: the handling, S65 induction, looks, and SOUL!

Saying that, I prefer my M5 everyday, but thoroughly enjoy driving my M3 hard. I'm going to test drive the new M4 when it becomes available, I may keep my M5 and add an M4 when LCI competition package becomes available.

The new GXX M5 is going to be an evolution in terms of weight savings and performance, will likely elevate BMW M to a whole new level, just as I think the new M3/M4 will change the game!

[mpower3330]

Will keep it simple. Have been on the wait list for F80 M3 for over a year. However, I'm itching for a car now. Will be purchasing not leasing. I found a used 2013 M5 with 8k miles (has all options except for LED lights, carbon ceramic and rear seat entertainment), can get it for around $79k. The new M3 with all the options I want will be around $77k (similarly optioned as the M5). What would you guys do?

[bmw-nj]

I would wait for the M3 personally but it depends what you want the car for.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by bmw-nj

I would wait for the M3 personally but it depends what you want the car for.

^^^This!!!!

[RealStig]

Originally Posted by mpower3330

Will keep it simple. Have been on the wait list for F80 M3 for over a year. However, I'm itching for a car now. Will be purchasing not leasing. I found a used 2013 M5 with 8k miles (has all options except for LED lights, carbon ceramic and rear seat entertainment), can get it for around $79k. The new M3 with all the options I want will be around $77k (similarly optioned as the M5). What would you guys do?

I wouldn't get the M5 and its not because its a bad deal, its because its pre LCI, pre competition package. The steering has improved vastly in those cars from 2013 to 2014.

[KevinM]

That's a good deal for an M5...Those things are depreciating like rocks!

What size car do you want? The M5 has grown too large for my taste. Really can't go wrong with an M5...If you want a car NOW, go for it. It will likely keep you interested through the M3 introduction and possibly until the LCI update...

[damnitBobby]

that seems like a good deal on the M5 (assuming no accident history and good condition overall).. considering they are easily $100k+ cars

if you desire the V8, extra room, and just overall presence of the M5 I say go for it.. personally i don't need the extra room, and want something that's more nimble and fun to drive so in my situation I am waiting for the M4

[mpower3330]

Going to drive it today. Hopefully it doesn't feel like a boat.

[ss134]

Two totally different cars designed for different purpose. No one can answer this question but you! Personally if I could get a brand new M5 for the same price as the M3 I would still take the M3 as it suits what I want in a car better than the M5......assuming it drives better or as good as previous generations!

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by mpower3330

Going to drive it today. Hopefully it doesn't feel like a boat.

report back with your findings

I wouldn't be lying if I said I wasn't itching for a car too and was tempted by the m5, but I think the m3 is much more balanced and overall will perform much better.

so I think at the least its smart to wait and drive both

[Chill72]

Competition Package?

[mpower3330]

No competition package. That option didn't start until 2014.

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by mpower3330

Will keep it simple. Have been on the wait list for F80 M3 for over a year. However, I'm itching for a car now. Will be purchasing not leasing. I found a used 2013 M5 with 8k miles (has all options except for LED lights, carbon ceramic and rear seat entertainment), can get it for around $79k. The new M3 with all the options I want will be around $77k (similarly optioned as the M5). What would you guys do?

I think you need to wait to see what the new M3 is like. We all know the M5 disadvantages. In my view, the big advantage the M5 has is fantastic power. But it is also really heavy. The new M3 is likely to be almost 900 lbs lighter. So will it be faster? Or as fast? That's what we need to wait to see.

If it is close to being as fast as the M5 then it's no contest in my view - M3 FTW!

[mpower3330]

Originally Posted by RealStig

I wouldn't get the M5 and its not because its a bad deal, its because its pre LCI, pre competition package. The steering has improved vastly in those cars from 2013 to 2014.

Can you expand on the changes that have been made to the steering from the 2013 to 2014? I know they changed the suspension, etc. for the competition package but none of those 2014 M5 Competition Package cars are in the same price range of this 2013 M5.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by mpower3330

Can you expand on the changes that have been made to the steering from the 2013 to 2014? I know they changed the suspension, etc. for the competition package but none of those 2014 M5 Competition Package cars are in the same price range of this 2013 M5.

I think this is an interesting question

because if it is only the steering calibration, that can be modded (maybe not yet, but eventually) via coding much like the e9x m3 for example. aftermarket steering tunes on the m3 are impressive, and id imagine they can do that on the m5 also

if its mechanical changes, then clearly that isn't a valid option...

some food for thought.

[Chill72]

Originally Posted by mpower3330

No competition package. That option didn't start until 2014.

How much can you bring down that $79K asking price?

[solstice]

If you like the M5 better get it. There are good deals to be had on new and used. Even with never having driven the F8X it should be clear to you when driving the M5 if it ticks all of your boxes and make you ecstatic, a car in this range should. It's very clear to me when driving that car that it's not a WOW car for me at any price.

[/// M sa]

Get a used one, you can get one with low miles around 78k if not lower. Two different cars though, I want a lighter sedan so I ll wait for the M3.