[peterg1965]

Just went into my local dealer as I am getting the urge to return to BMW, this time in an M car. I actually went to talk about E60 M5s I quite fancy one and wanted to discuss the pro's and con's with my salesman friend.

I ended up going for a spin in their M3 vert DCT demo, resplendent in Silverstone II. All I can say is that I absolutely loved it, the gearbox was sublime and the noise (roof down) at 7000 rpm was a million times better than my V8 AMG. I would have an M3 (I think) but the DCT box makes it a little unaffordable for me at the moment. Silverstone !! is an absolutely gorgeous colour and I liked it with the black hide interior.

I am hoping to get out in an M5 in the next few weeks. There is well specced, but well overpriced car in BMW Blackpool. Am looking forward to finding out what 500bhp feels like!

[MOB]

I test drove an M5 and whilst it was good, I just didn't gel with it. I was gutted as I had decided it was my dream car............it was similar to a big bike - as soon as you nail it, you are in ban territory lol

Tried a CLS55 AMG and totally loved that, but Mercedes wouldn't do me a deal. So ended up with the Cayman.

Still have a soft spot for the M5 when I see one though............

[SpmnE9zero]

M5 is Ballin, will def be my next car!!! Drove plenty and absolutley love the car. Def needs new wheels in 20" though! It is a big car, but it has pretty big power. Get it!!!!!

[peterg1965]

I am certainly warming towards the M5, but I need to drive one. I have read loads and loads on them (www.M5board.com www.mtorque.co.uk www.pistonheads.co.uk ) and have learned that owning one without a BMW Warranty is not a good idea! (I know what the 'red cog of death' means !!!

As for 20" wheels - not for me.... I like to keep my cars original and the standard 19"s do it for me.

When I was chatting to my salesman friend he said that Glass's Guide contained a clause on M5s (and M3s I think) that if the 1200 mile running inside service hasn't been conducted they are worth about £2500 below the book price. Even though it is a complimentary BMW service there are people who don't bother. There are also clauses in PCP contracts that say that if the service is missed there is a £2K+ penalty clause at the end of the contract!

Anyway, I am warm to an M3 DCT as well but the differential in price with the M5 will be too great I think. Having said that there were some cracking Personal Contract Hire offers on the M3 DCT Vert a few weeks back.

[Palmnuts]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

. Am looking forward to finding out what 500bhp feels like!

Having had the pleasure of both an e92 M3 and my current M6 I can safely say that 507bhp feels nuts! The way the M6 pulls above 5000rpm is insane and that's comparing it to the incredible car that the M3 was!

Indeed, am I right in assuming that the straight line performance in the M3 isn't that different to the 55AMG??

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by Palmball

Having had the pleasure of both an e92 M3 and my current M6 I can safely say that 507bhp feels nuts! The way the M6 pulls above 5000rpm is insane and that's comparing it to the incredible car that the M3 was!

Indeed, am I right in assuming that the straight line performance in the M3 isn't that different to the 55AMG??

My 55 AMG is the old style (W208) with 'only' 347bhp. Am sure the E9* M3 would leave it behind, but not by miles.

The 410bhp M3 DCT felt a little quicker than the AG when I booted it and managed to get all the DCT dashboard lights lit through 3th and 4th. The salesman was giving me full encouragement!

[Palmnuts]

Then you definitely need to drive the M5 - I cannot put into words how the first time going through 6k in 3rd gear feels! Of course...you then just get used to it and wonder why the car doesn't feel as fast as it used to.

[rogerxp]

Drive the M5, it's just a sublime experience. The power available is awesome however you can happily tootle around cruising leisurely. The gearbox (SMG3) has fans and haters though so you need to make sure you are part of the former. I seriously considered one but the 15mpg realistic max (esp. for my style of driving) put me off. Get a drive though. Hey, don't discount an M6 though...

[peterg1965]

Have just seen a lease (personal contract hire) deal on the M3 Convertible DCT £5000 down and £499+ VAT per month - 36 months/10k miles pa. Bit tempting really! What options are an absolute MUST I would have though just having the 19" alloys would be enough? (the spec is fairly comprehensive anyway and I wouldn't care much for upgraded hifi, bluetooth etc etc)

Perhaps there will be no standard cars in the UK, it would have to be a factory order for 'poverty' spec I reckon - and by then the 'limited' offer will have expired!

What do you all think? Why don't BMW offer these types of deals?

[sheps]

Peter,

check this out.

Similar sort of money monthly, mucy less down up front.

Fully customisable quoting, have a play.

[M3-FAST]

On a 'vert I would defo spec at least hi-fi - standard stereo is poor anyway, and with the roof down, you might as well just switch it off

Also seriously consider heated seats - I used them LOTS on my vert!

[Hoops]

Dare i mention the EDC word!!!!!!!!!!