07.07.2008
Funny how there seems to be an M3 at every set of traffic lights I pull up to or every roundabout I’m waiting to join, and yet seeing an E60 M5 is still a very rare treat. You’d think after an M3 it’d be natural to trade-up to an M5 – but that clearly isn’t the case. In fact I wonder how many M3 owners have sneaked a test drive in an M5 at all.
Well DR has got an M5 in at the moment (for an upcoming ‘how-to-oversteer’ vid. OK so having over 500bhp helps, but Chris assures me there’s going to be more to it than that)) so a little back-to-back test is in order… The M5 is £65,890 in the UK to the M3 saloon’s £49,900 and for the extra £15,900 you get a V10 with 501bhp instead of a 414bhp V8, a seven-speed SMG ‘box as standard (the seven-speed DCT ‘box on the M3 is a £2590 option) and a good chunk more space in the rear and boot. Plus of course, the knowledge that you’ll rarely see another car like yours on the road. So how do they compare? Well despite the extra 140kgs that the M5 is carrying around its V10 has a big edge over the M3′s 4-litre V8. People have accused this motor of lacking torque (I’m not sure you can call 383lb ft below par myself), but just stroking along using 5000rpm or so the M5 feels very strong. Wind it out to 8000rpm and it’s just a complete nutter. Even a fully committed M3 driver would be left wondering quite how such a big saloon just dropped him so easily. And I love its mellow howl – despite revving so hard it never sounds even remotely stretched.
The SMG ‘box is less successful. In auto it’s all over the place and really struggles with crawling around in traffic – there’s no creep built-in so you’re forever rolling back when you want to move off, so you panic and jump on the throttle, which sends you hurtling towards the bumper of the car in front. It’s better at speed and brutally fast when you select the most extreme shift program, but it’s not a patch on the new twin-clutch DCT system, nor the simple standard fit six-speed ‘box in the M3.
Strangely the ‘box actually gives the big M5 a more hardcore character than the smaller, lighter M3: It always seems to be waiting for you to wake-up and start caning it, whereas the M3 does the big-hearted GT thing more convincingly. It rides almost as well, has lighter steering and because the difference between its top end and mid-ranges isn’t quite so stepped as in the M5, you feel happier forgetting about its 8400rpm limiter and just enjoying the thumping power between 3500-6000rpm. Most of the time the M3 just feels better resolved, a better dual-role car.
The M5 has its moments, though. It has terrific steering – quick and well-weighted – and surprisingly it feels just as agile and well-balanced as the M3. In fact I’m not sure you’d ever guess that it weighed over 100kgs more. It’s astoundingly accurate and has brilliant body control and when you do spin-up its rear tyres (which you surely will) it’s breakaway is more benign than the shorter wheelbase M3. I absolutely love it.
Is it worth £15,900 more than the M3? In absolute terms I’d say no. The M3 is more usable, as fast as you could ever need and has a truly exceptional chassis. I’m more impressed with it every day. However, if money were no object the M5 would be very hard to resist, if only to hear a 5-litre V10 engine spinning at over 8000rpm on a daily basis. So come on M3 owners, tell me why your next car shouldn’t be an M5 in no more than 100-words. And ‘MPG’ isn’t allowed to be one of them…
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42 Comments
ResB
July 8, 2008Not being an M3 owner so I probably don’t really qualify to have an opinion but I have one nonetheless.
For me the M3 is a better proportioned car when compared to that of the M5, which is probably why most opt for the smaller sibling in the first instance, therefore retaining that sporty stance and standing. Those who are in the market for a new M3 are probably in their mid 30’s to early 40’s, have a family to consider and of course cannot convince the wife that a 911 is an everyday car, therefore must consider the M3 as their first choice. At circa. £50k for a fairly well spec’d M3 they probably feel this is as good as it gets in terms of a “family” car and one they can use on the track if the feeling takes them. The M3 is perfect for this moreso than the RS4 etc. I see more M3’s on the track than I do M5’s and there is a reason for this. The M5 for me is a car that appeals to the older guy, who wants the power but really isn’t all that bothered about using it every day. So what’s the point in owning one.
Those that have had the M3 don’t ordinarily move on to the M5 because by the time they’ve had their moment being a devoted and unselfish husband, good parent and all the rest of it they now want their bit of fun for doing their good deed. In comes the coupe and/or track car, because they want their bit of fun now. Imagine this, an M3 to keep the little lady/family happy and a more focused sports car for the weekend and track visits. Doesn’t get much better than that I wouldn’t of thought.
The M5 doesn’t even come into it…
ResB
July 8, 2008Not being an M3 owner so I probably don’t really qualify to have an opinion but I have one nonetheless.
For me the M3 is a better proportioned car when compared to that of the M5, which is probably why most opt for the smaller sibling in the first instance, therefore retaining that sporty stance and standing. Those who are in the market for a new M3 are probably in their mid 30’s to early 40’s, have a family to consider and of course cannot convince the wife that a 911 is an everyday car, therefore must consider the M3 as their first choice. At circa. £50k for a fairly well spec’d M3 they probably feel this is as good as it gets in terms of a “family” car and one they can use on the track if the feeling takes them. The M3 is perfect for this moreso than the RS4 etc. I see more M3’s on the track than I do M5’s and there is a reason for this. The M5 for me is a car that appeals to the older guy, who wants the power but really isn’t all that bothered about using it every day. So what’s the point in owning one.
Those that have had the M3 don’t ordinarily move on to the M5 because by the time they’ve had their moment being a devoted and unselfish husband, good parent and all the rest of it they now want their bit of fun for doing their good deed. In comes the coupe and/or track car, because they want their bit of fun now. Imagine this, an M3 to keep the little lady/family happy and a more focused sports car for the weekend and track visits. Doesn’t get much better than that I wouldn’t of thought.
The M5 doesn’t even come into it…
BCA
July 8, 2008But a used E60 makes more sense… better still, an E39 M5 is almost exactly the same spec as a 5-door E90 M3 – if I was to find myself in the position of being able to afford the E90 saloon , I would probably just buy an E39 M5 and throw the change at say an E46 CSL… scary eh?
BCA
July 8, 2008But a used E60 makes more sense… better still, an E39 M5 is almost exactly the same spec as a 5-door E90 M3 – if I was to find myself in the position of being able to afford the E90 saloon , I would probably just buy an E39 M5 and throw the change at say an E46 CSL… scary eh?
waremark
July 8, 2008Have an M3 Coupe with M DCT (sorry, I’m too old for ResB – got my first E36 M3 when my oldest grew out of a 911 back seat, but have never moved on). M5 and M6 did not appeal as replacement for E46 mainly because I hated SMG – and I thought they were too big for a ‘sports car’. Looks are vital for me, and the M3 Coupe has them.
On DCT gearbox, agree with everything Chris Harris says on the vid about PDK. It is fabulous in auto, and pretty good in Sequential 1/2/3. I like the more aggressive blipping in Sequential 4/5/6, but not the thump on full throttle upchanges. Difficult to decide whether having a car which drives so well as an auto is consistent with saying the M5 is too big for a sports car!
Have not been off road yet – looking forward to playing at Bedford in a couple of weeks.
And sorry Jethro – mpg does matter! The M3′s is offensive, so what does that make the M5′s? Amazing that Porsche have managed this aspect so much better.
waremark
July 8, 2008Have an M3 Coupe with M DCT (sorry, I’m too old for ResB – got my first E36 M3 when my oldest grew out of a 911 back seat, but have never moved on). M5 and M6 did not appeal as replacement for E46 mainly because I hated SMG – and I thought they were too big for a ‘sports car’. Looks are vital for me, and the M3 Coupe has them.
On DCT gearbox, agree with everything Chris Harris says on the vid about PDK. It is fabulous in auto, and pretty good in Sequential 1/2/3. I like the more aggressive blipping in Sequential 4/5/6, but not the thump on full throttle upchanges. Difficult to decide whether having a car which drives so well as an auto is consistent with saying the M5 is too big for a sports car!
Have not been off road yet – looking forward to playing at Bedford in a couple of weeks.
And sorry Jethro – mpg does matter! The M3′s is offensive, so what does that make the M5′s? Amazing that Porsche have managed this aspect so much better.
waremark
July 8, 2008Jethro and Chris – what steering/chassis settings do you like for rapid road driving?
waremark
July 8, 2008Jethro and Chris – what steering/chassis settings do you like for rapid road driving?
Jethro Bovingdon
July 8, 2008You’re right, the MPG does hurt a bit. I suppose the M Division can only work with what they’re given and generally each successive 3 or 5-Series is getting bigger and heavier. They also have to build something considerably more potent than in the rest of the BMW range – which is tough when there’s stuff like the 335i and 535d around. Suddenly they need monster engines…the vicious circle continues.
I’ve played around with the chassis/steering/DSC settings quite alot and think I’ve settled for:
Dampers on middle setting, ‘Sport’ throttle and ‘Normal’ steering for road driving. The ‘Sport’ steering is too heavy and sythesized for my liking, and the ‘Super Sport’ throttle response is just too jumpy.
On track the very stiffest damper setting does reduce roll oversteer and doesn’t make the tail snappy. I mostly used the M-Dynamic Mode on the ‘Ring (and it’s great on wet roads), but generally just turn the stability/traction control off for track driving.
Jethro Bovingdon
July 8, 2008You’re right, the MPG does hurt a bit. I suppose the M Division can only work with what they’re given and generally each successive 3 or 5-Series is getting bigger and heavier. They also have to build something considerably more potent than in the rest of the BMW range – which is tough when there’s stuff like the 335i and 535d around. Suddenly they need monster engines…the vicious circle continues.
I’ve played around with the chassis/steering/DSC settings quite alot and think I’ve settled for:
Dampers on middle setting, ‘Sport’ throttle and ‘Normal’ steering for road driving. The ‘Sport’ steering is too heavy and sythesized for my liking, and the ‘Super Sport’ throttle response is just too jumpy.
On track the very stiffest damper setting does reduce roll oversteer and doesn’t make the tail snappy. I mostly used the M-Dynamic Mode on the ‘Ring (and it’s great on wet roads), but generally just turn the stability/traction control off for track driving.
waremark
July 8, 2008Thanks for the prompt reply Jethro.
waremark
July 8, 2008Thanks for the prompt reply Jethro.
bule1101
July 8, 2008My best friend has an M6, so we change a lot and i got to drive the car for quite some time now. I always keep it in the same setting: Power on full, MDM mode, dampers soft and the gearchange on full attack. I rarely change that. He used to have an M5 before this, and it was very simmilar in feeling, i dont see the M6 being any faster on a normal road.
Still the SMG sucks as always, would never buy a car with it…
bule1101
July 8, 2008My best friend has an M6, so we change a lot and i got to drive the car for quite some time now. I always keep it in the same setting: Power on full, MDM mode, dampers soft and the gearchange on full attack. I rarely change that. He used to have an M5 before this, and it was very simmilar in feeling, i dont see the M6 being any faster on a normal road.
Still the SMG sucks as always, would never buy a car with it…
bule1101
July 8, 2008I do have another question to Mr Bovingdon. We are considering the new M3 with dsg for my wifes new car. I have one concern about the suspension. We drove it on a test drive and it was ok, but i fear that over a long period it might be to stiff for city driving. She has been driving the civic type r and would like something a litte less bumpy. Do you think the M3 would be “soft” enough. We are considering the convertible… Tnx
bule1101
July 8, 2008I do have another question to Mr Bovingdon. We are considering the new M3 with dsg for my wifes new car. I have one concern about the suspension. We drove it on a test drive and it was ok, but i fear that over a long period it might be to stiff for city driving. She has been driving the civic type r and would like something a litte less bumpy. Do you think the M3 would be “soft” enough. We are considering the convertible… Tnx
Steve
July 8, 2008We ran the M3 Convertible for a week back in April. This had EDC, so it was really quite comfortable when driven in its softer setting. Either way it was much softer than a Civic Type-R.
Your wife will like M-DCT when driven in Auto-mode, but I would recommend choosing S3 as the most comfortable option when driving it in manual.
Steve
July 8, 2008We ran the M3 Convertible for a week back in April. This had EDC, so it was really quite comfortable when driven in its softer setting. Either way it was much softer than a Civic Type-R.
Your wife will like M-DCT when driven in Auto-mode, but I would recommend choosing S3 as the most comfortable option when driving it in manual.
Alan
July 8, 2008This is starting to follow a similar thread to Chris’ column a few weeks ago regarding all the electronic gadgets on cars these days. A friend has an M5 and I have swopped my RS4 for it on occasions and cannot wait to get back into the audi where you just drive without worrying about setup, electronics etc.
As far as M3 vs M5 is concerned I agree with what is being said. It depends very much on what you are looking for. The M5 is very much a ‘Q-car’ and is unlikely to be driven on tracks, but remains devastatingly quick when required. There is no way an M3 could be classed as a Q-car (although it comes closest as a saloon) and, despite liking it immensely, I fear it will go the way of previous M3′s in terms of image when it becomes affordable second hand and gets big bling wheels !!.
Alan
July 8, 2008This is starting to follow a similar thread to Chris’ column a few weeks ago regarding all the electronic gadgets on cars these days. A friend has an M5 and I have swopped my RS4 for it on occasions and cannot wait to get back into the audi where you just drive without worrying about setup, electronics etc.
As far as M3 vs M5 is concerned I agree with what is being said. It depends very much on what you are looking for. The M5 is very much a ‘Q-car’ and is unlikely to be driven on tracks, but remains devastatingly quick when required. There is no way an M3 could be classed as a Q-car (although it comes closest as a saloon) and, despite liking it immensely, I fear it will go the way of previous M3′s in terms of image when it becomes affordable second hand and gets big bling wheels !!.
Alan
July 9, 2008On the subject of M5′s and going off on a bit of a tangent, I have been lent an S6 for a couple of days while my own car is getting fixed. For having a V10 5.0 like the M5 it is incredibly dissapointing and dull. Everything you say to describe the M5 above is almost the opposite for the S6. I cannot remember ever being so disappointed in a car I was looking forward to driving.
Alan
July 9, 2008On the subject of M5′s and going off on a bit of a tangent, I have been lent an S6 for a couple of days while my own car is getting fixed. For having a V10 5.0 like the M5 it is incredibly dissapointing and dull. Everything you say to describe the M5 above is almost the opposite for the S6. I cannot remember ever being so disappointed in a car I was looking forward to driving.
Steve
July 9, 2008I suspect you would be rather more impressed with the RS6, which despite it’s twin turbos actually ends up being more economical than the M5. But then I don’t suppose you expected an S-model Audi to square up to the M5.
Steve
July 9, 2008I suspect you would be rather more impressed with the RS6, which despite it’s twin turbos actually ends up being more economical than the M5. But then I don’t suppose you expected an S-model Audi to square up to the M5.
JamesW
July 10, 2008I have to admit I didn’t even test drive an M5 as they are too long to fit in my garage. The M3 only just squeezes in and I was not up for the unwanted attention leaving an M5 on a driveway would create.
911′s were similarly rejected in the first round due to lack of space.
JamesW
July 10, 2008I have to admit I didn’t even test drive an M5 as they are too long to fit in my garage. The M3 only just squeezes in and I was not up for the unwanted attention leaving an M5 on a driveway would create.
911′s were similarly rejected in the first round due to lack of space.
CyberBilly
July 10, 2008I have been fortuate enough to have driven both the E92 M3 and the E60 M5 quite extensively.
The M5 acquits itself surprisingly well on circuit (although, to be fair, it was on the Nurburgring which is not particularly heavy on brakes) and it disguises its extra weight pretty well. However, it is a lot of fun!
Sadly, what spoils it for me is the flappy paddle gearbox. On maximum attack on circuit it was fantastic, yet pootling through London in Friday night rush-hour was a painful experience. Nevertheless, the wonderful noise and the totally addictive thrust would be almost enough to clinch it.
If BMW made an M5 Touring with a manual box I would buy it tomorrow!
CyberBilly
July 10, 2008I have been fortuate enough to have driven both the E92 M3 and the E60 M5 quite extensively.
The M5 acquits itself surprisingly well on circuit (although, to be fair, it was on the Nurburgring which is not particularly heavy on brakes) and it disguises its extra weight pretty well. However, it is a lot of fun!
Sadly, what spoils it for me is the flappy paddle gearbox. On maximum attack on circuit it was fantastic, yet pootling through London in Friday night rush-hour was a painful experience. Nevertheless, the wonderful noise and the totally addictive thrust would be almost enough to clinch it.
If BMW made an M5 Touring with a manual box I would buy it tomorrow!
Greg
July 11, 2008I live in a car friendly country with some of the best driving roads in Europe. In a referendum early next year we will be given the opportunity to ban new cars producing more than 250 g/km of CO2. The M5 produces 357 and 348 in saloon and touring respectively.
The one reason you SHOULD BUY an E6x M5? It could be the last opportunity to own and experience one of the best normally aspirated engines ever made. Cars like the M5 and engines like the 5l V10 are going to be legislated in to extinction.
Ok, I’ve got that off my chest. Jethro’s question.
I’ve pushed the M5 round Spa once and the Ring a couple of times for the hell of it. The M5 is a lot of fun on a long track. The shorter, tighter circuits on the UK trackday calendar will suit the M3 better. If you do a lot of trackdays, the M3 is a better choice. I don’t do trackdays in the M5.
Now, if you could unite the M5′s dynamic feedback and the M3′s lighter and more agile platform…
There isn’t a definitive answer to Jethro’s question because It’s hard to define M5 owners. In my experience they are extremely diverse and invariably own more than one performance car.
My wife and I replaced our SUV with an E61 M5 Touring last autumn. We are 32, don’t have kids or pets but do have an active lifestyle. You can’t throw bikes and ski’s in an M3 so for us the M5 was a no brainer. We weren’t looking to forgo a dedicated sports car for weekends and trackdays, making the choice easier.
Some specific point about the M5.
- gearbox is far from perfect in slow traffic. When pressing on it’s highly effective when you learn how to exploit it. I only drive mine in auto mode on motorway runs. As soon as the paddles are used the box will automatically default to your last used manual setting. I find 4, the maximum setting without disengaging DSC works best under normal driving conditions.
- the fuel tank is inadequate. Range is about 250 miles.
- The engine is stunning. The novelty doesn’t wear off. In tunnels I’m still dropping the windows, hitting the ‘M’ button, changing down two or three gears and flooring it. Even my wife get’s it.
- Brakes are surprisingly good for a modern BMW ///M.
- iDrive reduces, cabin clutter. I like clean lines so it works for me. I appreciate it doesn’t work for everyone.
- head-up display is safer when using the navigation system. The projected color rev counter and change up lights are excellent.
- with BMW’s dedicated 18″ winter wheel and tire package it’s actually quite good on snow and ice! Really, I did write that.
Don’t be fooled by journalists like Clarkson who claim you need a computer science degree to drive the car. You don’t! There are 3 settings you need to consider: 500 or 400hp; fast or slow gear change; and comfort, normal or sport dampers.
Settings are allocated to the ‘M’ button on the steering wheel. Move your thumb an inch to the left and the car is transformed in an instant! In 9 months of ownership I’ve only changed the settings once and that was because I’ve found that ‘comfort’ allows the car to flow on the Ring.
If I could only own one car, I’d probably choose an M3 touring!
Greg
July 11, 2008I live in a car friendly country with some of the best driving roads in Europe. In a referendum early next year we will be given the opportunity to ban new cars producing more than 250 g/km of CO2. The M5 produces 357 and 348 in saloon and touring respectively.
The one reason you SHOULD BUY an E6x M5? It could be the last opportunity to own and experience one of the best normally aspirated engines ever made. Cars like the M5 and engines like the 5l V10 are going to be legislated in to extinction.
Ok, I’ve got that off my chest. Jethro’s question.
I’ve pushed the M5 round Spa once and the Ring a couple of times for the hell of it. The M5 is a lot of fun on a long track. The shorter, tighter circuits on the UK trackday calendar will suit the M3 better. If you do a lot of trackdays, the M3 is a better choice. I don’t do trackdays in the M5.
Now, if you could unite the M5′s dynamic feedback and the M3′s lighter and more agile platform…
There isn’t a definitive answer to Jethro’s question because It’s hard to define M5 owners. In my experience they are extremely diverse and invariably own more than one performance car.
My wife and I replaced our SUV with an E61 M5 Touring last autumn. We are 32, don’t have kids or pets but do have an active lifestyle. You can’t throw bikes and ski’s in an M3 so for us the M5 was a no brainer. We weren’t looking to forgo a dedicated sports car for weekends and trackdays, making the choice easier.
Some specific point about the M5.
- gearbox is far from perfect in slow traffic. When pressing on it’s highly effective when you learn how to exploit it. I only drive mine in auto mode on motorway runs. As soon as the paddles are used the box will automatically default to your last used manual setting. I find 4, the maximum setting without disengaging DSC works best under normal driving conditions.
- the fuel tank is inadequate. Range is about 250 miles.
- The engine is stunning. The novelty doesn’t wear off. In tunnels I’m still dropping the windows, hitting the ‘M’ button, changing down two or three gears and flooring it. Even my wife get’s it.
- Brakes are surprisingly good for a modern BMW ///M.
- iDrive reduces, cabin clutter. I like clean lines so it works for me. I appreciate it doesn’t work for everyone.
- head-up display is safer when using the navigation system. The projected color rev counter and change up lights are excellent.
- with BMW’s dedicated 18″ winter wheel and tire package it’s actually quite good on snow and ice! Really, I did write that.
Don’t be fooled by journalists like Clarkson who claim you need a computer science degree to drive the car. You don’t! There are 3 settings you need to consider: 500 or 400hp; fast or slow gear change; and comfort, normal or sport dampers.
Settings are allocated to the ‘M’ button on the steering wheel. Move your thumb an inch to the left and the car is transformed in an instant! In 9 months of ownership I’ve only changed the settings once and that was because I’ve found that ‘comfort’ allows the car to flow on the Ring.
If I could only own one car, I’d probably choose an M3 touring!
Greg
July 11, 2008CyberBilly – About 18 months ago I had the opportunity to drive an E60 with the 6 speed manual. It was dreadful. The S85 was designed with an AMT/SMG transmission in mind and the manual just doesn’t work.
Failing to understand that SMG III was an AMT and not an automatic, BMW USA took a kicking from some of the US press core. Fair enough it isn’t smooth. BMW USA marketing dept. lobbied HQ to offer a manual.
BMW engineers got their own back by crippling the launch control and preventing the DSC from being turned off:)
After last years LCI/facelift I’m not sure if it’s still an option on US spec cars.
Greg
July 11, 2008CyberBilly – About 18 months ago I had the opportunity to drive an E60 with the 6 speed manual. It was dreadful. The S85 was designed with an AMT/SMG transmission in mind and the manual just doesn’t work.
Failing to understand that SMG III was an AMT and not an automatic, BMW USA took a kicking from some of the US press core. Fair enough it isn’t smooth. BMW USA marketing dept. lobbied HQ to offer a manual.
BMW engineers got their own back by crippling the launch control and preventing the DSC from being turned off:)
After last years LCI/facelift I’m not sure if it’s still an option on US spec cars.
CyberBilly
July 11, 2008Greg – I agree that, with familiarity, the SMG would become easier in traffic, but following Monkey’s ‘excessive technology thread’ last week – what is wrong with a manual?
My E39 M5 works perfectly well with an old fashioned H-box and clutch! Although I understand the theoretical connection to F1 and the marketing advantages thereof, I am still of a mindset that derives pleasure from perfecting heal ‘n toe rather than let the car do it for me…..
The US market manual was obviously a quick fix, not the normal thorough development, but it will be interesting to see whether the next generation M5 will be offered with both a manual and/or an SMG or perhaps just a DSG?
CyberBilly
July 11, 2008Greg – I agree that, with familiarity, the SMG would become easier in traffic, but following Monkey’s ‘excessive technology thread’ last week – what is wrong with a manual?
My E39 M5 works perfectly well with an old fashioned H-box and clutch! Although I understand the theoretical connection to F1 and the marketing advantages thereof, I am still of a mindset that derives pleasure from perfecting heal ‘n toe rather than let the car do it for me…..
The US market manual was obviously a quick fix, not the normal thorough development, but it will be interesting to see whether the next generation M5 will be offered with both a manual and/or an SMG or perhaps just a DSG?
Greg
July 11, 2008CyberBilly – Nothing wrong with a manual at all, I just think the size and weight of the E6x suit a sequential or automatic box.
I’d wager a large sum the F10 M5 will have a dual clutch box, if only to squeeze out some more environmental efficiency.
Getrag have a number of units available, including the DCT in the M3 which is rated up to 680Nm.
With Audi and AMG opting for autos, a DCT would help BMW differentiate the M5.
Greg
July 11, 2008CyberBilly – Nothing wrong with a manual at all, I just think the size and weight of the E6x suit a sequential or automatic box.
I’d wager a large sum the F10 M5 will have a dual clutch box, if only to squeeze out some more environmental efficiency.
Getrag have a number of units available, including the DCT in the M3 which is rated up to 680Nm.
With Audi and AMG opting for autos, a DCT would help BMW differentiate the M5.
RMcG
July 19, 2008I have an M6 on my fleet. It is a superb high speed cruiser but not a great track car. Just a bit too heavy. Compared to my 997 RS on the RIng, it just does not stack up. I expect the M3 wold be better.
However, M6 is a brilliant weekender and my default choice over other cars for a trip for two. Its phenomenal on the autobahn at super high speeds..not sure if I can link a vid I made but here goes…
Video
RMcG
July 19, 2008I have an M6 on my fleet. It is a superb high speed cruiser but not a great track car. Just a bit too heavy. Compared to my 997 RS on the RIng, it just does not stack up. I expect the M3 wold be better.
However, M6 is a brilliant weekender and my default choice over other cars for a trip for two. Its phenomenal on the autobahn at super high speeds..not sure if I can link a vid I made but here goes…
Video
JamesW
August 28, 2008Any word on the Cups Jethro?
JamesW
August 28, 2008Any word on the Cups Jethro?
dan squires
August 31, 2008the other thing worth mentioning now is just how cheap the new M3 is looking 2nd hand…plenty around £35-38k now , 1 year old, down from £53k list? Spend £3k on some AP or brembo upgraded brakes and I think thats a lot of car for the money
dan squires
August 31, 2008the other thing worth mentioning now is just how cheap the new M3 is looking 2nd hand…plenty around £35-38k now , 1 year old, down from £53k list? Spend £3k on some AP or brembo upgraded brakes and I think thats a lot of car for the money