The e60 body doesn't blow me away, but the performance does. My 02 530iA is packing on the miles. I could get an 03 M5 with hardly any miles or a an 06 550iA with SMG and the cross spoke 144 wheels for about the same price.
I want to know what current e60 owners think.
|
| Reply » 06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy? |
All I can say is I LOVE MY 550!!!!
Plus it has a full warranty and maintenance.
|
| Reply » 06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy? |
The same question can be posed to those considering a 330/new V8 M3, or 6 series/M6.
I think the issue for the new M cars is performance. In the past, if you wanted and E46 330 or an E46 M3, it was just a matter of cost and preference.
Now with the whopping V8 M3 on the horizon, and the V10 being packed in the M5/6, the game has changed.
The current M3, for example, could very well be a daily driver. I doubt that will be the case for the new one.
In the base of the new M5, we are talking about a brand new motor and with potential issues that may arise from this new engine aside, there are important things to consider.
1. The fuel economy on an SMG-only vehicle will be poor. The M5 board is posting 8 MPG average in the city. It may come up a little as engines get broken in.
2. Oil consumption wil be higher than normal. Initially some have reported 1 quart every 750 miles. Again, may improve after break in.
3. Tires, the larger tires will be more expensive to maintain.
The new M5 is a giant eap over the old one. But I don't think it is a vehicle you can use daily or on long road trips. I think a 550 wil be the better way to go for most.
The M5 is an awesome machine and if you heart fancies one, look before you leap. 
I know you were considering an older M5 or a new 550, without question, I would take the 550. The 550 is maxiumum performance you can buy in a BMW sedan and still have it be economical to drive, maintain, and enjoy on road trips.
|
| Reply » 06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy? |
Quote: The e60 body doesn't blow me away, but the performance does. My 02 530iA is packing on the miles. I could get an 03 M5 with hardly any miles or a an 06 550iA with SMG and the cross spoke 144 wheels for about the same price.
I want to know what current e60 owners think. | Go with the 550/SMG.
|
| Reply » 06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy? |
Quote: | The current M3, for example, could very well be a daily driver. I doubt that will be the case for the new one. | Why? 
All BMWs are basically GT cars... I don't see why the new M3 wouldn't be able to serve the purpose it's intended for. 
|
| Reply » 06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy? |
Quote: Why?
All BMWs are basically GT cars... I don't see why the new M3 wouldn't be able to serve the purpose it's intended for. | The current MPG on an M3 SMG is arond 14MPG, what do you think the V8 will be? Better?
You could easily buy a second car, prius or something to commute with and come out ahead.
|
Page 1 of 3 |
Menu
06 550iA or 03 M5. What to buy?