RE: PH Blog: M5 talks dirty
Discussion
I'm with Dan on this one, Ive not driven an M5 but Ive been a huge fan of them since the E34, but I think like many new car's its too aggressive looking. The E39 was a masterclass in understatement, just the four exhausts giving it away. I loved the E60 because I loved the bangle shape and it was a V10 nut job, totally different to the other super saloons and therefore unique. Ive been saying for ages that it will be appreciated in time as a classic. The new car is just like an AMG with a big V8 and gobs of power and torque. Actually, I personally would choose the XF-R if I was in this market of car as I think it is a stunning car and nicely understated and NOT trying too hard. You can also buy a second hand one for £29,995 whereas a new M5 is £80K for crying out loud!!
I respect those who feel differently, each to their own and dont blast the writer for being brave enough to critise a hallowed BMW!! At least he has driven one unlike most detractors on here..
I respect those who feel differently, each to their own and dont blast the writer for being brave enough to critise a hallowed BMW!! At least he has driven one unlike most detractors on here..
Clever as this might be, it is like a lot or most cars in the performance market, too complex. I recently decided to add to the 'fleet' and considered a Maserati 4200, drove one or two and found them to be great cars. Powerfull and practical. And univolving. That is why I bought my V8 Esprit. No traction control only ABS. A relatively light and simple car. 170mph and 0-60 4.7 and 0-100 10 secs. Good handling etc etc. And a 1/4 of the price of the M5. Would I have an M5? Nah. Large BMW's are great cars, like the 635csi I had. But not these uber complicated cars. Exhaust/engine noise thru the speakers? Perleease....
Yes, I know the Esprit is a 2 seater and the BMW is 4 before anyone points that out. I'll use the Range Rover for practical duties thanks.
Yes, I know the Esprit is a 2 seater and the BMW is 4 before anyone points that out. I'll use the Range Rover for practical duties thanks.
rgturbo said:
His opinion's still valid though.. In fact it puts another perspective on this car. Just because someone has a lot of experience of other cars, doesn't mean they're not entitled to an opinion.
I personally wouldn't buy this car for one reason, and for one reason only... it plays an artificial exhaust note through the speakers. I could play a cd in an Austin Metro so that 6R4 sounds come out the speakers if I wanted to, but it just seems artificial to me.
Maybe everyone else is 'write' and I am wrong though :-D
No maybe you are right..................it is always subjective and FWIW I agree, never been a fan of BMW's ........nothing definite just don't do it for me so to see Dan not bending to popular thought and standing up to those who slaveishly follow all BMW's I say "Good on You"I personally wouldn't buy this car for one reason, and for one reason only... it plays an artificial exhaust note through the speakers. I could play a cd in an Austin Metro so that 6R4 sounds come out the speakers if I wanted to, but it just seems artificial to me.
Maybe everyone else is 'write' and I am wrong though :-D
Mr Whippy said:
Why BMW can't just buck the trend. Make a 5.0 turbo with 500bhp as a rapid express by all means, but why not make one with an NA 6 pot and about 350bhp, and then spend the £25,000 left on carbon everywhere, and make it super light/agile and a driving tool beyond autobahn express?!
Good post. An F10 M535i with a NA 6 pot 3.5 engine producing circa 350bhp could be great like the E28 and E34 M535's of old. Don't offer any spec choices on it, cloth seats with manual adjustment only, no shat nav, simple suspension, manual box, don't over wheel or over tyre it, less sound proofing etc, simple stereo and maybe even wind up windows! Keep it simple and offer it at £35k rather than £70k+..... I can dream!They are nice cars but they are flawed,
There 2 big 2 smooth 2 quite 2 capable to really be of any total joy, on the road,once you've got used to the acceleration it will just become another fast limo, there only fun over 120 mph
Would I own one, err probably when there 3 grand in 5 years time
There 2 big 2 smooth 2 quite 2 capable to really be of any total joy, on the road,once you've got used to the acceleration it will just become another fast limo, there only fun over 120 mph
Would I own one, err probably when there 3 grand in 5 years time
bmthnick1981 said:
Good post. An F10 M535i with a NA 6 pot 3.5 engine producing circa 350bhp could be great like the E28 and E34 M535's of old. Don't offer any spec choices on it, cloth seats with manual adjustment only, no shat nav, simple suspension, manual box, don't over wheel or over tyre it, less sound proofing etc, simple stereo and maybe even wind up windows! Keep it simple and offer it at £35k rather than £70k+..... I can dream!
There's no market for that. I purchased a new M5 from North Oxford BMW at the beginning of January and have covered just under 1,000 miles - it goes in for its running in service next week.
Whilst writing, I should say that my buying experience with them was great.
My car is Singapore Grey with Black Hide Seating and being an early car it is launch spec, which listed at just over 80K. Now this sounds like a lot of money and it is, but when compared to its obvious and not so obvious competition I think it is value for money. A new Porsche Panamera Turbo is 120K and is no better. The Maser 4 door is old and feels dated and the only real head on competitor is the new Mercedes E63/55, which I have not driven, but I am sure is a good alternative.
Having owned the a couple of examples of the previous model V10 M5, I can confirm that the new car is totally different and this is mostly for the better. The only downside I have found is it feels wider than the previous V10 Model.
Positives are numerous. The new gearbox makes it a pleasure to drive around town, as it is super smooth when in Drive - the old gearbox was clunky and the V10 car only came into its on own on a long drive that did not involve sitting in stop/start traffic.
The other major positive is its new fuel range - the tank hold just over 75 litres and its fuel consumption is fantastic. I have managed to get 400 miles from a tank, in normal driving, which is a combination of town and motorway driving (cruising speeds in excess of 80 mph) which makes it more economic than my 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4. The new car has stop/start, which took a bit of getting used to, but I have embraced it as feature if it helps the overall fuel consumption when in town - you can switch it off if you want, but the default setting when you start the car is on. I struggled to get much more that 200 Miles from a tank in the previous model.
BMW has updated the mapping and idrive system which is much simpler to use and in doing so, BMW has taken the lead in the features and usability of in car driver information systems.
Once you have decided on what you want either of the M buttons to do, as there are two on the new car, you have the ability to turn it into a rocket ship at the touch of a button and it is very quick. You are able to select different settings for Steering, Dampers, Traction Control and Power and although this sounds like a bore to play around with and set up what is best for you, you only have to do it once. I loved this inflexibility, as it allows you to tailor the car exactly how you want.
I owned an Audi RS5 for 3 weeks and hated the inflexibility of the control offered for these settings, as I wanted it to sound great and did not want the ride to knock my teeth out - this combination was not available.
The seats a much more comfy and just as supportive, the head up display graphics have improved.
I have driven a lot of cars over the past couple of years and if you have a family or just need a bit more space, then the M5 is a great car to own.
Whilst writing, I should say that my buying experience with them was great.
My car is Singapore Grey with Black Hide Seating and being an early car it is launch spec, which listed at just over 80K. Now this sounds like a lot of money and it is, but when compared to its obvious and not so obvious competition I think it is value for money. A new Porsche Panamera Turbo is 120K and is no better. The Maser 4 door is old and feels dated and the only real head on competitor is the new Mercedes E63/55, which I have not driven, but I am sure is a good alternative.
Having owned the a couple of examples of the previous model V10 M5, I can confirm that the new car is totally different and this is mostly for the better. The only downside I have found is it feels wider than the previous V10 Model.
Positives are numerous. The new gearbox makes it a pleasure to drive around town, as it is super smooth when in Drive - the old gearbox was clunky and the V10 car only came into its on own on a long drive that did not involve sitting in stop/start traffic.
The other major positive is its new fuel range - the tank hold just over 75 litres and its fuel consumption is fantastic. I have managed to get 400 miles from a tank, in normal driving, which is a combination of town and motorway driving (cruising speeds in excess of 80 mph) which makes it more economic than my 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4. The new car has stop/start, which took a bit of getting used to, but I have embraced it as feature if it helps the overall fuel consumption when in town - you can switch it off if you want, but the default setting when you start the car is on. I struggled to get much more that 200 Miles from a tank in the previous model.
BMW has updated the mapping and idrive system which is much simpler to use and in doing so, BMW has taken the lead in the features and usability of in car driver information systems.
Once you have decided on what you want either of the M buttons to do, as there are two on the new car, you have the ability to turn it into a rocket ship at the touch of a button and it is very quick. You are able to select different settings for Steering, Dampers, Traction Control and Power and although this sounds like a bore to play around with and set up what is best for you, you only have to do it once. I loved this inflexibility, as it allows you to tailor the car exactly how you want.
I owned an Audi RS5 for 3 weeks and hated the inflexibility of the control offered for these settings, as I wanted it to sound great and did not want the ride to knock my teeth out - this combination was not available.
The seats a much more comfy and just as supportive, the head up display graphics have improved.
I have driven a lot of cars over the past couple of years and if you have a family or just need a bit more space, then the M5 is a great car to own.
bmthnick1981 said:
Mr Whippy said:
Why BMW can't just buck the trend. Make a 5.0 turbo with 500bhp as a rapid express by all means, but why not make one with an NA 6 pot and about 350bhp, and then spend the £25,000 left on carbon everywhere, and make it super light/agile and a driving tool beyond autobahn express?!
Good post. An F10 M535i with a NA 6 pot 3.5 engine producing circa 350bhp could be great like the E28 and E34 M535's of old. Don't offer any spec choices on it, cloth seats with manual adjustment only, no shat nav, simple suspension, manual box, don't over wheel or over tyre it, less sound proofing etc, simple stereo and maybe even wind up windows! Keep it simple and offer it at £35k rather than £70k+..... I can dream!P.s. want e/windows
rgturbo said:
Big Six said:
You said it yourself. You used to work for MB mag.....so yes your biast.
Just don't comment anymore please. Yes everybody else is write & your wrong.
His opinion's still valid though.. In fact it puts another perspective on this car. Just because someone has a lot of experience of other cars, doesn't mean they're not entitled to an opinion.Just don't comment anymore please. Yes everybody else is write & your wrong.
I personally wouldn't buy this car for one reason, and for one reason only... it plays an artificial exhaust note through the speakers. I could play a cd in an Austin Metro so that 6R4 sounds come out the speakers if I wanted to, but it just seems artificial to me.
Maybe everyone else is 'write' and I am wrong though :-D
Maybe biast is either blast or biased ?? or something else.
ps I have a 540, it is only 292 bhp or so and comparies identically to my MB 500sel, so I like them both and am not "biast"
Edited by urquattro on Saturday 21st January 11:46
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