So...New M5 vs Alpina B5

[AV12]

A question I've been pondering, should I be in a position to choose.

They seem very similar and in my opinion a slight own goal by the M division. Traditionally, they are very different. The E60 B5 was a stormer and the E60 M5 was more extreme, a blatant race-derived V10, highly strung and a gearbox which divided opinion.

Now, however, the gap between them is somewhat blurred with the F10...

What would you have?

B5: -



or

F10 M5: -



Please throw in stats and driving experiences - I'd been very keen to know how they compare, or if you have driven just one variant would be good. a plain old PH opinion would suffice also

I think I'd have the B5. You?

[AV12]

For me the last B5 variant is very much on the "Do want" list.

This time, I think for me no contest. The B5 wins hands down. Reckon it sounds better too...

[Dave Hedgehog]

alpina providing it doesnt have piped in engine noise

[AV12]

Dave Hedgehog said:

alpina providing it doesnt have piped in engine noise

It doesn't.

[Dave Hedgehog]

AV12 said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

alpina providing it doesnt have piped in engine noise

It doesn't.

very easy choice then

[Chris944_S2]

Alpina for me every time, but not in that dull colour.

[andy43]

No idea what the Alp has under the bonnet, but if the engine isn't hooked up to the stereo it's the winner for me.

[AV12]

andy43 said:

No idea what the Alp has under the bonnet, but if the engine isn't hooked up to the stereo it's the winner for me.

4.4 supercharged V8 500-550bhp and 500lb/ft

[AV12]

That stereo engine note seems to be the killer for some people - I too am not a fan at all.

Seems like more than a slight own goal for the M...

[andy43]

AV12 said:

andy43 said:

No idea what the Alp has under the bonnet, but if the engine isn't hooked up to the stereo it's the winner for me.

4.4 supercharged V8 500-550bhp and 500lb/ft

[AV12]

Correction - it's a bi-turbo, the last variant was supercharged..

[Viperz888]

Alpina

[Mastodon2]

I've always preferred ///M to Alpina, but now I'd have the Alpina over the M5. If the M still had a NA engine, I'd pick that in an instant.

[E30M3SE]

Torque converter auto v's DCT.

[AV12]

Has anyone driven the new B5?

[Fabric]

At least the B5 comes in touring form;

[paranoid airbag]

AV12 said:

That stereo engine note seems to be the killer for some people - I too am not a fan at all.

Seems like more than a slight own goal for the M...

I'm in that group as well. Not that I'll ever have the choice I expect, but it is a deal-breaker for me.

Banging the drum too much maybe, but BMW need to realise what a horrific idea it is.

[anonymous-user]

E30M3SE said:

Torque converter auto v's DCT.

Tried both?

[craigjm]

Alpina every time for me. Main reason is that you are able to personalise them more than the standard BMW but second reason is that every time I've driven an M car DCT I have found it to be awful compared to say the Porsche PDK and therefore would want the auto. To be honest though I would buy the Alpina D5

[thinfourth2]

How often will you see a 520D with an alpina badge?