E60 M5 or E9X M3?

[Daz507]

Hi,

First of all I have searched for this on here already and I can't find this subject, so I assume nobody has asked before - but I bet I'll be told otherwise.

Basically I sold a 2006 E60 M5 around 6 months ago, wrong car, loads wrong, cost me a fortune and I got rid. Fingers burnt but now I have owned one I miss it.

I have been looking at E92 M3's but the options I want, EDC, DCT, Bluetooth, heated seats, make them around £35k on an 08 plate. The M5 (2007 facelift) has all that as standard but comes in around £5-7k less money.

I know what I am looking at next time, iDrive servicing options for one and I know what to expect in terms of MPG, warranty costs, insurance...

How do the 2 cars compare for general running costs, insurance is similar, warranty is similar, I assume MPG and servicing are too?

Thanks

Daz

[MC99]

I've had my '57 e92 M3 for just coming up to 2yrs, I drive mainly in central london, with very occassional long trips to Cornwall or the North of England. I average 20mpg. I would expect the V10 to be 4mpg worse in most situations and certainly not a deal breaker.

I've grown to appreciate the E92 more and more, I heartily recommend EDC, I really feel the benefit of being able to switch the feel of the car via the M-button and use it frequently.

If you need space then the E60 wins, if you need outright pace, the E60 wins, if you don't like SMG then E92 wins. If I were you, I'd drive both again, really have a good drive in an E92 as, at first, you could be forgiven for thinking it's just a bit too calm, composed and quiet, but push on, find a good/favourite bit of road and you will begin to change your mind.

I prefer the looks of the E92 M3, I also prefer having a bit of carbon fibre in the roof because I'm easily pleased.

If you get a good one of either (and I'd suggest you're more likely to get a good E9x at that price over a cheaper M5) you'll certainly not be unhappy and you'll have one of the best N/A soundtracks around and to have come from the M// brand.

[Jazzer]

Evening Daz,

While the M3 is a cracking car which takes you on a great learning curve, the big issue is that it's not an M5 and does not have that glorious V10. The M5 is simply a cut above, far less common and with real road presence.....and those brutal shifts in attack mode (S6 etc) are just so raw and sublime.

Forget the M3...don't do it!!.....how could you after an M5?

You know you want another beast, you were just unlucky with the last one......just go and get one and get on with he business of driving it and having deep fun!

Jazzer

[ParanoidAndroid]

Do you need the extra rear space? Have you thought about an M6?

[andywaterfall]

I sold an M6 a couple of years back after 2 years, and yes, the engine's superb - but the gearbox was rubbish compared to the DCT in my M3, and for me, that's what makes the M3 sooo much better. Everything else is similar (except I miss the HUD). Try one, you'll see!

[Daz507]

I must admit I didn't like the SMG too much in the M5 I had but perhaps I didn't give it long enough? I'm currently driving a 335i with an auto box and that's miles better than SMG, not quite as 'involved' but feels smoother.

I think I should try the DCT option on the M3 before I make any decisions.

[danjp]

Well, I went the other way - from e92 M3 to M6. The e92 DCT is a fabulous car to drive, easy and smooth at low speeds but instantly savage when you want it to be. Great steering (other may disagree) and superb grip (with cup+'s), engine a little muted (perhaps a different exhaust would sort this out) but the best car I've ever driven. However.. the cabin is nothing special, you do feel yourself to be in a special edition 3 series, and I never liked the looks as much as the e46 M3. The M6 is a much more special place to spend time in, great seats, all the toys, and I like the looks SO much better (include the M5 in this - in fact I prefer the M5 if anything). Yes, the SMG is nowhere near as efficient a gearbox as the DCT, but in manual it is exciting to drive in a way perhaps the ruthless competence of the DCT isnt, and as I drive a lot in london, I do use the auto mode, which is poor, but survivable when you need to eat that sandwich.. The M6 is much more of a beast, more of an occasion, awesomely quick at speed, comfortable, much roomier (all of these go for the M5 too). And cheaper.

[MC99]

danjp said:

Well, I went the other way - from e92 M3 to M6. The e92 DCT is a fabulous car to drive, easy and smooth at low speeds but instantly savage when you want it to be. Great steering (other may disagree) and superb grip (with cup+'s), engine a little muted (perhaps a different exhaust would sort this out) but the best car I've ever driven. However.. the cabin is nothing special, you do feel yourself to be in a special edition 3 series, and I never liked the looks as much as the e46 M3. The M6 is a much more special place to spend time in, great seats, all the toys, and I like the looks SO much better (include the M5 in this - in fact I prefer the M5 if anything). Yes, the SMG is nowhere near as efficient a gearbox as the DCT, but in manual it is exciting to drive in a way perhaps the ruthless competence of the DCT isnt, and as I drive a lot in london, I do use the auto mode, which is poor, but survivable when you need to eat that sandwich.. The M6 is much more of a beast, more of an occasion, awesomely quick at speed, comfortable, much roomier (all of these go for the M5 too). And cheaper.

very fair view. Having driven one of the first M6s in the country when I worked for a major plc car dealer, I would vouch for the interior feel being special - especially if you have extended leather and piano black trim IMHO.
SMG is SMG and isn't awful, certainly better with familiarity all IMHO