Discussion
A B10 3.3 will only be as rapid as a 540i but will handle a lot better; for near M5 performance get a B10 V8 which while only automatic will push an M5 close while a B10 V8S closer still. The M5 will always be the quickest but the Alpina offers the versatility of an auto, the switchtronic for near manual pushing on, and a Touring if you need it.
Do you want something to do big miles comfortably and offer decent dynamics when having fun, or do you want something that gives more of an adrenaline rush whenever you drive it and dynamically is still considered one of the great RWD V8's ever made?
As stated above, this becomes even more pertinent when comparing the B5 and M5.
As stated above, this becomes even more pertinent when comparing the B5 and M5.
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Neither?
The M5 has no interior photos, the Alpina is Spanish.
Worst of both worlds IMHO
V8Wagon said:
Funnily enough it is the fact that the Alpina is a manual that I find attractive! Surely the M5's are all manual too? I drive an auto at the mo and fancy a change tbh.
The Alpina Switchtronic whilst using an autobox is vastly different to a standard BMW steptronic set-up as the box is uprated for the increased power, and also valved differently and programmed differently for a very rapid response. Mr Dave said:
The straight six Alpina E39 is better than the E39 M5. Its not as quick but is nicer to drive. Easy enough fuelled compared to the M5.
I await to be told im stupid, but its what I honestly think.
Aren't the straight Six E39s rack & pinion and the V8s steering box? Would help explain your feelings...I await to be told im stupid, but its what I honestly think.
Fatboy said:
Mr Dave said:
The straight six Alpina E39 is better than the E39 M5. Its not as quick but is nicer to drive. Easy enough fuelled compared to the M5.
I await to be told im stupid, but its what I honestly think.
Aren't the straight Six E39s rack & pinion and the V8s steering box? Would help explain your feelings...I await to be told im stupid, but its what I honestly think.
I also prefer an E30 318 or 325 sport over the E30 M3....heresy I know.
I had the choice of an e39 M5 or a B10 V8s, hard cash on the barrelhead, no ifs, buts or f
king maybes I needed a 380-400bhp four door saloon and it was one or the other.
I bought the M5 without even trying the B10. The B10 was to my mind too refined, too much of a gentlemans express while the M5 was a much more visceral in your face drivers car! I was 34 when I bought the M5 so age has a lot to do with it.
king maybes I needed a 380-400bhp four door saloon and it was one or the other.I bought the M5 without even trying the B10. The B10 was to my mind too refined, too much of a gentlemans express while the M5 was a much more visceral in your face drivers car! I was 34 when I bought the M5 so age has a lot to do with it.
Interestingly, I've just had this precise dilemma. I opted for the B10 V8 and have to say, I'm extremely happy with the choice, although I've only had it a week and only driven it twice.
e39 M5 is a cracking car, however I was happy to settle for most of the poke and wanted the auto box for cruising. Rarity factor was also a positive for me.
With the Alpina, the engine is bespoke in terms of ECU, forged pistons and tricked up cams and ecu. However thankfully almost everything else apart from shocks and springs is bog standard 540, so running costs are nowhere near those of the M5, which was also a big thing for me.
It also depends on where and how you plan to be driving it.
If it is your only car, I'd perhaps opt for the M5 and swallow the higher running costs. If you already own something fun, then maybe the Alpina?
e39 M5 is a cracking car, however I was happy to settle for most of the poke and wanted the auto box for cruising. Rarity factor was also a positive for me.
With the Alpina, the engine is bespoke in terms of ECU, forged pistons and tricked up cams and ecu. However thankfully almost everything else apart from shocks and springs is bog standard 540, so running costs are nowhere near those of the M5, which was also a big thing for me.
It also depends on where and how you plan to be driving it.
If it is your only car, I'd perhaps opt for the M5 and swallow the higher running costs. If you already own something fun, then maybe the Alpina?
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff