997 Carrera S to F10 M5 - anyone done this?

[obaluba]

Hi all,

There are a lot of F10 M5 posts, so i hope this hasn't been asked already. I am thinking of a change of car very soon. I've got a 997 911 2S Gen 1 and i've come to the point where i've had my fun with it and fancy a change. (young family) I am looking around for something that ticks all the boxes and i've basically got to an Audi RS4 Avant or an F10 M5. I think the RS4 is older tech than the M5 which puts me off a little, so the M5 is the front runner currently.

I'm quite attached to the 911, but i don't do enough miles to warrant running two cars, has anyone made this leap and what were their thoughts? To be honest, it will be nice having a car with some mod cons in it!

I'm considering an F10 M5 LCI. For those who have them, what are the options that must be ticked?

thanks

[mb26]

I have not owned a 911, but driven a few on road and track and I nearly went the other way and looked at swapping my e90 M3 for a 997 as a daily driver...but was underwhelmed by the 997 performance, steering, comfort and NVH compared even to the E90 so walked away...made me realise what a great car the M3 was....but eventually i swapped for a lwo mileage pre LCI M5 instead.

My 2p
The M5 is WAY faster, way more comfortable, and is HUGE
M5 is pretty good but braking and handling is way better in a 911.
Depreciation on M5 is eyewatering unless you buy one thats already at the 30k mark.
Economy - if you care - i get 27mpg on a very gentle commute....suspect 997 is better
if nearly 600hp (which they all seem to dyno at) isnt enough for you.... DMS can give you 730hp ish for £2000...but even standard its a monster.

when you test drive the M5 make sure you put engine into full attack mode...it is a different car completely. in comfort engine mode its limo like...very subtle and subdued throttle response and noise, in sport plus its a monster.

[zainster]

I went from a B7 RS4 Avant to an F10 M5 Competition Pack car (All CP's are LCI).

Enjoyed the RS4, glad I ticked the box with that. Good fun drive and the performance is far more accessible no matter the road/weather conditions compared to the M5. Boot shape being an Avant is an advantage although I think the M5's boot is actually just as big if not bigger.
Not a great deal of leg room for rear passengers in my RS4, had the wing back seats.

I suspect you are looking the B8 RS4 though?

I find the M5 best on the main roads (Motorways/A & B Roads/Dual Carriage Ways/Town roads) and the only place I hate taking it which I try and do my best to avoid is narrow country lanes! Its pretty wide and heavy so for me small narrow roads or tight parking spaces/bays are a no no.

For me, the must have options were:

Competition Pack
M Multi Function Seats
Surround View! (Been really very useful to me)
H/K

Anything else on top of that I treated as a bonus!

Performance is obviously epic! Torque is a tad over 500lb ft from 1500 rpm all the way through to 5750 rpm (1500 to 6000 rpm on the CP M5) so its a serious torque monster! Love the car, sounds bloody fantastic (mine has the MPE) and has all the comfort/tech/space and refinement you'd want to go with nigh on 600 HP!

I'm averaging a tad under 25mpg in my ownership having covered 3,500 miles now and its an utter delight to be in. As someone else said try and flavour it in Sport Plus mode as well as in comfort during your test drive so you can see how it goes from limo like to torpedo like guise in an instant!

[physprof]

Definitely get LCI. Seems cars are either around a base spec or have many options ticked. Go the latter. Mine is in profile, tons from surround to full leather & alcantara headlining...
Came to M5 from Z4M via 8 months in M3. 5 is bigger but you get used to size for positioning on road. IMHO better range of suspension adjustment than M3/4. Rides better in sport plus than 3 did in comfort or my Z did. Get 21 mpg over 4K miles and fair mix of push on and urban in mix ... same as previous Ms but performance much more. Very fast, M3 felt fast 80 and this is where the 5 starts to get going. Get used to 500lb ft and weather/traction issues. It's about sense with throttle whatever mode it' is in. MPSS are good once warm and I've now got set of winters ready for its arrival. It will need so sensitive inputs in winter without is my guess, even with winters it'll need care. But best advice is drive a few on decent runs to get feel to see if you can meld with it.

[Shaoxter]

The M5 is class leading in the handling department but still will feel like a boat compared to your 911. The power delivery will also be totally different with the two turbos (for better or worse).

Best course of action is obviously just to go and try one. If you want something that's still NA and has a manual option you can also look at Panameras.

[obaluba]

thanks for the replies all, agree with the options comment that they have either few options ticked or every single one..

Do you think there's a chance you might get an extended warranty on a used one if get one from BMW approved used? Has anyone managed this?

I spoke to a guy in a dealer yesterday and the offers/deals seemed very thin indeed..

[frg530]

obaluba said:

thanks for the replies all, agree with the options comment that they have either few options ticked or every single one..

Do you think there's a chance you might get an extended warranty on a used one if get one from BMW approved used? Has anyone managed this?

I spoke to a guy in a dealer yesterday and the offers/deals seemed very thin indeed..

I am currently in the process of buying an approved used F10 M5. The dealer was happy to go with the 24 months warranty when I asked. I know that Zainster (posted above) got 24 months warranty on his AUC F10 M5 as well.

I used to own a 997.1 C2S manual a couple of years ago but having not got into the M5 yet I can't give you a comparison, sorry. I know I wish I could afford a late, low mile, guards red 997.2 C2S PDK though...

[physprof]

I'd always aim for AUC car on an M. After that don't think much discounts about, the depreciation that has hit them make them much more affordable in the 30-45k bracket so a demand, especially for ones with long option list.

[JMBMWM5]

obaluba said:

Hi all,

There are a lot of F10 M5 posts, so i hope this hasn't been asked already. I am thinking of a change of car very soon. I've got a 997 911 2S Gen 1 and i've come to the point where i've had my fun with it and fancy a change. (young family) I am looking around for something that ticks all the boxes and i've basically got to an Audi RS4 Avant or an F10 M5. I think the RS4 is older tech than the M5 which puts me off a little, so the M5 is the front runner currently.

I'm quite attached to the 911, but i don't do enough miles to warrant running two cars, has anyone made this leap and what were their thoughts? To be honest, it will be nice having a car with some mod cons in it!

I'm considering an F10 M5 LCI. For those who have them, what are the options that must be ticked?

thanks

Ive had both and the LCI M5 will be the ticket for you IF you need 4 seats and like comfort as well as out right mental power.
The LCI is a nice comfortable rocket, the tyre noise you have had will be gone and space will appear.

[pjv997]

I ran a 997s manual cab as a second car for 8 years from 2005 and covered about 35k miles - the longest I ever kept a car.

Had my F10 M5 since Feb 12, an ex-demo with most options ticked. My daily driver for most of that time and I have covered 66k miles now.

Obviously they are both very different cars. My prior daily was an E90 M3 that was much closer to the 997 in performance and driving characteristics, albeit the 911 is still much more agile.

M5 really can play the comfortable large family saloon. When you dial up the settings, it can be very precise on the road, but it is a big heavy car and I don't find it so much fun to drive. In a straight line the 997 wouldn't stand a chance. With fuel economy, my long term average was virtually the same for both cars.

Tech is great on my car and I'm sure LCI is better. Options are a personal choice but I find the surround view useful as my driveway is difficult to see out of and the split folding seats really add to versatility.

Best of luck with the search.

[Wills2]

I've had both, both have talents but not many of them cross over, chalk and cheese but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy the M5 just forget what the 911 was good at and you'll love it.

But don't expect to fling it into a b road corner and revel in the wall of grip building up down the side of the car as you get ready to fire it out the other side, or you'll fire yourself into the hedge.

[80quattro]

I work for a Porsche specialist and we also sell M5's from time to time. They are two completely different animals, one a ground up sports car, the other an adaptation of a car most commonly powered by a 2.0 diesel.

I love both models, but you will lose the rawer driving experience, the handling and agility of the 997 with the M5. The M5 power delivery is obviously amazing and seamless, but in a much more detached way than the 997. To me, a 997 is very much an analogue car. However, the M5 cannot be beaten given power and practicality.

You are more likely to find a pre facelift well optioned M5, as the later cars became part of BMW financial services M5 for £xxx per month special deal. Hence these cars have since entered the used market with poor spec such as 19" wheels, standard seats and no reverse camera. My main point when looked at a used one would be to make sure brakes have been replaced. They are extremely expensive !

[Wills2]

F10 M5 and a 997.2 would be the perfect garage.

[jm doc]

I recently replaced my 997 turbo S with a late plate F10 with CP. I've had several M5's in the past including E39, E60 and an E63 M6 before the 911 which I had for three and a half years. It was quite a shock to be honest getting back into an M5, the sheer bulk of it and the difficulty in keeping the rear tyres nailed down even in the dry, I had kind of forgotten about it or maybe was just spoilt in the 911!

However the quality in the cabin, the smoothness of the drivetrain and the massively improved gear shift compared to the E6X box were the main things that impressed me. Coming from the 911 turbo the power was obviously not quite the same so it's difficult for me to put into perspective yet but there's no doubt it's very quick. However, I did love the V10 N/A engine of the old M5, epic.

The main thing in the turbo S was the performance, it was truly demented if you put it in launch control and let it go. However, for long journeys on motorways across Europe which I do quite often it was not the best, the noise levels in the cabin were fairly high, mainly from the tyres and it became quite tiring, and space was a bit limiting as well. I addition I didn't really like the handling of four wheel drive, sophisticated though it was (claimed!).

I loved having the Porsche but have no real regrets about moving on, and it's the first car ever that i actually lost virtually nothing on when i sold it, which was amazing!

I feel a generally a lot happier being back in an M5, it's more suited to my needs and it really is a beautiful car to drive at any speed and the cabin is such a great place to be, a lot better than previous M5's. I've got a trip across to Europe shortly and can't wait to get going.

Go for it!

[obaluba]

Many thanks for all the replies and insight. My mind is pretty much made up now, best keep checking the Approved used on BMW.

[HoHoHo]

I went from a 2007 C2S to an F10 M5 (via a couple of other cars)

Both great cars and different drives, the M5 felt much, much quicker than the 911 and personally I never felt it was a big car.

I miss the M5, I don't miss the 911.

[tomtom]

obaluba said:

thanks for the replies all, agree with the options comment that they have either few options ticked or every single one..

Do you think there's a chance you might get an extended warranty on a used one if get one from BMW approved used? Has anyone managed this?

I spoke to a guy in a dealer yesterday and the offers/deals seemed very thin indeed..

I negotiated an extra year warranty on an AUC car. It costs the dealer approx. half the retail cost for an extra year, so is an easy haggling point. eg costs them £500 vs it costing you £1k next year, so it's worth £1k off the price of the car etc...

[Josco010]

I am coming from a different perspective, but thought worth mentioning. I had access to the F10 in 2014 for 2 months but have an e34 m5 (3.8 six speed big brake nurburg model) which has been with me since for coming up to 10 years now, dont think i will sell i also have a 997.1 in my garage. From my own experience i found the F10 too busy and too fast for daily use and todays world almost unnecessary tbh and at least compared to my e34 which is real world fast, their was also too much going on in the car to keep the focus on driving (too distracted with whats going on in the car), also considering the viseral nature of the e34(closest thing to a M3csl) and my e30 m3 (s14 screamer - a real Gem)found that by the time i could hear the f10 sing i was already breaking the speed limit (Shocking). My feeling over all was this car was a license looser and a littel too detached for me in terms of enjoyment, oh and don't forget the running cost over all, even my 6 speeder ain't cheap compared to my 997 let alone the F10. this cars are beasts, so remember this you will notice the difference in handling to be honest pretty much everything will be noticed from feel, to weight to cost at pumps or maintanance etc. In summary i did not like the F10 despite BMW trying their hardest for me to have it. Too much going on to be a real drivers car, warp speed yes but sense of occasion absolutely not. If you can keep your Porsche and get an e39 m5 or if you can an e60 or if you really want a true sports saloon go e34 and smile like you won't believe, trouble will be to find anyone willing to part with theirs, i know mine is going no where. whatever choice you make good luck but try to keep the Porker. Peace.

[JMBMWM5]

Josco010 said:

I am coming from a different perspective, but thought worth mentioning. I had access to the F10 in 2014 for 2 months but have an e34 m5 (3.8 six speed big brake nurburg model) which has been with me since for coming up to 10 years now, dont think i will sell i also have a 997.1 in my garage. From my own experience i found the F10 too busy and too fast for daily use and todays world almost unnecessary tbh and at least compared to my e34 which is real world fast, their was also too much going on in the car to keep the focus on driving (too distracted with whats going on in the car), also considering the viseral nature of the e34(closest thing to a M3csl) and my e30 m3 (s14 screamer - a real Gem)found that by the time i could hear the f10 sing i was already breaking the speed limit (Shocking). My feeling over all was this car was a license looser and a littel too detached for me in terms of enjoyment, oh and don't forget the running cost over all, even my 6 speeder ain't cheap compared to my 997 let alone the F10. this cars are beasts, so remember this you will notice the difference in handling to be honest pretty much everything will be noticed from feel, to weight to cost at pumps or maintanance etc. In summary i did not like the F10 despite BMW trying their hardest for me to have it. Too much going on to be a real drivers car, warp speed yes but sense of occasion absolutely not. If you can keep your Porsche and get an e39 m5 or if you can an e60 or if you really want a true sports saloon go e34 and smile like you won't believe, trouble will be to find anyone willing to part with theirs, i know mine is going no where. whatever choice you make good luck but try to keep the Porker. Peace.

Very accurate description IMO, I got bored with mine after 12K miles it had to go, to much pace @ mental speeds to be enjoyed without one eye up my arse for PLOD. At normal speeds BORING.

[jm doc]

Josco010 said:

I am coming from a different perspective, but thought worth mentioning. I had access to the F10 in 2014 for 2 months but have an e34 m5 (3.8 six speed big brake nurburg model) which has been with me since for coming up to 10 years now, dont think i will sell i also have a 997.1 in my garage. From my own experience i found the F10 too busy and too fast for daily use and todays world almost unnecessary tbh and at least compared to my e34 which is real world fast, their was also too much going on in the car to keep the focus on driving (too distracted with whats going on in the car), also considering the viseral nature of the e34(closest thing to a M3csl) and my e30 m3 (s14 screamer - a real Gem)found that by the time i could hear the f10 sing i was already breaking the speed limit (Shocking). My feeling over all was this car was a license looser and a littel too detached for me in terms of enjoyment, oh and don't forget the running cost over all, even my 6 speeder ain't cheap compared to my 997 let alone the F10. this cars are beasts, so remember this you will notice the difference in handling to be honest pretty much everything will be noticed from feel, to weight to cost at pumps or maintanance etc. In summary i did not like the F10 despite BMW trying their hardest for me to have it. Too much going on to be a real drivers car, warp speed yes but sense of occasion absolutely not. If you can keep your Porsche and get an e39 m5 or if you can an e60 or if you really want a true sports saloon go e34 and smile like you won't believe, trouble will be to find anyone willing to part with theirs, i know mine is going no where. whatever choice you make good luck but try to keep the Porker. Peace.

People said the same about the E39 and the E60, but they're "classics" apparently now. And there's certainly not that much difference between the E60 and F10, having had both.

I could equally say the same about the 997.2 turbo S which I have just sold. Absolutely mental performance and into three figure speeds within a few seconds. A licence loser in any one's book, but still an epic car.