Discussion
In answer to the 997 debate - after picking my M5 up yesterday I took it for a spin round the block, and just happened to run into a black 997 S at which point I thought back to the Autocar article and just started laughing out of my window, and instead of him getting stressed, he actually looked around the car, spotted the brakes and side vents to make sure it was the M, and then blipped the throttle and let me go first with a look of both admiration for the car, and hatred for me!
lhf said:
Where are you going to drive cars like M5? So what is the point of the M5 if it is boring to look at? It is meaningless, a middle management dream car. The DB9 has the performance (so what if it's a car length behind the M5 in a race), but more to the point exudes style and prestige and makes the driver feel really special.
Well the same place that you drive your Vanquish...well for the few minutes that you can keep up anyway :he he:. Personally I like the DB9 and the Vanquish, I can afford one thanks but prefer true sports cars to be honest. When I'm really old, fat and bald (OK old then)I might be tempted, but like DoctorD, I prefer my cars for the drive first and foremost. If they exude style and grace then that's a bonus.
Also,I wouldn't push the superiority of the Aston's too hard given their history and current parentage.
People that swan around in Range Rovers feeling superior really ought to remember that it was built by BMW, and the Vanquish V12 is a heavily modified pair of Mondeo blocks (or have I fallen for that rumour too.)
As to the robot comment I assume you mean V cars at Newport Pagnell....walk round by the painted body store at Gaydon and you'll bump right into one!
Recently had a tour of the works service at N/Pagnell and the Vanquish factory over the road. Was very impressed by the care taken over the 'handbuilt' nature of the cars. The panels may be cast, but then they are hand finished by panel beaters, and I love that nod to the past, it's the reason why I will always prefer the Vanq to the DB9.
Of course back in the works service they do actually panel beat 'new' panels for the older cars which have been involved in a prang. I saw one which looked like it had had a very minor scrape. 16 grand apparently.
Of course back in the works service they do actually panel beat 'new' panels for the older cars which have been involved in a prang. I saw one which looked like it had had a very minor scrape. 16 grand apparently.
We're lucky in this day and age to have such a wonderful choice of cars to enjoy, it's just a pity that as cars get better our roads become worse. But I digress. What concerns me with the M5, and this is purely from a personal perspective, is how I would use it. I took my M3 CSL out at the weekend on a 300 mile round trip and I whilst I'd like to say I drove considerately and calmly, I would probably be lying... just a bit! The acceleration, the noise and the excitement from wringing it's neck up to 8000rpm was addictive and with the best intentions in the world there's no way I could drive it slowly. But I don't drive it on a routine basis, instead I've chosen to drive a 4.8is X5 which has loads of torque, makes a wonderful noise at low revs and gives as much enjoyment at half throttle as it does with the throttle pinned to the floor. I 'think' that I prefer that kind of character in a day-to-day car and whilst I haven't yet driven the M5, I suspect it's closer in character to the CSL than it is to my 4.8is.
I just wonder how those of you that own an M5 find it influences your driving style? I purposely choose daily cars whose naturally pace is less than 100mph, for the safety of my licence and such that I'm not constantly being frustrated by the pace of other road users. For that reason I would prefer a car with the performance of the M5 to be more of an occasional sports car rather than the everyday sports car that seems to be the M5s purpose.
Maybe it's just me, but I find myself liking the engine/drivetrain of the M5 but wishing it was fitted to something that could be used just for the weekend.
I just wonder how those of you that own an M5 find it influences your driving style? I purposely choose daily cars whose naturally pace is less than 100mph, for the safety of my licence and such that I'm not constantly being frustrated by the pace of other road users. For that reason I would prefer a car with the performance of the M5 to be more of an occasional sports car rather than the everyday sports car that seems to be the M5s purpose.
Maybe it's just me, but I find myself liking the engine/drivetrain of the M5 but wishing it was fitted to something that could be used just for the weekend.
Yes I know what you mean about the CSL, one of these days I will be reported for sure!!
I love the engine, that sound, the gearbox, but I have to leave it at home for fear of my licence.
The X5 on the other hand is almost as quick, makes an awesome noise, but somehow I drive it more sensibly. I'm not saying I drive like a looney in the CSL, well much, but it is so intoxicating in a way that the Police just won't understand.
I think the sensible alternative to the M5 would be the 535d Sport Touring. Heaps of torque and in the real world plenty quick enough. I would have bought one instead of the X5 but drove it too late.
And for my sports car...a Pagoda roof 280SL. That should sort the licence out!!
I love the engine, that sound, the gearbox, but I have to leave it at home for fear of my licence.
The X5 on the other hand is almost as quick, makes an awesome noise, but somehow I drive it more sensibly. I'm not saying I drive like a looney in the CSL, well much, but it is so intoxicating in a way that the Police just won't understand.
I think the sensible alternative to the M5 would be the 535d Sport Touring. Heaps of torque and in the real world plenty quick enough. I would have bought one instead of the X5 but drove it too late.
And for my sports car...a Pagoda roof 280SL. That should sort the licence out!!
I'm not sure I could manage with a 535d, the performance would be there but I'd sorely miss the sound of a fine V8. That's what manufacturers need to do, engineer in aural and tactile enjoyment so that even if a car has the potential for 200mph you can still enjoy it (and justify your purchase) when driving it at legal speeds. When I sat in the M5 and played with the throttle I just knew that this was a car that only delivered when you stretch its legs. Not good for me I'm afraid.
I quite like the fact that the M5 doesn't look too different from a standard 5 (especially with the bodykit on the 'sport' models). Quietly understated is far less vulgar than spoilers and vents all over the place. I'd take the M5 over the M6 anyday for usability and looks. The 6 series looks like the result of a foul union 'twixt Daewoo and 911, and the lights make the front look like a Basset Hound suffering a nervous breakdown. When the 5 came out, I thought it was a well designed car in the looks department (with a few exceptions), but the more I look at it in the metal, the more muscular and stunning the damn thing looks. Having said that, i've had people tell me the 6 is gorgeous, and the 5 looks like an ugly amalgamation of other cars.
Being a BMW virgin and having a complex about BMW drivers, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I yesterday took my test drive of the M5. One hour and a hefty deposit later i am fully converted. Shame my wife dos'nt feel the same way as I had to make my own tea last night.
45CER81E said:
Being a BMW virgin and having a complex about BMW drivers, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I yesterday took my test drive of the M5. One hour and a hefty deposit later i am fully converted. Shame my wife dos'nt feel the same way as I had to make my own tea last night.
Glad you liked the car!
The statements about watching your speed in the m5 is very valid. The car is so quiet at 120mph...
all the best
adam
People are banging on about M5 v 997 etc etc...your missing the point...an M5 has 4 doors, a large boot, a 997 is a sports car, usually a second car, with no rear room, small boot etc etc. I took an M5 out on this main road the other day, it a 40mph speed limit, but when it straightens there are no houses on the sides. i used launch control from a zebra crossing then smashed it up to 155mph, before returning it to BMW...thats what the car is for, an occasional thrill...different people buy 911's...the M6 is heavy, got slayed by the less powerful 997 on top gear in the Isle of man...proof, normal roads etc etc.
jamoy said:
People are banging on about M5 v 997 etc etc...your missing the point...an M5 has 4 doors, a large boot, a 997 is a sports car, usually a second car, with no rear room, small boot etc etc. I took an M5 out on this main road the other day, it a 40mph speed limit, but when it straightens there are no houses on the sides. i used launch control from a zebra crossing then smashed it up to 155mph, before returning it to BMW...thats what the car is for, an occasional thrill...different people buy 911's...the M6 is heavy, got slayed by the less powerful 997 on top gear in the Isle of man...proof, normal roads etc etc.
Just going back to the DB9 debate. I don't know how many of the contributors have owned (not driven) a DB9, Bentley Conti, Ferrari F430, etc etc. I have and more besides and the net result of ownership is that you realise how much of a fantasy their higher standards, better quality, better environment, superiority really is.
The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
JimT said:
Just going back to the DB9 debate. I don't know how many of the contributors have owned (not driven) a DB9, Bentley Conti, Ferrari F430, etc etc. I have and more besides and the net result of ownership is that you realise how much of a fantasy their higher standards, better quality, better environment, superiority really is.
The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
Welcome to 2008!The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
adamt said:
lap_time said:
huge said:
Have to agree,thats why I stipulated "sporting " road ,not track....if you want to get into track arguments,an Atom would demolish a 997,but it hardly makes it a better car !!
either way, the M5 owner would still be fumbling with the buttons...
All you have to do is press one button "M", no fumbling required...
all the best
adam
no really....must resist
JimT said:
Just going back to the DB9 debate. I don't know how many of the contributors have owned (not driven) a DB9, Bentley Conti, Ferrari F430, etc etc. I have and more besides and the net result of ownership is that you realise how much of a fantasy their higher standards, better quality, better environment, superiority really is.
The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
... and you're back in the room.The simple fact is that you cannot own a DB9 or similar and actually drive it for any reasonable number of miles without constantly worrying about the increase in mileage and therefore depreciation and difficulty to sell, the ridiculous cost of servicing it, the fact that they go wrong almost on a daily basis... The list goes on and from experience can confirm that this applies to any manufacturer who portrays themselves as being a premier marque. i.e. Bentley, Rolls, Lambo, Aston etc.
While I do not own an M5, it is apparent that the car can be owned and enjoyed rather than having it sat in the garage and having to tell your mates down at the golf club how you own one of the seemingly more flash marques that actually do not perform. How fast it is won't come into the equation as you won't dare drive it anywhere, but you will your M5.
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