E60 M5 - what a machine!
Discussion
Today I had the unexpected pleasure of driving the M-Division 5-Series - and I just like to say what an animal it is!
Now it's safe to say I'm not the biggest BM fan in the world, however I certainly appreciate the brand's excellent hardware. I managed a 25 minute test drive on the roads of west Norfolk, and it was superb.
M-button engaged nearly all the way - the previous owner had set the M-Button to quickest shifting, 507bhp, traction "on" modes. It was astonishing.
I did play with the gear-shift speed and found slow to be far too retarded in traffic. I also had to alter my driving style. I began driving it like an auto, which gave me jerky changes. I found lifting off slightly smoothed out the up-changes. It took a bit of getting used to, but once I was there, she was such a pussy cat! So easy to drive - and very easy to drive quickly.
I can say I won't be switching brands, however it was a welcome opportunity to drive one of BMW's finest. An insanely quick car, yet comfortable and easy to live with.
You like your BMs in here, so you M5 owners are very fortunate people
Also, many thanks to Lister's BMW in Kings Lynn for allowing me this accompanied test drive
Darren
Now it's safe to say I'm not the biggest BM fan in the world, however I certainly appreciate the brand's excellent hardware. I managed a 25 minute test drive on the roads of west Norfolk, and it was superb.
M-button engaged nearly all the way - the previous owner had set the M-Button to quickest shifting, 507bhp, traction "on" modes. It was astonishing.
I did play with the gear-shift speed and found slow to be far too retarded in traffic. I also had to alter my driving style. I began driving it like an auto, which gave me jerky changes. I found lifting off slightly smoothed out the up-changes. It took a bit of getting used to, but once I was there, she was such a pussy cat! So easy to drive - and very easy to drive quickly.
I can say I won't be switching brands, however it was a welcome opportunity to drive one of BMW's finest. An insanely quick car, yet comfortable and easy to live with.
You like your BMs in here, so you M5 owners are very fortunate people
Also, many thanks to Lister's BMW in Kings Lynn for allowing me this accompanied test drive
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Monday 22 June 18:55
flimper said:
How did it compare to the RS4? Slower I imagine but was it very noticeable? Is the M5 a lot bigger to manoeuvre about than the Audi? Reason I ask is these are the 2 cars at the top of my wishlist when I move on from the Z4M
slower than an RS4?!?!The RS4 is a great car (pace Housey!), but it's quite a bit slower than the M5.
Edited by Zod on Monday 22 June 20:29
Interesting write up which is making me crave an M5 even more! Although I haven't yet driven one, I am pleased with the performance (and sound) of my CLK55 AMG but expecting so much more from the M5. I read on M5board.com that it is worth studying and understanding the handbook before a test drive in order to ensure that the car is set up just the way you want it, that will be a first for me!
flimper said:
How did it compare to the RS4? Slower I imagine but was it very noticeable? Is the M5 a lot bigger to manoeuvre about than the Audi? Reason I ask is these are the 2 cars at the top of my wishlist when I move on from the Z4M
IMHO I wouldnt..I tried both the RS4 and M5 when shopping, and found both too refined.
They were both very fast in a straight line, but didn't feel it at all, and both capable in the bends, but not entertaining or exciting.
I personally found the Z4 a lot more fun and involving to drive... which is why i bought one.
That's why I laugh when I read articles or posts talking about how difficult the M5 is as an everyday car. It is utterly refined: quiet, smooth and luxurious, with a comfortable ride on EDC comfort. The contrast with my other car is marked. In speed terms, they are very similar. To drive, wildly different.
Good to see someone 'getting it.'
Opened mine up on a moor last night, windows open a tad and yup, wondrous brutality.
Frenetic kreigelscream only found in histrionic Italians.
That engine and transmission - when on a bombing run - are truly, babble-inducingly sublime.
Wrt to their fun factor through bends? You must-a be joking!
Opened mine up on a moor last night, windows open a tad and yup, wondrous brutality.
Frenetic kreigelscream only found in histrionic Italians.
That engine and transmission - when on a bombing run - are truly, babble-inducingly sublime.
Wrt to their fun factor through bends? You must-a be joking!
Fidgits said:
flimper said:
How did it compare to the RS4? Slower I imagine but was it very noticeable? Is the M5 a lot bigger to manoeuvre about than the Audi? Reason I ask is these are the 2 cars at the top of my wishlist when I move on from the Z4M
IMHO I wouldnt..I tried both the RS4 and M5 when shopping, and found both too refined.
They were both very fast in a straight line, but didn't feel it at all, and both capable in the bends, but not entertaining or exciting.
I personally found the Z4 a lot more fun and involving to drive... which is why i bought one.
No!
Edited by CarbonM5 on Tuesday 23 June 18:43
iluvmercs said:
The M5 is alot quicker than my RS4. The M5 was noticeably larger, too, but it soon shrinks around you.
Also, despite it's size, the M5 was handled extremely well! I would think an RS4 would be faster round the twisty bits, though.
Darren
Looking at all the RS4 suspension issues I seriously doubt it!Also, despite it's size, the M5 was handled extremely well! I would think an RS4 would be faster round the twisty bits, though.
Darren
Darren,
I've gone from a 750 to an M6 which might be a similar change. Yes you can't treat the M SMG3 like an auto bix with a manual option. It's deffo a manual with the option to go auto (with help).
I found the early morning drives with a cold box most strange to start with. I agree it does take getting used to but the noise of the V10 when baiting a motorbike makes up for it ::
///C
I've gone from a 750 to an M6 which might be a similar change. Yes you can't treat the M SMG3 like an auto bix with a manual option. It's deffo a manual with the option to go auto (with help).
I found the early morning drives with a cold box most strange to start with. I agree it does take getting used to but the noise of the V10 when baiting a motorbike makes up for it ::
///C
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