M5 vs B10?

[hoppo4.2]

iv decided its time to get somthing (alittle) sencible.

two of the strong contenders are the M5 or B10 but which to go for?

whats your views.?

[J888SXY]

Don't forget there are 3.2 and 3.3L B10 as well as the V8 4.6L.

[rassi]

Guess it depends on whether you want a manual or an automatic?

[E30M3SE]

rassi said:

Guess it depends on whether you want a manual or an automatic?

Depends which 5 Series as well.

[abarth130]

Having looked at both recently, there really is a lot more to it than a choice of gearbox, although this might be the clincher in the end for 'purists'.

Both cars are totally different in character. The M5 is an out and out driving machine which rewards more the harder you push it. The manual gearbox only serves to exagerate this. The B10, on the other hand, is a more laid-back cruising machine with buckets of torque and a gloriously subtle way of gathering speed. When pushed though, it can still cut the mustard. The Alpina is geared for comfort in terms of suspension set-up whereas the M5 is a good bit harder but both are still very comfortable.

In real world terms, I'd be tempted to buy the Alpina. The autobox is great when you really can't be bothered or are driving in town a lot (which I do) and Alpinas all seem to have that 'bespoke' feel which other BM's lack. The Alpina Switchtronic system works rather well too.

In short, its all down to what you want from the car. I strongly suggest you drive both before deciding though. As I say, there i are many more differences than a manual/auto gearbox between the two cars.

[Slurms]

The only other thing to consider depending on your buget is that B10's are normally cheaper to run using more standard bmw parts than the M cars do.

Not that i'm trying to claim a B10 is a bargin to run

The V8 version isn't far off as thirsty as the M5.

[hoppo4.2]

think i need to go and try them both.
there dont seem to be that many "special" lookin M5s about in the adds at the min but there have been a few nice alpina.