Super545

Suggestions welcomed, I want to trade up from my 2004 545i 6 spd. I'm torn between an 2009 M5 SMG with 70k miles or a 2011 550i sport 8 spd auto with 57k. The M5 is an awesome car, but the 550i seems to have more techno features and I think maybe cheaper in maintenece. I don't want stick anymore I think the SMG is a nice compromise. Any thoughts, suggestions? Thanks
What to do!!

NYAWE60

I think you have to ask yourself what type of driving experience do you want more. The E60 M5 is definitely the more raw and connected out of the two. The electric steering in the 2011 F10 leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you're used to the heavy and connected feeling in the E60. The SMG is a hell of a transmission in my opinion and between the two vehicles will definitely make for a more entertaining driving experience. The 2010 M5 has the CIC which is the same in the 2011 550i. Maybe you should consider one of those.

Overall the maintenance on the M5 is much higher than the 550i. The brakes are over $2000 to replace and if the transmission fails, it is ludicrously expensive to repair. I can totally see why you're torn but if I were in your shoes, I'd probably go with the M5. The only F10 I can justify buying is the M5, other than that, the 535i/550i just don't do it for me. They're VERY good looking but the experience is lackluster by comparison to the E60.

JDeezyNYC

just realized this post is from April. Did you pull the trigger??? Do you plan on modding it for more power/performance??

NYAWE60 hit the nail right on the head.

The F10 body completely turns me off the 5 series altogether. They are longer, heavier, bigger hood, and handling/suspension/steering is very mushy, and I feel like they are too padded up. The average consumer want to feel like they are riding on a cloud of air with easy touch steering so I guess that's the route BMW had to go with. If technology is what you want, there almost always seems to be a inversely proportioned ratio between technology and being connected with the road.

The '10 M5 seems like a happy medium. I would personally go for the M5. I think the 2011 550i is only 400 horse anyway.

johnbennett103

I have a heavily modified 05 545i, and a low mileage 06 M5 which is mostly stock. The M5 has more maintenance, but appears to be an easier DIY than the 545i. I started changing plugs on the M5 today, and there was a lot more room to pull the plugs than the 545i. The 545i has the stupid variable valve opening hardware, and it makes the engine quite a bit larger. As for experience, my 545 is a 6 speed with coilovers, and it feels lighter, especially the adaptive steering which I hate more and more. The M5 is heavier, feels more purpose built, and does not feel like its in its element until about 80 MPH. While I still love my 545i, the M5 is just awesome, but definitely more expensive to own. As for mileage, my 545 averages 19, while the M5 less than 14, so you have to fill up probably 2x per week with the M5. Both consume about equal amounts of oil, probably because my 545 has 100k+ miles. I used to think my 545i was fast, now I just thrash it because the M5 just hauls ass, even with a little bit of throttle. Good luck on your decision.