Originally Posted by w8pmc' post='382910' date='Jan 24 2007, 08:46 PM

Sorry to burst you're bubble, but i feel the need to correct you on a couple of points. Firstly the need to downshift, the M5 can donwshift quicker than any Steptronic box, so when you floor the loud peddle to make progress, your Steptronic will automatically downshift & that will be slower than the SMG in the M5 you refer to. Also, having come from a DMS 535d M-Sport to my current M5, the 535d even modified would not catch the M5 even in P400, unless the M5 wanted you to catch them.

As for handling, the one thing even a modified 535d won't have no matter what springs you fit is MMMMMMM. The M Set-up is designed my M & therefore should be the optimum set-up. I'm not saying their is not better out their but fit for purpose, the M Chassis, combined with the M Suspension, SMGIII, 5.0 V10 (F1 developed) the many extra toys (do you want me to continue???) is the better all round car & that from someone who thinks the 535d is awesome & sometimes misses it.

What Stephen has/had is an amazing example of a 535d (i've seen it) & to enhance it for his purpose he modified the brakes & springs, mapping & a few other nice bits & bobs, however the base for any car is the chassis, next the engine, next the gearbox then you move onto springs, tyres & all the extras etc & i'm sorry but M tops the tree out of the box.

Agree the CSL is quicker than an M5 around a track, but it's slower in a straight line & in my experience it''s only the CSL variant of the M3 that's quicker, as even being of intermediate track ability, i've never struggled to reel in & overtake any M3 i've encountered.

Please also note that the new 335i is quicker to 62 than both the M3 & the CSL & mapped one has been clocked at constant 0-62 in 4.1secs which is quicker than my car, so their will always be something quicker & sharper on the market.

Stpehen, you'll love your car & make sure you report back soon with your opinions. In the real world it won't be hugely quicker than your modified 535d, but coming form someone who went from a DMS 535d to an M5, it's like night & day & i'm sure you'll agree & love your new purchase.

Originally Posted by w8pmc' post='382754' date='Jan 24 2007, 03:58 PM

Has anyone ever worked out why Extended is plastic & Full Leather is leather?? Always been something i've never understood, as Extended is the Standard on M5's & Full is a costly option.

Originally Posted by Aeroresh' post='383153' date='Jan 25 2007, 08:39 AM

With this in mind as an everyday driver if you cover long distances, Id take the 535d everytime. However if I wanted a proper performance car in a saloon package Id go for the M5 (Despite the speed of my car, the M5 in front did seem to be having more fun than me it has to be said!)

Originally Posted by hythe' post='383177' date='Jan 25 2007, 11:28 AM

As usual, a case of "horses for courses" - it's great that the E60 range has such a contrasting range of vehicles for us to choose from! As you know, I liked the diesel-like torque AND M5-like power of the Alpina, together with a full auto-box, but it all comes down to a matter of lifestyle, driving style and taste, at the end of the day. When it comes to the track, though, I'll take a proper racing car every time, and no BMW could ever keep up...

Originally Posted by 535dBoy' post='383184' date='Jan 25 2007, 11:58 AM

I love the power, torque and speed of my DMS'd 535 - I would say as an all rounder it is awesome.

I tried an M5 early last year with a view of putting a deposit down on the M5 tourer ( I have a dog!). It didn't make me go wow I must have one now (maybe it would if I had a 520d) and for me I couldn't live with that SMG box (although I think it may have been on fastest change speed setting which may not have helped)

So I spent the money on an Elise for the weekends which gives me all the pleasure (car related!) I need at the weekend.

Originally Posted by hythe' post='383269' date='Jan 25 2007, 04:27 PM

Wise man - how I still miss my Mk.1 Exige!

Again, it sounds like a B5 Touring could have been the compromise you would have wanted, though so few people are even aware the car exists! Still only four in the UK, three in private hands and one demo car.

Originally Posted by 535dBoy' post='383329' date='Jan 25 2007, 06:54 PM

Quite possibly, but I do love the absolutely chuckability of the Lotus which I am sure you will agree is unrivalled (well against any great big 5er anyway !)

What consumption do you get on average?

Do you have any pics?

Originally Posted by hythe' post='383394' date='Jan 25 2007, 10:30 PM

Pics of the Alpina or of the Exige?

In the B5, I'm getting an average of about 19mpg, but bear in mind that most of that's inside London. At an 80mph cruise, it'll do 25-28mpg.

For pics of the B5, have a look here:

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...=alpina+touring

Also just have a look on www.m5board.com or www.thealpinaregister.com

Originally Posted by 535dBoy' post='383620' date='Jan 26 2007, 11:37 AM

Sorry I meant the Alpina and I remember seeing the pics before - very nice.

My average is c28mpg with hard use and trip in to the west end. On a run around the magic roundabout and at that type of cruise I can get 40 !

I do about 20,000miles hence my first choice was the oil burner and I pay for the fuel myself !