I am selling my '02 M3 convertible, and getting a 545 (w/sport package). How do you think they will compare, performance-wise? The test results (acceleration, skidpad etc.) seem pretty close; but what about real world? Do you think I'll miss the M?

Thanks.

 

On a warm sunny day you will miss the M3 very much, the accelartion is about the same, but the comfort in the 5 is a lot better, raw speed the M3 has it but I love the 5.

I had the same concerns about 9 months ago as I also had an 02 M3 Cab, but the wife wanted a bit of comfort.

 

I drove 3500 km on the German autobahn last summer together with my friend.
He was driving his M3 convertible and I my 545iA.

As you already said the acc. is pretty similar. But at medium to high speed the 545 always had an advantage due to better torque.

The fun ( for me! ) ended at 256 km/h, when my speed limiter kicked in, and the M3 continued towards 270 km/h

 

welcome aboard, fishskis !

 

So I also had an M3 Cab! ('02 E46)... some of my thoughts (not in any particular order):

- Loved it for six months out of the year - the other six months the soft top would creak so much I'd be pulling my hair out.
- The ride is stiffer and tighter in the M3 (even compared with the 545i sport).
- For highway travel, with the top down, the M3 cab wins hands down. But for the rest of the time, the luxury of the 545 is king. (The M3 is still really just a 3-series for luxury and build quality/materials.)
- It's a much smaller car so there's no getting around that.
- But weight-wise, both are within lbs of each other (E46 cab = 3781, E60 545iA = 3748).
- Around town for spirited travel, the 545iA sport is a lot more fun than I thought. Handles exceptionally well for it's size. M3 cab 6-sp get's off the line much quicker though.
- Build quality and higher end materials used in 545. More convenience items.

In summary, around town in good weather = M3 Cab, all other times = 545i Sport.

Do I miss my M3 cab? Yes.
Do I regret buying the 545? NO!
Do I regret trading in my M3 cab? Kinda.
But if I could only have one car (which was the case), I'd choose the 545i again.

 

Thanks everyone; great comments....

Kt, though I have always loved convertibles, personally, I do not like the top down on the highway for long distances, so I won't miss that. And yes, the top's squeeking gets a bit annoying. And while I love the M3, the rough ride is something I think I may not miss. As for off the line, I have SMG, and I have always felt a bit of a initial lag from a standing start. Maybe I am just growing up, but I am looking forward to a little softer, more luxurious ride.

Incidentally, I live in L.A., so for me it is nice about 11 months a year (past 3 weeks excepted). The sunroof will have to suffice. I suspect I will miss it on occasion, but I am really looking forward to picking up the 5 in Munich in a few months.

BTW, am I the only one who is shocked that the 545 actually weighs less than the M3?

 

No You are not! I thought that it was typo! Had to check.

Skaffa

 

welcome fishskis


anything lost in off the line performace is made up in luxury.... good luck

 

Welcome Aboard!

 

I raced an M3 yesterday off a stop light with my 545. I caught the guy by surprise so I got off the line much quicker, but on the onramp to i540, he was able to do about 5mph faster on a tight curve. When we got to the top of the ramp, in 3rd gear i was doing about 90mph and he was able to accelerate from 90 to 120 much faster than me. I slowed down at about 115 because I was done, I could not catch up with him. M3 is definetely faster and handles better based on this experience...

Pablo