darkside

I'm just curious as to how satisfied people have been making the change from the e46 M3 to the 545? I have had my M3 for 3 years and have loved it, but am ready for a change. I just hated the e60 styling when it first came out, but now really like it. I test drove a 545 last summer and was impressed. I suspect I will also like the 550. Thanks in advance.

soc_fans

IMO if you want an upgrade and stay with coupe, go for 650i.

fishskis

I just switched from a 2002 M3 SMG convertible to a 545i steptronic sport. They are obviously very different cars, and comparing them is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. That being said, when I compare them head to head in different categories, the 545 wins almost every one.

The M3 is a little more "fun" to drive, especially around real tight twisties. I also miss the SMG flippers.

Acceleration is about equal, but different - m3 is rougher and throatier, maybe a tiny bit quicker; the 5 is as powerful, but a little deeper and smoother. I found the M3 often had a lag from the line, and its acceleration was unpredictable. I shift the 5 manually, and it is sweet; 2nd and 3rd are awesome.

But the 5 blows it away in the following areas:....Highway driving (remember I had a convert, so if you have the coupe, it may be different)....the Suspension is much smoother, but still tight....Comfort seats are awesome....Nav is great...Bluetooth is great....Premium sound is great.

Also, I had way too many problems with my M3; I have yet to have one issue with the 5.

Both are great cars, just different; it is really more of an emotional decision. If I scored them in an objective test, comparing all the different elements (including value), the 545 would win big. (fwiw, my plan is to very possibly get the next M3, hopefully by '07.)

shiny

I traded in my 2002 e46 M3 for a new e60 530d in August.

The two are totally different cars, it's hard to compare them like-for-like but here are my observations:

M3 - like a bullet, needs to be driven hard. But boy is it rewarding, the car has huge limits, and my driving skill would be exhausted way before the limits were reached. Also, that sound! Like a barrel of angry wasps amplified 1000 times on full throttle. It turns heads wherever you go, I'v had kids on the side of the road waving and clapping when driving past. Sometimes this attention is a pain though, especially when you come back to the car and there are a few teenagers checking it out - but hey, I remember what I was like as a teenager, I'd be round that car like a fly around s**t

e60 - more refined - like a cruise missile compared to the bullet of the M3. It's still rapid, and still drives well, but not in the same league as a driver's car. However the quality is way better, the ride smoother and it's much easier to live with. The running costs are also way lower, and I can get nearly 500 miles from a full tank as opposed to ~230!

I miss my M3, it was my first "proper" car, and I wanted an M3 since I was about 14. It's an icon, and everyone should at least drive one in their lifetime. I still smile now when I think about driving it.

However, for me the e60 is a better all-round car, and I'm glad I made the change. Also, I'm getting old now (27!) and it suits my image better

AC_S5

27 old?? what would you drive when you are 37? But I think the E60 suit our age, all of my father's friend ask him why not get a MB E class. My father told them my son like BMW but the fact is he don't like MB and think MB is for old people like Grandma and Grandpa. But don't want to disrespect his friends who all drives MB (well HK is a place fill with M :thumbsdown:

darkside

I am really not that fond of the 650's styling, and besides it is out of my price range. The 550 is stretching what I want to spend. I guess if age is an issue I should switch from the M3 to the 550, as I am 56 and not getting any younger.

skaffa

27 old?? what would you drive when you are 37? But I think the E60 suit our age, all of my father's friend ask him why not get a MB E class. My father told them my son like BMW but the fact is he don't like MB and think MB is for old people like Grandma and Grandpa. But don't want to disrespect his friends who all drives MB (well HK is a place fill with M :thumbsdown:
[/quote]

Your age . You must be one of the youngest.. But e60 fit You too!

Skaffa

MMAfia

tell me about it... i used to have an e46 323ci as my first car... that was when i was 24... then i got a 745Li when i was 27... awesome luxo-cruiser, but boy did i feel out of place... people always thought that i was driving my father's car!!!

so now i'm 31 and flipped to a 545i... it seems to fit me a lot better... still single, but about to get married in less than a year. the e65 was an awesome car, but didn't fit my lifestyle just yet.

now i gotta buy a house. AND pay for a wedding. good thing I got a good deal with my 545i lease since they were trying to pump them outta the lot to make room for the upcoming 550i.

MMAfia

BERM

I own m3 and 545i and 545i it's great, and acceleration it's not much different between 545i and M3. I was little bit disappointed it with the amount of torque the M3 has. I think 545 it's faster on the highway, but not from the stop. I love my e60 and I'm 26 years old.

AC_S5

27 old?? what would you drive when you are 37? But I think the E60 suit our age, all of my father's friend ask him why not get a MB E class. My father told them my son like BMW but the fact is he don't like MB and think MB is for old people like Grandma and Grandpa. But don't want to disrespect his friends who all drives MB (well HK is a place fill with M :thumbsdown:
[/quote]

Your age . You must be one of the youngest.. But e60 fit You too!

Skaffa
[/quote]

I am 26, still young but not the youngest I bet.