I did a search and this has been brushed on a couple of times but I thought with the new batch of 550i sports out there I would seek some more input.

First, a little groundwork. I have always driven a manual transmission car as my daily driver. This car will be my daily driver and not a weekend or track toy. I?ve got the 911 for that. I got to spend a couple of days with a 06 M5 SMG and really grew quite fond of the SMG.

There are a number of M5?s out there lightly used with <15k miles for around $70k. This is about even money to a new 550i sport loaded like I would want it.


My question is ? for a daily driver (no big city traffic - no bumper to bumper) would you go with the M5 or 550i sport 6sp.

I was hoping someone with time in both or at least time in the 550i 6sp could give some input since I haven?t had a chance do drive the 550 with the 6sp ? my local dealer always only has the autos.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have an '07 550i sport with the 6MT. Its been a really fun car to have as a daily driver. With about 5300 miles since February, I've driven it a good bit and been very happy with it as a car - no complaints whatsoever about the car or its abilities. The acceleration is fantastic, it handles like a dream and is truly the perfect "daily driver" for someone wanting performance, with a little bit of every day civility.

It was tough to find a dealer with a 6MT to drive before ordering the car - but I finally found one, and it was worth the effort to experience the car before I ordered it. Like you, Sport Package and 6MT were a must, as was the Logic 7 & satellite radio. I think its a much different beast than the automatic 550's that I test drove - perhaps not "faster" per se, but more responsive, at least in my opinion. I have not driven an M5 for comparison, but truly, I cannot imagine needing any more performance out of a daily driver than that offered by the 550.

The lone caveat is that I came from an E38 740iL, and have really missed having a full sized sedan. I've grown to like the changes of the 750Li, and have pondered selling my 550i while it has low mileage to trade up for a 7 series. I'm not sold on the idea, as I really love the performance of the 550. However, I havent let the idea go either.

If you would want to talk more, email me at peter_carrington@hotmail.com

PS - given your handle, are you a radiologist? I am in need of a radiologist in one of my cases...LOL

 

Thanks for the input.

I am a radiologist - pm me if you need some help.

Noticed you had a G35 - That is what I am coming from as my daily driver.

 

If it wasn't for the transmission issue, I think your choice is easy - the M.

But, like you, I am a manny tranny guy (only one auto in over 30 years of car ownership). My other car is also a 911. That tells me that we both like to drive with both feet. I'll share this experience: my one auto box was an A6. It was a great car - that I owned for six months (and the last three were hell). At the end of the day, I just couldn't live without the stick.

So as one who could also have bought a slightly used M5 instead my LCI 550 Sport manny tranny, I say be very, very sure that you won't miss that clutch pedal.

 

If the depreciation rates over where there are the same as over here, then then the price of a new 550i would get you an '05 M5. I was considering but after being in some of my friends '05 M5 I decided some of the wear and tear issues would just spoil the experience. You'll get rattles, squecks etc etc very soon.

Besides, the 550i is a beauty of a cruiser and in M-sports version it handles really well around the bends and I've been able to keep up with M5's. The only time the M5 really pulls away is in the straights...but that's just the engine

 

This is a tough one. M5 is also available with a 6MT. If you are paying cash and can find one then the 400HP with a steering wheel button that adds another 100HP is the main difference. Go for the M. if you a are financing or leasing the M5 will end up costing more with higher rates.

In Los Angeles, my last 545 and now 550i have more than adeqate power. I have had my new car less than a week and driven less than 200 miles averaging 10-11mpg with an average speed (per OBC of 26mph) Tonight I will drive another 100 miles and can only hope there won't be traffic on the freeway.

The Emmy is no doubt the superior car. But the 550 will give it all to you 98% of the time.

 

I'm thinking you'd be happier with the 550. My logic:

1) The 550 is a more refined daily driver. The M5 is a superior car on the track, but you have the 911 to cover that.

2) I've seen numerous threads from people with early production M5s that have significant maintenance issues. You may be buying someone's problems. In contrast, the 550 has most of the bugs worked out, and will come with a full warranty.

 

Go with M5, no comparison. You can extend the warranty.

 

While I have not had time with a 550 6MT, I had a 545 smg and an e60 M5. For a daily driver, I would opt for the 550. I am assuming that all slighly used M5's are equipped with the smg as the manuals just came out. My experience with mine has been less than satisfying and, even when running as it should, the smg is not very satisfying as a daily driver, especially in traffic. When you have an open road or on the track, it is unbelievable, but certainly not in traffic. Furthermore, as I am sure you are already aware, the smg's have not been the most trouble-free and I would be wary of any used M5, particularly early production models such as mine. I love the performance of the M5, but, with all things considered, in everyday driving conditions, its not as if the difference in performance will be very noticeable with a 550. Once I figure out what to do with my M5, the 550/535 will be at the top of my list. Some people feel it will be a step down, but, again, based on my experience with my M, I am very anxious to make the switch. Just my .02.

 

+1

I went through the exact same decision process as you and selected the 550i manual sport. I am happy with my decision.

If you want a DD, the 550i is more than adequate and a more pleasant driving experience. The M5 is happy shifting at redline, not at stoplight to stoplight runs. I have not owned a E60 M5 but do have some seat time.

As for a warranty, BMW will not CPO the M5. That should tell you something.

best of luck

al