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lower end torque curve

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Old 12-14-2006, 03:34 PM
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From what I've read the lower end torque of the M5 is not significantly better than that of the 550i. Sure the M5 is a whole different animal at high speeds (read autobahn) but what good is it in the USA.

This is one way of consoling myself as the M5 is out of my reach. Sour grapes.

Is a used E60 M5 (I think $ 75000) better than a brand new fully loaded 550?
Old 12-14-2006, 03:41 PM
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Yes. Why? Cause it's a M. Nuff said.
Old 12-14-2006, 03:54 PM
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It all depends on one needs and affordability.
1. Are you willing to stop by gas station every other day and pay for high gas bill to trade for the fun?
2. How much fun would you expect out of three times going to gas station/week, and ~$120-150/week for gas?
3. Do you drive 0-120 very often? If you drive only from 0-100 quite often, go for 550i

M5 for sure is everyone's affordable dream car (not like Lambo or Ferrari which are out of reach for now ) Some members here test drove M5 and did not like low end torque. I don't like low low end torque. With my current 550i + Sprintbooster, I can burn my tire in 1st gear easily.
The problem is the look of M5 is astonishing!
Old 12-14-2006, 03:59 PM
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My comments in red.

Originally Posted by my530i' post='367605' date='Dec 14 2006, 04:54 PM
It all depends on one needs and affordability.
1. Are you willing to stop by gas station every other day and pay for high gas bill to trade for the fun?
M5 would be the weekend car.
2. How much fun would you expect out of three times going to gas station/week, and ~$120-150/week for gas?
Lot of fun! Gimme the race gas. VROOM, VROOM
3. Do you drive 0-120 very often? If you drive only from 0-100 quite often, go for 550i
Why, yes I do. Even more on occasion.

M5 for sure is everyone's affordable dream car (not like Lambo or Ferrari which are out of reach for now ) Some members here test drove M5 and did not like low end torque. I don't like low low end torque. With my current 550i + Sprintbooster, I can burn my tire in 1st gear easily.
The problem is the look of M5 is astonishing!
Old 12-14-2006, 04:43 PM
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If all you want to do is burn rubber, save a ton of cash and go by the new Vette. Get it in a drop top. They go like stink and are much smoother than you think.

If you are going to get the M5, why not a DB9?

Where do you live and drive. The 550 is certainly more car than our CT roads can handle.

I have to admit, Vegastrashed made me laugh out loud with his last post. Thanks for the chuckle.
Old 12-14-2006, 04:43 PM
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A fully loaded 550 is more than 75k, so price should not be your deciding factor if you are really making that comparison.
Old 12-14-2006, 09:36 PM
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I had a 545 before my M5 and they are both cars, but the M5 is in a different league. You are right, initially the torque is not that noticeable, but at higher RPMs watch out!

The M5 is great for commuting and great for track days, It's a supercar engine in a luxury sedan.

As for the gas argument, I think that is ridiculous. Anyone who can afford an M5 doesn't give a sh**t about gas prices, and as for going to the gas station, I drive aggresively and long distances every day, and I fill up about twice every week and a half. My gas mileage on my 545 was 13.2 L/ 100 km, and on my M5 it is 17.8 L/100 km. Not a big difference if you ask me.

Let's face it, the M5 and M6 are the best cars BMW can build and arguably has ever built, and I am sure if any of you could trade in a 550 for an M5, I don't think you would hesitate. I certainly didn't.
Old 12-14-2006, 10:22 PM
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As for the gas argument, I think that is ridiculous. Anyone who can afford an M5 doesn't give a sh**t about gas prices
I like this statement

But some people stretch their pocket to get an M5, so to them there'll be an issue.
For those who can comfortably afford an M5 like you, there shouldn't be an issue.

I commute 50-60 miles round trip/day and driving around town over the weekends. I have to visit gas station twice a week. Maybe little bit more due to driving agressively in manual mode.

Anyway, we're derailing from subject of this thread. Even with 545/550i at 5000rpm, we all need to control the beast carefully because it's going very wildly. But we mostly use low end torque more frequently. Different strokes for different folks. To me 550i is more than enough

One need to wait for a used M5 like 10K miles and save roughly $20K
Old 12-14-2006, 11:07 PM
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all i'll say is that the m5 didn't blow me away below 14.0 mph like i was expecting.
aboce 14.0 mph, thats a different story

regardless, my desire for an m5 isn't about speed, but about the feel and other performance aspects. the m5 sounds better, looks better, handles better, brakes better, and feels more connected to the road, than my car. in order to get these attributes from my car, i'd have to add brembos, coilovers, an even louder exhaust, and delete active steering.
Old 12-15-2006, 12:35 AM
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Well in my opinion after driving the M5 several times: crappy SMG. Don't get me wrong, with a controlled right foot you can shift smoothly, it just feels like a toy car. Lack of torque means that you don't "feel" fast like an AMG would and although handling is great I wouldnt consider it a track car (its 4000lbs). However, it is still an M car and no way can any regular 5 compare to it... That's why its an MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM


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