westcoast550

If you read Chuck's signature he has done all the M modding , he wants more than the look he wants the Beast, I have always stated my opinion on the M5 as being TOO much car , but I think Chuck wants the next step ...... so I say go for it !! Jut don't tell your banker !

Cheers

slickrick

What's your decision on the M5?

chuckg

I am still trying to hold out. As some have pointed out, I can live without the M5. However, I have always wanted one. Before I bought my e60 I seriously considered an 03 M5, but opted for the 545i instead. Winter is on its way and I have never even taken my current car in the snow, but I sold my truck so my next car will see winter. I have a feeling it will make me sick to drive the M5 in such foul weather. Anyway, possition on the car will affect my decision the most, so hopefully the price will drop quicker than the depreciation

Heelsonwheels

BMW was running a program on whatever they had left in M5 stock check it out...i wanted another SMG, none were around so i passed...Driving an M in the winter won't feel right at first, but I drove mine through 4 winters and it was just fine. Dunlop M3 snows are great tires ( u'll need them), i used the sock 18's with them and it allows you to see how well these cars systems work. Good luck.

Bimmer32

I was in similar shoes, but I'm opted out of a used M5 based on the cost difference/wants scenario. With that power level, I think I'm going with a 2 door.

jmatthe

Really do your homework on the history of the M5. I remember driving m5's at the m5 school, and a few that were pretty dinged up one day, fixed/painted up and back on the track for the next group. Stay away from "executive" cars...

rlinger

i dont know about Minnesota, but in Los Angeles there is enough un-patroled areas to drive fast un-noticed. Here in Oklahoma -- there is no way i would own an M5 since I would be put in jail for excessive speed.

I also note that MN has harsh winters and might not be a great fit for high-performance sedan 4-6 months out of the year.

Other thoughts?

AlB

The M5 is a great car. How does it fit with your every day driving needs (commute)? It is very difficult to find places to utilize the performance potential of the M5. That said, it is fun to do when you can do it.

The real problem I have is the fact that BMW won't CPO them because even they are afraid of the exposure. Check to see how much warranty you have left on this car. An early model 06 could have just 2 years left.

Check the service history on this car. Some of the early model M5's had Vanos oil line issues and many documented cases of SMG problems.

At the end of the day tho, it is a very fun car to have.

good luck

Westcoast M5

A friend of mine has a 2002 M5 and a 2000 Porsche Boxster. His perspective is that having 2 cars (not counting the wife's car, company car, etc) really allows you to enjoy each of them more. Since he got his Boxster he says he enjoys his M5 even more than when it was his everyday car.

Just something to think about. I have 12 months left on the lease of my 550 and have been obsessing about an pre-owned E60 M5 as well. But my current thinking is I am going to buy it out at the end of the lease and put my dollars towards getting a pre-owned sports car, like a 996 Carrerra cabrio or some such thing.....

You won't be sorry if you get the M5, just check it out well first. Worst case senario is after a year of driving, you decide the snow, gas mileage, repair issues are making you unhappy in which case you trade it in on something else.

chuckg

My commute is not bad. Straight hwy about 15 miles. I probably won't be able to open it up, but we do have tons of clover leafs. I have driven one and I loved the SMGII in comparison with my manual. I get sick of shifting on some days and the SMG is like playing a video game! I have always wanted an M5, and my payments would be the same. But I am not a rich man, this would be my everyday car and i tend to baby to cars so winter and salt would kill me. I will have to spend $2000 on rims and snow tires for my car, for the M only $ on winter rubber. Almost bought a 650 last week........