I love the 550i Sport and can't imagine what the M5 must be like.
How different is the M5 from the 550i Sport?

1) Acceleration
2) Handling
3) Braking
4) Ride/Stiffness
5) Comfort

Can the M5 be an everyday driver? (I live near Chicago, snow, potholes, etc,.)

Is it worth the extra $20K?

Thanks,
DocBob

 

I love it. I use my stock M5 wheels for winter now and slapped some Blizzak LM-22's on them. The car handles amazing in the snow with this set-up. This car is not even in the same league as any other E60. If you can afford the additional cost, I would absolutely get it.

 

+1

 

+2.. nothing the same.. the m5 is in a class by its self.. the 550 is an amazing car.. but nothing like that m5...

 

If you can afford the M5... then its definitely worth it!!!

 

 

QUOTE (rmpatek @ Feb 15 2009, 07:29 PM)
How different is the M5 from the 550i Sport?

1) Acceleration
SCARY FAST
2) Handling
Virtually flat cornering vs. the 550's tendency to exhibit more body roll.
3) Braking
Enough force to make blood rush to the front of your face so fast that it HURTS.
4) Ride/Stiffness
Stiff and a bit on the bumpy side vs. the plushness that the 550 provides.
5) Comfort
550i all the way.

Can the M5 be an everyday driver? (I live near Chicago, snow, potholes, etc,.)
Of course, as long as you don't mind gassing up every 2 days.

Is it worth the extra $20K?
Only if ... you can afford it, which includes frequent fill ups and changing rear tires every 7500 miles or so.

I drove a 650 and loved it, but it really isn;t even remotely close. I think it is 360 bhp? That extra 150 makes a HUGE difference, add an extra $1000 for RPI scoops, pulleys and remap then an extra 200 bhp high revving V10 and it's a world apart. As for the luxuary, hell the M5 has it all and more! Not sure how many of the M5 toys are available on the peasents non M version But they are amazing, the active seats, HUD, diff control, gear settings etc etc. I use mine EVERY day, rain, snow or sun with no problem. Well ok snow was a bit of a problem. On a long run I get 29mpg out of mine (remember UK gallon is larger than USA gallon) thats around 320 miles a tank. Around town having fun ok it's down to 8mpg..... but it IS useable every day in comfort settings it is not a hard ride at all and always a pleasure to drive!

Even if you can;t afford, sell a damn kidney and buy one! Well worth losing a couple of minor organs for

 

Well I live in the Western suburbs and went from a 2006 550 stock to the 2008 M5 stock... (auto to manual)

1. The 550 has a much better torque curve - so 0-30, maybe even 0-40 it is a more enjoyable ride...
2. Similar - at least in Chicago. I notice the lack of ARS in the M5....and with all this salt on the road, neither car is gong to perform here right now.
3. Once again, similar - at least here in Chicago...They both will stop quicker than the car behind you - the M5 does not have the goofy auto shift occurring just as you stop....
4. The 550 with RFTs was worse than the M5 in terms of ride quality. Can't comment on the 2008+ 550s with the 19" Non RFTs
5. Tough call - my M5 has some nice things like cooled seats so.....

In the end, no way is the M5 worth $20K more than the 550 here in Chicago area (BTW, it is more like $25K more if you load them both up). If you live somewhere where you can either wind the M5 out or take it to the track, then maybe....but for the most part, the 550 is a better choice.

PS - I've already been through a wheel and a tire with the M5...and yes, there is no spare with this baby...

PPS - I LOVE having a manual car again

PPPS - the sound of the M5 might just be worth $15K....people are always commenting on it during my phone calls....I love it...

 

So you use 19's for winter? What size tires are you running? I have a 2008 550 with the 172 and was thinking about using them for winter and getting the 166 for summer....live outside Philly so not a tun of snow.

good bad idea?

Thanks