swap out M5 for M3??
#11
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Originally Posted by JayEll' post='640938' date='Aug 6 2008, 07:53 PM
with you there .. but wife absolutely refuses to drive a diesel. i'd happily get a 335D and DMS it.
I reckon the 335D is the thinking man's (or woman's) M3.
Go on try it
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#12
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My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i, Titanium Silver. Bridgestone 760s on Weds Bavaria II 18" wheels, standard sport pack size. Sport, AT. Latest job - NGK Iridium IX plugs installed.
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LOL what is she going to try to fill the tank with?
#13
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My Ride: 2010 E60 SMG Interlagos Blue
Silverstone II Full Merino Perforated w/ Individual Piano Black Trim
All options except for fold down rear seats
1330 miles 02/12/10
2008 E92 DCT M3 Arctic White
Silver Novillo Extended w/ Carbon Fiber Trim
Pretty much all options
10k miles 09/09
135 E82 Black Sapphire Metallic
Coral Red w/ Gloss Black Trim
Pretty much all options
7k miles 09/09
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I have owned a 545i (US) for almost 4 years. For some reason about four months ago I started seriously considering an M5, which for the previous two years had only been a nice fantasy. I test drove an M5 with SMG twice. I was very impressed with the SMG, especially after its mixed reviews. I was also very impressed with the handling - it feels more agile than its size and weight would predict.
This happened after two days of the BMW Performance School course last summer, where I was able to push the M5, M6, M3, (E46), etc. So I have had some familiarity with the models.
About a month later I realized I really like the looks of the 335i coupe. I drove one for fun and was also impressed. At that point I decided to run an M3 with manual for comparison. It was really a different car - a track car tuned a bit for street use.
The M3 struck me as more fun and more challenging for everyday use than the M5. The M5 is definitely an amazing product - and being a 5-series it has a high-end luxury feel to it. The M3 is at least as amazing - and it has a racer feel to it, requiring more attention to get its best performance (high revs, more attentive shifting, quick and precise steering, etc.).
I will admit that the better mileage was a small consideration for me. Not the money but from a convenience standpoint (200 miles per tank means a fuel stop every four - five days for me) and an environmental standpoint (less petroleum usage - slightly!).
So FWIW to you - the fun and challenge of tossing around the M3 won me over. I have the DCT transmission, which can be breathtaking. The two+ weeks with the car have been exciting, educational, a little intimidating (at night at high speeds
) - kind of like holding on to a tiger.
My suggestion would be to seriously test the M3. It is a different product, with a different feel. Only then will you be able to really know which set of wheels matches what you are looking for. Good luck - it will be fun and interesting.
This happened after two days of the BMW Performance School course last summer, where I was able to push the M5, M6, M3, (E46), etc. So I have had some familiarity with the models.
About a month later I realized I really like the looks of the 335i coupe. I drove one for fun and was also impressed. At that point I decided to run an M3 with manual for comparison. It was really a different car - a track car tuned a bit for street use.
The M3 struck me as more fun and more challenging for everyday use than the M5. The M5 is definitely an amazing product - and being a 5-series it has a high-end luxury feel to it. The M3 is at least as amazing - and it has a racer feel to it, requiring more attention to get its best performance (high revs, more attentive shifting, quick and precise steering, etc.).
I will admit that the better mileage was a small consideration for me. Not the money but from a convenience standpoint (200 miles per tank means a fuel stop every four - five days for me) and an environmental standpoint (less petroleum usage - slightly!).
So FWIW to you - the fun and challenge of tossing around the M3 won me over. I have the DCT transmission, which can be breathtaking. The two+ weeks with the car have been exciting, educational, a little intimidating (at night at high speeds
![Wink](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/wink.gif)
My suggestion would be to seriously test the M3. It is a different product, with a different feel. Only then will you be able to really know which set of wheels matches what you are looking for. Good luck - it will be fun and interesting.
#15
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My Ride: 2010 E60 SMG Interlagos Blue
Silverstone II Full Merino Perforated w/ Individual Piano Black Trim
All options except for fold down rear seats
1330 miles 02/12/10
2008 E92 DCT M3 Arctic White
Silver Novillo Extended w/ Carbon Fiber Trim
Pretty much all options
10k miles 09/09
135 E82 Black Sapphire Metallic
Coral Red w/ Gloss Black Trim
Pretty much all options
7k miles 09/09
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Yep. Kept my 545i.
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#16
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hlmiii - thx for the response. i've decided to stop searching for a while and enjoy the M5 for a bit longer. at the turn of the new year i will revisit and see what takes my fancy.
#17
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My Ride: 2010 E60 SMG Interlagos Blue
Silverstone II Full Merino Perforated w/ Individual Piano Black Trim
All options except for fold down rear seats
1330 miles 02/12/10
2008 E92 DCT M3 Arctic White
Silver Novillo Extended w/ Carbon Fiber Trim
Pretty much all options
10k miles 09/09
135 E82 Black Sapphire Metallic
Coral Red w/ Gloss Black Trim
Pretty much all options
7k miles 09/09
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"i've decided to stop searching for a while and enjoy the M5"
Nothing wrong with THAT!! In so many ways ...
You're welcome. And congrats on the M5. Whoooooooosh ...
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Nothing wrong with THAT!! In so many ways ...
You're welcome. And congrats on the M5. Whoooooooosh ...
#18
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Originally Posted by JayEll' post='641556' date='Aug 7 2008, 08:36 AM
hlmiii - thx for the response. i've decided to stop searching for a while and enjoy the M5 for a bit longer. at the turn of the new year i will revisit and see what takes my fancy.
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