DrLev99

I had a smile on my face the whole time I test drove the M5 beast today. It was a black on black, 6sp manual, with Olive Ash Wood Trim. I didn't care for that combo at all. But who cares?! I was doing 80mph before I realized it....felt like 40. I couldn't get it up to "real" speed on the country roads, but man did it handle...and MOVE. Now, the low end torque was surprisingly lacking, which I had read about, and it was as stated...weak.

I kept the M button on the whole time, and it's like being strapped to a rocket. It had 17 miles on it when we started....put on another 15 miles. It was a 6-speed manual, which normally I'd prefer, but I found it a little long in the throws and a bit clunky. I'd probably order the auto SMG if I were to actually buy one...6 sp felt too "old school" on this hi-tech monster.

I loved how the active seats grab you and hold you tight around the corners. My salesguy wanted to see my reaction to those seats. He didn't let me know about that feature till after they grabbed me. He got a good laugh when I got startled.

But, it sure was fun to get behind the wheel, even if only for a short while. If you haven't yet felt the power of 500 horses, it's a must!

Smiles ear to ear!

SilberGrauE60

Got to test drive the same configuration the other day at my local dealer. Had already experienced "active" seats in AMG Mercedes. Didn't mind the manual tranny, seems just like the one in my 545. In addition to increased power, also loved the exhaust note. Even though we were limited to 5,500 rpms, it still sounded terrific. Can't imagine what 8,000 sounds like.

Will hopefully get to test drive the SMG when the 2006 lease returns start coming back later this year.

DrLev99

My salesguy didn't limit my revs.....didn't care how I drove it! I wouldn't even have to turn the radio on in that car...could listen to that engine all day long!

EuroCarFan

The Beast is calling you guys. Go get it and take the loooooong road home each and every day. =)

AlB

You guys be sure and list the dealerships that let you flog a new M5 so I can be sure to stay away from them.

DrLev99

I won't be buying my next BMW from my current dealer that let me test drive the M5. Their service is the pits, and as you can see, their sales dept. ain't so great either. I wouldn't say I flogged the M5, but I certainly punched it a few times above it's "recommended break-in levels." I am sure the car will be just fine....it's a big boy!

E60BEEMER

Excellent, i got one coming up soon, will try and make a vid of it too

big_ipaq

M button is only turning on a manually pre-set configuration, which can be ANYTHING. Not necesarily the default factory settings.

Member545

Maybe an M5 owner can correct me, but when I test drove it, the power was limited to P400 because it has less then 1200 miles. They said the dealer enables the p500 mode once it reaches 1200 miles.

DrLev99

I watched the salesman set everything on the i-drive to maximum settings for suspension stiffness, turn on the 500HP setting, everything..... There was no doubt I was driving on full strength M!