Spot on Gene!

 

I actually think it's an upgrade. I drove Poleposition's M3, 300 miles when we drove it back from the SC Plant, so I had plenty of time behind the wheel. I also drove his 550 on a number of occassions. The M3 is definitely more fun and an upgrade.

 

id agree, .. driving the e90 M3 on the track during the M DE showed how much fun you can have in a 4 door BMW, its a nice car

 

Yep, I drove the E90 M3 on the BMW Track down at the M Driving School in South Carolina and it was awesome.

 

My observation was relative to the M5, that's a whole different level but it's also $20K more than my M3!

 

Ahhh... well in that case, I guess you could say it's a lateral move from an M5 to an M3, even with the higher price tag on the 5. I agree with Gene too, if that's what he meant. I was surprised that the M3 doesn't come with a few options that the older, E60 M5 has. For example, active seats, automatic thigh extenders along with a few other things. I also like how the M5's Power button and/or M button can change the car from 400 to 500 HP or 550 Sport (not that I ever drive in anything other than 500 Sport. LOL!). However, I do love the tranny of DCT over SMG. Love it! I also like that you can change Launch Control to various RPM settings -- that is awesome!

 

Agreed on the DCT, it really is an awesome transmission! As for the launch control, I wouldn't know, still in the break-in period...

 

I'll be in this position the middle of next year, but the decision is already consuming my mind. In short, I need speed as well as towing capability for my new toy (check the avatar.) My options are to step into the M3 and at the same time buy a beater truck, or pick up the X5M. The pros for the M3 as I see it are the obvious handling and top speed advantages over the X5M, but the cons and reasons for heavy consideration of the X5M are the better interior for the X and the need for only one vehicle. I'm really hoping for a lot of feedback from those of you who have/will be taking the leap from the E60 to the E90 to help me with my decision.

 

lateral for 550/m5 owners is what I meant...I definitely think I'm upgrading from my 535i

 

Handling on the M3 is superb! The only thing I like about the M5 the most is that V10 pull and sound other than that I'd drive my M3 the most.