narf

well dont beat yourself up over it - its not like its a benz or anything


the m3 is supposed to be faster, its smaller, lighter, and has more power.

BurgessMW

The 545 is great on the highway, but the m3 should start pulling away at higher speeds.
[/quote]
Yep. Higher speeds, frm a light, 'round a track. You name it, I would expect the M3 to be quicker across the board.

I'spose that's why they make an M5...

David

I'm currently driving a 535d and had an E46 M3 for 2 1/2 years before that. Whilst the 535d is most defnitely a quick car, particularly where it matters in the in gear acceleration times it's not in the same league as the M3. The M3 needs to be driven hard to get the best performance but it when you do it it has it to spare...floor the accelerator at 60 mph and it just takes off in a way that a 545i or 535d doesn't. Interesting what has been said about a 535d vs an M3 round a track...I find that hard to believe with the extra weight the 535d has around the bends. I went on a BMW M track day at Silverstone a couple of years ago which was mostly E46 M3's and E39 M5's, the M5's were noticeably slower round the track, purely because of their handling.

JonsTintedTails

Not for nothing but what are you doing racing someone for that long of a time? I live on Staten Island too so I know how bad the traffic is 24 hours a day. Man all it takes is 1 wrong move on your part or the M3 driver's part and you will cause a huge wreck on either the SIE or Hylan Blvd or wherever you were.

wolverine

Sorry, but something must have been wrong with the M3 or it's driver.

The M3 should destroy a 535D (or 545i) on the track, on the dragstrip, basically anywhere. Much lighter car with a lot more horsepower and better track suspension. No contest.

Guest

Sorry, but something must have been wrong with the M3 or it's driver.

The M3 should destroy a 535D (or 545i) on the track, on the dragstrip, basically anywhere. Much lighter car with a lot more horsepower and better track suspension. No contest.
[/quote]

8 more HP is not a lot
300 # is a decent amount.
Better track suspension. Both pull .93g (C&D I believe). Slalom speeds were within 1 MPH of each other. I certainly agree that the M3 is more "track tuned" but put some Potenza S-03s on a sport 5 and the limit is probably higher on the 5. The .93 was with stock tires which are much better on the M3

wolverine

Sorry, but something must have been wrong with the M3 or it's driver.

The M3 should destroy a 535D (or 545i) on the track, on the dragstrip, basically anywhere. Much lighter car with a lot more horsepower and better track suspension. No contest.
[/quote]

8 more HP is not a lot
300 # is a decent amount.
Better track suspension. Both pull .93g (C&D I believe). Slalom speeds were within 1 MPH of each other. I certainly agree that the M3 is more "track tuned" but put some Potenza S-03s on a sport 5 and the limit is probably higher on the 5. The .93 was with stock tires which are much better on the M3
[/quote]

In terms of the HP I was referring to the 535d, which is at a huge disadvantage. For the 545, the engines are about equal, maybe even an edge to the big V8. However, the weight difference is closer to 400 lbs with the M3 having a curb weight of 3415 lbs vs 3803 for the 545i. The M3 stock suspension is also significantly stiffer.

This weight difference is huge, and makes all the difference on the track or at the strip. You can try to 'magazine' race the cars, or mod the 5 to come closer to the M3, but what's the point? I've driven both cars a fair amount, and the two cars are not even in the same league as far as performance goes.

Not meaning to bash the 5's (I have one!), but we need to keep reality in mind. Given equal drivers and stock cars, the M3 will simply crush the 535d or the 545i wherever you decide to race.

BurgessMW

When you get right down to it, the 545i is in essence a family sedan. Granted a family sedan with a brute of a V8 under the hood but still designed to haul around 4/5 in comfort, in style and rather quickly if need be.

M3? Pure performance, no holds barred!

swajames

Got it in one - totally agree. Trying to compare the M3 to the 545 (or any 5) is pretty pointless. Each is built for a specific, and very different, purpose.

530iii

No big deal. Take it with a grain of salt.


If you have younger siblings, it's like being upstaged by your little brother!


The upcoming New M3 (M4?) with a V8 should be very interesting.