M3 or M5 Opinions???

Well I thought I had my mind set on getting a M3 and I found this 2008 Alpine White M3 sedan with 43,400km for $52,950. Well thanks to autotrader with matching all the M cars into the same category, right underneath the M3 thumbnail, they had this nice looking 2008 Interlagos Blue M5 with 59,000km's for $49,995. Now I'm finding it difficult to choose.

Here are the links
M3 =http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/MILTON/Ontario/5_11510184_20110304063946741/
M5=http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/ETOBICOKE/Ontario/5_12076750_ON20080514104143172/

I'm planning on keeping it stock and if I even do get bitten by the mod bug, it'll mostly be cosmetic mods. And I was just wanting some opinions on this question? Go with the 2 extra cylinders and extra 100hp while having 17,000km more. Or just say who gives a rat's a** to the extra power/cylinders with less km. Which one would you choose?

The M5 is the oldest of the body styles but still looks good. It will soon look dated once you start seeing the new M5 on the streets. The E90 M3 is no longer in production and should hold value and looks longer. From a mod standpoint, the M3 has more available options. I guess it boils down to the added HP and creature comforts. The M5 will have more creature comforts and that's usually important in a sedan based car. Now from a drivers perspective I would role the M3. So here's my suggestion.......if you plan on commuting all the time (M5), but if you plan on driving you gotta get the ///M3....and yes I am biased and for good reasons ........................Phil

Originally Posted by DaveBMW2

Well I thought I had my mind set on getting a M3 and I found this 2008 Alpine White M3 sedan with 43,400km for $52,950. Well thanks to autotrader with matching all the M cars into the same category, right underneath the M3 thumbnail, they had this nice looking 2008 Interlagos Blue M5 with 59,000km's for $49,995. Now I'm finding it difficult to choose.

Here are the links
M3 =http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/MILTON/Ontario/5_11510184_20110304063946741/
M5=http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/ETOBICOKE/Ontario/5_12076750_ON20080514104143172/

I'm planning on keeping it stock and if I even do get bitten by the mod bug, it'll mostly be cosmetic mods. And I was just wanting some opinions on this question? Go with the 2 extra cylinders and extra 100hp while having 17,000km more. Or just say who gives a rat's a** to the extra power/cylinders with less km. Which one would you choose?

Just me, but for the same price, I'd take an M5. Extra 100 hp? Yes please.

I'd choose the M5, if I didn't plan on driving great distances. That 17mpg hwy mileage is gonna hurt if you do it a lot.

Not only is BMW not using the V10 any more, but almost NO ONE makes one, and other than the truck engine in the Viper, they're all super expensive exotics.

You'll get outstanding performance, including braking and handling, stupid acceleration/speed, along with a lot of comfort and class.


This from an M3 owner ...

Although I own neither of the cars in question, I have driven both on the track and on public roads. My opinion would be to get the M3. They are both very special cars, but the M5 never felt happy unless I was running it hard. Though running the M5 hard is a lot of fun, it is not practical (nor legal) in everyday driving. The M3 felt equally happy runnning to the grocery store as it did hauling around the track. Just my two cents.

I've driven both on the track and to me the M3 feels more sporty than the M5. The M5 is a larger car feels like a ...well, larger car. The M3 felt more connected to the road and I liked the engine note better. You should drive both and see which you like best.

Originally Posted by The Other Tom

I've driven both on the track and to me the M3 feels more sporty than the M5. The M5 is a larger car feels like a ...well, larger car. The M3 felt more connected to the road and I liked the engine note better. You should drive both and see which you like best.

I completely agree. M3 is a sports car; M5 is a very high performance sports sedan.

You wouldn't need any performance mods for either of those vehicles, but especially not the M5. All of the M cars are seriously cool. I even like the old M coupe. Good luck with your decision.

Originally Posted by 335i

Just me, but for the same price, I'd take an M5. Extra 100 hp? Yes please.

Have you actually driven both? The weight of the M5 and the crappy SMG transmission (which most of them are) easily cancel out the extra 100HP. For anything other than very long freeway cruising, I'd take the M3 any day, regardless of price.

Originally Posted by CliffJumper

Have you actually driven both? The weight of the M5 and the crappy SMG transmission (which most of them are) easily cancel out the extra 100HP. For anything other than very long freeway cruising, I'd take the M3 any day, regardless of price.

M3 for me unless I was travelling 1000 miles plus.

I came out of an E60 535 into a E90 M3. If you really need the room then go M5. But remember it's a V10. Most people average 10MPG. I love the size of and handling of my M3. Test drive both and then make your decision.

M5 if you need a larger cruising car that will turn into a monster when you want it. M3 if you want a smaller but still roomy crzy SOB of a car.