[blackbeast535]

I've owned a E60 535i for the past five months. Current mods are Cobb Tune & Eisenmann exhaust. I love the car but did not buy the sport package. The car has been flawless however I miss the tight feeling of a 3 series. I was thinking about upgrading the suspension and wheels to give it a tighter ride. I want to participate in track event next year and I think the E90 M3 is right up my alley. I have two kids so I need a sedan.

Has anyone gone from a 5 to an M3 and what has been your experience? Will I miss my 535?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Oceans10]

The M3 is a lot smaller inside the cabin. Especially the rear seat is cramped, so if you want a hybrid racer/family sedan I think the space issue is worth considering.
I mention as I considered a 4 door M3 before settling on the 5.

I did not go for an M5 because I wanted primarily to have a smooth, comfortable daily driver, something I could use for various private and business errands. I liked the M5 a lot but couldn't see my wife heading to the store for groceries in it. She wouldn't know how to work the SMG!

You already have some tunes for your 5. If you wanted to murder an M3 on the race track your next step would be to add downpipes and meth. That solves the power difference in your favor.
For handling you could add coil overs and beefier sway bars. Wider tires in the rear. Depending on your budget you can turn your 535 into an M5 competitor. Some difference for sure, but you can hang with them for not that much money. That;s the beauty of the N54 engine and the e60 platform. 420 wheel hp/500 wheel torque is within reach for $2,000 or so.

 

[blackbeast535]

Oceans thanks for the feedback. Before I drop more money into my car I can drive a M3 and be very content without modding it. It's a hard choice because I love the torque with the Cobb, but I can sell it and the exhaust and not look back.

 

[HokieXDriver]

I would say if you are even considering an M3 over a 535, you will really appreciate the M3 a lot more.

 

[HPIA4v2]

The answer comes down to how much track-event you'll do over out of town travelling.
I can't get comfortable in my 335i m-sport seats comapre to 535i sport/comfort seats, I am average size guy.
the problem is you don't have sport-package on your 535i, that ARS systems help minimize body roll quite a bit but still not M3 suspension class.

 

[hp jnkey]

I've owned a E60 535i for the past five months. Current mods are Cobb Tune & Eisenmann exhaust. I love the car but did not buy the sport package. The car has been flawless however I miss the tight feeling of a 3 series. I was thinking about upgrading the suspension and wheels to give it a tighter ride. I want to participate in track event next year and I think the E90 M3 is right up my alley. I have two kids so I need a sedan.

Has anyone gone from a 5 to an M3 and what has been your experience? Will I miss my 535?

Thanks for your input.

Keep the 535. The M3 has no torque and is too small.
By the way, how do you like your exhaust? Any drone?
If you sell the E60, what will you ask for the exhaust?

 

[phlfly]

I went from e46 M3 to 550, because I wanted a little more forgivable ride (not a suspension, more less jerking). M3 is daily car its possible and nothing wrong, but I have tired switching gears and braking because the car is crazy fast and it's react fast on throttle which is making hard to driving in traffic. E90 is more smoother then e46 m3, but you are still having that rapid acceleration and you have to braking, then again and again.
My advice, take test drive during rush hours and will understand what I meant.

 

[MRV99]

I was thinking the same once I drive my friends M3. I would be moving from a v8 E60 so the power would be a bit more and completely different driving experience. I brought my car in and asked for a four-door 3 series for my loaner. I had it for a few days and experienced it with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. The car is much smaller and did not feel it would be a good choice with kids that age. If they were out of car seats I would have made the move.

 

[blackbeast535]

I'm going to drive the car this weekend to see how it feels. I was really trying to avoid spending more money on the 5. Suspension is 3K and Wheels 3K Plus another 2K+ for FMIC & Downpipes. That's another 8K in this car. That is the only reason why I am thinking M3. Adjustable suspension, more than enough HP with the M3. I love my Eisenmann exhaust, there is noticeable drone when it's breaking in but goes away. Not sure how much I would sell the exhaust for.

 

[ProMed12]

Which M3 are you looking at?

 

[blackbeast535]

I'm looking at a 2008 Sedan 42,miles for 41K - 6MT Technology Package, Cold Weather, Full Loaded.

 

[SerbianAssasin]

I'm going to drive the car this weekend to see how it feels. I was really trying to avoid spending more money on the 5. Suspension is 3K and Wheels 3K Plus another 2K+ for FMIC & Downpipes. That's another 8K in this car. That is the only reason why I am thinking M3. Adjustable suspension, more than enough HP with the M3. I love my Eisenmann exhaust, there is noticeable drone when it's breaking in but goes away. Not sure how much I would sell the exhaust for.

I want that exhaust if you're selling....

 

[Oceans10]

I agree with the earlier point made re 535 sports version which has the ARS system and firmer suspension. It is a better platform for track duty and would require less suspension mods than your current 5.
With a $500 meth kit and your Cobb and exhaust you could achieve cheap power, probably 400-420 WHP. Not sure why wheels are $3,000, sounds exotic. Lots of replica options for maybe half that.

Anyway sounds like you want the finished package and willing to go more compact. Nothing wrong with an M3. I just don't find them very practical for family duty around town. I would gladly take one for week-end duty though.
Hey, my other car is a 5 wagon at least! Chipped.

 

[blackbeast535]

Guys I made the move and picked up the M3 tonight. You guys have been really helpful over the past few months. I will have my Cobb Accessport and Eisenmann Race for sale. PM me if you are interested.

 

[jsimon7777]

Hah, you will not be disappointed.

 

[Space grau 550i]

blackbeast535, post pics of that beautiful machine you just picked up.

 

[blackbeast535]

This is one that I snapped from my iPhone this morning. I'll post more soon.

 

[Space grau 550i]

This is one that I snapped from my iPhone this morning. I'll post more soon.

WIN WIN WIN :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[blackbeast535]

Here is another shot guys.

 

[mpressive]

Nice car!! I think you live around the corner from me. Are you across from the school. If you do, you will know what I'm talking about.

Here is another shot guys.