E55 / M5 ...again:)

Guest (MBNZ) · Nov 21, 2000

I have read the many postings on this debate, and read all of the reviews that I can get my hands on. I would appreciate hearing from those of you who chose the E55 over the M5 and reasons why. I really am only interesting in hearing from those who struggled with this, not those who are into bashing either car. I have had an M3, Boxster, and currently have an Audi 2.7 A6, but want that bad a.. sedan. My big concern with the M5 is the 6 speed, which I enjoy driving, but since this car will be my every day car, and I drive in traffic, think this will get old. I currently have a spot on the M5 list, but still am up in the air. Appreciate honest feedback, keep the flames for another posting... TIA, Greg

Guest (MBNZ) · Nov 22, 2000

Why I didn't pick the M5

- In real world situations, I find the E55 faster than the M5. It's far easier to squeeze the most out of the E55 than the M5.- An example of the above would be launching the car at an intersection going from 0-40 mph. It's totally effortless with the E55.- I would never take these sedans to the track so the strongest argument for the M5, the manual transmission giving me the perfect gear at the crucial time becomes somewhat irrelevant.- An automatic transmission is nice in the city traffic as a daily driver, freeing up one hand for answering phone calls, holdings drinks, selecting music, looking up info from Palm, etc.- I find the rear seats in the M5 way too tight.- If I wanted real performance with good value, I would look at the Boxster S, 996, or the new M3.- That being said, I much prefer the interior finishing of the M5 over the E55.- Quite a lot of quality issues with the M5 (burning oil, vano noise, mushy brakes, squeaks and rattle in rear deck, etc.). Not something I want to live with.- Another good thing with the automatic, if I go out and have too many drinks, I can count on others to drive not having to worry about someone killing the expensive clutch.Sorry it wasn't too tough a choice for me in my case.

Guest (MBNZ) · Nov 22, 2000

Re: Why I didn't pick the M5

Dear E55 Owner, Thanks for the follow up. I have spent many hours reading posts on both Newsgroups, E55 & M5 on this subject. They wait on the E55 around here is not as bad as the M5. Some of the authors on the BMW page simply scoff at the E55 because it is not a "real car" because it has an automatic. I have driving manual transmissions for 25 years, and while fun on the open road, in traffic it get's old. I drive in some stop and go traffic every day. I have been in both and the room is bigger in the back, which also makes a difference to me.

Guest (MBNZ) · Nov 22, 2000

E55

Greg, the E55 is really good zipping around in the city. With so much power and grip on hand, together with the hassle free automatic gear box, the E55 is really hard to beat. To produce the same acceleration in the M5, you have to really concentrate getting into the combat mode revving up the engine dropping the clutch while with the E55, you simply step on it and go.Yes, the M5 is really too tight in the back. That's one of the reasons why I picked the E55 over the M5 too.

Guest (MBNZ) · Nov 23, 2000

Why I chose the E55 or the M5

This was a tough one because I'm in the BMW parts business and have owned 10 BMW's over the years. After much discussion with my partner in Germany who sees both cars one a regular basis (all of which run triple digit speeds on a regular basis), I was advised to go with the E55.Main problems with the M5 are oil consumption, bad wheel bearings, lack of spare tire, and shifting problems (the inadequate brakes can easily be addressed). In addition, living in the NY/NJ area, traffic makes the auto trans car easier to drive. Besides, I'd rather get a true sports car (993 turbo or 360 Modena) for speed, handling and weekend fun. With a little help from Wolfgang Vaeth in Germany, the E55 can be made to outrun the M5 at the track (401hp, 600nm torque).

Guest (MBNZ) · Dec 7, 2000

I faced the same challenge. I've had a '97 M3 and '93 RX7TT R1 both stick. The Rx7 was severely modified @ 400HP. I take them all to the track - I know speed and the thrill of shifting, handling, throttle response, etc... One thing I learned from all that: car enthusiasts need more than one car to satisfy their different moods. No car would be an absolute sporty racer and a grand touring luxo saloon. Ultimately it is a vanilla versus a chocolate decision, to avoid controversy. However, here are some of my decision points:I had to have luxury and performance. If its four doors then its going to be on the luxury side of that balance. If you are going to do luxury then go all the way to include large room lots of wood and automatic. The MB interior is superior to the M5. M5 also seems a bit boy-toy to me. I wanted to relax and still have the option to dominate the road without fuss. If I am going with stick because its sporty then I would have gotten a 911 or Z06 to be true to the sporty idea. Looking at the stats the E55 is definately in the same league with all the above and admirably so for auto. In fact, I thought that it showed the E55 to be superior by performing at that level with an automatic.Beyond this, there are only 400 E55s per year for the US where there are over 1200 M5s. The M5 dealers I dealt with in LA were dishonest. They denied my confirm order and returned my deposit after four months. I found out that they were later asking for 25-30 over sticker. The MB dealers were pleasant and professionals. Sure some were also dishonest but my lession taught me to deposit on 4 E55s. I actually got my for sticker with no fuss at Penske MB in West Covina!Now that I have had the E55 for 18 months, I love it. I've taken it to the Big Track at Willow and was victorious against a Corvette and Supra. Not a big deal, but it was nice passing them with air, CD and all that ebony woodgrain. My car personality is not satisfied. I will need to get a 911 in the next year or so to complement the E55. In my mind an E55 and a 911 is a good combo. The M5 cannot compete by itself and an M5 with a 911 would make the M5 boring.

Guest (MBNZ) · Jan 8, 2001

Re: E55

: Greg, the E55 is really good zipping around in the city. With so much power and grip on hand, together with the hassle free automatic gear box, the E55 is really hard to beat. To produce the same acceleration in the M5, you have to really concentrate getting into the combat mode revving up the engine dropping the clutch while with the E55, you simply step on it and go.Yes, the M5 is really too tight in the back. That's one of the reasons why I picked the E55 over the M5 too. You are joking right, the m5 will beat an e55 hands down. If all you want is a cruiser then why even get an amg..? the e320 s/b fine if you just want to drive.my .02

Guest (MBNZ) · Jan 8, 2001

Re: E55

Drive a E55 and you'll know what I mean, I have test driven both quite expensively.

Guest (MBNZ) · Mar 3, 2001

Greg,I initially wanted an M5 and actually found a place to test drive one (Beverly Hills Auto Collection, in Beverly Hills, CA). They had an E55 there as well and I got to test drive that car as well.The only reason why I chose the E55 over the M5 is simply price. I wasn't about to get ripped off and pay anywhere from a low of $85,000 to a high of $97,000??? Hello am I stupid or what?! That's what Crevier BMW(sales guy - Klaus) wanted.Anyway, I walked into Fletcher Jones Motorcars in Newport Beach and placed my $2,000 deposit down for a 2000 E55 in Feb 2000. I took delivery of a brand new 2001 E55 in Aug 2000. So far, I am very happy with my E55. I do wish for an M5 sometimes but since the new M3 is coming out, I thought that maybe I would prefer to drive that car with a 6 speed instead.I think a sports sedan should be with an auto transmission and the E55 is one of the best.Also, my wife doesn't drive stick and I live in Southern California where we have traffic 24/7.Anyway, hope that helps you to make up your mind on an M5 vs. E55.

E55 / M5 ...again:)

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