I have never owned a BMW before. I had a 996 C2 and have been looking for a 996TT for a while but just cant find the right one for my price range. I'd turned my attention to the 550 and like them enough. I hadn't considered an M5 thinking they would all be over $50k which is a little much for me.

On a whim I checked autotrader last night and found several lower mileage 06 M5 in the mid 40's. I think I know the answers I'll get, but is there any comparison to the M5 and the 550?

As a side note I can't believe how hard it is to find these cars with a manual gearbox. Is the auto on an M5 good?

 

Many people say that the M5 wasn't meant for a manual, and the gear box is trash in the car (my friend included), also I do not believe manual was available for 06. If speed is your thing, I would trash the idea of a 550i. You'd be better off getting a 535 and chipping it + some other mods. I'm not sure if the only difference between the 535 and 550 is engine and exterior parts so that might be something to look up. If it were me, I'd definitely get the M5. Keep in mind though, a 2008 535 will be cheaper ultimately, and with some minor mods it will be one hell of a time.

 

Performance-wise, there is no comparison. M5 all day long. But no, 06's were not available with a manual transmission. If cost is a concern, then you should take into account operating cost which are not miniscule with this car. 18 gal tank that needs 91/93 oct on avg getting 12 mpg if you don't stand on it all the time. If there is no warranty, then stay away. NEVER own an E60 out of warranty unless your pockets are deep. A few well known problems, esp the earlier models, with the SMG pump. Not a cheap fix.

 

If going E60 M5 SMG > manual. The manual was an afterthought and isn't matched well with the V10. With that said avoid earlier model years SMGs. The maintenance isn't cheap and gas mileage is terrible, but considering the S85 the fun factor can easily offset the above issues.

I would also consider E9x M3 if you can live with smaller vehicle. You can find nice examples with 3 pedals and the S65 is a great V8 with 8k+ rpms.

 

Like everyone has already said, if you're looking for performance go with the M5. If you're looking for something more practical the 550i isnt a bad choice. Its about whether u want the performance all the time and get 12 mpg or a daily that gets about 19 to 20.

 

Good info.

 

The M5 (507) has over 140hp more than the 550i (362), so performance is not even close. The M5 is superior in handling, and braking by quite a bit.

When I drove the S85 (M5,M6) I really liked the SMGIII gearbox. It really threw me back into my seat. Have you seen the Top Gear review of the E60? Clarkson says its one of the best car hes ever driven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z08jcWoM7ak

Last couple minutes..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jsEr...eature=related

The beginning he is pretty rough on the M5.. but keep watching.

 

Fifth Gear review too..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zYWOqm_Zkc

 

I'd pick the M5 no doubt even the thought the gas mileage sucks. Be prepared to get about 180miles to a full tank with mixed driving. Less with hard driving and slightly more for strictly highway. At the end of the day an M is an M theres no way around that.

 

180 miles is about right - I loved my 08' M5 but found I never really needed the four doors. Be prepared to spend some time getting used to the SMG - not very good around town but great everywhere else (of course the DCTII is much better). It's a real rocket ship.

BTW, I also tried a 535i when I thought about getting rid of the M - it was a completely different car. You will be spoiled in the M5.

 

The M5's are pretty slick, with great performance for a 4 door

 

So I'm leaning toward the M5, I drove a couple yesterday and I think I can get the visceral feeling I want. I'm used to maintenance costs for a 996. How might this compare? I can turn a wrench, are these cars fairly easy to work on yourself assuming you have the tools and equipment?

 

I would like to know also.

 

Everyone I know dumps the M5 when the warranty is about to end. Pick up a 535 tune it and change the suspension. Or just grab a nice '06 C4! Good luck!

 

I'm an owner of an '06 550 with manual transmission. Like everyone above have suggested, go with the SMG for the V10, the car is just not built for the manual tranny. As far as maintenance costs for the M... Its not going to be cheap. Try to see if you can find a car with extended maintenance plan, they're hard to find, but they're out there. It is nearly impossible to work on these machines yourself as almost everything is locked by computer. I once changed the oil on my car myself when it told me an oil change was due; however, I had no way of re-setting the system, so it ended up in the dealer for another oil change after about 20mi. of driving. Not sure if you had the chance to play with the iDrive (the control to audio, navi etc.) theres an option in there that pretty much tells you what kind of service your car needs. I'm pretty sure the only ways to get rid of those messages from your car is to bring it in to a dealer. Hope all these help, enjoy.

p.s. you should be able to find plenty of '02~'03 996tt under 40k mi. for under $50k, no?