M5

[3.0 Si Anderson]

Weird topic in a Z4 Forum but for the last week I have been driving an M5 which is one of our company cars (been torturing the MD for a while to lend me it). So far I have done about 250 miles in it and here are my thoughts:

I like:

- very comfortable drive
- lots of gadgets
- immense engine and huge power through the range
- the paddle shifts and DSG are good fun to use in a novelty way
- the heads up display is great and should be in all cars
- it does make a cracking sound above 4000 rpms
- it is fantastic for overtaking, the pick up is awesome


What I dislike (the likes can very easily become dislikes):

- as I said it is comfortable but it feels too comforable - it just doesn't feel racy or very hardcore
- the gadgets can become a right pain in the proverbial you just want it to bloody drive
- reverse is really awkward especially if you are turning in tight circles - it either doesn't move or is travelling backwards too fast.
- accelerator control from stop is really awkward - see above point (even when using the DSG it feels way too much like an automatic)
- I spent £40 to do 130 mls - ouch (I am getting 17mpg and 75% of the miles I have done have been on motorways!)
- it looks way too safe - I passed an M3 which just looks much more sporty than the M5 (bit too much sheep and not enough wolf)
- It doesnt feel anywhere near as fast as it actually is.

My over-riding feeling is that although it is fast it just doesnt feel that fast, the gearbox is crap compared to a normal manual box, it looks way too safe and it is costing me a fortune!! Don't get me wrong it is a great car but I got back into my coupe and it felt so much more nippy and agile and you know what you feel so much more special in the Z4.

 

[Breaker]

Interesting observations. Thanks for posting.

 

[flimper]

Interesting to read, as the M5 or M6 were heading my thoughts for what car could be my next step from the Z4M. I drove a 635d (different in pace I know) and that felt similar, very rapid but in a civilised, relaxed sort of way. The seat of your pants thrill from the Z4M is worth it's weight in gold.
As for the MPG, I'm not sure I could live with 15 or so, low 20s is a far as I want to go I think.

And paddle shifts and autos don't appeal either. Maybe I'm talking myself into keeping the M for a while to come

 

[Wondermike]

Nice write up, think they are just too fast for the roads, where can you take it to have any fun :idunno:

 

[pmeloche]

The M5 and M6 are more luxury cruisers than nifty little sporty car. Just by the size, you can't expect to have Z4 feel with luxury comfort.

I have read in many places that people were returning their M5 because of the crappy SMG gearbox. And the fuel consumption is awful. The M6 is rated at 21L/100km in the city.