Sick of M5 vs E55/E63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Lotus Elise SLK55
Easy solution:
E39 M5 > W211 E55/E63 and E60 M5.
Before you guys chop my head off...
The E60 M5 lost much of the BMW mystique for me. The insanely powerful high revving engine belongs in a much more nimble package, perhaps create a larger M roadster/coupe to harness the engine. The electronics (i-Drive, SMG-3, M-Drive), while a novel idea, will be horrible to maintain in the long run. The 6-speed transmission implementation was half assed, the high revving V10 needs the 7 gears. Too bad the SMG-3 is not a good solution for non 10/10ths driving. BMW knows this and developed a twin clutch transmission for the E92 M3. The worst part about it is the car no longer has the Teutonic chiseled good looks that a M5 should have, the sweeping body is gorgeous but looks like it could've came from a Japanese design studio.
The W211 E55 is fast, it is a hoot to drive and look for "kills". The car may even be too fast for its chassis, but the torque really sells the car. When trying to drive in a sporty manner the car doesn't respond as well as a BMW (be it an M or even a sports packaged normal 5-series) The twitchy and unpredictable electronic braking system (SBC) of the E55 plain SUCKS. The W211 AMG would be perfect with the braking, chassis dynamics and styling of the E63 with the motor from the E55
To me the E39 M5 will always remain the ultimate German super saloon. It doesn't have a peaky 500hp or limitless supercharged torque, it is "limited" to just 400hp/lb-ft of the most usable horsepower and torque you will ever find . It has powerful and predictable brakes and a very dynamic chassis. It has a honest to God 6-speed drivetrain with a wonderful LSD. It still looks good today, and the interior is a work of Bavarian art. Sure it won't trap 120mph or beat a Gallardo in a stoplight race, but it will thrill you to look and drive the car every time you can.
E39 M5 > W211 E55/E63 and E60 M5.
Before you guys chop my head off...
The E60 M5 lost much of the BMW mystique for me. The insanely powerful high revving engine belongs in a much more nimble package, perhaps create a larger M roadster/coupe to harness the engine. The electronics (i-Drive, SMG-3, M-Drive), while a novel idea, will be horrible to maintain in the long run. The 6-speed transmission implementation was half assed, the high revving V10 needs the 7 gears. Too bad the SMG-3 is not a good solution for non 10/10ths driving. BMW knows this and developed a twin clutch transmission for the E92 M3. The worst part about it is the car no longer has the Teutonic chiseled good looks that a M5 should have, the sweeping body is gorgeous but looks like it could've came from a Japanese design studio.
The W211 E55 is fast, it is a hoot to drive and look for "kills". The car may even be too fast for its chassis, but the torque really sells the car. When trying to drive in a sporty manner the car doesn't respond as well as a BMW (be it an M or even a sports packaged normal 5-series) The twitchy and unpredictable electronic braking system (SBC) of the E55 plain SUCKS. The W211 AMG would be perfect with the braking, chassis dynamics and styling of the E63 with the motor from the E55
To me the E39 M5 will always remain the ultimate German super saloon. It doesn't have a peaky 500hp or limitless supercharged torque, it is "limited" to just 400hp/lb-ft of the most usable horsepower and torque you will ever find . It has powerful and predictable brakes and a very dynamic chassis. It has a honest to God 6-speed drivetrain with a wonderful LSD. It still looks good today, and the interior is a work of Bavarian art. Sure it won't trap 120mph or beat a Gallardo in a stoplight race, but it will thrill you to look and drive the car every time you can.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 0
From: El Ay, Cali-fo-ni-A
is Sick as Fu*k
Am I the only person who is sick of the never ending competition between the M5 and the E55/66? When is it going to end? As far as im concerned, they are all marvelous cars, and i have respect for all of them, but am i the only one who is sick of it? Please let me know how you feel.
your not serious are you? Theres always going to be competition 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Am I the only person who is sick of the never ending competition between the M5 and the E55/66? When is it going to end? As far as im concerned, they are all marvelous cars, and i have respect for all of them, but am i the only one who is sick of it? Please let me know how you feel.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Am I the only person who is sick of the never ending competition between the M5 and the E55/66? When is it going to end? As far as im concerned, they are all marvelous cars, and i have respect for all of them, but am i the only one who is sick of it? Please let me know how you feel.
