Agree, BMW V8s can be pretty pricey to maintain. For example, the last
generation M5, E39 model, eats tires for breakfast, (expect to replace
every 20-25K!), clutches for lunch, (some people have had to replaced
the clutch at 25K! Ouch!!!), and expect to replace small things like
the vanos. Also, don't forget to use the BMW-specific 10-60 grade oil
which sells at BMW dealers for like $14/qt. After all, a replacement
engine is only around $21K.

Of course, you know that the BMW V10 found in the E60 M5 is even more
expensive....

I like the E90 M3. Probably the question is do you need the extra room
of the M5? Good Luck!

Horses for courses.  Performance wise there isn't THAT much of a difference
between the two, but the M3 will be a lot more nimble, more a sports car,
than the M5.  Both will require significantly more maintenance than their
more mundane siblings.  Everything from oil to tires will be changed more
often and at greater expense.

The 335Ci is a pretty nice compromise and offers enough thrust for 99% of
real world driving situations.  Crank up the boost (enlarge the oil cooler
when you do) and it can be quite a beast.

R / John

Hi,

I recently posted asking if the M5 was worth the extra over other
higher end 5 series and I know that I won't be happy with my next BMW
unless it has the M badge on it.  However now I'm not so sure about
the pros and cons of M5 v M3.

Of course the M3 is still holding it's value at around £42k and the M5
has dropped a lot for a few year old car they're around £35k, so on
that front the M5 probably won't lose much more and the M3 might do.

The M3 would be slightly cheaper to insure and probably better on
fuel, so is it a good option over the M5?

Thanks

Daz

Hi,

I recently posted asking if the M5 was worth the extra over other
higher end 5 series and I know that I won't be happy with my next BMW
unless it has the M badge on it.  However now I'm not so sure about
the pros and cons of M5 v M3.

Of course the M3 is still holding it's value at around £42k and the M5
has dropped a lot for a few year old car they're around £35k, so on
that front the M5 probably won't lose much more and the M3 might do.

The M3 would be slightly cheaper to insure and probably better on
fuel, so is it a good option over the M5?

Thanks

Daz