More thorough M5 test drive

[Kewl X5]

Had another chance to more thoroughly test drive the new E60 M5!! Thanks to Brad @ Crevier, I had a chance to really put the new E60 M5 through the paces. Fortunately, we were very aware how SMG works since we already have a M3 with SMG.....

The best way to describe the E60 M5 is that you can drive easy and cruise and feels like a nice luxurious sedan like a 5-series or 7-series, but just drop down a few gears and stab the accelerator and you can get instant, linear acceleration with that wonderful, glorious sound of the V10. More than enough torque and plenty of gears at the right ratio....There is a nice balance between luxury sedan and M-sports sedan.....

Now, when you hit the POWER button or M-button, you get the 500hp and you can feel the difference even at the lower rpm and lower speed....the mph needle just run up really fast.....

Took the M5 around corners very fast and even though it doesn't have active roll bar, the car is nice and planted around the corner and is more tossable than you would think for its size....(thank God it doesn't have active steering)....the M-guys did a great job on the suspension and steering (great feedback and well weighted).....

The M5 ride is definitely more supple than the M3, but still decently firm and well dampened (with EDC set at normal).

As a M3 owner who has driven SMG for the past 2 years, I can tell you the difference with M3 SMG II vs. M5 SMG III system. The M5 SMG III system is much smoother....especially when starting from a standstill....there is none that jumpiness or jerkiness vs. the M3 SMG....Part of the difference is that the throttle is not as jumpy on the M5.....The shifting is a little quicker and smoother than the M3's.....I used S4 on the M5. Any expert SMG driver will notice the difference and will feel at home with the M5 SMG except everything is smoother. One nice thing with the M5 SMG shifting is that when you are on an incline, when you let go of the brake for a few seconds, the car won't roll back and it gives you enough time to hit the accelerator. On the M3, Hill Assist starting requires you to hit the left paddle for the few seconds before hitting the accelerator....On the M5, it is automatically holds you for a few seconds and then after that, you will roll back.

The M5 is quieter than the M3, but you still definitely hear the nice V10 deep roar and rumble at all times.

The car had comfort access and it was neat just keeping the key in your pocket and just pulling up the door handle and the car automatically unlocks the door. You can hit the start button without putting the key in the keyhold. You lock the door by touching the area by the keyhole. However, you still can unlock/lock with the remote on the key.

The E60 is definitely a bigger car than the E39. The 5-series always has the nice blend of luxury and sportiness and the M-version just heightens the sportiness. Love the sports seat which had great support & comfort but nice merino leather is very luxurious.

The M5's front air dam and wider fender flares does give the 5-series a more muscular look and IMHO makes the E60 5-series look better.

Anyhow, I'll just wait for Josh to get bored with his M5 and sell it used to me!!

[rangerfan]

Props to Brad! Nice review.

Where'd you get to drive the M5? There aren't all that many good roads around Crevier. There are just too many people in that Irvine/Tustin corridor.

[X5Jay]

Great review - I'll have to test drive one some day! I wonder if it can be ordered in LeMans Blue w/Terra interior - didn't someone just post a pic of a 3er in that combo? Thanks Kewl!

[SANguru]

Correction Charles.. hitting the M button/the sport button doesn't automatically take you P500 Sport. You need to program and customize your m mode. Default is only p500 with the slower throttle response. You also need to play with EDC. There is a huge difference between comfort vs sport.

I really wouldn't call the sound glorious. It's a very distinct whine but the stock mufflers really take away from the sound... with that said.. full eisenmanns to follow on my E60 and I think John has first dibs cuz you always flake!

[vinuneuro]

How much is the Eisenmann...anyhing like the $15k Supersprint headers+exhaust?

[blondboinsd]

Sanguru, I really want an Imola 2003 M5, I had yet to see a CPO but when one comes I think I want it (they are my fav by far) any issues/complaints you can offer me when looking for one?

[SANguru]

it's relatively cheap but opens up the sound. The stock mufflers are so damn muffled.

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

How much is the Eisenmann...anyhing like the $15k Supersprint headers+exhaust?

[SANguru]

Only if you are willing to pay $2500 for the custom exterior and another $2500 for custom interior color.

Originally Posted by X5Jay

Great review - I'll have to test drive one some day! I wonder if it can be ordered in LeMans Blue w/Terra interior - didn't someone just post a pic of a 3er in that combo? Thanks Kewl!

[AutoXer]

Originally Posted by SANguru

I think John has first dibs cuz you always flake!

Glad you remember! Nice review. It's a beautiful car. I have been thinking about trading my 740il for an M5 or M6.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by SANguru

it's relatively cheap but opens up the sound. The stock mufflers are so damn muffled.

i was reading the ehaust thread a few weeks back on the m5 board...apparently there's a lot of power to be had by free'ng up the exhaust as well?