Question about M5
 

Dodge is charging a premium for the Charger SRT, so I am gonna start looking at several alternatives, a used M5 being one of them. My question is, what are the major differences between the pre-02 model and the 02 and later MY?
I have heard the '02 and later M5's are better than the previous models, wondering what you think the major diff's are.

Thanks!

JV

EDIT: How bout them cupholders?

sad as I am to say it, good deals out there on '05, or even on '04 leftover CTS-V's. I've heard 12k under MSRP on the '04 leftovers, if you can find them. Just as much HP and torque as an '02 or newer M5, and more easily moddable. You might want to take a look.

I would be considering the CTS-V, but it doesn't have enough headroom for me. The M5 is fine, but the CTS cramps my big ass.

JV

Wow, I'm surprised there's not at least as much in the V as the M5. Honestly, I wanted an '02 or better M5 when I bought the V a year ago. At the time, they were charging new prices for them with 25k miles. Not only that, the dealers were jerks. So, I test drove the V and bought it. My BMW dealer had a 4.8 X5, but he wouldn't let me test drive it. So I told him to stick and went down the Cadillac dealer.

There were no performance changes, but some interior differences were made. The new M steering wheel is one that I have noticed. I think that the minor interior changes were the only differences.

I've never actually driven the CTS-V, only sat in one, I've heard the rear axle is prone to hopping a lot. Any truth to that?

JV

I noticed the earlier models with Nav have the 4:3 screen. I'll keep my eye out for the steering wheel diff's. Good to know there were no engine/drivetrain major changes.

JV

JV,

You may want to check out www.m5board.com . Lots of good info there...its no xoutpost.com but you should be able to get some answers. :D

I would recommend an 03 M5 with CPO. M5's are spendy out of warranty.

GL, Rob_

Only til it breaks. After that, you get the new '06 dif under warranty, and you're good to go. :wow:

Cadillac came out with a TSB to add some urethane bushings to the back end to help with the hop. I had that done, and it seems to have fixed it quite a bit. Also, the car comes with runcrap tires, and they are loud, wear like crap, and contribute to the hop. Replaced them at 8k miles, and it's quieter, still sticks corners, and doesn't hop.

One cool feature is the lateral g meter in the dash. Right now, I have 1.11 left and 1.09 right. I hear they only go to 1.2. Gotta work a little harder. :thumbup:

I hear that, Rob. Major duckets are not something I want to part with for the rides. Just spent $700 in parts for the beater and now I have to slap them on myself to add insult to injury. There's an '02 carbon black M5 with everything for an asking price of $41500 nearby, all the '03's are well above $47K, beyond my budget, unless they'll deal me a better price.

I'll go lurk on that M5 board and see what knowledge I can glean there. Truth is, I just like all you guys better. :D

JV