On the side:
And you can pass the other 50,000 of them on the road :rofl: I see about 6 335's a day on my commute.

But it is not an M :) I will admit that sometimes you can read too much into a badge, but really - getting an M car is a special event. To me that little badge makes a big difference and I can certainly understand the predicament at hand.

My garage currently is an E53 X5 and a Z4M - I love both cars, but lately - for some strange reason - when ever I get in the X5 I apreciate it a whole lot more than I rationally should with the Z4 next to it.
You would think that driving the X5 would be a chore with the alternative in mind. I think it boils down to the fact that when I take a turn in the Z4 its a choice: Do i dap the throttle? floor it? keep my foot off? How hard do I want to mash my organs against my ribs? Is there room to slide a little? How much thread is left on the tires? In the X5 however its just a natural and uneventful experience. I exagerate, ofcourse, but - it is just so much more relaxing to drive the X. Don't get me wrong - I use the M whenever I can - but when in the X I can't stop thinking I should use it more often :)

So my recommendation - the X5, because having an M makes you realise how easy it is to drive the X :) Now - if you sold the TT and got the X5 and the M3 - you would be set :)

> Getting a first year M3 is NOT a good idea.

I would agree. The first year of any BMW model is typically a bit dicey, but with the M versions, you are taking a real risk of problems, IMHO.

Thanks guys for your input, much appreciated :)

Ravenheart, are you saying that driving the M makes you appreciate the X more, or vice versa?

I choose this poll as the one with the worst title :nanana:

Yes - exactly. The M is a whole lot of fun - but if it came down to a choice between them I would go with the easy going X rather than having to struggle with the M every time I go for a drive - which is only fun if you are up for it :)

The M makes you work to be a good driver and is very rewarding - but there are times when all I want to do is make it to the store without having to think to much about it - and the X can do that - the M can't. If you want to drive it normally you still have to content with a heavy clutch, sensitive steering and a harsh suspension. If you want to drive the X sporty all you have to do is step harder :)

Made you look in though ! ;):rofl::bustingup

I understand :)

I think from my experience of the Z4M , and my friend has one as well, its a bit extreme , fidgety, and yes, hard work at times :)

I think that the E92 M is now more of a GT type now, hence some of the criticism its having from CSL fans to date? Maybe it would actually make a more refined daily driver, with the ability to open the tals performance wise while in the mood?

I agree that the M3 has become more of a GT car now - that is what various reviews are sugesting. Still - I would want the X over the M3 in a one-car-garage situation :)

And made you think about the error of your ways...

You'd likely get more hits with a provactive title like "X5 or M3, am I crazy?" ;)

... and I didn't exercise my X5 franchise here :nanana: