I Spose I must add my 2P now. Marin the new M5 is a pig to drive in normal road use, It's noisey in the cabin, even at moderate speeds.
-- Not at all. How can you say its a pig to drive? Thats just a silly comment. This is what i was talking about previously. Kman made a fair analysis. The RS4 has absolutely NO legroom in the back seats either. My friend who is 5ft 8-9 couldnt sit behind me because i am 6ft 3-4. Now thats bad.
It looks same as 535D with after market exaust.
-- No it doesnt but people will always try to make it look like an M5, just as they do with the 3 series->M3. That is true. It doesnt affect me so why worry? I dont care what other people do or want. Isnt it about what 'you' want? Wannabe's are always gonna be here. Im sure ppl will try to copy RS4's too, but it shouldnt worry you guys. You have THE car, they have immitations of you
On off in performance (under 5k NOTHING over 5k EVERYTHING) the finish inside is franky "Ford Money" as most BMW cars are, why they can't produce a quality interior beats me.
-- BMW interior needs to improve. M5 seats compared to M3 seats are a bliss. Different quality and comfort with M sport seats. I love it but agree that they need to improve it. Its not more uncomfortable than the RS4 though.
In the wet at pace it's nothing short of Dangerous, but you drive in London so you may not have "worked" the engine, it does NOT inspire confedence on anything but straight dry roads.
-- I dont race or go really fast in London, yes. Its not dangerous. Its only as dangerous as the driver. Also depends if you are used to RWD or AWD - personal preference.
Fuel consumption is Horendous and "Bang for Buck" is not there.
-- Completely agree about consumption lol! i still love it though. Shell shares are going up!
I was very keen on one before buying my RS, after a few days testing and I could not get shot quick enough.
-- Consumption? Fair comment.
My summing up of the M5 would be , in a warm/hot climate with cheap fuel and ear plugs a great car, in the UK,"A great posers car" and Shell and BP's best customer.
-- That is just putting the M5 down. Ear plugs? Posers car? I could say the same thing about the RS4. Its loud and people pose too much with it when they are poor drivers so need the AWD to keep them in tack. They come to race me in the M5 but im not bothered. You see i can write like that too but its not the point! The point is that we are comparing two cars from experience for this guy to make a decision.
Finally, yes the fuel sucks! some people would hate it. 13mpg is baad. Personally im not bothered as the ride and my BIG smile makes up for everything else.
M5, great piece of engineering as it is, just doesn't float my boat, too big, too thirsty, a big bit UGLY and not as well made as an Audi I'm afraid!!!! In time to come, I fear it will also be tagged as a bit of a pimp mobile!
-- In this price bracket it wont become a pimp mobile. I think the RS4 will become that first but time will tell. It is a big car but i promise you that when you sit in the car, it moulds around you and feels soo much smaller. You cannot say its ugly surely? If you like i can post a pic of mine? Again its a fair comment as it is your opinion.
Cheers.
Excellent summary, however, just goes to show that we all have our own criteria when it comes to buying cars. 