2006 BMW M5 MSRP released $81,895 bmwusa.com
10-26-2005, 05:53 AM
#31
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As someone who currently drives an E39 (2003) M5 and was about to spec out my 2006 M5 2 weeks ago when my slot came up, let me give my 2 cents.
I opted against the car for a number of reasons:
1) The lease payment was over $1500, or a full $400 more than I was paying for the 2003. I just couldn't justify that much money for a single car (no matter how awesome).
2) No matter how fast the car is, it is still HEAVY and doesn't handle anywhere near as well as a lighter sports car. No amount of money will overcome the laws of physics.
3) I really wanted a convertible, so briefly considered the upcoming M6 convertible, but I'm guessing that will be north of $110k when optioned out. No thanks....
4) I kept coming back to the fact that the car I enjoyed the most in the past 10 years was a '93 Miata I owned. Light, fantastic handling, roadster.
Since I've got a third garage that is really being wasted, I decided to go with 2 cars for a heck of a lot less money than the M5:
a) 2006 Infiniti M45 Sport. I just love this car; everything about it is better than a current generation 5 series; granted it is only 330HP but it is plenty for when I need to haul around other people/kids. I can also lease one fairly loaded for under $700 a month w/ tax!
b) 2004 Honda S2000. I test drove one the other day on a whim (my mind was already made up for a 2006 Miata) and I immediately fell in love. The shifter is heavenly, power is great for a car this size, it is exactly what I was looking for.
Oh yeah, and the 2 cars combined will save me $500 a month compared to the M5. The more I think about it it was a no brainer decision....
-Dave
I opted against the car for a number of reasons:
1) The lease payment was over $1500, or a full $400 more than I was paying for the 2003. I just couldn't justify that much money for a single car (no matter how awesome).
2) No matter how fast the car is, it is still HEAVY and doesn't handle anywhere near as well as a lighter sports car. No amount of money will overcome the laws of physics.
3) I really wanted a convertible, so briefly considered the upcoming M6 convertible, but I'm guessing that will be north of $110k when optioned out. No thanks....
4) I kept coming back to the fact that the car I enjoyed the most in the past 10 years was a '93 Miata I owned. Light, fantastic handling, roadster.
Since I've got a third garage that is really being wasted, I decided to go with 2 cars for a heck of a lot less money than the M5:
a) 2006 Infiniti M45 Sport. I just love this car; everything about it is better than a current generation 5 series; granted it is only 330HP but it is plenty for when I need to haul around other people/kids. I can also lease one fairly loaded for under $700 a month w/ tax!
b) 2004 Honda S2000. I test drove one the other day on a whim (my mind was already made up for a 2006 Miata) and I immediately fell in love. The shifter is heavenly, power is great for a car this size, it is exactly what I was looking for.
Oh yeah, and the 2 cars combined will save me $500 a month compared to the M5. The more I think about it it was a no brainer decision....
-Dave
10-26-2005, 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by dknightx,Oct 26 2005, 05:53 AM
As someone who currently drives an E39 (2003) M5 and was about to spec out my 2006 M5 2 weeks ago when my slot came up, let me give my 2 cents.
10-26-2005, 07:46 AM
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No one's mentioned the fact that its a V10 reving to 8K. This car has character and uniqueness. Not every purchase is about pure performance, it's the whole package. The M5 is definately on my list, if not now then later.
10-26-2005, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by ProV1,Oct 26 2005, 06:38 AM
hey, do u still have the M5 or have u sold it already?
-Dave
10-26-2005, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by dknightx,Oct 26 2005, 10:06 AM
It'll be a great used car to buy about 2 years from now once its depreciated 30% and still has 2 years remaining on the warranty...
Although, It might be hard to find one for sell that was driven by a sane person.