Fanman

Depends on what you term more powerful.

BMW vs. MBZ

500 hp vs. 469 hp (advantage BMW +31 hp)
383 lb.-ft. torque vs. 516 lb.-ft. torque (advantage MBZ +133 lb.-ft. torque)

The BMW will have the 7 speed SMG II, while the MBZ will have to make due with the AMG-ized 5 speed auto. Until the MBZ comes out with it's 7 speed for this car, I would say that is a distinct advantage for BMW. That being said I would love to see a face off between these 2 cars. I would find it difficult for BMW to match the E55's 12.3-12.4 1/4 mi. run.

VTEC_Junkie

wow. so far the answers have been because they're "fun" and "cool". are there any objective benefits??

derryck

[QUOTE]We have all heard about the early batch failures , but now my friend's M3 just got recalled for a bearing problem.[QUOTE]

THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE E46 M3...it is a service action. It is precautionary in most cases...I dropped mine off this mornning to have this performed and my car has run flawlessly for over 30K miles. This 'issue' has been amplified by the fact that the M3 is a low production auto and a large portion of it's owners are quite active on internet forums so the news spreads rapidly. BMW has already stepped up to the plate and extended warranties on BMW's in question and now they are going a step further. I'd also like to mention that my loaner car is 745Li...and I could sleep very comfortably in these seats. Also, while the new M5 and the E55 might be close in terms of straight line performance I"m guessing the M5 will eat it up on the track. Mercedes are for non-driving enthusiasts IMO.

NFRs2000NYC

The M5 looks like its going to be a winner, just hate what they did to it bodywise. Damn you Bangle.

The car is going to cost over 90 large, and is certain to many problems in the first year of production.

Fanman

derryck,

BMW has been pretty good about working extended warranties with these cars (although they tried to deny the early claims). It does seem that they have had way more "corrective actions" with this engine than with their regular I-6.

I'm not really bringing up track experiences with the cars only straightline speed between these cars. I have no doubt the M5 is more of an able track car than the E55, but I do doubt (I want to see a C&D test between the two) that the M5 will match the E55's straightline performance (low 4's 0-60, 12.3's in the 1/4 mi.).

If I was a real driving enthusiast, and could afford dropping $85K+ on a car, I would probably have something parked next to my 4000+ lb. sedan, like an S2000, Miata (modded) or RX7 (modded) for the track. I had a choice when I had my 911 to get the M5 or the 911, and chose the 911 for the exact reason you mentioned (did not need 4 seats/doors, wanted to track it).

derryck

Agreed, the E55 is a beast in a straight line but most MB's these days with the exception of the SL's look very bland to me. The E55 is very boxy in a rounded sort of way. I don't care for the looks of the new M5 either but if I had to choose between the two it would definitely be the M5. BMW IMO caters more towards the sporting enthusiasts...straight line power isn't everything. I also thing it sux that MB doesn't offer a manual. I would personally rather buy an E39 M5 and slap a blower on it.

Fanman

I would say the regular E class Mercedes are more attractive to me than the new 5 series. The 3 series BMW's (especially the M3) are really the last BME model that I like. Since Chris Bangle got a hold of the car image he has killed my love for them. The Z4, 7 series, 5 series, he has killed it all. I used to love those cars. The previous generation 7 series was beautiful, the E39's were great, even my friends M Roadster was fun. The new BMW's have just been beaten with the Bangle stick. Fortunately, the M5 looks like the best of the 5 series line (not sure that is saying much).

derryck

I agree with you on the new BMW's...Bangle has ruined them for me with the exception of the 645 and the Z4. I am anxiously awaiting the M6 especially the CSL version but I doubt the CSL version will make it state side.

WPS

i dont think they will. advantage of a higher revving small displacemtn would be size or weight to handle better but the new engine was only 20lbs(forget the exact weight) heavier than the previous engine