Automobile did a comparo between the M5, the S6 and the E63 AMG. Merceded first, Audi second, BMW third! The SMG took the sucker down.

Who would have thunk it! I thought there was an unwritten rule that no matter how good other cars were, BMWs had to come out first!

Matt

 

Uh no. There is another article about the 2007 Z4M roadster vice the 2006 987S Boxster and they say that despite the fact the Z4M is quicker 0-60, it still can't match the 987S in the corners and overall, the 987S was "still the one to beat" (overall I presume).

There has been criticizism around that BMW threw the two variations of the Z4M out quickly, undercutting Porsche prices, but the results show that if they took more time, thought through it more, they could have done better. Maybe marketing was pushing them?

 

so maybe they're just turning into the next Oldsmobile!

You're right about the Z4 though, looks good on paper, doesn't drive as well. But then BMW had the sedan world locked up for so long. The Z3 didn't even get put (by many people) in the same leuge as the Porsches, so I'm sure there's some learning going on there.

But is this just a fluke, or cracks in the armor?

Matt

 

Dunno but the rumour mill on the M3 is that they "know" they have to build a monster and are doing it on the right time table to do it correctly. Estimated price optioned out close to $80K. That puts it in 997 territory, very lofty indeed.

Criticism on the Z4M is heavily based on using using the six year old M3 333 HP engine vice a new one. Rushed out the door to create Porsche competition and still fell short.

Now they got the M6 Coupe, huge, but very fast!

 

is putting these cars out of reach of almost evryone! Too bad, the do look like they're made to be driven....

Matt

 

I just think BMW has lost a bit of their roots with the M cars. They have become bloated and heavy. When the E30 M3's came out in the late 80's, they were very spartan, just as any performance oriented car should be. Talk about a revolutionary car. Now, we have M3's with navigation, 30-way (exaggeration but you get my point) power adjustable seats...I mean these things are loaded and 800lbs more than the original! I know they have more power but let's be honest, these cars are getting to be ridiculous. I saw the new M5 up close and personal the other day, that thing is HUGE now. Granted it has a V10 shoe-horned into it.

That being said, anyone who wants to get rid of their new M car, PM me

 

At that price I would go with S6. Better interrior and AWD...plus cheaper too.

M5 has the smallest torque on all 3 cars. Although, S6 has only 420 hp, but it has 400 torque at 3000. M5 has 500hp, but it only produces 384 torque at 6000rpm!!!

If you're paying that much money you want instance power...not hi-raved Vtec like engine.

 

Well if you didnt want the luxury of the new E46 you can always try to find yourself and E46 M3 CSL. Basically and stripped down race ready M3 with more HP.

 

i saw a newer 330i with dealer aftermarket 19's this morning.

still looked weak.