Which would you choose? 07 CLS63 or 06 M5

[rxhealer]

I have been debating on buying an 07 CLS63. I currently have an 06 M5 with 45,000 on it. I've never had any problems just want to try something different. The dealer is only giving me $44,000 for my car which is what I expected. I just want an honest opinion from someone who has maybe had them both. Also I'm looking at an 07 Maserati sport QP with only 9,100 miles. Tell me what you think.

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on 6SpeedOnline!

[OldGuy]

I could give you a good opinion if the CLS was a 09 C63 but I know your M5 better than the CLS. My only gripe with BMW is the brakes. I remember when I sat in a new 06 M5 I just said WOW.
If you can drive both of them back to back then your gut will tell you whats right.
Something a little different isnt bad.
A friend has the 07 CLS and he said it really needed voice command.
my 09 has it and it makes programming the Nav or stereo alot easier.

[rxhealer]

Thanks for your input.

[Ryanand]

The CLS is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today, in my opinion. But so is the M5 so that would be a hard choice for me. you could always throw a new CTS-V in the picture.... but between the three cars i would say get what ever feels right just like oldguy said. Or you could get a newer m5 with less miles. Like a different color and interior it would be like trying something new.

[rxhealer]

I agree the CLS is beautiful. If i which it would be because of the looks.

[slavik]

m5 m5 m5 m5 m5 m5

[Kevin M]

CLS, the AMG is a rare breed in the CLS, all around my favorite car every day I drive it.

[JmanE55]

+1 for the CLS.

[996TTDave]

I personally think the CLS is a very ugly car... it's very fumpy looking and reminds me of a whale

When it debuted i thought it was a very nice looking car, but after truly looking at some and having some time behind the wheel... well, it lost it for me and now i think it's ugly

I would choice the M5, and while again it's not going to win any beauty contests, it's better looking, and just a better car in every category

And if the Maserati Q was thrown into the picture, well it would be the Q in the blink of an eye - it may be the least quick of the trio, but it just doesn't matter, it's a phenomenal machine

[AussieRS]

Cls Cls Cls

[AJag]

Drive them back to back for 10-15 mins, that'll clinch it.

[rxhealer]

I've been debating this choice for a few weeks. I've driven all three and there really is no way to compare them. Each has its own merits. Since I've been driving M cars for the past 5 yrs I wanted to go for more looks than performance for a change. I'm leaning towards the CLS b/c there really isn't any service issues that I've heard of and I wanted to get out of my M5 before the warranty runs out & I get hammered even further trying to trade it in.

[PitbullSL500]

I would get a Toyota Prius Hybrid since they are so good looking

[Fantasma]

The Maserati would definitely be something different

[Longhorn]

I was in a similar situation in December but, I also had the E63 in the mix. Here is how it broke down for me:

CLS- IMHO best looking by far. Also the rarest of all. Especially considering all the regular E and 5 series cars. The inside was also the best. I don't like the M5 engine (I know I know) because you have to wind it out for any power. The 6.2L V8 is far better for around town, hwy driving.
Positives- looks, engine comparative rarity
Negatives- Slushbox, only 4 seats and highest price.

M5- The "sportiest". I don't like SMG. So I was considering a 6spd so that was a huge plus in my book. I don't like the way the M5 looks, From the front, it looks like my aunt wearing her '50s glasses. Also, I don't like iDrive. I know you get used to it, but its the amount of time waiting to get to the menus and sub menus that beats me down. I LOVE the mod-ability of the M5. Wheels, exhaust and a bunch of other add ons enable you to configure the exact car you want. The MB stuff has a LONG WAY TO GO here. Sad but true.
Positives- best steering, manual tranny, best for track and mod-ability
Negatives-comparitively worse engine, looks

E63-

Positives- Engine, Interior full rear seats PRICE!
Negatives-Engine sound, vent seats SUCK!!!, Lots of E class cars around

Funny, at the end of the day, it really came down to a couple of things... I found a preowned '07 E63 with 10K miles on it for a little less than $60K. the 6speed M5 was nice but $67K and the CLS 63 was $74K. Price wasn't really a big factor but whatever I saved, I could apply to my 427 Superformance Cobra fund. After I drove them I didn't like the M5 engine... felt like all the power was up top. Kinda like a big S2000 engine. Don't get me wrong, I like the engine but, comparitively, it just doesn't have the torque.

Over the past few years, I've spent 30+ weekends at the track and there is no way I'm going to be happy with any of these lead sleds. In all my time at the tracks (Motorsports Ranch, Texas World Speedway, Texas Motor speedway and Eagles Canyon) I have only seen a couple of the V10 M5s on the track and of those only ONE that was not in the green group. So, for me track-ability wasn't an issue, I was really more concerned with around town, baby friendlyness and HWY blasts.... which is right in the wheelhouse of the E63.

Since I've had it, I have been on multiple back woods runs with some of the guys here at 6speedonline. (check the southwest forums down at the bottom and check out the July 25th pictures thread. Looney Tunes posted a video of us and at 1:14 you will see an E63 drift through a corner)

The thing is, these sedans are pretty damn good. You can easily keep up on back roads (here in Texas) with the smaller better handling cars because #1- there aren't enough back to back corners and transitions to slow you down and #2 the brakes never really fade too badly because the straights are long enough to recover. #3 you can out drag all but the well driven high hp cars.

Ok, this is a little longer than needed..... I'll get off my soapbox.... sorry for the rant.