Guys,

I see in several of your sig's that you have P-cars as well as M5's. I've previously owned a 996TT as well as a 996C4 Cab. Currently, I've got a V70R as well as an S4 Cab (the wife had an all-road.) I was thinking about ordering a 997TT and replacing the S4 Cab, but as the 996TT market has been plummeting, I've been leaning more towards the 996TT cab route.

Well the other day my wife and I were at a BMW dealer. She is thinking about getting rid of the all road and getting an X3. They had an M5 there and I started thinking about trading in the V70R for an M5. I have two small children, and I need at least two cars that can take two car seats in the back. The 996/997 won't cut it.

So my question is - for those of you who have a P-car and an M5, what would you do? If I go for the 996TT Cab then it will be a weekend only car. If I go for the M5 I can drive it every day. I've been driving AWD cars now exclusively for many years, so the RWD plus the SMG has me a bit concerned, not to mention the M5 is *REALLY* a gas guzzler. The 996/997 are green comparetively. Then of course there is the temptation to just go and spec a 997TT which is where I started this whole process.

Thanks for any opinions....

Andrew

 

Andrew,

I have driven both the M5 and the 997tt. Let me tell you that if you drive the M5 you will fall in love with it, it is a car that is very easy to drive fast... maybe too easy. If its a daily driver and you need the extra doors do not hesitate going that route. The 996TT's might save you some dollars I presume and the 997tt would be the all out choice. Let us know what you decide, good luck.

 

Performance wise the M5 is a great car, but if you are going to be using it for several years I would check with a few people that have put some miles on it. My brother has an 04 545i and the car has given him constant problems, such as weather seals, squeaks and squeels, rear seat rattles, passenger side rattles, etc.

The M5 is the same platform but with the added hp and the stiffer suspension I imagine those annoyances would creep up as well. One of the porsche sales guys actually had an M5 he just traded in and he had the same problems with his car.

Although its an awesome car I would check with some people first just to make sure you wont have any unwanted surprises after its broken in a bit.

 

complicated answer-if money is critical, take advantaghe of soft 996 market and get 03 to 05 turbo or turbo s with low mileage for 60 to 80 grand. if you want the new king, get the 997tt. that smg does polarize a bunch of prople, and it is an uncommon gas hog. many sturies of 10 mpg. why not try a 550i?

 

The price of an M5 + 996TT is in the neighborhood of a highly-optioned 997TT. Get Both!

I have an E60 M5, and love it but am thinking of taking my own advice and adding a 996TT (or maybe 997 GT3).

As for quality, I have 15K miles on it and it has been pretty solid (apart from a a couple of annoying recall items). If you drive it hard, it will indeed develop some rattles and squeaks (won't any car?).

The good news is that the BMW warranty and maintenance plan is very generous (replaced turn signal stalk to eliminate slight rattle, even replaced pads/rotors on all four wheels for free).

10MPG is not an urban myth, it is par for the course if you drive even moderately aggressively. High teens for highway cruising is about the best you could hope for. 20-22MPG requires cruise control at 65 in 7th gear on flat road....

SMG takes a bit of getting used to, but I think it is a perfect compromise for a car like the M5.

-Chris

 

Just throwing out there but have you looked at a used E55. I think you can get an 05+ for mid-high 70's.

So E55 + 996TT = around $140K

 

Talk with Jaime he has both an M5 and a 996TT Cab. In your situation, that is what I would do as well.

 

The new M5 has lots of issues Transmission, electrical etc. it drives great when not driven to the dealer get the Porsche I don't see these guys here complaining as much.

 

I guess it depends on your priorities. If you need the extra seats then go for the M5. It's killer for what it does but I didn't really need the extra seats which is why I chose to go with the 997TT!

 

I have 25000 kms on my M5 and no troubles whatsover. I think the talk of problems are greatly exaggerated.

The M5 is the nicest car I've owned. I absolutely love it. Insanely fast, luxurious and beautiful. Amazing stereo out of the box. The 996 must be modded to keep up.

The 996tt can made into a fabulous ride also. However, it really does need at least Stage II tuning (which includes exhaust) plus suspension. Quite frankly, I love cabs, and that is the only reason I have the p-car.

If you can swing both an M5 and a 996tt cab, they really do complement each other and are both very nice rides.

 

Jamie,

You've got a 2007 Ferrari Enzo on order? Those cars are officially out of production as far as I know. I'm a bit confused here.

 

Psssst.....just between you and me, it's a joke. Don't tell anyone ok?

 

Mums the word....

 

E55 would be a great choice....
I've heard nothing but good things about them.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. Unfortunately, a 996TT + M5 purchase is out of the equation. Keeping the S4 Cab and an M5 I could swing, mainly because the S4 is an automatic so the wife can drive it (don't start - she just plain out refuses to learn to drive a manual.) That is another advantage to the M5 - she could drive it if she needed to.

10 mpg... not sure I can live with that.

I haven't looked at the E55 (I assume you mean the AMG). I was looking at an SL55 AMG before I bought the S4 and decided it was too much of an old man's car. I'm not ready to be that guy!!!

Thanks again,
Andrew