My impression is that beyond the obvious as you stated and that the M3 is at least half a class performance wise higherthan the S5, I've heard that the M3 is extremely hard to tap into the power with. That is to say, unless you are tracking the car, choose the S5 because getting that power out of the engine in the M3 is not practical in normal driving.

 

Zach,

I admit, the BMW's interior can be bland, especially when you spec it in gray leather with black trim, like the above picture. However, it can also be stunning in a more lively color with carbon fiber leather trim and full leather interior.

 

If you need AWD for winter go with the S5 or RS4

if not ///M3 all the way!!!!!

 

New M3 HANDS down! Does the S5 even compare to the M3? I think 335i and S5 are better comparisons.

 

Tough call. S5 is a beautiful car inside and out. The M3 is nice looking, and probably more rewarding to drive. I would want to drive both back to back. I would buy the S5 if it feels close in the fun to drive factor, but if it is not in the same league go with the m3.

 

If you like beauty and feeling like you're in a beautiful environment in a beautifully made car that happens to be very fast, get the S5. If all you care about 0-60 and 1/4 mile, get the M3.

 

i'd wonder how different the result is on the bimmer board.

 

S5 is slower than the 335I. Do you want to pay almost M3 price for a car that is even slower than a normal 3 series that's selling in the high 30s? If the performance competition was close, that's different but M3 is so far off from the S5, it just doesn't add up to pay all that much money and get so much less.

 

The main focus of the M3 isn't straight line performance, so I'm not following you here. Where does handling, steering feel, RWD fun, driver feedback, etc. factor in?

 

M3! Interior isnt as nice as the S5 but all around its better!

As far as bad weather days, BMW has always has great traction control! With proper tires youll be ALLLLRIGHT!

 

do the m3

 

M3 easy choice

 

tough call but if u plan to lease instead of buy then it's a no-brainer to go with BMW just because their lease program is so good. that shows how important the finance program is when getting a new car.

 

M3 all the way no doubt.

 

M3 is better than S5