Considering getting rid of my 06 C2S and going to a 08 M5. Just need more room, but dont want to sacrifice all the fun from my 997. Ive been looking at the S6 and E63, but they really don't float my boat. One big thing is that whatever I get needs to be able to be driven by my wife too. That means auto. Also needs to be able to be driven in Chicago winters (sometimes). Im a big fan of snow tires and have a set for my 997 currently.

How is the M5 as a daily driver? I hear the SMG in the 08 is improved over previous? Im sure some folks on the forum have been in a similar dilemma as I am? cheers,

 

I went from an S5 to my M5 for similar reasons, and couldn't be happier. I will warn you, the SMG is not an auto. It takes getting used to and requires some attention in order to avoid a "jerky" drive. If you are an enthusiast coming from a sports car you won't have any issues, but your wife may not like it if she can't adapt her driving to the way it needs to be done.

 

Yep, SMG is a manual - meaning your right foot still needs to behave as if your left one is working the clutch. D-mode is relatively useless for sporting folk, but my wife drives my car in this mode and hasn't complained - just leave it in D2 and the shifts and clutch takeup are slow enough to not bite back.

 

Is the 08 any different? I thought I read they might have made it smoother..

 

Software is updated every few months and apparently does make for smoother operation. Mine is a late build 06 and I never felt the need to upgrade the software. I kind of like the more violent shifts when driving spiritedly... There is also aftermarket software that not only smooths shifts but also gives you a few more ponies - I haven't felt the need for this either. Suggest bringing your wife to the test drive to make sure, but I doubt she would have a problem - just let the car default to D2 and tell her to never hit the M button...

 

Go with the c4s or turbo. Both are great all weather cars. The turbo is referred to as a true all-weather super car. Also don't forget about the Audi's. The RS6 has both size and all-wheel drive.

 

OP said he wants more room as well - sadly, RS6 not available in the US. Cayenne TTS could be another P-car alternative, but obviously lots more cash. There are huge incentives on M5's right now, especially leased (<1K per month loaded). Only other sedan I might consider would be the CTS-V with the 6-sp auto for the wife, but I don't know about incentives on them this early in the game, even with GM on the brink...

 

think I will take my wife with me and go drive a M5. The new RS6 rocks, but like you mentioned not coming to US. Already have a Range rover, so no need for a Cayenne. Might have to so smaller and look at the new C63. Its a wicked car, but I like the look of it. All these are larger the my 997. I really like the new C2S and C4, especially with the new PDK, but still the same size issue..

 

Nothing can really compare to the 5.0l V10.

 

You can also do the self SMG smoothing--- find a flat road and exceed at least 40 mph- put the SMG lever in neutral and pull back both paddle shifters at the same time and hold for 2 seconds. It actually does mellow the shifts down even in S6. I do this probably once a week. If you go to the M5Board.com you can find more info on it via the search button.

 

M5 is a great all around car. But like other said it isn't an automatic, so have your wife try it in D2 and see how she likes it.

 

C2s... for sure!!

 

Get the M5 and you will be happier than you could imagine.
The M5 is a dynamic car. It is a drivers car. You have direct in put as to how you want to drive the car.
Your wife will be happy. My wife loves to M5 as much as me.

The M5 gives you all, comfort, room, luxury and POWER.
The AudiS6 is comparatively severely anemic and does not compare to the M5.
I own a GT3 and it is a toss up with the M5. That power with the comfort is tough to beat.

Good luck

Ranger

 

I just picked up an '08 M5 SMG and was a little concerned that my would not enjoy driving it. SMG is definately different than an automatic, but smooth & good enough in D mode that my wife has not mentioned a word about it.

If you just put in D and drive the car, it will comfort you and get a bit boring. But if you drive it the way it is meant to be driven, it is a lot of fun and one awesome piece of machinery.

 

thanks for all the good input. anyone put snow tires on it for winter driving? how is it? happy holidays..