I turned in my 2006 M5 after the SMG kept locking up and even after replacing the tranny BMW couldn't figure out what the problem was. I miss it, and am thinking of getting another one.

Either that or a new M3 sedan. Something smaller and a little more nimble would be fun, and I hear there will be S/C kits for the E90 M3 soon. Plus I hear the new DCT is better than the SMG. Mmmmm.

I need to go drive one but I'm just curious from anyone who knows offhand, how much smaller and less leg room is there in the back of a new M3 vs the M5?

I mean, the M5 isn't exactly roomy in the back seats. I can't imagine the M3 is much smaller. From pictures on the net it looks about the same to me ...

 

Well i had a 545i and it wasn't much bigger really. It was more width then leg room in reality. My buddy has the same problems with his M5.

 

Cool thanks for the reply. I'm gonna go test drive an M3 tomorrow. I guess the only way to know is to sit in the back. It just doesn't seem like it could be much smaller back there than the M5...

 

M5 should be a bit bigger but nothing too material. Sorry to hear about your M5's. Mine has been running solid, but either way you go they are both great choices. M3 supercharged is gonna be sick.

 

That's the other thing ... the M5 was great but of course I always want more. Short of dropping 40k for a Dinan stroker motor or spraying the NAWZ you just can't get much more performance out of it. On the other hand, like you said, a S/C E90 M3 would be SICK and much faster than the M5. Hmm choices choices ...

 

M5 is wider maybe a touch of legroom
m5 is alos a little more luxurious and has a few more bells and whistles
both great cars but I went with my dream car Big Poppa

 

According to Edmunds.com ( http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmu...op=3&tab=specs ), the M5 is 2.1" wider and has 1.4" more legroom than the M3.

 

M5 can seat 5. M3 seats 4. i drove the new M3 in spartenburg and it was a blast. if space is an issue i would vote for the M5. if you want a little rocket thats fun in the canyons i would vote M3

 

Thanks guys. Ended up going with the E90 M3. I'm usually driving by myself but the back seats will be fine for an occasional backseat passenger. This car suits me a lot better than the M5. Smaller, nimbler, just as fast, handles better, and the DCT kicks SMG ***. No comparison.