Test drove an M5 and experienced the 750i and Z4 35i

EmPower · 06-13-2009, 07:07 PM

First off I have to apologize for all the derogatory comments that I have passed about the new 7. I was at my dealership this afternoon and on the floor was a 750i sport. I sat inside and felt the switchgear and steering. It was as small as my 335s and a lot softer to touch. I fell in love instantly. The gear stock and the I drive controller were finished in titanium. Very classy. One observation though... the 7 does feel a lot smaller than the S class inside, and it may be due to the large central tunnel.

Next the Z4. Quality seems to have improved a lot compared to the previous generation and it feels a lot more mature. I like the switchgear and the plethora of satin chrome finish throughout. If only they made a coupe version.

As I was leaving the dealership, I noticed a used M5 on the lot. I began talking to the SA and after a brief conversation, I asked him to let me drive it.

I have noticed this in the 5ers, but it seems that the interior seems to be sub standard compared to the 3, 7, the X5, X6 and the Z4s. It just does not appeal to me. This particular example was an 06, low miles and fully loaded. As I started driving it, I noticed that the power delivery was very smooth and not as mental as my 335. It was very easy to go over the limit and not feel the speed, but not experiencing that instantaneous thrust that I feel in my car was not something that I was prepared for. Somehow this left me sort of disconnected with reality and hence brought on a lot of disappointment. I felt crushed as my childhood icon wasn't all that. I expected a lot more from this car, but in all fairness I had placed it on a hallowed pedestal and expected the world out of it. Now before some of you chew me out, I drove it in M and non M modes.

So in the end I am torn inside. A part of me wants to trade my car in for this icon, but the more practical part wants me to wait for the F10 550i....

Add1ct · 06-13-2009, 07:15 PM

sounds like you've gotten used to a torquey car and weren't prepared for how much of a screamer the M5 is, it's an amazing car I'm sure with more time behind the wheel you'd come to love it. The biggest problem for me with the 5 is that it's just so damn big

EmPower · 06-13-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Add1ct

sounds like you've gotten used to a torquey car and weren't prepared for how much of a screamer the M5 is, it's an amazing car I'm sure with more time behind the wheel you'd come to love it. The biggest problem for me with the 5 is that it's just so damn big

That and the go kart feel of the 335 is a hell of a combination. The 5 is just a little too grown up for me. I would wager that the M3 would have similar (if not better) dynamics than my car and still maintain the go-kart feel that I am so used to now.

Add1ct · 06-13-2009, 07:30 PM

yea I definitely love the go kart feel of the smaller cars, definitely something I love about the 1

JeepJeep · 06-15-2009, 02:57 AM

I wonder if maybe the M5 wasnt producing the full 500 hp. I dont remember if pressing the M button takes the car into full power mode, or you still need to set it up in iDrive.

I shall go check!

Matty C · 06-15-2009, 04:18 AM

The 335 is nice but it is no //M and especially not a M5. I've owned the 335i coupe and got rid of it because I felt like I was driving a Honda and that I would soon see the car in Fast and Furious.

As a owner of a M Roadster and a Z4M Roadster I can honestly tell you that overall an //M is a sports car were a 335i with sports package is just a want-a-be trying to step up to the plate but in the end falling short.

EmPower · 06-15-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty C

The 335 is nice but it is no //M and especially not a M5. I've owned the 335i coupe and got rid of it because I felt like I was driving a Honda and that I would soon see the car in Fast and Furious.

As a owner of a M Roadster and a Z4M Roadster I can honestly tell you that overall an //M is a sports car were a 335i with sports package is just a want-a-be trying to step up to the plate but in the end falling short.

I know where you are coming from, but I am so used to the surge of torque, I wonder whether the new generation of M cars will have a similar feel. Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed the limited 5 minute drive through traffic, but I cannot say for sure if the experience on the highway would have been a lot different. I need to spend some serious time behind the wheel, and flog it around like I do my 335.

Most likely though I will get rid of my 335 next year (need a bigger car), and may either get an 07/08 M5 (they are so cheap!!), or a new E class (I saw one at the dealership yesterday and I fell in love. Pictures do it absolutely no justice), OR wait till the new 550 comes out (this is what my heart is set on).

myfirst · 06-15-2009, 10:23 AM

You were most likely driving in P400 mode (400 hp) which has to be put on p500 for full power. Most likely you would've noted that on your OP if you had done so.

EmPower · 06-15-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myfirst

You were most likely driving in P400 mode (400 hp) which has to be put on p500 for full power. Most likely you would've noted that on your OP if you had done so.

I did hit the M button and the SA said that engages the 507hp... although it is very possible that he did not know what he was talking about

dr.jay · 06-15-2009, 03:38 PM

I just drove a 06 M5 two weeks ago, I did do some highway driving and I am absolutely in fucking love with this car. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER BMW unless it is a M5. Maybe you were not in the 500hp mode, because I had a hard on after driving it. I love the active bolsters also that kind of hold you in the seat when you tear around a turn. The only option missing on this car was H.U.D. which is retarted anyway. Power and torque from the car was incredible, I had a smile on my face the entire time, especially when shooting up to 140 on a strech of highway. If the car was black I would have left with it that day(it was silver) my salesman is on the lookout for me as I type this. I cannot fucking wait!!!

Z4MCJJ · 06-15-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Babs

LoL ummmmm yea the 335 is just like a Honda.......

And the Z4M is a real sports car..... Must be opposite day in here.....

I had a 335i....got rid of it because it felt like it was on pillows....pure softy of a car...nothing sporty about it and I had the sport package...lol.

NewSong · 06-15-2009, 03:57 PM

The 335i is pretty soft as a track car.

Soft sports suspension, small brakes, no LSD; it's not a track car at all to be honest.

It's meant to be a sporty daily driver, not much more.

NewSong · 06-16-2009, 01:07 PM

True, the Honda S2000 is a better track car.

1cleanm6 · 06-16-2009, 01:16 PM

335 a track car? If you're looking for a track car go buy a lotus instead....

LSD? again this is not a track car...

Small Brakes? It outbrakes the competition cars.

If you bought the car to go tracking or to visit a fast and furious race you are an idiot....

This car is a comfy cruiser with balls, maybe not stock but 350 dollars will get you there.

They didnt built this car as a track car, and honestly for the price of a z4m you definately bought the wrong "track car" there is much better.

If you are that dumb to compare a 335 to a honda, please pass over the good shit u smoking

imported_mega · 06-16-2009, 01:22 PM

lotta badge whores in here lately

NewSong · 06-16-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted335

335 a track car? If you're looking for a track car go buy a lotus instead....

LSD? again this is not a track car...

Small Brakes? It outbrakes the competition cars.

If you bought the car to go tracking or to visit a fast and furious race you are an idiot....

This car is a comfy cruiser with balls, maybe not stock but 350 dollars will get you there.

They didnt built this car as a track car, and honestly for the price of a z4m you definately bought the wrong "track car" there is much better.

If you are that dumb to compare a 335 to a honda, please pass over the good shit u smoking

Calm down Beavis.

1cleanm6 · 06-16-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSong

Calm down Beavis.

totally calm, butthead.

Noc57 · 06-17-2009, 01:03 AM

I feel what you're saying OP. I test drove an M6 a few years back and I made sure I hit the "M" button on the highway. (Damn that was fun!)

....However there's just something about the 335 that appeals to me. IMO the 335 is more fun to drive as a DD, even though the M6 costs about double. Sure the 335 doesn't have the prestige of an "M", but it's definitely a fun car.

chris719 · 06-17-2009, 01:25 AM

I find, in general, the smaller the car the more fun it is.

MrHarris · 06-17-2009, 06:11 AM

I find high powered high rev engines give a different kind of surge which happens in the last 1/4 of the powerband. It may not be the stomach feeling like a turbo car but there's definitely a surge that no turbo car can replicate.

graider · 06-17-2009, 09:46 AM

i prefer high rev screamer over turbo anyday.

EmPower · 06-17-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHarris

I find high powered high rev engines give a different kind of surge which happens in the last 1/4 of the powerband. It may not be the stomach feeling like a turbo car but there's definitely a surge that no turbo car can replicate.

Yeah but in traffic they seem rather dull and lets be honest, you cant REALLY drive them to the brink of their ability all the time. They are fast no doubt, deceptively so where you dont realise you are flying at that velocity, but the feeling of speed, the gut wrench is what really brings a smile accross my face. Remember its not about getting to the destination, but how you get there that counts and somehow turbos just feel the better choice

06-13-2009, 07:07 PM	#1
EmPower Captain 145 Rep 926 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 xdrive 35i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Test drove an M5 and experienced the 750i and Z4 35i First off I have to apologize for all the derogatory comments that I have passed about the new 7. I was at my dealership this afternoon and on the floor was a 750i sport. I sat inside and felt the switchgear and steering. It was as small as my 335s and a lot softer to touch. I fell in love instantly. The gear stock and the I drive controller were finished in titanium. Very classy. One observation though... the 7 does feel a lot smaller than the S class inside, and it may be due to the large central tunnel. Next the Z4. Quality seems to have improved a lot compared to the previous generation and it feels a lot more mature. I like the switchgear and the plethora of satin chrome finish throughout. If only they made a coupe version. As I was leaving the dealership, I noticed a used M5 on the lot. I began talking to the SA and after a brief conversation, I asked him to let me drive it. I have noticed this in the 5ers, but it seems that the interior seems to be sub standard compared to the 3, 7, the X5, X6 and the Z4s. It just does not appeal to me. This particular example was an 06, low miles and fully loaded. As I started driving it, I noticed that the power delivery was very smooth and not as mental as my 335. It was very easy to go over the limit and not feel the speed, but not experiencing that instantaneous thrust that I feel in my car was not something that I was prepared for. Somehow this left me sort of disconnected with reality and hence brought on a lot of disappointment. I felt crushed as my childhood icon wasn't all that. I expected a lot more from this car, but in all fairness I had placed it on a hallowed pedestal and expected the world out of it. Now before some of you chew me out, I drove it in M and non M modes. So in the end I am torn inside. A part of me wants to trade my car in for this icon, but the more practical part wants me to wait for the F10 550i.... __________________ 92 Mazda Mx6 (sold), 00 VW Jetta (sold), 07 BMW 335i (sold), 10 VW Jetta (sold), 14 BMW X5 35ix (sold), 18 VW Jetta (totaled), 19 Audi SQ5 (sold), 20 Audi S6 (sold), 22 Audi SQ5
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06-13-2009, 07:15 PM	#2
Add1ct Lieutenant Colonel 62 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: 135i, 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Palos Verdes Estates (SoCal) iTrader: (3)	sounds like you've gotten used to a torquey car and weren't prepared for how much of a screamer the M5 is, it's an amazing car I'm sure with more time behind the wheel you'd come to love it. The biggest problem for me with the 5 is that it's just so damn big __________________ E82 N54 6MT 6FL 668 KASW turned in E92 Crimson/Cream N54 6MT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Nav, Sat radio, HD Radio, Logic7, PDC, Active Steering, Active Cruise, 6FL, CA
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06-13-2009, 07:30 PM	#4
Add1ct Lieutenant Colonel 62 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: 135i, 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Palos Verdes Estates (SoCal) iTrader: (3)	yea I definitely love the go kart feel of the smaller cars, definitely something I love about the 1 __________________ E82 N54 6MT 6FL 668 KASW turned in E92 Crimson/Cream N54 6MT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Nav, Sat radio, HD Radio, Logic7, PDC, Active Steering, Active Cruise, 6FL, CA
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06-15-2009, 02:57 AM	#5
JeepJeep ಠ_ಠ 40 Rep 1,959 Posts Drives: everywhere Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 818 / 805 iTrader: (0)	I wonder if maybe the M5 wasnt producing the full 500 hp. I dont remember if pressing the M button takes the car into full power mode, or you still need to set it up in iDrive. I shall go check! __________________
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06-15-2009, 04:18 AM	#6
Matty C First Lieutenant 20 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Roadster, 2006 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bodensee iTrader: (0)	The 335 is nice but it is no //M and especially not a M5. I've owned the 335i coupe and got rid of it because I felt like I was driving a Honda and that I would soon see the car in Fast and Furious. As a owner of a M Roadster and a Z4M Roadster I can honestly tell you that overall an //M is a sports car were a 335i with sports package is just a want-a-be trying to step up to the plate but in the end falling short.
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06-15-2009, 10:23 AM	#8
myfirst Private 12 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (6)	You were most likely driving in P400 mode (400 hp) which has to be put on p500 for full power. Most likely you would've noted that on your OP if you had done so.
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06-15-2009, 03:38 PM	#10
dr.jay Lieutenant 14 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 2011 135 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Greenwood Always Up to No Good iTrader: (1)	I just drove a 06 M5 two weeks ago, I did do some highway driving and I am absolutely in fucking love with this car. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER BMW unless it is a M5. Maybe you were not in the 500hp mode, because I had a hard on after driving it. I love the active bolsters also that kind of hold you in the seat when you tear around a turn. The only option missing on this car was H.U.D. which is retarted anyway. Power and torque from the car was incredible, I had a smile on my face the entire time, especially when shooting up to 140 on a strech of highway. If the car was black I would have left with it that day(it was silver) my salesman is on the lookout for me as I type this. I cannot fucking wait!!! __________________ "Barzini is dead. So is Phillip Tattallgia. Moe Green. Slacci. Cuneo. Today I settled all family business so don't tell me that you're innocent. Admit what you did"
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06-15-2009, 03:57 PM	#12
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 119 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	The 335i is pretty soft as a track car. Soft sports suspension, small brakes, no LSD; it's not a track car at all to be honest. It's meant to be a sporty daily driver, not much more. __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
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06-16-2009, 01:07 PM	#13
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 119 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	True, the Honda S2000 is a better track car. __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
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06-16-2009, 01:16 PM	#14
1cleanm6 Brigadier General 464 Rep 3,666 Posts Drives: M5 comp/Range/i3S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	335 a track car? If you're looking for a track car go buy a lotus instead.... LSD? again this is not a track car... Small Brakes? It outbrakes the competition cars. If you bought the car to go tracking or to visit a fast and furious race you are an idiot.... This car is a comfy cruiser with balls, maybe not stock but 350 dollars will get you there. They didnt built this car as a track car, and honestly for the price of a z4m you definately bought the wrong "track car" there is much better. If you are that dumb to compare a 335 to a honda, please pass over the good shit u smoking
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06-16-2009, 01:22 PM	#15
imported_mega Colonel 125 Rep 2,205 Posts Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland iTrader: (0)	lotta badge whores in here lately __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, many various 3s.
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06-17-2009, 01:03 AM	#18
Noc57 Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: e92 335 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	I feel what you're saying OP. I test drove an M6 a few years back and I made sure I hit the "M" button on the highway. (Damn that was fun!) ....However there's just something about the 335 that appeals to me. IMO the 335 is more fun to drive as a DD, even though the M6 costs about double. Sure the 335 doesn't have the prestige of an "M", but it's definitely a fun car.
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06-17-2009, 01:25 AM	#19
chris719 Major General 7604 Rep 7,530 Posts Drives: '08 M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I find, in general, the smaller the car the more fun it is.
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06-17-2009, 06:11 AM	#20
MrHarris yodog 201 Rep 5,024 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	I find high powered high rev engines give a different kind of surge which happens in the last 1/4 of the powerband. It may not be the stomach feeling like a turbo car but there's definitely a surge that no turbo car can replicate. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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06-17-2009, 09:46 AM	#21
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	i prefer high rev screamer over turbo anyday.
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