Well, the deed is done. The M5 is mine. After driving it......was a done deal. That V10 is awesome. I don't really mind the SMG that much. After putting almost 10K in repairs to the 996.....rebuilt dif, rebuilt trans, new clutch, IMS fix, new AOS, new waterpump and several other things...I understand cars need parts. So many on the Porsche came at once though. But....if you drive any of these cars...you need a savings set up for repairs. I love Porsche and will be back for another one in the future, but I love BMW also. 2 totally different cars. I will miss the complements and looks I got from the Porsche though. The M5 will probably never get as much attention as my 911 did. Thanks to the forum and all your help.....I shall return!!!

M5 is not bullet proof though. Rod bearings, smg pump failures etc.. Fortunately BMW parts are cheaper. I do own an e39 M5 and 996. M5 is more complex, but easier to fix.

Congratulations carcster88 :thumbup: Hope to see you back in the near future, but enjoy the M5. We do offer a bunch of aftermarket goodies for it when your ready. For more information Click Here :)

It would be tough for me to go back to bimmers from owning a 911. To each their own. It is said that a 911 owner is a BMW Enthusiast with a little more money. I went from owning 7 bimmers including a 1992 E30 Full Mtechnic II, 1991 E30 MTechic II Appearance Package, E36 M3 and my last car E46 M3 to my 996 4S and won't look back period. It's only up from here...good luck!

I own an e39 M5 along with my 996tt. While I'm fairly new to the 996tt, every time I drive it, I appreciate my M5 more - it's a truly amazing car. Completely different from the Porsche in most every way, but amazing none the less. This is not in any way to take away from the Porsche. It's an amazing car as well. They both shine in different ways.

BTW - I know the e60 and e39 are two very different cars, but my M5 has been bulletproof. Over 100K on the clock and she still rides like a brand new car. Required repairs have been next to none. In fact, it has been every bit as reliable and dependable as the Japanese cars I have previously owned.

Good luck with the M5 - I'm sure you will enjoy it.

-c

if I was going to trade I would trade it in for a 996tt

but the m5 is a beast for a family car. I have a 535i and its comfortable but I usually drive the diesel truck or hummer since the wife like the e60 (535)

The sound of the V-10 is totally intoxicating. But after that thrill wears off, it is just another BMW 5 series.

My son-in-law had one for a couple of years. He just traded it for a M-B GL 450. Doesn't miss the M one bit.

Hope you have better luck and love the car.

I had an e60 M5. It was indeed a beast. Try to look up euro SMG software, it will make the SMG smoother and you can code it yourself with a cable. Enjoy!

Had three Bimmers, great except repairs. My neighbor has your M5, stunning enjoy.