[Rk-d]

Finally got to put my new car through it's paces tonight.

Unreal.

This car is the size of an early 90s 7 series and a Cadillac Sedan de Ville. It really boggles the mind.

The engine is winner - although it's got good torque down low, it's surprisingly responsive and likes to rev than most turbos I've driven. Power seems to really come on aggressively at >4000 RPM. I really can't perceive much lag at all. I was expecting a somewhat boring torque monster that peters out up top, but this one has character. Probably my biggest surprise. Say what you want about BMW - every single one I've ever owned has had a killer engine. This one is no different.

I haven't driven the regular M5, but the Competition moves really well. Movements are controlled and the grip is absolutely enormous. Overall, very poised.

The main criticism I have, so far, is the sound. I hate the artificial overrun farts. I hated in my GT4, 911 Turbo and RS3 and I hate it in this. Annoying and pointless.

Just some thoughts. I bought this car sight unseen and undriven. I knew it would be good, but this thing is turning out to be a legitimately awesome car.

It's popular nowadays to rag on BMW- I've done my fair share. But this M5 is truly underrated.

[onfireX5]

Originally Posted by robotk

Finally got to put my new car through it's paces tonight.

Unreal.

This car is the size of an early 90s 7 series and a Cadillac Sedan de Ville. It really boggles the mind.

The engine is winner - although it's got good torque down low, it's surprisingly responsive and likes to rev than most turbos I've driven. Power seems to really come on aggressively at >4000 RPM. I really can't perceive much lag at all. I was expecting a somewhat boring torque monster that peters out up top, but this one has character. Probably my biggest surprise. Say what you want about BMW - every single one I've ever owned has had a killer engine. This one is no different.

I haven't driven the regular M5, but the Competition moves really well. Movements are controlled and the grip is absolutely enormous. Overall, very poised.

The main criticism I have, so far, is the sound. I hate the artificial overrun farts. I hated in my GT4, 911 Turbo and RS3 and I hate it in this. Annoying and pointless.

Just some thoughts. I bought this car sight unseen and undriven. I knew it would be good, but this thing is turning out to be a legitimately awesome car.

It's popular nowadays to rag on BMW- I've done my fair share. But this M5 is truly underrated.

Killer. Add a RaceChip and it really wakes up !

[Miko M]

Yes it is
Congrats on the car, pictures please.
I couldn't stand the sound at all but, it was a easy fix. I changed to full Eisenmann exhaust with lower down pipes

[Rk-d]

Originally Posted by Miko M

Yes it is
Congrats on the car, pictures please.
I couldn't stand the sound at all but, it was a easy fix. I changed to full Eisenmann exhaust with lower down pipes

Nice and simple. Black on black. Forgot to mention that this car looks incredible - for me it throws back to some of the great looking BMWs of the past. Purposeful, clean lines. Mean.

[Ryno 27]

Great head shot!

[Greer]

More pics please

[tcw495]

Pics look incredible! Need more!

[Rk-d]

Got a couple of projects down. Installed my dashcam, IND painted side markers and disconnected the fake engine sound amplifier. Gave the car a coat of Sonax Spray and Seal.

Car is way quieter without the vroom vroom sounds, but I'd rather it be authentic. IND reflectors were a PITA to install, but the final result looks really good.

[fstezaws]

I agree 100% that this car is unreal. I’ve had mine a full 30 days now, and posted my write up after 24 hours.

The car gets better and better. Took it out last night and really romped on it. This time I kept the trans in D3 and let it do it’s thing and it was always in the right gear coming out of turns and descents. I’m so impressed by how much better this auto is than the F10 DCT. Car is just amazing. Best part is how you can get the biggest thrill out of a windy canyon, and then press 1 button and it’s so docile. Change up the seat position and it’s a glorious cruiser. Best jekyl and Hyde car ever!

[zuschnell]

Car looks great in black and the reflector delete completes the look! Thanks for sharing!

[trackday96]

Looks great! The comp wheels on the black body look really nice.

Congrats!

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by robotk

Got a couple of projects down. Installed my dashcam, IND painted side markers and disconnected the fake engine sound amplifier. Gave the car a coat of Sonax Spray and Seal.

Car is way quieter without the vroom vroom sounds, but I'd rather it be authentic. IND reflectors were a PITA to install, but the final result looks really good.

Very cool pictures! How was the install process with the dashcam? What model and do you have some pics of the finished install?

[Rk-d]

Originally Posted by windtendo

Very cool pictures! How was the install process with the dashcam? What model and do you have some pics of the finished install?

Mounted it on the dot matrix with the lens poking out into the clear part of the windshield. Had to be mounted upside down to do it, but the firmware lets the camera auto flip the videos. Wires are tucked into the headliner all the way to the trunk and I just plugged it into the cigarette jack there. Wires are completely invisible inside the car. Wanted to hardwire it to the trunk fuse board that sits right there, but my Add-a-fuse taps don't want to lock into the BMW fuse board, so I will have to figure that out.

[onfireX5]

Originally Posted by robotk

Finally got to put my new car through it's paces tonight.

Unreal.

This car is the size of an early 90s 7 series and a Cadillac Sedan de Ville. It really boggles the mind.

The engine is winner - although it's got good torque down low, it's surprisingly responsive and likes to rev than most turbos I've driven. Power seems to really come on aggressively at >4000 RPM. I really can't perceive much lag at all. I was expecting a somewhat boring torque monster that peters out up top, but this one has character. Probably my biggest surprise. Say what you want about BMW - every single one I've ever owned has had a killer engine. This one is no different.

I haven't driven the regular M5, but the Competition moves really well. Movements are controlled and the grip is absolutely enormous. Overall, very poised.

The main criticism I have, so far, is the sound. I hate the artificial overrun farts. I hated in my GT4, 911 Turbo and RS3 and I hate it in this. Annoying and pointless.

Just some thoughts. I bought this car sight unseen and undriven. I knew it would be good, but this thing is turning out to be a legitimately awesome car.

It's popular nowadays to rag on BMW- I've done my fair share. But this M5 is truly underrated.

Same track, same day runs by vtknight shows the TurboS is 0.1 tenth and 1 mph faster. That’s heads up. How do you compare Noise, vibration and harshness ? Overall comfort ?

[Rk-d]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

Same track, same day runs by vtknight shows the TurboS is 0.1 tenth and 1 mph faster. That’s heads up. How do you compare Noise, vibration and harshness ? Overall comfort ?

The M5 is more isolated - You can hear whistles and blow off like sounds in the Turbo and overall road/tire noise is a higher. The M5 is much quieter. Now that I've disconnected Active Sound, it's that much more quieter. Sometimes I like that. Sometimes I wish it was more extroverted. All that said, the stock Turbo exhaust/engine doesn't sound *great* in general. I don't feel like I'm missing much with the M5 being quieter. In comparison, the GT4 is absolutely beautiful sounding.

Ride quality, from what I remember, is actually pretty similar between the two when in Sport-plus. Comfort in the M5 is definitely more cushy than the Turbo.

The Turbo is a very well engineered car - there aren't any nasty NVH issues. The M5 actually has a little more interior panel rattle than the Porsche.

The Turbo is a great GT car and pretty luxurious feeling for a 911. It's got massive power delivered with refined violence. Think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Though the M5 matches the numbers, the Turbo still *feels* more powerful when driving around town (though it has more lag). The complete lack of lag in the M5 is a huge winner for me. The M5 reminds me of James Bond - just as deadly, but in a tux and less unhinged.

So there are pros/cons for each, but these are both absolutely exceptional, epic cars.

[stealth70mde]

Originally Posted by robotk

Think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Though the M5 matches the numbers, the Turbo still *feels* more powerful when driving around town (though it has more lag). The complete lack of lag in the M5 is a huge winner for me. The M5 reminds me of James Bond - just as deadly, but in a tux and less unhinged.

So there are pros/cons for each, but these are both absolutely exceptional, epic cars.

Liked the Patrick Bateman reference. Awesome movie that also brings me back...

[onfireX5]

Originally Posted by robotk

The M5 is more isolated - You can hear whistles and blow off like sounds in the Turbo and overall road/tire noise is a higher. The M5 is much quieter. Now that I've disconnected Active Sound, it's that much more quieter. Sometimes I like that. Sometimes I wish it was more extroverted. All that said, the stock Turbo exhaust/engine doesn't sound *great* in general. I don't feel like I'm missing much with the M5 being quieter. In comparison, the GT4 is absolutely beautiful sounding.

Ride quality, from what I remember, is actually pretty similar between the two when in Sport-plus. Comfort in the M5 is definitely more cushy than the Turbo.

The Turbo is a very well engineered car - there aren't any nasty NVH issues. The M5 actually has a little more interior panel rattle than the Porsche.

The Turbo is a great GT car and pretty luxurious feeling for a 911. It's got massive power delivered with refined violence. Think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Though the M5 matches the numbers, the Turbo still *feels* more powerful when driving around town (though it has more lag). The complete lack of lag in the M5 is a huge winner for me. The M5 reminds me of James Bond - just as deadly, but in a tux and less unhinged.

So there are pros/cons for each, but these are both absolutely exceptional, epic cars.

Thanks for the review. Very insightful. A Turbo S is still on my radar but the acceleration delta just is not there (yet). I would accept the compromises you listed if it was as fast as a GT2RS.

How would you compare the forward and rearward visibility ?

Also step in, step out access. The M5 kills the ZO6 in these two categories.

[Simon H]

Originally Posted by robotk

The M5 is more isolated - You can hear whistles and blow off like sounds in the Turbo and overall road/tire noise is a higher. The M5 is much quieter. Now that I've disconnected Active Sound, it's that much more quieter. Sometimes I like that. Sometimes I wish it was more extroverted. All that said, the stock Turbo exhaust/engine doesn't sound *great* in general. I don't feel like I'm missing much with the M5 being quieter. In comparison, the GT4 is absolutely beautiful sounding.

Ride quality, from what I remember, is actually pretty similar between the two when in Sport-plus. Comfort in the M5 is definitely more cushy than the Turbo.

The Turbo is a very well engineered car - there aren't any nasty NVH issues. The M5 actually has a little more interior panel rattle than the Porsche.

The Turbo is a great GT car and pretty luxurious feeling for a 911. It's got massive power delivered with refined violence. Think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Though the M5 matches the numbers, the Turbo still *feels* more powerful when driving around town (though it has more lag). The complete lack of lag in the M5 is a huge winner for me. The M5 reminds me of James Bond - just as deadly, but in a tux and less unhinged.

So there are pros/cons for each, but these are both absolutely exceptional, epic cars.

Great review, enjoyed reading that. Just awaiting better deals here in the uk, then im in, on the Comp Pack M5.

[Rk-d]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

Thanks for the review. Very insightful. A Turbo S is still on my radar but the acceleration delta just is not there (yet). I would accept the compromises you listed if it was as fast as a GT2RS.

How would you compare the forward and rearward visibility ?

Also step in, step out access. The M5 kills the ZO6 in these two categories.

Visibility is always great in 911s. nice big windows. Not having them side by side - can't really compare the two. The M5 is easier to step out, but the Turbo was pretty easy with the 14 way seats. 18 ways are a little tougher I think.

I think the Turbo is closer to an M5 than it is to a GT2RS.

[onfireX5]

Thanks again. Turbo S is definitely close to the M5. GT2RS is on another planet. Low 10 second car at 140ish. Almost as quick as a 720S. The new 992 turbo S coming might step it up. Trading a M5 for a 991.2 TurboS for acceleration is a waste. It will have to be GT2RS or 720S acceleration to be an upgrade (for me). Then comfort and NVH comes into the equation.

[Punitive]

I just got my car yesterday. Absolutely amazing. I am questioning myself why I waited so long to get it. F10 is a dinosaur compared to this thing.

Some here have really high or unrealistic expectations of what they expect from a sedan.

Engine-Amazing the revisions they have done from the F10, it seems like an entirely different engine. The responsiveness, tuning, power curve are amazing.

Transmission-The ZF8 haters can go elsewhere. DCT is a far distant memory. This is probably the biggest improvement on the car. The stop and go clunkiness of the DCT was so annoying that any benefit it gave was forgotten by me. BMW spent a lot of time getting the shift patterns/programs on this and it shows. I can admire Benz making their transmissions in-house, but I think it is time they gave up on MCT.

Chasis-is solid and similar to the F10, squeak free and damping is excellent on everyday crappy roads.

The Bower and Wilkins sound leaves more to be desired, can't believe they can charge this and get away with it. Otherwise, the infotainment is spot on much better and easier to use than the Benz touchpads etc.

Paint-This is the biggest complaint. What is BMW doing, one day old and rock chips already. The carbon fiber splitters are catching the most hell. Why even factory install those without PPF.

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by stealth70mde

Liked the Patrick Bateman reference. Awesome movie that also brings me back...

That makes two of us. Love the American Psycho analogy.