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      02-17-2020, 02:36 AM   #1
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M5 Comp Vs M3 Comp.

Hi all,

I currently own a 2018 F80 M3 Comp and am looking at swapping it for the F90 M5 Comp. I will be using it for a mix of highway driving (6+ hour round trip) and weekend fun.

I love the M3 especially it's handling and performance. I occasionally scare the s**t out of myself by getting sideways accidentally which does concern me and thinking maybe the all wheel drive would help hahaha. Apart from the fun aspects the build quality is also second to non, seats are great, exhaust note is excellent etc etc. the reason for looking at swapping is it's just a bit small for the family.

Apart from all of the performance aspects, what are the key differences as a daily V the M3? Does anyone own both? Or has owned both? Would love to hear your thoughts.
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      02-17-2020, 03:19 AM   #2
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I find the M5 to be way better than my M4 (and previous M3s) in almost all aspects.
The performance is pretty special....with plenty of confidence to push on, in good and bad weather.
The M5 has a surprising amount of front end grip for its weight with good turn in....but not as agile as my M4 nor as sensitive to steering input.
The std non comp pack M5 is a lot more comfortable over poor road surfaces than my M4 comp pack was and has plenty of space for 4 people to travel long distances in comfort.
It depends on what you want....I would say the M5 is the more "grown up" car of the two.
For me the F8x M3/4 lost the balance that made the E92 M3s such fun to throw around...and my M4 certainly felt like it would create an M4 shaped hole in the countryside given half a chance.
There is always the awd version of the M3/4 due soon as an alternative.
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      02-17-2020, 12:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
I find the M5 to be way better than my M4 (and previous M3s) in almost all aspects.
The performance is pretty special....with plenty of confidence to push on, in good and bad weather.
The M5 has a surprising amount of front end grip for its weight with good turn in....but not as agile as my M4 nor as sensitive to steering input.
The std non comp pack M5 is a lot more comfortable over poor road surfaces than my M4 comp pack was and has plenty of space for 4 people to travel long distances in comfort.
It depends on what you want....I would say the M5 is the more "grown up" car of the two.
For me the F8x M3/4 lost the balance that made the E92 M3s such fun to throw around...and my M4 certainly felt like it would create an M4 shaped hole in the countryside given half a chance.
There is always the awd version of the M3/4 due soon as an alternative.
And this is exactly why I own a E92 and F90 and skipped the F8x generation.


I've driven a hand full of F80's/F82's and it's not even half the car the F90 is as far as comfort, power, and sound go.
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      02-17-2020, 12:22 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WAHF80M3 View Post
Hi all,

I currently own a 2018 F80 M3 Comp and am looking at swapping it for the F90 M5 Comp. I will be using it for a mix of highway driving (6+ hour round trip) and weekend fun.

I love the M3 especially it's handling and performance. I occasionally scare the s**t out of myself by getting sideways accidentally which does concern me and thinking maybe the all wheel drive would help hahaha. Apart from the fun aspects the build quality is also second to non, seats are great, exhaust note is excellent etc etc. the reason for looking at swapping is it's just a bit small for the family.

Apart from all of the performance aspects, what are the key differences as a daily V the M3? Does anyone own both? Or has owned both? Would love to hear your thoughts.
i miss my f80 zcp.

my f90 comp is fast(jb4 and a lot of race gas). its comfortable. it sounds great( both cats removed)
and it goes sideways. but its just not my f80. it doesn't scare the shit out of me like the f80 did.

and it feels more planted at 160mph than the f80 did.

daily driving the m3 into manhattan was a riot. daily driving the m5 into the city is kind of boring. more comfortable seats- but thats it. suspension is almost as stiff in the comp.

hopefully the g80 fills some of these gaps.

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      02-17-2020, 02:07 PM   #5
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Two things I picked out from your post was the 6+ hours round trip and how you found the build quality (especially seats) to be first class in your M3.

Focusing on comfort, I'd 100% expect you to enjoy the F90.

I went straight from F80 M3 Comp to F90 M5 and it is a large step up in terms of quality and comfort.

Is it as much fun? - not for me - it is completely different - do I love it? - hell yes!

Drive one - it's blooming massive compared to the M3!

Last edited by Burnsey; 02-17-2020 at 02:46 PM..
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      02-17-2020, 02:44 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M.Power View Post
And this is exactly why I own a E92 and F90 and skipped the F8x generation.
The F90 M5 reminds me a lot of how much I enjoyed my E92 M3s.
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      02-17-2020, 05:03 PM   #7
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I think you will love the M5C
I have an M3CS that I traded an M3C for
my son lives with me so we interchange cars and despite we love both cars , we slightly prefer the M5
I can tell you there is no better humming sound than a v8..... and this current generation drives much smaller than F10
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      02-17-2020, 08:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WAHF80M3 View Post
Hi all,

I currently own a 2018 F80 M3 Comp and am looking at swapping it for the F90 M5 Comp. I will be using it for a mix of highway driving (6+ hour round trip) and weekend fun.

I love the M3 especially it's handling and performance. I occasionally scare the s**t out of myself by getting sideways accidentally which does concern me and thinking maybe the all wheel drive would help hahaha. Apart from the fun aspects the build quality is also second to non, seats are great, exhaust note is excellent etc etc. the reason for looking at swapping is it's just a bit small for the family.

Apart from all of the performance aspects, what are the key differences as a daily V the M3? Does anyone own both? Or has owned both? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Impossible to make that decision, both totally different vehicles. Both are incredible and you're comparing apples to oranges. Drive the F90. If you know someone with one, perhaps swap cars for a day, you'll see what we are talking about, but if you can somehow swing both, do it. I love my F90. My brother has the F80. Here's big bro and little bro...
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      02-17-2020, 10:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
The F90 M5 reminds me a lot of how much I enjoyed my E92 M3s.
Would you mind elaborating just a bit more on this. Currently in an E92 M3, and seriously looking at making the jump to F90 M5C (yeh, I’m older now. Heh! Me likes me comfort!), but I would be very interested in your comparing and contrasting these two. Thanks!
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      02-17-2020, 11:15 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///WeissBlitz76 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
The F90 M5 reminds me a lot of how much I enjoyed my E92 M3s.
Would you mind elaborating just a bit more on this. Currently in an E92 M3, and seriously looking at making the jump to F90 M5C (yeh, I’m older now. Heh! Me likes me comfort!), but I would be very interested in your comparing and contrasting these two. Thanks!
Had an e92 m3. Just got a 2020 m5 comp. M5 is better in almost every way. The e92 is smaller so it feels a little more go-cart ish than the f90 but the power differences are night and day. I really enjoyed the e92 but I truly can't wait to drive the m5 on a daily basis especially since I am now past the breakin period.
To drive the e92 fast you had to drive it like you stole it. M5s speed is effortless. And when you launch it... 🔥
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      02-17-2020, 11:25 PM   #11
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M3 is a kid's car.
M5 is a man's car.

Simple as that....
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      02-17-2020, 11:32 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjr24 View Post
M3 is a kid's car.
M5 is a man's car.

Simple as that....
Funny.... But true.
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      02-17-2020, 11:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Slow Walker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ///WeissBlitz76 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
The F90 M5 reminds me a lot of how much I enjoyed my E92 M3s.
Would you mind elaborating just a bit more on this. Currently in an E92 M3, and seriously looking at making the jump to F90 M5C (yeh, I'm older now. Heh! Me likes me comfort!), but I would be very interested in your comparing and contrasting these two. Thanks!
Had an e92 m3. Just got a 2020 m5 comp. M5 is better in almost every way. The e92 is smaller so it feels a little more go-cart ish than the f90 but the power differences are night and day. I really enjoyed the e92 but I truly can't wait to drive the m5 on a daily basis especially since I am now past the breakin period.
To drive the e92 fast you had to drive it like you stole it. M5s speed is effortless. And when you launch it... 🔥
Well, I miss driving my E92 M3 like I stole it. Can't do this in my M5C, too dangerous, so I am left wanting.
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      02-18-2020, 04:03 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///WeissBlitz76 View Post
Would you mind elaborating just a bit more on this. Currently in an E92 M3, and seriously looking at making the jump to F90 M5C (yeh, I’m older now. Heh! Me likes me comfort!), but I would be very interested in your comparing and contrasting these two. Thanks!
I think its been mostly covered above.
Anyway....I had 2 E92 M3s over 8 years and I just loved driving them.
They are agile, with a lovely balance and subtilty, you could really extract every inch of performance and grip without feeling you were risking losing control.
But eight years is a long time and I felt like a change...but the M4cp just didn't live up to my E92 M3s.
The M5 in a way feels like an E92 M3 but with way more performance plus a little extra weight. But its true, the M5s level of performance means that you can't drive it like an E92 M3.
Much as I loved my E92 M3s I wouldn't swap my M5 for one...the effortless performance even in the higher gears is just addictive, plus proper 4 door comfort and a good ride (mine is the std M5 so can't comment on the CP ride) in comfort suspension combined with pretty decent handling in suspension sport+.
Have you driven the F90 M5?
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      02-18-2020, 05:23 AM   #15
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I have a M3 Comp 2017 and have driven the M5C extensively both on "normal" roads and the Nürburgring and am in the market for one.

This is not to replace the M3 mind you but to complement it as a more rounded family-performance-saloon. The M5 would replace my G31 540iX wagon instead.

I think they're quite different. Objectively speaking the M5C has bags more performance than the M3 and is much more easily extracted. The comfort and amenities (sound system, software, space, luggage, etc) are all on a different and higher level.

That said, I still plan on keeping my M3 Comp. It is such an analogue modern car (mine is stick) and is way more visceral in both drive train and drive experience. To get your thrills on a Sunday morning the M3 offers a much more accessible package in a relatively lower speed.

You can extract great fun from the M5 Comp, but chances are you deeply in illegal territory if you don't live on a race track.

Once again, if I have the means I plan on keeping both for a long time where the M3 transitions in a more track-oriented setting. It is 400kgs lighter than the M5 Comp and manual, so it is a different proposition. Still seating 4 adults comfortably mind you, which no track-oriented Porsche can manage.
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      02-18-2020, 05:36 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
...The M5 in a way feels like an E92 M3 but with way more performance plus a little extra weight.
...
Have you driven the F90 M5?
Yes, I have driven one, but for only too precious short an amount of time. I only got to take a couple little turns in it, though I did get to mash the loud pedal just a bit, and it is impressive.

Mainly, I have been concerned about the handling, but I feel encouraged by what you say here, as one “knock” that I have heard against the F90 is that the “driving feel” isn’t there. I am definitely interested in all of the creature comfort upgrades. Thanks!
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      02-18-2020, 07:40 AM   #17
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My brother has owned 1 of every M3/M4 built since the E36 generation. His first M3 was an E36 with MT, and it was a very raw sportscar experience. Each generation has seen the luxury features incrementally tick up, but the general theme has always been performance is paramount over comfort/luxury.

While I always liked his cars, my preference is the 5 series because of the extra room and comfort features. Performance is important, but I like cars that are practical and comfortable for trips, going to dinner with friends, golf clubs in the trunk, etc... An M3/M4 would be a fun weekend car for me, but not a car I would want as a daily.
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      02-18-2020, 08:39 AM   #18
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I had an M4, now a M3 CS. I test drove the M5 and it's sooo fast and powerful yet still handles amazingly well, and it was the regular M5, not the competition. With your situation I'd choose the M5 in a heartbeat. I'm waiting for the M5C LCI, trading my CS in for it next March.. can't wait!
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      02-18-2020, 08:56 AM   #19
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I have owned both for while then eventually unloaded the f80 as it was my second one at the time. Here are a few of my thoughts.

Truck space is the same.
Actually the m3 has a bit more “usable” space (both cars with the seats up).

The F90 seats with exec pack are the best in class when it comes to the balance of comfort and performance. . 9-10 hours no problem. Very short people may find the headrest uncomfortable. The f80 seats never felt thin and hard until started I driving the cars back to back. The F80 and F90 like to get sideways when provoked but I believe the f90 actually handles better for some reason. BMW M designs these cars with some from of drifting in mind. however even if 2wd mode the f90 is still a pussycat and more predictable than the f80. that car was so rigid and you needed faster hands especially in the wet. . Anyway it sounds like just want a luxury cruiser. The M5 is a no brainer for you I think. The M3 is just a visceral beast. I would be surprised if BMW M anything like it again with such a high chassis rigidity and snappy throttle.
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      02-18-2020, 01:49 PM   #20
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I have an F90 and my nephew has an F80. I've had a bit of seat time in both, and the M5 is just way better from a comfort stand point. The increase in power and speed goes without saying. The M3 is like a gokart on steroids and feels (in my opinion) more of a connected driving experience. I daily my M5, and couldn't imagine doing that in an M3. Just my .02

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      03-08-2020, 06:13 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Burns View Post
Two things I picked out from your post was the 6+ hours round trip and how you found the build quality (especially seats) to be first class in your M3.

Focusing on comfort, I'd 100% expect you to enjoy the F90.

I went straight from F80 M3 Comp to F90 M5 and it is a large step up in terms of quality and comfort.

Is it as much fun? - not for me - it is completely different - do I love it? - hell yes!

Drive one - it's blooming massive compared to the M3!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Burns View Post
Two things I picked out from your post was the 6+ hours round trip and how you found the build quality (especially seats) to be first class in your M3.

Focusing on comfort, I'd 100% expect you to enjoy the F90.

I went straight from F80 M3 Comp to F90 M5 and it is a large step up in terms of quality and comfort.

Is it as much fun? - not for me - it is completely different - do I love it? - hell yes!

Drive one - it's blooming massive compared to the M3!
So the not as much fun part is ok for me too, comfort has become a factor recently. Thanks for the input!
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      03-08-2020, 06:15 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
I find the M5 to be way better than my M4 (and previous M3s) in almost all aspects.
The performance is pretty special....with plenty of confidence to push on, in good and bad weather.
The M5 has a surprising amount of front end grip for its weight with good turn in....but not as agile as my M4 nor as sensitive to steering input.
The std non comp pack M5 is a lot more comfortable over poor road surfaces than my M4 comp pack was and has plenty of space for 4 people to travel long distances in comfort.
It depends on what you want....I would say the M5 is the more "grown up" car of the two.
For me the F8x M3/4 lost the balance that made the E92 M3s such fun to throw around...and my M4 certainly felt like it would create an M4 shaped hole in the countryside given half a chance.
There is always the awd version of the M3/4 due soon as an alternative.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Burns View Post
Two things I picked out from your post was the 6+ hours round trip and how you found the build quality (especially seats) to be first class in your M3.

Focusing on comfort, I'd 100% expect you to enjoy the F90.

I went straight from F80 M3 Comp to F90 M5 and it is a large step up in terms of quality and comfort.

Is it as much fun? - not for me - it is completely different - do I love it? - hell yes!

Drive one - it's blooming massive compared to the M3!
It's that hole in the countryside that has me shook occasionally!!!!
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