[crypto]

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On Saturday I took delivery of my 2022 M5 CS in Frozen Deep Metallic Green and spent 500 miles in the car driving home the same day. This is a long post that will cover why I decided to go from a 2021 M550i tothe M5 CS, how I found the car for sale, my first impressions, and more. Long post alert! If you don't care about my life story and just want to see some pics -- just skip to the end! I think a few people might be interested and it could be helpful to others in their considerations for the future perhaps.

Backstory

In 2010 I picked up an E60 535xi. I used to post a lot on 5series.net and looking through my post history on 5post once in 2014 to part out things from when I sold the car. I enjoyed it quite a bit but ended up selling it and getting a 2014 F150 Limited, which I still have and don't plan to sell. I wasn't super interested in the F10 and kind of stopped keeping track of BMWs for a minute. Then one day in 2020 I saw an M550i in the parking lot at my kid's swim school. I was intrigued. The itch that everyone knows set in. I started researching and then ended up on the G30 Bimmerpost forums. The obsession began. I read probably nearly every thread and then convinced myself when the LCI came out I was going to pick one up. I also kept an eye on the F90 forums but I really couldn't convince myself I needed to jump into an M5 at the time. The G30 wasn't exactly light on the wallet and it was dramatically faster and nicer than anything I had owned. I ordered a 2021 M550i in October 2020 and it arrived in January 2021. It is/was an absolutely wonderful car. However, I got my Dragy and ran some 0-60 runs and the thing couldn't crack 4s. My best was a 4.09. We found on the forums everyone having the same problem with the LCI models. Turns out it was a software issue and C&D brought some attention to it and BMW issued a software fix. However, before the fix came, I was annoyed the car wasn't performing as it should even though it was still plenty fast.

I turned to the F90 forums and the itch returned. I started reading everything , eyeing dealership listing, looking out at used cars, etc. to understand the market and my options. Then it was back to every Youtube video in existence etc. Now I convinced myself the days with the G30 were numbered, even though the acceleration (for launch control) fix came out and I had no complaints about it. In this time the M5 CS was also starting to get attention and more details were trickling out. It seemed neat but I was really deadset on looking out for an M5C that did the trick and was really kind of set on an LCI MBB with Aragon interior. However, we now entered the realm of the chip shortage. Used M5s were selling for more than I could have bought one new if I had just ordered it that way in late 2020. New M5s weren't getting any discounts. Ugh.. this was a huge turn off to ordering (for me). More of a mental thing than anything.

The M5 CS cars were now starting to enter production or see light and become a real thing. I watched all those videos and reviews as they came with great intent. The car looked amazing but it's price point was even higher and maybe it was a little less practical to my intended needs and plans. However, I stayed on top of all the posts, the amounts paid, markups, etc. and basically did my research. I think the M5 CS value prop made even more sense as the discounts on the M5C went away. The MBB M5C I was looking at was MSRP priced around 123k. But... a year earlier that would be maybe 8-10% off before incentives... so 123k was really maybe 106-108k in 2020. So MSRP of 148k of an M5 CS vs 108k after discounts is HUGE. But... that went away. Now the delta was much smaller in reality. That is what made me decide to go for the M5 CS.

Finding an M5 CS

So how do you get an M5 CS when they are all largely spoken for? That is a bit tricky. It comes down to a few things:

• How picky are you with options?
• When do you want it?
• How much are you willing to pay?
• How hard do you want to work?
• How lucky are you?

Since they are all spoken for and ordered at this point, if you want a specific color and brake caliper combo you are limiting yourself a bit. If you want it NOW vs in 2 months, you are limited more as well. Do you just want to pay MSRP (lol..sorry ain't happening) or are you willing to get close to it (hard but possible) or a bit/way over (20-75k)? If you are willing to drop a lot of money over MSRP -- you'll be able to find one at some point without issue. The rest is up to hard work and luck. I will explain.

If you look at the Ordering forum you can see the list Day Laborer (it won't let me tag.. maybe because of space in name?) maintains/tracks over there for available M5 CS's -- both new and used. This is a great resource. He is also helping people look out for/broker car deals. If you don't have the time or resources to try and figure out something on your own (and even then you have to be lucky), I think he is 100% your best bet. He's helped a number of people get connected with buying an M5 CS and he has one himself.

Your other option is basically watch new listings, watch twitter/social media, and watch these forums. The first M5 CS I almost got was because a forum member posted about an M5 CS in Savannah, GA. I called right away and was told someone already put a deposit but they took down my info anyway. It was at just $5,000 over MSRP for a Frozen Deep Green car. Well, it turns out the person who put down the deposit backed out less than a few hours later. I had a VM from the dealership about this.. I called back.. I was on the phone working on the deal but was in a competitive situation. Someone else beat me to the punch. That was a gut shot. Such a little amount over MSRP. I watched continuously. Nothing for sale. Nothing for sale less than 15k.. now 20k... now 25k+ over. Yikes and F-that for me. I basically decided if I could get MSRP and Maybe up to 10k over I would go for it. I worked with Day Labrorer and we also had a deal that someone was backing out of at 10k over but that didn't work out as the original person ultimately came through and took delivery.

My search continued. I started to realize that cars.com/cargurus.com/autotrader.com and these websites were insanely behind and often never had listings that were live. The BMW website lets you see in-stock and stuff at the port but it only lets you do 100 mile radius of a zip code. Even then I'm not sure it's fully accurate. Also, hitting every major market/dealership with zipcodes and 100 miles is something I messed with. Exhausting and fruitless for the most part. Enter kilter.com. I circled back to a post on this forum in the ordering thread about car inventory and recalled a post from Chris@kilter (also won't let me tag) had posted about tips for finding an M5 CS using his website. When I first used the site I didn't really get it. Then I realized this site had all the listings that these other car website did not. I actually started using it when searching for the MBB M5C. The website has nation-wide listings and you can filter on specific car colors and packages. Like some sites if they even have it sya "Blue" and it might be wrong or it could be MBB or Tanzanite. This site let you get all those details and spells out all the packages. It was fantastic. I just would sort by New Listings and see what was around and if I wanted to go for it. Once I realized this site had the best I could find for the M5 CS listings too. I just started checking it all the time and calling around.

On December 20 -- I saw a new listing popup on Kilter.com from Grayson BMW in Knoxville, TN. I called over there and spoke with a CA named Brian Gabel. He told me that my timing was impeccable.. they had just listed it and the person who ordered it nearly a year ago had backed out as they had taken delivery of another vehicle instead. This was where luck came into play. He told me it was available and then said they had a small markup. I braced myself... and low and behold they were willing to come in at the same amount as Savannah. I did not hesitate and put a deposit down on the spot. Great success! Working with Brian and Grayson BMW was as painless as it gets. Professional and super easy to work with. While I would hope all people in business would do the same -- I can say they are also great in my book for honoring their word that the car was now mine. I know they got offers over what they sold it to me at but wouldn't budge. Maybe all dealerships would do the same but I don't have to wonder with them as they 100% did.

Note: I am not a paid spokesperson for Kilter no do I have any affiliation with them just in case it comes off as an advertisement.

Picking Up the M5 CS

Even though the deposit was in.. there was a wait. RAM retro fit stop sale. It cleared on January 31 and arrived in Knoxville last Tuesday (Feb 1). I booked a flight for Saturday (Feb 5) from IAD. A BMW Genius from Grayson BMW picked me up at the airport and drove me to the dealership. He was telling me about Tail of the Dragon -- a road with 318 turns in 11 miles that has professional photographers along the way. Sounds like it would have been pretty cool but ultimately it was in the opposite direction and timing just didn't permit. I got into the dealership, met with Brian, and went to go see the CS in an enclosed part of their show room. I had only seen videos of the car but in front of me was the beautiful Frozen Deep Green color. It's spectacular in person. I probably didn't look it but inside I was insanely pumped and the opposite of disappointed. Wow!

I had already sent over ID and insurance. Paperwork and what not took about 10 minutes -- there was just a queue that had me there about 1.5 hours. Nice dealership. I would definitely recommend Brian Gabel and Grayson BMW if anyone is local to them or considering them for a delivery from afar!

The Long Drive Home and First Impressions

The first thing I can say after a few days with this care is: If I have any regrets in life, this car will not be one of them. I don't come from a background of Porsches or other sports cars or super cars -- so I cannot compare it to those or how it's dialed in. You can seek other reviews for that. I'll just give you my review as someone approaching 40 years of age that currently has an LCI M550i.

Bucket Seats -- I'll start with this as everyone has thoughts and opinions and people really want to know about comfort. I will say these things fit like a glove. It is just over 480 miles from the dealership to my home and stopped in a few places along the way to eat, get gas, and take a picture (put 497 miles on it on day one total). The seats are great. It takes a bit of getting used to but they are comfortable. I will say about 320 miles into the drive my back did start to get a little sore. Maybe this would be the case in the M550i too -- I never took a long trip. I do have massaging seats in the M550i that would prob help with that -- not an option here though. But you feel nice and planted. I took some small trips to get gas, food, and coffee yesterday. No complaints beyond it being a bit awkward to get into as everyone has noted.

Exhaust Sound -- I think the car sounds great! It's a different sound than my M550i. I put an Remus catback exhaust on my M550i shortly after giving it. My Remus exhaust is definitely louder and has a lot more pops and burbles but that can be better or worse in some scenarios. The car has a good note though. I don't mind it so far but I suspect I'll want to put on the MPE or Akra in the future. Will just enjoy the car for now.

Sound Deadening -- It's definitely a bit louder in the car but no complaints. I listened to music the whole way or spoke on the phone during my ride back. No issues. I did notice though after getting gas - for a brief moment when a car drove by I thought maybe I had a window cracked. It's definitely a little louder than the M550I in that regard too but not annoying or distracting.

Driving -- I mostly kept the car in more tame modes and have no real experience in an F90 in super aggressive modes. I am obviously still in the brake in period but the car still hustles. It's quick and confident. Never a concern in a turn or overtaking etc. I think it actually sits higher than my M550i though. My M550i has DHP which I think makes it sit a little lower (I have a side-by-side pic below). However, as much as like DHP -- I think I am glad to drive without it. The rear wheel steering makes cornering/hard turns harder to predict. I am enjoying the F90 without. I can't compare it with the M5C -- I only ever test drove one a few times. I will say when suddenly going from 80MPH to 100MPH it feels more effortless/stable (I don't know the right word) and that is great. Put my warning chime on at 90 MPH in an attempt to stay out of accidental trouble.

Ride Comfort -- Ride comfort is great. It's funny someone at the dealership made a joke about Virginia roads -- which by in large are great! In Knoxville the friggin highway (I-40) is full of holes/jacked up driving in the middle and other lanes. Most bumps I've hit in a long time driving came within 2-10 minutes after the dealership! The car doesn't handle the bumps as comfortably as my M550i but no real complaints. It's certainly not a harsh ride at all.

Final Thoughts

I mentioned earlier -- this car will absolutely not be a regret. I can tell that now only after two days. The car is stunning and even though still in the break-in -- a joy to drive. I'm not sure anyone cares and I didn't plan to make this an AMA but glad to answer any questions if I can but I am just getting settled in myself. Glad to join the F90 forum and thanks for all the posts and responses from people that preceded this -- the forums are a great help.

P.S. I need to sell my M550i. Let me know if you want to buy it!

Last but not least -- big thanks to my wonderful wife who might read this post one day. She absolutely would have veto power over this purchase and let a young man follow his dreams. lol :P

Pictures!

[Neptune7]

A truly inspiring review with great photos. This car went to an enthusiast, as it should. Congratulations!

[DDD31]

Great post and absolute stunning car, congrats!

(Glad you went away from M5C in MBB with Aragon interior, that’s my car!)

.

[fusionrace]

Nice write up bud. I still can't believe you were able to get this... sure beats an Impala. In all seriousness, you are picking me up from the Airport next time I am in town

[AHall]

Nice review. Hopefully you will enjoy for years to come.

[Greer]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. ENJOY!

[HerkHealer]

LOVE that ext color ! What a great machine! The M5 CS logo on the hood is Epic !

If I were ever to build one, i'd go with same exterior color but one of the 'brown' interior selections. I would also go with the regular seats, but that's because i'm older than you. LOL.

What a great ride! Enjoy it !

[soopa]

Awsome write-up. Beautiful car!!!

[Day Laborer]

Thanks for the shout-out! I'm esctatic that you were able to track one down! I applaud you in your efforts as I know personally how time consuming and frustrating it can be.

Definitely will be awesome when we meet up at Katie's Cars and Coffee one of these Saturdays!

[m5 guy]

Great write up. Enjoy!

[Archan]

Great write-up. Made my morning! Enjoy the car in good health! Those seats and the logo underneath the hood. Car porn!!

[krm]

Thanks for sharing your purchase experience. Enjoyed reading it!

Happy motoring!

[CFoote]

Congratulations, I read your whole story and enjoyed every minute! A car like this is an emotional purchase and it is definitely a keeper. Cars like this will not be around in a few years unfortunately. I am sure EV's will have their place, but we have a long way to go before EVs are "fun", if they ever become "fun".

Chris

[crypto]

Thanks for the feedback guys and glad it was worth a read! I really liked a thread or two I have seen on here where road trips were documented. I can't remember who it was but there was one I think from the midwest or at least much more west than where I am where someone went 1000+ miles through different towns. Those pictures and the commentary were awesome. It's kind of what I had in mind a little but my only stops were the Welcome to Knoxville mural and an Exxon lol. Not quite the same.

[crypto]

Originally Posted by fusionrace

Nice write up bud. I still can't believe you were able to get this... sure beats an Impala. In all seriousness, you are picking me up from the Airport next time I am in town

LOL the Impala.. man that was quite some time ago. Let me know next time you are out here. I will definitely pick you up at the airport. Will come in the F150.

[F(90)Bomb!]

Thanks for sharing your experience and pics!
Dope ride!

[chicagofan00]

Excellent write up and story. Congrats on the M5CS, it's gorgeous. Wish it was in the boundary of my budget. Here's to many happy and safe miles!

P.S. I've got the buckets in my M3C and absolutely love them as well.

[Bfpd]

Nice write up and congrats on the new CS. I have a Noelle tuned 2020 M5C that's a total beast. No regrets driving a car that's special!

[zb2603]

It was such a cool backstory to read. I think the fact that you had to "work for it" to spend 150K on a car shows us the ridiculousness of the times we live in. I would have loved to listen to this story on VIN Wiki actually (shout out to Ed Bolian)

I hope you keep documenting your journey and keep the photos coming so that we can follow along. It makes me really happy that a fellow enthusiast is enjoying such a special car.

Enjoy it in good health!
(Ps. Just checked kilter.com, wish I knew about it earlier..)

[ice7]

Congrats man! I'm also at northern VA with the same color combo. We may have to sync up with the other CS's in the area when it gets warm out.

[Niko ZV]

Nice backstory. Congrats!

[Slugsy01]

What a great write up and well done you! All that hard work and perseverance paid off!