BMW M3 Vs. M5 - 5 Facts You Need To Know - BimmerFest

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Eli Madero If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, including a BMW in your list of potential purchases is a must. If you want a mix of high-performance and luxury, comparing the BMW M3 vs. M5 has to be done. Neither lacks in luxury or performance, but what differences between the two would make you pick one of the best luxury sedans in the market over the other from the same manufacture? We’re here to break down the difference between these two heavy hitters in the high-performance luxury sedan market. Oh, where to start. While first instincts usually lead us to dive into the engine specifications, we’re taking a different approach and focusing on the chassis differences. While horsepower numbers are important to the masses, we’re looking at the big picture between the two and this starts with chassis differences. 1. Chassis Differences When you put the BMW M3 vs. the M5, the BMW M3 drives with more accuracy that lends itself to be favored by more aggressive drivers. There are a few things that we could chalk this up to like a 5” shorter wheelbase, a heavier forward weight distribution, or even just being 40 lbs. lighter, but none of these means that the M5 is slug by any means. Just looking at these two side by side, you can see that they both are ready to be driven hard. 2. Interior Space and Design Where the M3 might shine in handling because of its design and subtle size difference, you can look to the interior of the M5 to see where it has its advantages. By the numbers, the interior of the vehicles are mere inches in difference from one another, but the M5 offers more room, comfort and cargo space. As for creature comforts of the interior, It’s a BMW. You know that regardless of which “M” model you choose, it’s going to be elegant and feature those little touches that make it stand out like the signature “M” badging throughout. 3. Engine and Transmission Differences There is no comparison in power between the BMW M3 vs. the M5. There are two major differences in what lies under the hood and how it transfers to the road and driver’s seat. The M3 is powered by a 3.0L (2979cc) twin-turbo Inline 6-cylinder engine that cranks out 431 HP and 550 ft.-lbs. of torque. All this power is harnessed through a 6-speed manual transmission and delivered to the rear wheels through BMW’s Active M Differential, giving the M3 a 0-60 MPH time of 4.1 seconds. If using a clutch to shift through the gears isn’t for you, BMW also offers the M3 Competition Sedan that uses the same engine with a performance tune that puts out an additional 60 HP and 70 ft.-lbs. of torque through an automatic 8-speed transmission and same Active M Differential. This change brings the 0-60 time to just under 4-seconds with the same top speed of 155 MPH. What really set’s the BMW M5 apart from the M3 is the total drivetrain package. The M5 packs a powerful 4.4l (4395cc) twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 600 HP and 553 ft.-lbs. of torque. Aside from the larger engine, the M5 harnesses all that power through an 8-speed sport automatic transmission that offers both sport and manual shift modes, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and launch control. To make the M5 even more fun to drive, BMW equipped it with their M xDrive, all-wheel drive system, that allows drivers to select 4WD, 4WD Sport or 2WD modes. This drivetrain package makes for the perfect mix of performance and fun that you want for a high-performance luxury sedan. 4. Suspension and Handling When it comes to suspension, the biggest difference between the BMW M3 vs. the M5 is the front suspension. While both feature BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension, that feature electronically adjustable dampers, the front on the M3 utilizes a strut-type front suspension whereas the M5 features a double-wishbone multi-link up front. Because of the advanced, electronically controlled suspension systems, both of these machines feel right at home when pushed hard though many drivers express the same views on the M5 in that it doesn’t feel quite as tight on the road like the nimble M3. Braking ability for both the M3 and M5 comparable since they both utilize M Compound 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes that feature dynamic brake control. One thing the M3 doesn’t have and the M5 does is a Cornering Brake Control system allowing the computer to assist in stabilization of the vehicle by monitoring and controlling wheel speeds with the ABS system while cornering. 5. Price One area that benefits the BMW M3 vs. the M5 is the price. While the M3 doesn’t have quite the frills as the M5, you can’t overlook a starting MSRP of just under $70,000 compared to the M5 at a whopping $103,500. We know and understand the benefits of a larger engine and slightly roomier interior, but is it really worth $33,000? For many people it might be, but in the opinion of multiple test drivers, the difference between the two isn’t significant enough to justify the cost. At least for them, and we’d have to agree. There you have it. 5 key differences between BMW’s M series luxury sedans. From agility, power, comfort and even style, these two machines stand out on their own in different ways. Are you in the market to get one of these sedans, or do you have one of the two and want to weigh in on this? Let us know because we want to hear what you have to say. #1 · Apr 8, 2021 (Edited) If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, including a BMW in your list of potential purchases is a must. If you want a mix of high-performance and luxury, comparing the BMW M3 vs. M5 has to be done. Neither lacks in luxury or performance, but what differences between the two would make you pick one of the best luxury sedans in the market over the other from the same manufacture? We’re here to break down the difference between these two heavy hitters in the high-performance luxury sedan market. Oh, where to start. While first instincts usually lead us to dive into the engine specifications, we’re taking a different approach and focusing on the chassis differences. While horsepower numbers are important to the masses, we’re looking at the big picture between the two and this starts with chassis differences. 1. Chassis Differences When you put the BMW M3 vs. the M5, the BMW M3 drives with more accuracy that lends itself to be favored by more aggressive drivers. There are a few things that we could chalk this up to like a 5” shorter wheelbase, a heavier forward weight distribution, or even just being 40 lbs. lighter, but none of these means that the M5 is slug by any means. Just looking at these two side by side, you can see that they both are ready to be driven hard. 2. Interior Space and Design Where the M3 might shine in handling because of its design and subtle size difference, you can look to the interior of the M5 to see where it has its advantages. By the numbers, the interior of the vehicles are mere inches in difference from one another, but the M5 offers more room, comfort and cargo space. As for creature comforts of the interior, It’s a BMW. You know that regardless of which “M” model you choose, it’s going to be elegant and feature those little touches that make it stand out like the signature “M” badging throughout. 3. Engine and Transmission Differences There is no comparison in power between the BMW M3 vs. the M5. There are two major differences in what lies under the hood and how it transfers to the road and driver’s seat. The M3 is powered by a 3.0L (2979cc) twin-turbo Inline 6-cylinder engine that cranks out 431 HP and 550 ft.-lbs. of torque. All this power is harnessed through a 6-speed manual transmission and delivered to the rear wheels through BMW’s Active M Differential, giving the M3 a 0-60 MPH time of 4.1 seconds. If using a clutch to shift through the gears isn’t for you, BMW also offers the M3 Competition Sedan that uses the same engine with a performance tune that puts out an additional 60 HP and 70 ft.-lbs. of torque through an automatic 8-speed transmission and same Active M Differential. This change brings the 0-60 time to just under 4-seconds with the same top speed of 155 MPH. What really set’s the BMW M5 apart from the M3 is the total drivetrain package. The M5 packs a powerful 4.4l (4395cc) twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 600 HP and 553 ft.-lbs. of torque. Aside from the larger engine, the M5 harnesses all that power through an 8-speed sport automatic transmission that offers both sport and manual shift modes, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and launch control. To make the M5 even more fun to drive, BMW equipped it with their M xDrive, all-wheel drive system, that allows drivers to select 4WD, 4WD Sport or 2WD modes. This drivetrain package makes for the perfect mix of performance and fun that you want for a high-performance luxury sedan. 4. Suspension and Handling When it comes to suspension, the biggest difference between the BMW M3 vs. the M5 is the front suspension. While both feature BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension, that feature electronically adjustable dampers, the front on the M3 utilizes a strut-type front suspension whereas the M5 features a double-wishbone multi-link up front. Because of the advanced, electronically controlled suspension systems, both of these machines feel right at home when pushed hard though many drivers express the same views on the M5 in that it doesn’t feel quite as tight on the road like the nimble M3. Braking ability for both the M3 and M5 comparable since they both utilize M Compound 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes that feature dynamic brake control. One thing the M3 doesn’t have and the M5 does is a Cornering Brake Control system allowing the computer to assist in stabilization of the vehicle by monitoring and controlling wheel speeds with the ABS system while cornering. 5. Price One area that benefits the BMW M3 vs. the M5 is the price. While the M3 doesn’t have quite the frills as the M5, you can’t overlook a starting MSRP of just under $70,000 compared to the M5 at a whopping $103,500. We know and understand the benefits of a larger engine and slightly roomier interior, but is it really worth $33,000? For many people it might be, but in the opinion of multiple test drivers, the difference between the two isn’t significant enough to justify the cost. At least for them, and we’d have to agree. There you have it. 5 key differences between BMW’s M series luxury sedans. From agility, power, comfort and even style, these two machines stand out on their own in different ways. Are you in the market to get one of these sedans, or do you have one of the two and want to weigh in on this? Let us know because we want to hear what you have to say.

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See less See more 7 Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Apr 14, 2021 Thanks for the comparo... If I ever buy an M series new, I will never by an M5 again unless they go back to a manual. I have an E39 M5 and a boosted 535xiT. We traded an auto E61 for the manual one that my wife drives now, and there is no comparison as to how much more drivable the manual is. On the plus side, it would appear that if I decide to not get a Porsche 911, then I could just drop my money on a modern M3. #3 · Apr 14, 2021 ^ Id based my decision solely on the grill.... (and I have and E39M5 and a modded 996TT. Both three pedals) #5 · Apr 14, 2021 Agree. BMW is making design changes based on one market globally, which is having adverse effects on other global markets. Personally, I think the huge grills mess up the lines...on BMW, Lexus, Audi, etc. The new M5 is just ugly. 0 Reply #4 · Apr 14, 2021 I've been to several Advanced M Schools. A lot of M5/6 owners were there, figuring they need to learn how to drive their new 575 h.p. monsters so they don't kill themselves. Almost every one of them regretted not getting an M3/4 instead of an M5/6. One of the "students" was a retired NASCAR Cup driver. You'd think that if anybody would prefer the larger cars, it'd be him. Even he said he'd rather have an M3/4... but with a M V8 crammed in the nose. The only place the big M's did better was on a long straight. At Road Atlanta, they'd top out at about 160 MPH (briefly overshooting the 155 MPH governor). One of the games at Advanced M at Road Atlanta was M5's on the go-kart track... 600 h.p. and 4300 pounds on a go-kart track... What could possibly go wrong? Insert Quotes Post Reply

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