Trade my M5 for a 996?

I am new to this board. I just got an 01 M5 and while it is an awesome car, I am thinking of trading it for a 99 996C2 with the aero kit as well as some other options. The 996 was bought originally by a collector and only has 300 miles on it. Everyone on the M5 board thinks I am crazy for even considering this. I wanted to get some input from the other side. Any comments?

There are a few benefits of owning a 996. The one I like the most is tracking the car. Although you could also track a M5, I don't think you'd have as much fun driving a sedan on the track. But an M5 may be more functional on the street (i.e. you can carry passengers, kids, ...).

I heard that the early 99s had some production problems and this is an early 99 car. Also, what is the difference between Traction control with ABD and PSM?

Yes, that is true. However, the problems either have been or will be corrected by Porsche. If you find a very clean '99 that you like, I wouldn't worry about the potential problems. LSD is a mechanical form of an anti-slip regulation. ABD is a low-speed (below 40 mph) electronic form of traction control. PSM does the driving for you. LSD with ABD was optional on '99 cars. PSM replaced this option on '00-on cars.

The M5 and the 996 are IMO the best cars in their class (the E-55 AMG, Jag XJR, Masserati 3200, and Audi S6 are far behind the M5), but they are each in a different class. The M3 is already quite different than a 996, the M5 is another world. So best thing you can do is try to get your hands on a 996 and see for yourself what suits your needs better because no one can make a such an important choice better than you; a more impractical but higher performing and more fun to drive car, or a confortable multipurpose sportiest sedan. BTW PSM is a must on the 996 if you are looking for one, I�ve tried with and without on test track and the differece is noticiable especially on wet (not so with the Merc�s and BMW�s which are too intrusive and gets to be a pain)allows you to push it on everyday driving roads with more security so you don�t wrap your car around a tree when coming back to work. Carlos.

I'm glad to hear you are considering the trade - it makes me feel even better about my own decision. I thought long and hard about the M5 before buying my '99 c4 coupe. The reviews for that car are so amazing and its so practical as a 5 seater. It probably is the best support sedan on the planet, but at the end of the day, I was looking for the sportier look and feel of the 911 (and it is soooo much fun to drive). The M5 is still on my shopping list, however, when I can convince my wife to allow me to keep 2 high performance cars that she won't drive (she doesn't drive manual transmission). For me, having the luxury of a couple of sport utilities in the house to take kids to sporting events, etc. made my decision to buy the 911 clear - but if this will be your only car, the M5 is a good combination of sport driving and family transporter.

I have an early '99. Took delivery June of '98. There are a lot of ticky tack stuff. PCNA have been very good at making things right. My serivce rep (Rick Perkins) is really cool to work with. I'm sure if you have any issues, they will take care of it, especially stuff on their TSB.

Scott, What ever happened in your endevours of trying to trade the M5 for a 996?

The M5 and the 996 C2 are such different cars. The M5 is a portly albeit quick sedan but the 996 is a real sports car. Buy the 996 and buy an accord for other duties. Don't get me wrong, I like the M cars. I own a 95 M3 and 01 M Coupe. I just think the new M3/M5 are way too heavy. I am waiting for my new 2002 996.

Oris, I am still on the fence about what to do. I bailed on the idea of trading for a '99, but am considering an '01. I really love the M5s power and amenities, but it is BIG. (although doesn't feel that big when driving). I LOVE the looks of the 996 with the aerokit, love the engine (although I think the M5 is faster), however not sure on the interior. You have to physically sit in both to compare. To equip a 996 with the standard features on the M5 would bring it in well over 100k which to me is not worth it. I would have to be happy with less interior wise. In the end, both are very fun to drive. It is not an easy choice, but I consider myself lucky to be the one to make it...

I traded a 2000 M5 for a 01 996 C2. I really enjoyed the M5, but it is a big sedan. It is faster, but I really love the C2 and I do not miss the M5. I am waiting for an X5 4.6 so I can keep the C2 in the garage when it snows. I drove the M5 in the snow and it goes great if you have the right snow tires.

I thought snow tires are not available for the M5 which is a major drawback where I live given the snow and the rear wheel drive train on the M5. I'm waiting for BMW to create an xi (4 wheel drive) version of the M5 - then it will be a practical winter car for me. In the interim, I'm using a 4 wheel drive suv in the winter while my c4 "rests". That being said, you can actually drive the c4 in the snow with a good set of snow tires.

Scott, I did the opposite - I traded my 00 996 for an 01 M5, and after a few months of driving the M5, I missed the sportiness and feel of a Porsche ...so I went out and purchased a 97 C4s. The 996s are great cars, but I've always liked the looks and sound of a 993/aircooled car, particularly the looks of S models. At this point, I still have the M5 and am considering selling it or wait until I see the 02 C4s for a possible trade...