Might be trading in the 996 for a 2006 BMW M5 tomorrow

We shall see, would be 8 grand out of pocket for me on the trade, both have 77K miles on them. All depends on how that V-10 500 HP engine makes me feel. I have put over 10K into this 996....I love it, but we shall see. Porsche, new IMS, diff and trans rebuilt, new AOS, new MAF, Fabspeed intake, needs leaking valve cover gasket and cracked oil filler replaced

I am a 3 time BMW owner so know them pretty well. This would be my first M5 though.

Both are nice cars, but if the Beemer turns you on, go for it

The M5 is a beast. I drove one for about 2 months and loved it. But a 996 and an M5 are two complete different animals. The only bad thing for the 2006 is its the first year of that body and they had a lot of electrical issues and it only came in SMG which i personally hate. Make sure that all the electrical issues have been addressed.

In my opinion, the M5 just doesn't compare to the 996. Trade up to a 996 Turbo

I like the mods to the 996. It looks like you, or someone else before you, have taken good care of it. I imagine you were posting this on a Porsche forum to have us all bash the beemer and confirm that you should stick with the 911, but variety is the spice of life. Get the beemer. You will be back soon

I've owned a few beamers and loved them. gocart vs sedan the porsche looks faster and sportier and turns more heads. the beamer will blend in more, but its just not a porsche

I have nothing bad to say about BMW or Porsche...owned quite a few of them. If the drive and price is right...might get the M5. Faster, more practical....but no wow factor the 996 has. I have the 8 grand for the trade. Triple black just looks so nice on a M5. We shall see, the 911 is much more fun to drive, but I live in Colorado. I am sure this M5 will be needing some maintenance at those miles. I know my 996 is good with all I have done. New clutch, IMS, rebuilt diff, rebuilt trans, AOS, new MAF. Just taking the 996 in for an oil change...we shall see. The smart in me says keep the Porsche.

I would take the IMS issue vs. the 10 Cyl out of warranty M5. Not hating on the M5 - it is very nice. I agree with the Tubro 996 upgrade.

on top of the SMG not being recommendable, 2006 M5 also have the earlier iteration of idrive which is a complete pain.

My neighbor and good friend got his 06 M5 a few months ago. Has an RPI exhaust that makes it sound like a Ferrari. In M mode, the car is the second fastest thing I have driven in besides...a Ferrari. It is about 1000# heavier than the 911, but the pull that motor has is amazing! The car is a technological marvel! Now the bad. Right before he took delivery of the car, the previous owner had one of the hydraulic SMG pumps go out...$7000. It was covered under warranty, luckily, but the bottom line is, if you are going to drive big, be prepared to pay big.

Hi Carcster, I have to ask....on the passenger side attached to the center console - is that a knife?....if so, you are officially a badass !!! Ray

There is more to a sports car than raw HP, to me one is a pure, focused sports car and the other is straddlin sports car and boring 4 door sedan, I'd keep the Porsche. Not to mention the front end of the bimmer is fugly.

I like them too, but I don't think I would want to get a 4 door car until I have kids.

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OT, looks like an umbrella.....j/s

Well, the deed is done. The M5 is mine. After driving it......was a done deal. That V10 is awesome. I don't really mind the SMG that much. After putting almost 10K in repairs to the 996.....rebuilt dif, rebuilt trans, new clutch, IMS fix, new AOS, new waterpump and several other things...I understand cars need parts. So many on the Porsche came at once though. But....if you drive any of these cars...you need a savings set up for repairs. I love Porsche and will be back for another one in the future, but I love BMW also. 2 totally different cars. I will miss the complements and looks I got from the Porsche though. The M5 will probably never get as much attention as my 911 did. Thanks to the forum and all your help.....I shall return!!!

M5 is not bullet proof though. Rod bearings, smg pump failures etc.. Fortunately BMW parts are cheaper. I do own an e39 M5 and 996. M5 is more complex, but easier to fix.

Congratulations carcster88 Hope to see you back in the near future, but enjoy the M5. We do offer a bunch of aftermarket goodies for it when your ready. For more information Click Here

It would be tough for me to go back to bimmers from owning a 911. To each their own. It is said that a 911 owner is a BMW Enthusiast with a little more money. I went from owning 7 bimmers including a 1992 E30 Full Mtechnic II, 1991 E30 MTechic II Appearance Package, E36 M3 and my last car E46 M3 to my 996 4S and won't look back period. It's only up from here...good luck!

I own an e39 M5 along with my 996tt. While I'm fairly new to the 996tt, every time I drive it, I appreciate my M5 more - it's a truly amazing car. Completely different from the Porsche in most every way, but amazing none the less. This is not in any way to take away from the Porsche. It's an amazing car as well. They both shine in different ways. BTW - I know the e60 and e39 are two very different cars, but my M5 has been bulletproof. Over 100K on the clock and she still rides like a brand new car. Required repairs have been next to none. In fact, it has been every bit as reliable and dependable as the Japanese cars I have previously owned. Good luck with the M5 - I'm sure you will enjoy it. -c

if I was going to trade I would trade it in for a 996tt but the m5 is a beast for a family car. I have a 535i and its comfortable but I usually drive the diesel truck or hummer since the wife like the e60 (535)

The sound of the V-10 is totally intoxicating. But after that thrill wears off, it is just another BMW 5 series. My son-in-law had one for a couple of years. He just traded it for a M-B GL 450. Doesn't miss the M one bit. Hope you have better luck and love the car.

I had an e60 M5. It was indeed a beast. Try to look up euro SMG software, it will make the SMG smoother and you can code it yourself with a cable. Enjoy!

Had three Bimmers, great except repairs. My neighbor has your M5, stunning enjoy.