Consider trading my m5 for 996

What do u guys think? i know there are many of you with M5s or know alot about this car. i have a m5 2001 w/ 42k miles and complete dinan s2 pkg. i am taking deliver of a 540 2000 from a friend in 6 months. so i was thinking of swapping the m5 w/ a friend who has the following: 2000 996 6spd 25k miles w./ no mods. i was thinking of asking for 5-10k and a swap. i just think 99% of the time i drive w/ no passengers so why not get a porsche again. i had a 993 before the m5 just fyi. thxs

I had an M5 once. Obviously, if you don't need the 4 doors, passenger room and cargo area then a 911 is more fun to drive.

The M5 is a good car but a 911 is a great car. With the m5, even though it is very quick, it still feels like driving a boat.

i had an 00 m5 that i kept for about 1 yr before moving to porsche. biggest differences: 1) m5 low end torque is not in a 996 2) my m5 traction was not very good. too much power off the line. 996 grips well. 3) i prefer the awd 996 as they drive more like a front engine car (my history). if you had a 993, then you probably have nothing to worry about. 4) with respect to overall handling, the m5 feels like a boat compared to the 996! 5) both are fast. m5 torque and short gearing make it feel a bit faster. depending on what you want/need, both are great options. just my thoughts.

With a 540i and a 996, you might not miss the M5. Then again if you're *really* in love with it, think carefully. I can only keep one car in NYC, if that. A few weeks after I got my 996, I sold my Audi. At the end of the summer, the 996 didn't feel like the right car at the right time so I sold it and missed my Audi. Driving a new bmw, I'm quite happy currently, but still, the story has some lessons. Especially when considering a porsche as an only car.

I've got a 540 and a 996. It's a great combination. Go for it (assuming the 540 is in good shape).

The M5 is a great all around car. I would drive a 996 for a few days before pulling the trigger.

I had an an M5 a TT and a 996, I would not trade an M5 for a 996, but I would for a TT. Neither the the M5 or the TT were hard core enough, (and I'm not an extreme driver) so I went for the GT2. The 540i is a great car but it is no M5, so keep the M5 The only difference in the 996 (any variant) and the M5 is the weight in cornering (plus the rear seat) so it depends on the type of driving you as to which will fit you best. Perspective to consider.

Is there a dependability difference between an M5 and a 540i for street use ?

The M5 is very reliable,as is the 996 and 540i. No differences to speak of.

I traded in my M5 for a 996 C2 with the X51 pkg....... I miss the power of the M5 but love the finesse of the 996..... keep kicking myself for not buying a 996 in the first place. I'm glad to see your considerations are limited to teh E39 Bimmers... that's good!!! I defintely wouldn't buy a Chris Bangle Bimmer!!!

I had an M5 for ... 8 years before buying my first 996. The M5 is AS fast as an 996 if you do not drive in mountains wih tight corners or take the car to a track. In those two situations the 996 is much more effective. The 996 is more sexy ( at least here in Spain were you can see lots of BMW's ) and less comfortable. You will find a big difference with noise inside the car. Anyhow now I drive a 996 TT and a.... BMW 528 as a familly car. If I had to choose now, after experiencing both I would choose the 996, it's more3 exciting......if you do not compare it with the NEW M5 !!!!!

This is such a common swap...I had an '02 M5 and it was a beast regarding power but the other posts are so right..it's too heavy. Unless you have a need for 4 doors these high hp sedans are a waste. Until someone figures out how to keep the suspension firm enough to handle the weight but pliant enough not to blow your teeth out of your mouth when you hit a pothole those cars are a total waste. Having a great handling car is so much fun...do the trade. Joshn

Having both, I'd keep both! Trade him the 540!

I had an '01 M5 for about 18 months, now I drive an '04 C4S Cab. I can tell you that the M5 is a blast to drive, totally dependable and guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time. That said, it is a bit heavy in the corners compared to the 996, and it sure looks a lot less exciting. The average person can't tell if it's a 528. If you don't care about sex appeal, and drive every day, you're better off with the M5. Otherwise, like many others said in this thread, get a TT or wait for the new M5 with 507 HP!

Those big heavy sedans -E55 and M5 are a total waste of gas!!! Like most have said, the suspension and weight are not good for that much power. Yes I have driven both... I agree the best combo is 540i for family and some sort of Porsche car to satisfy the kid in you once and a while!!!

now that i am heading down this pcar slope - now i am trying to think - should i get the car i really want (997s) regardless of price $90k+ or should i get 90% of what i want for 50k for a 2002 or go value and get a 2000 for high 30s (which is where i started from) i have a friend who has a 2000 c2 who wants my m5 so it would be easy and cheap but - part of me thinks forget it . just sell it to him and get a 2002 or 997 ugh!

I have an 01 M5 with Tubi exhaust and intake and it is (was) faster than my 02 C4S. That is one reason I installed the Evo Supercharger. I think you will be dissapointed with the straight line performance of the N/A 996 to the M5 but will love its track and road hugging charactistics. Will