Ferrari Mailing List: Re: [NFC] 2003 BMW M5?

[Brian E. Buxton (BrianBuxton]

I may be a wuss, but have you driven one?  Mercedes new 5 and 7 speed 
trannies are *excellent,* and the cars are too heavy for a manual.

Brian


Dennis Liu wrote:

> Brian Buxton wrote:
>
>  
>
> > The M5 is a great car ... I am more of a Mercedes-Benz person and
> >    
> personally would opt for an 03 E55 AMG with 469 hp. & 516 ft.-lb. torque for
> about the same money.  But an M5 is a great way to haul 4 people around in
> comfort, safety and speed!  I think the price seems a bit high for the
> mileage, although the warranty is a plus that cannot easily be duplicated in
> the aftermarket ... but for just a few dollars more I can 
> get you about 38K LESS miles!   http://www.buxtonmotorsports.com/10.php
>
> ====================
>
> Ah, BMW v MB.  Another classic battle.  My $0.02 - the AMGs are for girls
> (and no, I don't mean females, I mean __GIRLS__).  Awesome concept, forever
> hobbled by that slushbox automatic transmission.  I think the most beautiful
> German sedan available now is the CLS, and I'd LOVE to have a CLS55, but
> ain't no way - not if I can only get an automatic.
>
> Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against automatics per se.  It's
> just that if I'm buying a sports car, or even a big sedan that's ostensibly
> sporty in nature, then I want a damn manual transmission.  I love my 740iL
> with the auto, and I'm thinking about buying another one (or even a 750).
> But I'm not going to get the "M" version with an automatic.  I don't even
> like the SMG versions.  Heck, that's why the current M5 has been on my sh*t
> list, because the BMW SMG tranny bites it, big time.  And why I've been
> waiting and waiting and waiting for my 430, with a manual 6-speed (who knows
> if I'll EVER get one).
>
> Bottom line, the AMG is just plain ridiculous.  What's the point of all that
> power and stiff suspension if you can't enjoy driving the dang thing because
> of the slushbox?  Might as well get the E500/E550 (or CLS550) and save $15k.
> You'll still have every bit as much fun.
>
> AMG, Brian?  You wuss.  :-P
>
> Vty,
>
> --Dennis
>
>