[magpie]

Hi All

New to the site as I'm contemplating moving from my current 05 E46 M3 to an S5 or new E92 M3.

I've tried to search on the site for comparisons against the E46 and haven't come across much! If anyone has any comments on the two it would be much appreciated. On paper they look about as quick as each other although that's not my sole reason for buying the car. I know they're going to be quite similar in terms of pace and as always the driver will probably be the differentiating factor. I'm after some general comparison really on any aspects of the car.

As I said I'm in two minds as to whether to stick with BMW or move to the S5. I'm going to book test drives in both in the coming weeks.

Thanks

 

[Rezox]

To customize an S5 you'll be waiting much longer. From what I've heard 5-8 month wait now. E92 M3 is really nice especially with the carbon fiber hood and won't be such a long wait.

 

[doubledoom]

magpie is in the UK, not the US. Delivery times in the UK are much shorter. Typically 8-11 weeks. Plus some small amounts of stock may be available.

The S5 is comparable to the 335i and not the M3. The RS5 will be the one that goes up against the M3.

The M3 will be the better drive from a track point of view. The S5 is a better all rounder. Where the S5 scores well against the M3 is interior and styling. The S5 is no slouch though.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

magpie is in the UK, not the US. Delivery times in the UK are much shorter. Typically 8-11 weeks. Plus some small amounts of stock may be available.

The S5 is comparable to the 335i and not the M3. The RS5 will be the one that goes up against the M3.

The M3 will be the better drive from a track point of view. The S5 is a better all rounder. Where the S5 scores well against the M3 is interior and styling. The S5 is no slouch though.

I looked at a Beemer coupe too and although the BM is a lovely drive, I just didn't want to be another BMW on the road indistinguishable from the rest.

I think the BMW is a better driver's car but the Audi just looks better inside and out and has a better level of refinement. Plus, the Audi isn't far behind on driver satisfaction either.

 

[Ess5ive]

I've tried to search on the site for comparisons against the E46 and haven't come across much! If anyone has any comments on the two it would be much appreciated. On paper they look about as quick as each other although that's not my sole reason for buying the car.

Hi Magpie, you're right, on paper the S5 and E46 seem pretty closely matched, on power at least (343bhp plays 349). However, where this has been discussed before, there seems to be a general acceptance that the M3 is still the better driver's car, offering an inherent balance and adjustability that's just not possible with the S5 (not least because of the weight of the V8 strung up-front and leading to a more pronounced nose-heavy feeling than the M3). I drove an E46 (cabrio, so not the best of the breed) back in March and remember it feeling so much more lithe and nimble than the S5 and the rwd makes it far more of a 'seat of the pants' experience.

Essentially, they're different cars and power outputs aside, aimed at a different clientele.

If you're clear on what the S5 is, and offers, you wouldn't be at all disappointed with the switch. E92 though is a different story altogether and whether we like it or not, it's essentially in a different classs to the S5 (literally, as reinforced by the price and power differential).

 

[bandar1113]

Try talking to one of our members "DrakeS5", I believe he has an e46 m3 and an S5 or something like that



**Update** nevermind he hasnt gotten his S5 yet

 

[DOCTOR D]

test drove e46,e92 and s5 decided on s5 as i wanted a fast, comfortable luxary long distance cruiser, found the m3s much harsher ride and interior of audi is much more attractive/easier to use

s5 is jus a sexier car get compliments all the time, but really did like the e92 will prob get a DCT e92 (or rs5) ,once i get bored of power in the s5- if ever!

but obviously test drive the nuts off all of them b4 u make a decision

good luck

 

[acadia]

magpie is in the UK, not the US. Delivery times in the UK are much shorter. Typically 8-11 weeks. Plus some small amounts of stock may be available.

The S5 is comparable to the 335i and not the M3. The RS5 will be the one that goes up against the M3.

The M3 will be the better drive from a track point of view. The S5 is a better all rounder. Where the S5 scores well against the M3 is interior and styling. The S5 is no slouch though.

S5 performance wise should outdo the E46 M3, it's not as quick as the E92 M3 or likely as agile, it's a bigger car than both, and different beast to be in. The S5 is a GT car, along the lines of Aston Martin, it's the difference in comparing a AM DB9 to say a Porsche GT3, one is more GT'ish, and the more track car.

The S5 is more luxorious than either in feel.

 

[magpie]

Thanks for all of the replies.

Think the proof is going to be in the test drives. Sat in an S5 at the dealers the other day and the interior just has so much more of a feel of quality than the M3. And I can't think of many things on the road better looking than an S5 lowered on 20's.

I'll update once I've taken one for a spin. Do any of the UK members know of a dealership with an S5 demo? My local one only has a 3.0 TDI.

Thanks

 

[doubledoom]

Norwich had an S5 sitting in the car park a few weeks back that appeared to be a demo (as it was in that area). Alternatively, you could pop up to the lake district at the end of November as about 15 of us have booked the weekend there and you have a range of A5s and S5s there. Some stock, some with modifications. You could get a feel of what its like modified (exhaust, coilovers, spacers etc) as well as seeing the stock option. Its a bit of a trip, even from Oxfordshire but if you are serious about spending 50k or so then a half day in the lake district may be worth it (see the UK section of the forum for the regional meet thread)

 

[DrakeS5]

Try talking to one of our members "DrakeS5", I believe he has an e46 m3 and an S5 or something like that



**Update** nevermind he hasnt gotten his S5 yet

Very good, Bandar haha. I did test drive the S5 for about an hour though. The things that were very noticeably to me were: lighter in steering at lower speeds, shifter was a little more notchy than I'm used to (I have a short shifter and aftermarket clutch in my M3 though), more growl than the E46!, and lower rpm shifts from 1st to 2nd to 3rd in the S5. These were the most noticeable, but they didn't bother me for the most part. Like any car you aren't used to, it takes some time getting used to. The most disappointing thing for me is the lack of an open sunroof, but I think I will warm to this more as I get used to it! Performance wise, I think I'm going to love it Also, practicality takes over, especially since I don't live in a warm weather place.