[delvek]

Originally Posted by kave

I think the question should be if you like to go fast on the autobahn or Nurburgring. All the talk of a 550 being faster is just speed in a straight line. In the corners I cant see the heavy 550 being quicker.
I would wait for the M550D, then you get more M than the 550 M sport.

I find daily driving on the autobahn, in particular the A62 which is like a snake with my 550i with springs and IAS/AD to be incredibly connected and stable at 140mph+ sustained speeds. I look forward to doing the same runs with the Hartge ECU soon obliterating any M3's that come my way.

[Diver]

Similar price, and same manufacturer, but these cars are fundamentally different. The 5 is an executive sedan and an M3 is a true track enthusiast's car. Statistics do not even begin to tell the difference.

[Houman21]

For me after being in a 335(e92) for the last few years, one of my pet peeves are the
cabin rattles. I've always wanted an M3 but after dealing with the shit L.A. roads - I want something that is fast and QUIET and SMOOTH. The M3 is fast, it roars. It also rattles like my e92 does and the ride is stiffer than my e92. It's an amazing car, if I could have both that would be ideal.

I'll definitely be going 550i when I put an order in the next month.

Two very different cars, not much of a comparison beyond price. If you're never ever going to track a M3 than get a 550i

GL with your decision

[Needsdecaf]

8 pages of debate have not resolved this question except to say that they are very different cars with very different missions...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=568325