2008 IS-F vs. 2006 BMW M5: Should I Have Gotten The M5 Instead?

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
05/01/2016 at 12:26 • Filed to: BMW, M5

While most people in the US are wondering if the 2016 presidential election is actually just a big hoax, some insane reality show put on by Trump, I’m thinking: “ hmm…maybe I should’ve bought the E60 M5 instead of the IS-F? ” Buyer’s remorse, was it?

When I bought my IS-F, I was strongly considering buying an E60 M5, but the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! fell into my lap first. To be honest, it’s not a big deal what I’m driving now because I go through cars at the same frequency that babies go through diapers. I can always sell what I’m driving today and get something different tomorrow. I have no desire to hold onto anything I own, so I might briefly own an M5 some day.

You might be thinking that a comparison between the IS-F and M5 doesn’t make any sense since the IS-F was built to compete with the E9x BMW M3. Yes you would be right, that is, if the comparison was between brand new versions of both models.

But, here, I’m comparing a couple of used cars. And when it comes to these cars being many years old, the depreciation, which is steep for the E60 M5, brings its price down to that of a used IS-F. So, even though a $30K difference in price existed when new, you could buy a used 2006 M5 with 72K miles for about the same amount as a 2008 IS-F with 79K miles on it: somewhere in the mid-to-high $20K range.

In my case, the cars are even closer because a 500 hp M5 is not that much more powerful than the 450+ hp generated by my Japanese muscle car.

Japanese vs. German High Performance 4-Door Sedan Impression

As soon as you open the door of the M5, you’re immediately struck by the heaviness of it. The IS-F’s the door is thinner, lighter and flies open quite easily. With the M5, however, you get the feeling that there’s more substance. Substance in the form of stacks of paper stashed inside the door paneling to make them feel heavier.

Besides the heavy doors, there was way less rattling in the interior of the M5 as opposed to the IS-F. Don’t be fooled by the pretty IS-F interior visuals with carbon-fiber inserts; there is enough interior noise here to drive you insane.

In the IS-F, you constantly hear all kinds of things coming loose. The M5, on the other hand, is better put together–things feel much more solid. This can only mean one thing: BMW must be using the best quality paper known to mankind.

What It’s Like to Drive

Although the E60 M5 is a big and bulky car, when you drive it, BMW has done a nice job of making the car feel and handle like it’s much smaller. This is the exact opposite of the IS-F which somehow feels bigger and heavier than it actually is.

The M5 has more predictable steering, handling and small things make the M5 feel like more of a driver’s car than the IS-F. Things like better seating position, better steering wheel and better ergonomics.

In terms of sheer acceleration, I found that my IS-F was mostly able to keep up with the M5. With both of us flooring it on empty stretches of road, the cars felt similarly powerful. The difference is that, with the M5, the power comes at higher rpms whereas you’ll get to enjoy lots of low-end torque in the IS-F.

Comparing The Transmissions

The ’06 M5 has the quirky SMG transmission which means that BMW has taken all the fun out of having a manual transmission and has left you with the worst aspects of it. No clutch that you can push in, or a gearshift lever that you can manhandle. Instead you experience lots of lurching and agonizingly slow shifts at slower speeds and rpms which is a nuisance to deal with.

But things change when you floor it. It’s easy to slam the gas pedal down because the M5 is constantly begging you to do so with its willingess to rev up to stratospheric engine-blowing territory. Under full throttle, the transmission shifts quickly but so hard that for a moment you think that the transmission might have just fallen out from underneath the car. But somehow the M5 seems to be happy with all that redlining and that’s when the paddle-shifting performs the best.

But it’s probably not a good idea to do this all time, so I would recommend avoiding this altogether and finding a manual M5 to control your revs and shifting. You’ll be way happier too.

A huge benefit, especially, with this car, is the V10 wailing at 8500 rpm. Because the M5 doesn’t have the muffler or the secondary catalytic converter, this is one of the best sounding cars I’ve heard. The exhaust noise alone is one of the reasons to own an M5 car because nothing else quite sounds like it.

I thought my car was loud, but not next to the monstrous F1-like V10 roar. Here is a little something to give you a taste. You’d have to experience it in person to fully enjoy it.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on May 1, 2016 at 7:54am PDT

The M5 transmission is rough around the edges unlike the IS-F transmission which is extremely smooth and polished. Too much so, actually. With very quick shifts and an effortless increase in speed, there’s a simplicity and a lack of drama associated with it.

The M5 gives you a more thrilling sensation because as you’re flying through gears, you’re worried if this is the moment when the pistons will fly out of the engine block. The IS-F might be boring in comparison, but it will probably not leave you $20K in the hole trying to replace the engine.

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The E60 BMW M5 is not a car you should purchase without a warranty–or really ever. Because even if you do get a warranty, normal maintenance costs are so high that it will keep you up at night since your spouse will be constantly nagging you: “How come you get to spend so much money on that car instead of us going on vacation?”

Here are some normal maintenance costs. Oil change: $275, Brakes: $800, Plugs: $1200, Tires: 5 billion dollars–you get the idea.

On top of that, there are repair items and this M5 has its fair share of things go wrong. Fidelity, who sold the owner of this M5 the warranty has paid out almost $20K to replace things like the thermostat, headers w/ sensors, throttle actuators, oil cooler, clutch position sensor, etc. over the two years that he has owned the car. The owner has had to pay $2200 for the deductibles for the car and $3000 to replace the clutch and many thousands of dollars for normal maintenance items.

Owning the E60 M5 is equivalent to completely ignoring anything that anyone has ever taught you about personal finance.

Is It Ever Worth It To Buy An M5?

As an auto enthusiast, buying any kind of a fun car costs money and if you can afford to own something, you should. Us auto enthusiasts are cursed and unfortunately we love things that are entirely too expensive and make us do financially irresponsible things. But what can you do? Just accept your curse and live with it.

From a reasonable human-being perspective, buying an E60 M5 is probably the last thing you should do. Right after buying a hoverboard. But I’m not reasonable.

An E60 M5 will likely be a money pit but it does have something special that other cars can’t replicate. I really enjoyed the 335i I owned for a while and I’m sure the V10 M5 will be a fun car to drive. The best thing I can do here is to minimize the risks by buying one with a warranty that has been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic and M5 expert. But even then my engine could explode, because I know someone whose M5’s engine did blow .

Whether or not I end up with an M5 some day, I did walk away from this experience appreciating the IS-F more. It’s a far less stressful way to enjoy high performance. It’s still extremely fast and has the suspension/setup to tackle corners at a high speed with a loud, burbly V8. The best part is that you’ll likely not have to spend much on maintenance which means you can still go to Italy, buy a house and send your kids to college while daily driving a 450 hp beast. With the M5, you’ll have to sell your house and all of your possessions and live in it–just to keep it running. And your significant other will hate you.

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is about exploring my fascination with cars. I’m always on the lookout for things that interest me in the car world.

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DISCUSSION (100)

Nibby > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 12:40

RED INTERIOR

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 12:56

I think the ISF looks better than the E60.

Falken12 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:01

And here I was, about to walk away from my thoughts of owning an IS-F. The thoughts now rebound quicker and harder than a B-1 Lancer carpet combing. Nice read!

literacola > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:05

Yes, you should have bought the m5. You fucked up.

Loping Camshaft > Nibby
05/01/2016 at 13:05

SUPER HOT

ScrotumKnots > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:06

Here are some normal maintenance costs. Oil change: $275, Brakes: $800, Plugs: $1200, Tires: 5 billion dollars–you get the idea.

That’s not bad at all. Pretty much inline with my Cayman.

A.Smith > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:07

I Would’ve got the M5

Treemendous > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:08

What have maintenance costs been like on your IS? Curious if F tuned Lexuses (Lexuï?) are as bulletproof as a standard Lexus.

chaboud > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:10

I keep dabbling with the idea of an E60 (manual 2008, please), but they are just shit-show from a maintenance perspective. I like driving my own car now and then...

golfball > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
05/01/2016 at 13:13

Not saying much.

LJ909 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:13

The SMG repair cost alone on the M5 is enough to keep me away from it. So no you shouldn’t have gotten the M5.

Hot Takes Salesman > Loping Camshaft
05/01/2016 at 13:16

That game was supremely annoying with it’s own title.

SUPER

HOT

SUPER

HOT

SUPER

HOT

Jesus Christ, I know what game I’m currently fucking playing, thank you very much!

dogisbadob > Nibby
05/01/2016 at 13:16

Blue cars with red interiors are awesome as fuck

dogisbadob > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:18

Wasn’t the M5 offered with a manual transmission over here? Almost makes up for them not offering the M5 wagon here.

The ISF >> M5 because Toyota makes the best cars.

How about the CTS-V? Kind of a middle ground between the two. More fun than a “boring” Toyota yet not the maintenance nightmare of BMW.

Audistein > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:20

Wait, so the 8-year old Lexus has interior rattles but the 10-year-old BMW does not? Something is very strange here...

Also the reliability/maintenance for the E60 M5 must be truly aweful in general because I honestly think I see more E39 M5s on the road than E60 M5s, let alone the huge number of F10s.

SoManyBlueCars > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:23

Just get an e9x m3. Best of all possible worlds. Much better reliability too.

46and2aheadofme > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:26

2006 M5 owner here. That’s aftermarket exhaust and front lighting, right?

Honeybunchesofgoats > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:29

I know red interiors are great and all, but good lord that interior is a train wreck. The silver shifter and buttons, the walnut trim, the parking brake that contrasts in a bad “we were just too cheap to put the red leather here” way.

That walnut with the red though. It makes me physically sick.

I think this is one area where Mercedes really tends to wipe the floor with BMW. They actually offer different, matching, trims with their leather colors.

William > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:30

Well you should have bought a w211 e63. Faster through the quarter than a R8. Last weekend at Spring Mountain Ranch I posted the 4th quickest time on street tires!! Not to mention the burl wood looks multiple times better than than ugly red/brown combo. That M5 is tacky.

Ben Burkhardt > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:30

V10

RobG-ADV > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:31

So then what Tavarish has been saying about how good of a deal the similarly-aged Mercedes cars is true... sounds like they’re vastly more reliable.

Dsmud4u > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
05/01/2016 at 13:32

If you mean by putting the most arbitrary lines on a car geometrical shapes is better, then yes. Other wise...no.

Ben Burkhardt > dogisbadob
05/01/2016 at 13:32

V10 manual not real bad at repair costs . And it’s reliable.

I have an opinion: add banked turns to drag racing > dogisbadob
05/01/2016 at 13:34

I haven't heard the best things about the manual option in the M5, then again I haven't heard good things about the smg either..

Have Jeep, will travel. > dogisbadob
05/01/2016 at 13:36

It was, but its rarer than the proverbial hens tooth. F10 M5 is also available with a handshaker.

ferrariguy99 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:36

If you get an 2007+ M5, you get SMG III, which means you don't have to worry about the tranmission breaking, which is extremely common for SMG II owners. So if you want to get an e60, definitely get one from 2007 or newer.

Torque Affair > SoManyBlueCars
05/01/2016 at 13:38

good point!

Torque Affair > Ben Burkhardt
05/01/2016 at 13:38

indeed!

Have Jeep, will travel. > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:43

M5 is a fantastic car. The trans having laugh shifts, up that button with the steps on it behind the shifter, or put it in M Dynamic mode, then it will snap your neck. SMGIII was designed from the ground up as a sequential box with a dual plate clutch, not an adapted manual like E36 and E46.

These cars make no sense to own for anyone unless you’re a robber baron, hedge fund manager or something equally well paying. They are just too damn expensive for everything as you pointed out. Most bloggers and critters skip that part. There is a point, and its coming soon, just due to the age of the car you will no longer be able to find anyone to sell you an extended warranty or a car that has one for sale that isn’t on the verge of expiration.

Quade > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:46

I think new, I’d rather have the BMW. Used I’d take the Lexus. Who wants a car, warranty or not, that has to go back to the shop all the time? I just don’t have time for it.

Quade > dogisbadob
05/01/2016 at 13:48

The ISF >> M5 because Toyota makes the best cars.

Toyota makes the best used cars. New the BMW is better drives car. If you’re going to buy a car, keep it 3 years then trade it in, like many BMW owners, the BMW is a better car. If I’m buying used, I’d pick the Toyota.

Breakfst > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:49

There’s no way around it. Coming from someone who has been eyeing the IS-F since it stopped production...

It’s just not as much of a performance/value as it’s peers or even heavier segments sometimes. Not that it’s too far off of the E9x M3's, I wonder if it’s even as dynamic as the E46 M3 that I’ve yet to do a side by side drive with.

The IS-F’s main draw in my opinion is being the most headache free out of that C63/M3/S4 segment. Which depending on your free time, budget, and patience, could be a deal maker/breaker, especially if it’s your daily.

My guess is that it’s just built with more headroom in order to have that durability, that’s why a 5L engine isn’t making much more than it’s competitors.

As a non-owner, please anyone correct me if I’m mistaken and the IS-F has some ticking-time-bomb characteristic or ugly inspection I/II or valve adjustment maintenance that I’m unaware of.

Limesmack > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:54

the answer is always yes

Andrew Daisuke > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 13:57

Had a ‘10 6MT. The car is fucking bonkers awesome, if you can swing it, everyone should own one once. Hit that M button and get your awesome on.

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:05

Yes.

OlDirtDogg > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:11

Get the v10 and put the dinan stroker in there.

The Spaceman > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:13

Your opinion of the IS gearbox seems to have changed significantly from your original article. In the first write-up, you loved it so much you forgave it for not being a manual. Now it’s boring. Explain please.

Enoch > Audistein
05/01/2016 at 14:24

Sometime is definitely wrong. Also I believe he mentioned a few articles back when he got the IS-F that it has really stiff suspension which does the car no favors.

Bunty Brown > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:30

That glorious V10 though.

Or just get a used e90 m3 and get about the same experience.

350Zed > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:31

Kinja'd!!!

The right answer is (c) none of the above.

FormerP3Driver > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 14:55

What have you done to the IS F to get 450hp? I thought they were claiming 415 hp stock.

Enoch > ScrotumKnots
05/01/2016 at 15:04

The scheduled maintenance isn’t too terrible. What really ends up scaring people isn’t really the scheduled maintenance but rather the unscheduled maintenance.

Enoch > The Spaceman
05/01/2016 at 15:06

It’s boring relative to the M5. As in the M5 want’s to snap your neck in half while the IS will just keep building speed smoothly.

Animoski > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:08

At the end of the day, if you have a nice, model trim topping, fast car - any dealer/mechanic is going to look at it and assume you have deep pockets. The nicer it looks, the more expensive it is.

The key to lower maintenance/repair costs is quite literally, maintaining it yourself. If you do oil changes yourself, boom - 50% savings right there, if not more.

It helps knowing and keeping a solid relationship with a mechanic as well, they won’t rip you off as much or try to sell you on a repair that they don’t even end up doing...

notarjy > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:21

Yes. Not a hard question what so ever.

Lars Vargas was hoping 2020 would be quieter > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:29

based on looks alone, I would pick the BMW. It also seems to be the more engaging car to drive.

seanjohntx > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:36

Coulda had an E39 M5! Ended up selling it to another Jalop from Boston who flew it down and drove it back.

TJ2000 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:46

Right idea, wrong M5. You should have looked at the E39. The E60, aside from being ugly, has some serious issues with the engine eating up expensive parts. The E39 M5 comes only with a 6 speed manual, it was never infected with the SMG. It’s a lot better looking, more reliable (though maintenance is still somewhat pricey), and as of today, holds its value a whole lot better. E39 M5's are going up in price right now, a clean sub 100k mile example is somewhere between $25k-30k, while most E60 M5's today are $20k or less. And this, despite the fact that the E60 has 100 more HP.

That price difference should tell you something.

BBlades > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:48

That model ISF is one of the best cars they ever made. A real brute that can be a DD. Other than the V10, the BMW doesn’t seem worth the trouble.

Unspiek Baron Bodissey > Ben Burkhardt
05/01/2016 at 15:55

Still, it hurts less to sell your soul.

Unspiek Baron Bodissey > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 15:55

Dunno. A Challenger instead?

dolsh > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 16:07

I can blame jalopnik for my current lust for an IS-F. I don’t really see how this is a comparison - the IS-F is a nice, fast car, and 2011+ models seem to have depreciated way more than the IS 350. Somehow, it’s also the reliable one in the segment, and gets better gas mileage than some turbo 4's (looking at you STI). The M5 is awesome - but the only people who should buy those are those with full DeMuro-style warranties. Otherwise, it’s the car bankruptcies are made of.

computiNATEor > dogisbadob
05/01/2016 at 16:14

With every car configurator I can find, I make that combo. Looks so classy and yet sporty.

computiNATEor > Honeybunchesofgoats
05/01/2016 at 16:16

It would look fantastic with a darker wood trim, or with the better looking brushed aluminum trim. Luckily, 3m vinyl wrap is here to save the day!

computiNATEor > Audistein
05/01/2016 at 16:17

e39 M5s are pretty reliable, assuming you keep the oil changed and replace the interior plastics as they inevitably crack and break.

aae42 > Ben Burkhardt
05/01/2016 at 16:20

and in my opinion, that’s a reason not to get one... trying to think of a V10 i’d take over a V8 or V12 and i can’t think of many

1. Carerra GT
2. Lexus LFA

yea, that’s about it...

Ellisone > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 16:24

For me it would only be the M5. No manual has kept me away from the ISF. Would've loved to have one otherwise.

427zeo6 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 16:40

E60 M5 with a V10 is comparable yo a ISF? Does your friend familiarize himself with the damn driving modes? The M5 will flat SMOKE an ISF! Plus the M5 won't sound a damn alarm at the driver when he gets near the handling limits of the engineers designs....not saying an ISF is a bad car just not in the Panzerwagen territory. Disclaimer my wife DD an IS350.... Damn thing is annoying with all its warning bells/whistles....I really don't need yo be reminded every 7-10 miles that the washer fluid is low.....fucking remind me before I pull out of the damn garage.....then I'd be impressed.

LongbowMkII > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 16:45

Used Chevy SS.

Chasaboo > 350Zed
05/01/2016 at 17:40

Search for Mercedes and head bolts.

alexdc > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 17:43

Trade the IS-f if you don’t like it enough but don’t settle for unreliability. Trouble free motoring is more fun. Unless your passion is to work on cars. Mine is driving. I do some work myself but I would never do major repairs on German cars.

Audistein > computiNATEor
05/01/2016 at 18:09

It’s the thermostats, hoses, and sensors that always break on these old german cars and they’re always expensive.

I drive my AMG with Ferrari shoes > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 18:30

I would take the M5 over the IS-F, but only if I had $30,000 to burn on a rainy day. Think of the M5 as a $50,000 car and not a $20,000 one, things will be less stressful.

ToastedTires > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 18:38

You lease a BMW, you buy a Lexus. If you're going used, you gotta get something older, higher quality, and hopefully has all the expensive maintenance and repairs already done.

350Zed > Chasaboo
05/01/2016 at 18:39

You should know I own an ‘11 C63 with 110k miles. I know what fails and what doesn't.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 19:09

If I ever win powerball...the first thing I am doing is swapping that S85 V10 into an E46 M3.

Torque Affair > ScrotumKnots
05/01/2016 at 19:11

makes sense!

Torque Affair > Treemendous
05/01/2016 at 19:12

nothing so far! Hopefully it stays that way...

Torque Affair > 46and2aheadofme
05/01/2016 at 19:13

you got it! couple other things too...like a transmission tune.

Torque Affair > ferrariguy99
05/01/2016 at 19:14

That’s a good point...how’s the shifting in yours?

Torque Affair > Breakfst
05/01/2016 at 19:17

I’m surprised at how quick it is. 0-60 mph is likely less than 4 seconds in optimum conditions, http://oppositelock.kinja.com/here-is-my-hig…

I don’t think there’s anything crazy in terms of a ticking time bomb with these cars and in terms of maintenance, just the usual. So far it’s been great!

Torque Affair > RobG-ADV
05/01/2016 at 19:18

hahaha...no! Equally as unreliable.

Torque Affair > The Spaceman
05/01/2016 at 19:20

Actually, I do still like it quite a bit. It’s just, compared to the M5, it seems more dull. The M5 had all the right modifications done to it to turn it into a complete animal!

Torque Affair > I drive my AMG with Ferrari shoes
05/01/2016 at 19:21

Yep, you’re right!

slamcityrick > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 19:24

This pretty much all alludes to why I purchased my 2013 Genesis 5.0 RSPEC. I didn’t want another Hyundai, I really didn’t. But I wanted luxury, power, and reliability. The M5 wasn’t going to give me that. C63 AMG wasn’t going to give me that. Audi S4 wasn’t going to give me that. Lexus IS-F? Probably the most reliable. But for an IS-f with 80k miles price I got the Genesis with only 29k miles.

Would you have ever considered the Genesis?

Torque Affair > seanjohntx
05/01/2016 at 19:26

That’s awesome! Yours was a great car. What’re you replacing it with?

Torque Affair > FormerP3Driver
05/01/2016 at 19:28

It’s how I bought it. It could be more than that - owner before the previous one put in full exhaust, racing headers and intake. Previous owner said it was at least 400 rwhp and judging by how well it kept up with the M5, it could even be higher! I should get it dyno’ed.

Torque Affair > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
05/01/2016 at 19:29

hahah, man, that would be amazing.

Torque Affair > TJ2000
05/01/2016 at 19:31

I like the E39 a lot - just about everything about it. Just wish it was faster!

Torque Affair > 427zeo6
05/01/2016 at 19:32

Well, mine’s modified (full exhaust, headers, intake) - the claim is there’s at least 400 rwhp and it certainly feels like it.

Art > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 19:32

Simple answer yes

Torque Affair > Animoski
05/01/2016 at 19:33

Agreed...

Torque Affair > William
05/01/2016 at 19:37

It’s on the list! Sooooo much torque.

mike in So Cal > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 19:55

if you arent going to hold on to a car more than a year or 2 it probably makes no difference. id have no issues keeping an is-f (and peace of mind) for the long term.

Torque Affair > slamcityrick
05/01/2016 at 19:56

I’ve actually always been curious about it - need to find one to drive. Seems like you get a lot of car for the money. How’s the exhaust noise in the car? Would love to hear how you’re enjoying it so far.

Torque Affair > Bunty Brown
05/01/2016 at 19:57

I love the E90 M3, just wish it had 100 more torque.

slamcityrick > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 20:26

Exhaust noise was nearly nonexistent when the car was stock. They did a pretty decent job at sound proofing the cabin. However I now have a straight-thru custom exhaust much like the meisterschaft for the M5.

I’ll say this, ever since I opened up the exhaust, there is not a single day of driving it that I don’t smile. I got the car in black, which I think is an absolute must. The black combined with the 19 inch wheels really change it from looking like some boring family car to an E63 clone. You wouldn’t believe how many people think it is a Mercedes when they first see it.

My only real true complaint is that it feels a bit too floaty in sweeping corners, and the quality of some interior pieces remind you that you are in a Hyundai. Other than that, it really is in my opinion, A LOT of car for the money. If you’re ever interested and around the Los Angeles area I’d be happy to let you have a test drive.

427zeo6 > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 20:34

Soo....DING! DING! DING!.....I know the “song” of the IS very well, before we bought our B7RS4 we drove an ISF......2008 is not known as one of the best handling years (I think they finally tuned them better starting in 2011) my wife who has a few autocross championships under her belt.....had the skinny tired front end skip out going around a corner at abut 8/10ths speed......DING! DING! DING! went the ISF.....”whats that?” my wife asks me.....my reply....”the fine Asian Engineers want you to fully know that you have EXCEEDED their design limitations in handling”.....her response......”I wasn’t even going that fast!”....my reply.....”you were for the Lexus Engineers....they know what is best!”

The acceleration was pretty decent but, the DING! DING! DING! quickly knocked the ISF off the list....she refers to her IS350 as a basic transportation module.....LOVE MY WIFE!

My wife’s next car?.....will probably be an ATS-V!

Andrew Daisuke > ScrotumKnots
05/01/2016 at 20:35

Yup, I went from E60 M5 to Cayman, it's an interesting transition.

duffman13 > slamcityrick
05/01/2016 at 21:29

The 2013 was still a generation designed closer to 2005 without much in the realm of a significant mid-life facelift. The second generation is much more impressive car on the interior than the first based on what I saw at a car show - enough to put it on my short list.

I would add that we have a trimmed out 2014 Santa Fe, and everybody who gets in it is impressed by the fit and finish. Yes, it’s not govered in real trees and metal like a Lexus might be, but every touch point is good and the plastics and leather are top notch.

ScrotumKnots > Andrew Daisuke
05/01/2016 at 21:59

How do you like it?

iTsLiKeAnEgG > duffman13
05/01/2016 at 22:05

There was no 2005. First year was 2009.

iTsLiKeAnEgG > slamcityrick
05/01/2016 at 22:08

Get a set of BC coilovers. I have some on my 2010 4.6 and they ride better than the oem rspec suspension I ran previously. The car corners flatter and with more confidence.

Kinja'd!!!

Jeremih Raiden > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 22:14

Easy solve! FI!

Ring Taxi > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 22:32

Interesting comparison. I drive a 2010 M5 as a DD. Many times when an IS-F passes by I get the looks as if they can take me down. I knew the Lexus is a fast enthusiast car but did not know the details until I read your article. I completely agree with many of your thoughts like buying with a full warranty and treating the car like a 50k car. I actually treat my car as my four door race car that originally sold for 90k. If parts or services are needed, no expenses are spared. I have been driving it daily for about a year and so far I have not needed to use the warranty. I religiously warm her up every morning before going above 3k. Once warm, I enjoy the V10 and SMG fully. The S85 and SMG 3 is a match made in heaven. I’m not sure why some people complain about lurching in traffic. No issues with that here. When wound up to 8250 RPM, I can feel how precise and tight the power plant is. Other motors feel loose and sloppy in comparison. Just remember to set the mode to P500S S5 or S6 when driving. The other modes and transmission in D is just plain retarded.

The chassis and suspension has been carefully crafted to be able to attack the Nurnbergring on a daily basis hauling screaming tourists at full speed. Check out Sabine Schmitz driving the E60 M5 Ring Taxi on YouTube. The EDC is a great feature as I can simply choose how stiff the suspension should be. The active side bolsters are amazing when canyon carving. The steering is sharp and communicative. The brake rotors are monstrous and with the right pads this car can give you a head rush.

The thing that need to be fixed is the damn understeer with a Dinan FRC and a bigger rear sway bar. The front to rear weight distribution is just about perfect 52/48. All of the little details put into this monster makes it the bargain of the century for enthusiasts looking for the ultimate sedan. Sure you can bolt on parts into another car to try to achieve something close to the M5 but why bother. Just get the M5 and treat it as a 90k everyday race car.

If money was an issue, the IS-F sound like it might make sense. For the ultimate four door canyon carving, family hauling, track ready, grocery getter, the E60 M5 is it. Just buy a warranty, plan to be good friends with the gas pump and put aside 20k for incidentals. You only live once. Enjoy

slamcityrick > iTsLiKeAnEgG
05/01/2016 at 22:34

Ride isn’t any harsher or bumpier at all? If so then I will absolutely do so. I’ve had coilovers on all of my cars except for this one so far lol.

Torque Affair > Ring Taxi
05/01/2016 at 23:01

Thanks for your detailed input! Great to hear you’re enjoying your M5 and I think you make all the right points as to why someone should own an M5 even if it might be incredibly expensive.

Torque Affair > 427zeo6
05/01/2016 at 23:08

The ATS-V looks awesome! I’m assuming you own a Z06? How do you like it?

MountainRoadPhysicist > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 23:26

Torque is a problem with that car. Living up in Colorado, the lack of low end torque is even more apparent. A few modifications help the S65 out a lot though.

46and2aheadofme > Torque Affair
05/01/2016 at 23:50

Thanks for the reply! Can you point me in the direction of where to go to find out more info on that M5? I love mine. At 50k, it’s had all the major maintenance issues taken care of (only one of which I absorbed partial cost of) and Blackstone oil test just came back perfect. I’m tempted to start upgrading things, but obviously mods on this car should be fully researched for both the bang-for-your-buck factor and NOT-bang!-for-your-buck factor :)