M3 to C5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Texas
M3 to C5
I currently own a 2002 BMW M3. Which I loved and still love alot.
A couple of days ago I was unlucky to have a small incident where I curb checked the right front and rear wheels. No body damage luckily.
Currently im in talks with a C5 owner to do a trade. I will probably get the bad end of the deal but I really do not mind.
The only issue is im going from a 6 speed manual to a 4 speed Automatic. How will that feel and would it affect the overall performance of the vehicle? I love banging gears.
Would I be happier repairing the M3 and keeping it or getting the C5?
A couple of days ago I was unlucky to have a small incident where I curb checked the right front and rear wheels. No body damage luckily.
Currently im in talks with a C5 owner to do a trade. I will probably get the bad end of the deal but I really do not mind.
The only issue is im going from a 6 speed manual to a 4 speed Automatic. How will that feel and would it affect the overall performance of the vehicle? I love banging gears.
Would I be happier repairing the M3 and keeping it or getting the C5?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I've only driven a BMW once and it wasn't an M3 so I guess that makes me biased. Mind you, most of the replies you'll get here will also be biased - and not towards the Beemer
Have to admit I've never been a big fan either. Great German engineering but at a price.
The A4 is a refined box for around town and in traffic its perfect. I spent the first 25k driving the Vegas freeways. It would have been a serious PITA with a stiff clutch. Even here in England around the backroads it has advantages. I'd never make 6th with the average speed of drivers here. Most potter around in a 60 zone at 45 mph.
There's plenty of performance if you drop it to 2 although obviously the gas useage suffers seriously. I have to think about these things with gas at $8.50 a gallon. Kickdown is a bit hesitent so I tend to drop down if I want instant pick up.
It'll never be the same as a manual box for pure driving fun but I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
You might want to check out this thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1896416
Have to admit I've never been a big fan either. Great German engineering but at a price.The A4 is a refined box for around town and in traffic its perfect. I spent the first 25k driving the Vegas freeways. It would have been a serious PITA with a stiff clutch. Even here in England around the backroads it has advantages. I'd never make 6th with the average speed of drivers here. Most potter around in a 60 zone at 45 mph.
There's plenty of performance if you drop it to 2 although obviously the gas useage suffers seriously. I have to think about these things with gas at $8.50 a gallon. Kickdown is a bit hesitent so I tend to drop down if I want instant pick up.
It'll never be the same as a manual box for pure driving fun but I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
You might want to check out this thread
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1896416
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
I would personally hold off for a 6-speed. I like shifting gears for myself in a sports car. Autos are great for Daily drivers and drag racers, but it takes away from the driving experience.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
If you love banging gears, you will get bored easily with an automatic. M3's usually cost more then C5 nowadays so you shouldn't be getting the bad end of the deal even if your wheels are damaged. Don't rush it, take your time
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Katonah NY
I had a '99 M3 and drove an '01 a little. Power-wise I was disappointed in the '01 M3. It didn't seeem like a huge difference even thought the HP went from 240 to 330. I also owned Porsches. They're great cars, but i never got as much fun out of a car until the C5. Closest thing to a dependable, low cost super car out there: looks, power, dependability, efficiency and easy to repair. I wouldn't want an auto, so I'd find a 6 speed especially because the Vette stick is so easy and fun to use, but each to his own...
Good luck.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
If we were talking a manual C5, I would say you would have no dissapointments other than the C5's interior. In all reality, they are two different machines to begin with. Having driven both and earlier this year, was looking for an M3 for a daily driver, they are both fantastic machines. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 10
From: Columbus OH
I would stay with a manual C5 if I were you.
I know I don't have an E46 M3, but I would keep it and use it as a DD. I have two E36 M3s which are daily drivers/winter beaters. My Z06 is more like a weekend warrior.
I know I don't have an E46 M3, but I would keep it and use it as a DD. I have two E36 M3s which are daily drivers/winter beaters. My Z06 is more like a weekend warrior.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I like how screw991le put it: "The M is a nice car, but the Vette is more fun" I have a 6spd and it is a DD. Even with the PIA that the english dude spoke about I wouldn,t want an automatic. If you take the plunge and get a car with an auto but you really want a manual you will end up hating the car and then blame the car for being inferior. Wait, and get what you really want. 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Seattle WA
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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Going from a 6 M3 to an AT C5 would not be my choice. I love Vettes, and I love BMW's...I've owned both, though my M3's were older.
The M3 is nearly as fast as the vette, and the difference in going to an AT would probably change that. Unfortunately, the Vette's fit/finish - nor overall handling feel - will quite compare. Given that you already own the M3, I'd keep it.
However, my recommendations would easily change if you were finding a 6spd C5, esp one with a little extra Power
The M3 is nearly as fast as the vette, and the difference in going to an AT would probably change that. Unfortunately, the Vette's fit/finish - nor overall handling feel - will quite compare. Given that you already own the M3, I'd keep it.
However, my recommendations would easily change if you were finding a 6spd C5, esp one with a little extra Power
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 464
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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Well, I own a c5 z06, and drive it everyday. I am a master tech. for BMW, so I drive all the BMW's everyday, including all the M's. I would have to say they are different classes. The M3 does not handle as good or accelerate. The mods. cost alot of money if you want it to go faster. The corvette has cheaper mods., more power, better handleing. The down side on the C5 is that its low, the interior feels like a chevy, not as refined as a german car, and no backseat. Now don't get me wrong, they are both nice cars, it just depends on you.
By the way, after all day working on BMW's, I always look forward to my drive home in my Z06.
By the way, after all day working on BMW's, I always look forward to my drive home in my Z06.
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Going from a 6 M3 to an AT C5 would not be my choice. I love Vettes, and I love BMW's...I've owned both, though my M3's were older.
The M3 is nearly as fast as the vette, and the difference in going to an AT would probably change that. Unfortunately, the Vette's fit/finish - nor overall handling feel - will quite compare. Given that you already own the M3, I'd keep it.
However, my recommendations would easily change if you were finding a 6spd C5, esp one with a little extra Power
The M3 is nearly as fast as the vette, and the difference in going to an AT would probably change that. Unfortunately, the Vette's fit/finish - nor overall handling feel - will quite compare. Given that you already own the M3, I'd keep it.
However, my recommendations would easily change if you were finding a 6spd C5, esp one with a little extra Power
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I've got a 6mn as well and right now I wouldn't trade it for a C5 Auto which is a 4 spd. The new C6 I believe has a 6spd Auto which may be quite nice when mated with the LS3?, 430hp engine?
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If you really want a manual equipped car, then don't settle for the automatic. There are plenty of MN6s out there to choose from.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
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If you own your car keep it and fix. I understand you wanting to get a vette but don't take a loss. Your M will hold its value a little more and why would you take a loss especially in this economy. Fix your car save your pennies and then get a used Vette.