2010 Yenko Camaro Announced with Details and...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 BMW M5 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The car enthusiasts and experts at TheCarConnection.com researched 2008 BMW M5 road tests from around the Web to produce this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW M5 and added more detail and information where needed, and they've augmented other expert reviews with their own opinions where it helps you make a better car-shopping choice.

Likes:

  • Thrilling V-10 power
  • Handling and braking in supercoupe territory
  • Gemlike six-speed manual gearbox
  • Extreme exclusivity

Dislikes:

  • The $84,000 question: eat or drive?
  • Technology run amok
  • Not so stunning styling, in and out
  • SMG gearbox is rough

Buying Tips:

Go in peace if you're looking for a 2008 BMW M5 priced anywhere near its sticker of $84,000. It's sure to become a collector's item, and eBay is probably the easiest way to find one right now since all dealer copies are likely sold. If history holds true for the M5's resale values, this year's model should be as affordable as a Ford Taurus by about 2019.

The 2008 BMW M5 is a case study in the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good? The fastest, most muscular, most precise four-door ever from BMW will rocket from rest to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, corner like a front-engine race car, and brake so hard it can bounce your eyeballs off the windshield. Blame the standard 500-horsepower V-10 engine, derived from BMW's race cars.

The bad? It's a case of technology run amok. BMW's frustrating iDrive controller for audio, navigation, and climate settings needs its own manual, and it's a dull, dry read. The technology that commands the suspension, steering, and throttle inputs offers a bewildering 279 combinations through an MDrive menu that can be linked to the steering wheel's MDrive button, which might as well be a panic button for users who can't figure it out. And BMW's semi-manual SMG transmission is only for fans of a truly harsh shift experience. The no-cost six-speed manual is a far better choice. It's a gem, with crisp throws, precise gates, perfectly arranged pedals, and surprisingly smooth clutch engagement.

Then there's the ugly, which is, as always, in the eye of the beholder. The 2008 BMW M5's styling will not be encased in a museum like a Jaguar E-Type. TheCarConnection.com's editors thoroughly disliked our test car's optional Madeira Walnut trim, a reddish-brown wood with horizontal graining that looks painted on with a coarse brush. There is brushed-aluminum trim for the discerning buyer, though.

Worst of all? The 2008 BMW M5 costs $84,000 and is in such limited supply, few folks will even have to worry about its bad points. It's a shame more people won't have the chance to sample one, because it's a stunning performer, made all the more fascinating by its hugely obvious flaws.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 BMW M5, also consider:

Reason Why:

Few mid-size luxury sedans can touch the BMW M5's performance, but the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG comes closest--and looks a bit more suave going about it, too. The newly minted Jaguar XF Supercharged is a few ticks slower, but it's far more handsome; a 500-horsepower XF-R is due in 2009. The Audi S6 has a massively powerful V-8, but it's still a step slower than the BMW.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 BMW M5 has electrifying performance, but is saddled with an overdose of technology and a body in need of a few nips and tucks.

The car enthusiasts and experts at TheCarConnection.com researched 2008 BMW M5 road tests from around the Web to produce this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW M5 and added more detail and information where needed, and they've augmented other expert reviews with their own opinions where it helps you make a better car-shopping choice. Likes:Thrilling V-10 powerHandling and braking in supercoupe territoryGemlike six-speed manual gearboxExtreme exclusivityDislikes:The $84,000 question: eat or drive?Technology run amokNot so stunning styling, in and outSMG gearbox is roughBuying Tips:Go in peace if you're looking for a 2008 BMW M5 priced anywhere near its sticker of $84,000. It's sure to become a collector's item, and eBay is probably the easiest way to find one right now since all dealer copies are likely sold. If history holds true for the M5's resale values, this year's model should be as affordable as a Ford Taurus by about 2019. The 2008 BMW M5 is a case study in the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good? The fastest, most muscular, most precise four-door ever from BMW will rocket from rest to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, corner like a front-engine race car, and brake so hard it can bounce your eyeballs off the windshield. Blame the standard 500-horsepower V-10 engine, derived from BMW's race cars. The bad? It's a case of technology run amok. BMW's frustrating iDrive controller for audio, navigation, and climate settings needs its own manual, and it's a dull, dry read. The technology that commands the suspension, steering, and throttle inputs offers a bewildering 279 combinations through an MDrive menu that can be linked to the steering wheel's MDrive button, which might as well be a panic button for users who can't figure it out. And BMW's semi-manual SMG transmission is only for fans of a truly harsh shift experience. The no-cost six-speed manual is a far better choice. It's a gem, with crisp throws, precise gates, perfectly arranged pedals, and surprisingly smooth clutch engagement. Then there's the ugly, which is, as always, in the eye of the beholder. The 2008 BMW M5's styling will not be encased in a museum like a Jaguar E-Type. TheCarConnection.com's editors thoroughly disliked our test car's optional Madeira Walnut trim, a reddish-brown wood with horizontal graining that looks painted on with a coarse brush. There is brushed-aluminum trim for the discerning buyer, though. Worst of all? The 2008 BMW M5 costs $84,000 and is in such limited supply, few folks will even have to worry about its bad points. It's a shame more people won't have the chance to sample one, because it's a stunning performer, made all the more fascinating by its hugely obvious flaws. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 BMW M5, also consider:Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGJaguar XF SuperchargedAudi S6Reason Why:Few mid-size luxury sedans can touch the BMW M5's performance, but the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG comes closest--and looks a bit more suave going about it, too. The newly minted Jaguar XF Supercharged is a few ticks slower, but it's far more handsome; a 500-horsepower XF-R is due in 2009. The Audi S6 has a massively powerful V-8, but it's still a step slower than the BMW. The Bottom Line:The 2008 BMW M5 has electrifying performance, but is saddled with an overdose of technology and a body in need of a few nips and tucks. The car enthusiasts and experts at TheCarConnection.com researched 2008 BMW M5 road tests from around the Web to produce this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 BMW M5 and added more detail and information where needed, and they've augmented other ...

Other Choices:

Few mid-size luxury sedans can touch the BMW M5's performance, but the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG comes closest--and looks a bit more suave going about it, too. The newly minted Jaguar XF Supercharged is a few ticks slower, but it's far more handsome; a 500-horsepower XF-R is due in 2009. The Audi S6 has a massively powerful V-8, but it's still a step slower than the BMW.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW M5

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW M5

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW M5 near you

See the BMW M5 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2000

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Terrance Eac kles #1, Posted: 9/15/2008

    Love my M5

    I have just purchase an 2008 m5 i really love this car it is one in a million. I will nt trade it for any other car.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy