[Simon H]

Hi Fellas,
Anyone know of any actual comparisons with the standard M5 going up against the M5 Competition ?. Just wondering how different they are in the real world ?. Ive driven both, not on the same day, so quite difficult to really notice the differences. Biggest point to notice is, the Competition sounds much better, and i guess thats only through engine mapping, like the M4 Comp Pack, because i think the M Sport exhausts used are the same on each car ?. TIA

[NASTY-M5]

Originally Posted by Simon H

Hi Fellas,
Anyone know of any actual comparisons with the standard M5 going up against the M5 Competition ?. Just wondering how different they are in the real world ?. Ive driven both, not on the same day, so quite difficult to really notice the differences. Biggest point to notice is, the Competition sounds much better, and i guess thats only through engine mapping, like the M4 Comp Pack, because i think the M Sport exhausts used are the same on each car ?. TIA

Different exhaust on the C. Suspension too.

[norbtx]

The M seatbelts add another couple of hp as well.

I'm just jealous.

[LonelyCupiD]

Normal M5 is already tad too harsh for everyday. Comp pack adds little but braggin rights and road fatigue

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by LonelyCupiD

Normal M5 is already tad too harsh for everyday. Comp pack adds little but braggin rights and road fatigue

Hello fellow Aucklander. I find my F13 M6 Comp Pack completely comfortable. Have you previously had an M5 or M6 to compare the F90 to?

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

The guy compares both cars in this vid, not side by side, but his personal thoughts

[DallasLife345M]

Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS

The guy compares both cars in this vid, not side by side, but his personal thoughts

Good video

[josec70]

I think this review is very accurate having driven both, and, ultimately going with the M5C.

While the HP gain and exhaust are nice add-ons, the M5C is really about the tuned suspension, stiffer chasis and less dampened feel. If a stiffer, harsher ride is not your thing this is probably not the car for you as this is essentially what you're paying for.

This is my 6th M5 and I believe that the Comp today is essentially what early generation M5's were when tuned aggressive suspensions were the standard; BMW realized this is not for everyone and is capitalizing on it while providing an option for those who don't want to lose ride quality.

[M5C-Oman]

Originally Posted by josec70

I think this review is very accurate having driven both, and, ultimately going with the M5C.

While the HP gain and exhaust are nice add-ons, the M5C is really about the tuned suspension, stiffer chasis and less dampened feel. If a stiffer, harsher ride is not your thing this is probably not the car for you as this is essentially what you're paying for.

This is my 6th M5 and I believe that the Comp today is essentially what early generation M5's were when tuned aggressive suspensions were the standard; BMW realized this is not for everyone and is capitalizing on it while providing an option for those who don't want to lose ride quality.

M5 was my dream car since the e60, I really loved the concept of family car and a sports car in the Same time.

Recently I had the chance to go for it, I was really hesistant but ended up ordering the competion pack, so my question is how stiff the ride is? why are there mixed reviews of how comfortable it is? the problem is the dealership dose not provide test drive for any of the M cars. so could someone please help.

p.s. sorry for bad English

[josec70]

Originally Posted by indecisive

M5 was my dream car since the e60, I really loved the concept of family car and a sports car in the Same time.

Recently I had the chance to go for it, I was really hesistant but ended up ordering the competion pack, so my question is how stiff the ride is? why are there mixed reviews of how comfortable it is? the problem is the dealership dose not provide test drive for any of the M cars. so could someone please help.

p.s. sorry for bad English

I'll try my best to answer the question but in the end what is "too harsh, aggressive or stiff" is really based on personal preference and what it is you're looking for.

In absolute terms there is no doubt the M5C is harsher in in terms of ride quality for all of the reasons already cited (the review does a good job explaining the suspension differences between a Base M5 and the M5C).

It is great car for a driver that wants to feel more connected to to the road and wants more feedback via the less dampened suspension; while I love straight-line racing I also love autocross and can appreciate a car with less body roll and more feedback. This comes at the price that everyday driving is a bit harsher; you will feel more bumps and the more aggressive springs will rebound a bit more.

I recently drove my friend's Base M5 and, in my opinion, the M5C was noticeably more harsh even in comfort mode (in Sport and Sport+); I now have had the M5C for about a month so it was significantly more noticeable.

I'll conclude the way I started the post by saying that only "you" can decide what what is too harsh or too stiff.

I'll only add that you can always make suspension modifications to a Base M5 if you want a more aggressive set-up; I went this route on both of my F10 M5's which were Base Models.

If you're unsure, a Base M5 may work better for you.

Not sure if this confused you more or helped.

Good luck!

[BlueBMWM5CP]

Originally Posted by indecisive

M5 was my dream car since the e60, I really loved the concept of family car and a sports car in the Same time.

Recently I had the chance to go for it, I was really hesistant but ended up ordering the competion pack, so my question is how stiff the ride is? why are there mixed reviews of how comfortable it is? the problem is the dealership dose not provide test drive for any of the M cars. so could someone please help.

p.s. sorry for bad English

I have had my M5C for a week now I love the car the comp pack adds that extra edge that makes the car a little more special!

I think the chassis is so good that it deals with bad roads no problem. But you will know that they are bad roads and bad roads are not the best place for the M5 or M5C!

I have driven both and they are both great! You just have to decide how much M you want because you can get an M550 and have even a softer ride.

You have to decide How much M is Too Much or Just Right! For you!

I think the M5C is Just Right lol

[M5C-Oman]

Thanks guys I really appreciate ur answers, I guess i will have to travel to a nearby country to test the cars out.

[CarlosM4]

I live in Brazil where the roads are utter crap. I purchased an used M5 F90 2018/19 with 1500miles (I paid 35k USD less than the brand new car, great way to save my money!). We don't get the M5 Comp, but I had an M6 GC F06 prior to the M5, and I can assure you there is a massive massive difference in ride comfort.

What I can say after a couple of days with the car is that it is very livable for people with poor road conditions. Even in Sport Plus, bumps are not that perceptible, and the car is very taut through imperfections. In Comfort, it rides better than an 540i or 530i, meaning it is supremely comfortable, I would say it is more on par with luxury cars, than sport cars. In my first day with the car I happened to have slipped on the throttle and accelerated hard when going over a speed bump. In the interior of the car it was barely noticeable. The comfy seats help reinforce the impression of extreme comfort.

Therefore I would strongly recommend the normal non CP M5 for those who live in regions with poor road conditions. For those who live elsewhere the M5 CP with the extra edge, and stiffer and racier feel (comparable to that of the M5), I would opt for the CP.

[marcvtec]

Geez carlos - its not that comfortable, and especially not more than a regular 5 series, lol.

[CarlosM4]

Mate I drive it pretty much every day in very rough terrains (in Brazil we don't have roads, we have lunar surface). I find it supremely comfortable, possibly one of the most comfortable cars I have owned. I think it is on pair with the non S E63 4Matic 2014 I owned, which was very very smooth.

[GUNGASLOW]

I have the 19” wheels on my f90 and it rides like it’s on a cloud in comfort mode.. haven’t driven one on the 20”

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by CarlosM4

Mate I drive it pretty much every day in very rough terrains (in Brazil we don't have roads, we have lunar surface). I find it supremely comfortable, possibly one of the most comfortable cars I have owned. I think it is on pair with the non S E63 4Matic 2014 I owned, which was very very smooth.

I think as you have stated in more detail that there is a fine line between and comfort and compliance. I would say for the suspension that the F90 has; its very compliant. Big uneven undulations, unfilled holes, and just flat out rough patches. The car absorbs the imperfections well while keeping the sport feel and not creating a wallowing effect.

Lexus and Cadillac for example (for the most part) are comfortable, they float but also compress and rebound at a much bigger variant.

Id say the F90 is up there when it comes to road aborption (for what kind of car it is) with Porsche 991.2's. Porsche, to me, and all my 991 ownership (6 iterations) does an amazing job. I always have likened BMW to the Porsche feel, particularly with the M5 mirrored up. I love the way the car remains taut and aggressive yet is so "compliant" when needed LOL.

Now my E63S.... what an armored truck that thing was: thud, bam, boom, and just a bone jarring ride. That thing crushed skulls for a living and my roads are great.

[CarlosM4]

Originally Posted by Vic55

I think as you have stated in more detail that there is a fine line between and comfort and compliance. I would say for the suspension that the F90 has; its very compliant. Big uneven undulations, unfilled holes, and just flat out rough patches. The car absorbs the imperfections well while keeping the sport feel and not creating a wallowing effect.

Lexus and Cadillac for example (for the most part) are comfortable, they float but also compress and rebound at a much bigger variant.

Id say the F90 is up there when it comes to road aborption (for what kind of car it is) with Porsche 991.2's. Porsche, to me, and all my 991 ownership (6 iterations) does an amazing job. I always have likened BMW to the Porsche feel, particularly with the M5 mirrored up. I love the way the car remains taut and aggressive yet is so "compliant" when needed LOL.

Now my E63S.... what an armored truck that thing was: thud, bam, boom, and just a bone jarring ride. That thing crushed skulls for a living and my roads are great.

As English is my 2nd language, I probably misinterpreted between comfort and compliance. Nevertheless I agree 100001% with you Vic. This car absorbs imperfections with very little rebound, the car doesn't float, and is perfectly stable and predictable. The 991.2 is impeccable in this aspect too.

The only place where I feel AMG is really far behind BMW M is in the suspension set up. AMG has vastly improved, but there seems to be a difficult in their compromise between compliance and handling. AMGs are either way too stiff, or way too soft and wallowy. I got to drive the brand new G63, and while I was impressed as it handles beautifully (it is now pretty much on pair with the best offerings from the competition, before it used to be dog shit), it is way too stiff even in comfort mode for a SUV. It is more comfortable than the E63, but for an SUV it is pretty bad.

[Pimpsy]

I test drove a M5C with 20" rims and the ride was less stiff over a rough road than my 2016 550 in comfort+ mode with run flats. I went out of my way to hit a few potholes and was surprised at the smoothness of the ride.

It also handled significantly better than my 550; in fact, I was surprised by just how much better the handling felt overall. It was very easy to put the car exactly where I wanted in sharp turns, which felt great and inspired confidence to push harder. Crazy fun...decided I had to have it.

I didn't test drive a regular M5 but the M5C felt so good that it really alleviated my concerns about its suitability as a DD.

Hope this helps.

[josec70]

M5C suspension is insanely good IMO!!!

[fstezaws]

Originally Posted by Pimpsy

I test drove a M5C with 20" rims and the ride was less stiff over a rough road than my 2016 550 in comfort+ mode with run flats. I went out of my way to hit a few potholes and was surprised at the smoothness of the ride.

It also handled significantly better than my 550; in fact, I was surprised by just how much better the handling felt overall. It was very easy to put the car exactly where I wanted in sharp turns, which felt great and inspired confidence to push harder. Crazy fun...decided I had to have it.

I didn't test drive a regular M5 but the M5C felt so good that it really alleviated my concerns about its suitability as a DD.

Hope this helps.

100% agree. My 2011 550i was awful with runflats. The 2019 M5C is actually much more comfortable than anticipated. It handles beautifully, but is also very compliant as a DD.

[jmorgan911]

I would love to compare the two back to back, for the sake of science of course. I live in north NJ close to NYC and have a "regular" M5. If someone with an M5C is around PM me!