My wife needs you guys to answer a question

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by B-1 Pilot

Stealth, no offense, you must have had the worst M5 ZCP test ride ever; your disdain for anything related to the CP is visceral at times...

There is no way current M3 is more comfortable than any variant of the M5.


Someone who has both surely can answer up on this?

Having sold the E90 M3 and now drive the LCI M5 without CP, I agree, the M3 is NOT as comfortable.

[skypx]

We went from a 2012 E92 ZCP M3 to the 2014 ZCP M5. The level of comfort in the M5 with all tires at 40 psi and the dampers in sport is 100% better. My wife loves it! She keeps asking why we couldn't have purchased the M5 sooner. She also said she thinks the M5 is more comfortable than her E70 X5!

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by skypx

We went from a 2012 E92 ZCP M3 to the 2014 ZCP M5. The level of comfort in the M5 with all tires at 40 psi and the dampers in sport is 100% better. My wife loves it! She keeps asking why we couldn't have purchased the M5 sooner. She also said she thinks the M5 is more comfortable than her E70 X5!

I would agree F10 CP rides better than E70, although I had the passive sports suspension on mine (non-M Sport), so not sure if that's a fair comparison. F10 CP rides much better than a E90 M Sport with run flats, if that helps put the F10 CP ride into context (sorry to OP have not driven a E90 M3).

The secondary ride in F10 CP is slightly worse than non-CP, however, if you're coming from an M3, I believe it will be an acceptable compromise for the increased body control, directness of steering, etc. F10 M5, even with CP is still an inherently comfortable car, however, it is worth investing in the higher specs seats, as has been mentioned previously, due to the softer cushioning. Bottom line is that there should be no need for you to order blind as some of us choose to; find dealers with CP/non-CP and try them for yourself.

[ShanghaiPete]

I have traded up from a 2011 550i M Sport to a 2014 M5 ZCP. I can tell you categorically that if you drive the M5 in comfort mode when your wife's in the car I can't see any way there could be a problem. I was concerned after ordering the comp pack that maybe it would be too stiff on the lousy Chicago roads but it's fine. Go ahead and place your order !

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I'm considering an M5.

I currently drive an e90 M3 and I love the car but it's too small so I'm looking to upsell my wife on an M5, which she is willing to consider. Problem is, she hates the M3 - the ride is way too stiff for her. She says every time she gets out of it, she has a headache because the car is so jarring. Now part of that is my shifting the DCT in the most aggressive mode possible but she's right - the ride is very, very stiff on the M3.

I've driven a 2012 F10 M5 and it is definitely much softer than the M3. So that's good. But I like the new ZCP package. So here is the question: is the 2014 M5 w/ZCP materially stiffer in ride than the M5 without ZCP?

Pat

Why don't you just go test drive them both like I did?

[Neil McRae]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

M5 ZCP ride is harsher than a non-ZCP M3.

Did you mean non-ZCP M5? because the M3 in both forms is far harsher than the M5 in any form (even the E60!) , I mean a lot harsher.


ZCP M5 is harsher than the regular M5 - both are outstanding cars. If comfort is important then the regular M5 will be great - just bang it in to sport+ when the wife is not in the car and you'll love it.

Neil.

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Why don't you just go test drive them both like I did?

It's very tough to find an M5 without the competition package - all dealer orders around here seem to have it.

I drove an M5 w/ZCP today and after driving the same roads in my M3 and the M5, I have to say they feel almost indistinguishable. Both are harsh, stiff rides, with every little pebble on the road making its presence known.

The M5 might be a little better because of the longer wheelbase, so a little less bouncy, but that could also be my imagination.

The sales guy was willing to go $6K off MSRP right away without even "talking to the manager" so they don't seem to be flying off the showroom floor.

Pat

[KKS53]

Originally Posted by B-1 Pilot

Stealth, no offense, you must have had the worst M5 ZCP test ride ever; your disdain for anything related to the CP is visceral at times...

There is no way current M3 is more comfortable than any variant of the M5. The F30 versions, when they come out may be an improvement on the E90 variants (based on my experience of owning both of those in a 335xi -- the F30 is a step up in comfort).

But the E90 M3 being smoother than an M5? not a chance... I thought about getting an M3 a year ago when I was in DC to hold me over until I could move and order my M5 like I did... I did not like the seating, the ride quality... performance wise it was GREAT fun, but it specifically lacked the luxury and comfort in ride I wanted for when I was entertaining and driving my wife or two couples around town, and is why I held off and got the M5.

Someone who has both surely can answer up on this?

100% agree and I did answer it above. It is no contest . My M3 Lime Rock is ZCP as stealth noted but I have driven regular e92s and there is no contest in ride quality and comfort vs the the M5 with ZCP. Even in the Sport+ mode the M5 ZCP is the clear winner. I don't find the stiff, uncomfortable ride that many owners seem to describe here on this forum.

Maybe it is the ultra smooth No. NJ roads.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

It's very tough to find an M5 without the competition package - all dealer orders around here seem to have it.

I drove an M5 w/ZCP today and after driving the same roads in my M3 and the M5, I have to say they feel almost indistinguishable. Both are harsh, stiff rides, with every little pebble on the road making its presence known.

The M5 might be a little better because of the longer wheelbase, so a little less bouncy, but that could also be my imagination.

The sales guy was willing to go $6K off MSRP right away without even "talking to the manager" so they don't seem to be flying off the showroom floor.

Pat

Well I can assure you the standard M5 has superb ride quality.

I think you have your answer.

Try looking at other cities. I'm surprised about what you say. Around here the ZCP is a minority of dealer orders.

[mstmng]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Having sold the E90 M3 and now drive the LCI M5 without CP, I agree, the M3 is NOT as comfortable.

same here !

i have a lot of long trips in m3, i was comfy enough, not a single complaint, seats are/were good, but u cannot compare m5 comfort/seats/ride with m3

[ONEOF40 FS M3]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I'm considering an M5.

I currently drive an e90 M3 and I love the car but it's too small so I'm looking to upsell my wife on an M5, which she is willing to consider. Problem is, she hates the M3 - the ride is way too stiff for her. She says every time she gets out of it, she has a headache because the car is so jarring. Now part of that is my shifting the DCT in the most aggressive mode possible but she's right - the ride is very, very stiff on the M3.

I've driven a 2012 F10 M5 and it is definitely much softer than the M3. So that's good. But I like the new ZCP package. So here is the question: is the 2014 M5 w/ZCP materially stiffer in ride than the M5 without ZCP?

Pat

The E92 M3 ZCP is a harder/stiffer ride than any F10 M5 model/configuration including the ZCP. If you want a super comfortable ride and magnificent machine, get an F10 m5 without ZCP.