Is the Competition Package Worth it?

[frcotting]

I'm getting close to placing an order for a new M5 but I'm having a hard time deciding if I should get the competition package or not. I've done some research on this forum and it seems like a lot of you guys have CP and love it. But I wonder if it's worth the money to someone like me who will never track the car but who still likes to do some spirited highway driving every now and then. I've only driven a non-CP version at this point and it seems to do everything I want it to do - and then some! And I could definitely use the $7300 I would have spent on the CP for some other nice options (like B&O, individual color, etc.). But then I watch the MotorTrend video review where Carlos Lago basically says that the Competition Package makes the M5 a much better car ("... this is how the M5 should have been out of the gate."). What do you guys think? Does the CP really make the M5 that much better? Will I be kicking myself a year from now if I don't get it?

[Hoopumpers]

For "spirited highway driving", there will be no difference.

If you are driving aggressively in canyons, mountains, etc. then may be worth it.

Will you mod at all? If not, the exhaust will be slightly better (but you really should go aftermarket). The CP drop is nice.

I agree it's a tough decision. If I wasn't going to mod, I would probably do it.

[avlnch]

I would get the CP if it were available when I purchased my car. I would of also gotten the carbon ceramic brakes if it were available.

I wouldn't watch reviews or read articles and make up your mind in favor of one or the other. I would drive both back to back to see the difference for myself. Then make a decision.

It sounds like you have spending constraints or want to limit your spending on the car where you can. If that is the case, you should research the cosmetic and performance modifications you are interested in and total the value. Bring that into your decision.

Research all the parts changes that the CP includes. Off track interests are mainly the new rack and pinion steering which has a better on center and corners/turns better.

The additional power the CP brings is basically nothing and it's only available at the very end of the RPM range.

It has a modified MDM mode that has a higher threshold for traction intervention/corrections. It also has a modified rear differential (software only).

The suspension is 10mm lower, has 15% stiffer stabilizer rates with 10% increased steering ratio.

So you will absolutely see a difference daily driving a CP M5 vs a standard M5. This is where driving the two back to back to compare them yourself comes into play. Some people won't notice a difference, although chances are if you are interested in the M5 you will notice every difference. See for yourself if the added benefit justifies the package cost.

That's really the best answer you will get. These are all facts. Everything else you read are personal opinions. It's your M5 and your paying to own and drive it.. so what good is one guys opinion (salesman, magazine reviewer, anyone else) to yours?

[B-1Pilot]

Have it, love it, get it.

The Ride is not bad! Ride in one for yourself to see.

My earlier thoughts edited from another post dispelling myths about the CP... after about 6 months and 5k miles still feel its true:


The truth is the CP is more than a horsepower increase... there are significant steering changes, damper changes, spring rate changes, and stabilser rate changes, and a new Active M differential. (link)

Combined this make for a much different driving experience.

STEERING; the steering in the '14 M5 CP is not the same as the '13 after March or '14 baseline M5s (see second slide in the link above), it is another step above the baseline 'serie.'

EXHAUST. the exhaust in the 14 M5 CP is not the same as a 13 exhaust, merely wired open. In fact, the CP exhaust can also benefit from being wired open or using an exhaustmeister if increased sound at lower RPM is your goal. The CP exhaust is labeled a sport exhaust by BMW -- all this means is that baffles are removed from the normal exhaust and black tips are added. However, regular 13 and 14 M5s have baffles in them, and no amount of valve wiring will eliminate their sound reduction properties. Now if you buy new or black chrome your existing tips, and find a way to remove those baffles, then your exhaust will be the same as the CP, i guess.

POWER: To me, the increased HP is secondary to the increase in Torque and hence overall power... this is seen starting at ~5700 RPM. If you are not ever revving your engine up that high to see its effects, I would argue that the M5 is not the right car for you. Is the difference perceptable? Very hard to say without lots of driving of both, but the numbers dont lie -- it is a faster car, and BMW did it to keep the M5 inline performance-wise with its peer group.

RIDE HEIGHT: One of my favorite aspects of the CP is the springs and ride height. Yes, you can replicate this with aftermarket for much cheaper, but seeing how many people have removed, resold, or otherwise complained of rubbing/clunking/etc with aftermaket springs, I much prefer the indigenous BMW solution.

COST: As for the money saved point... at the end of the day it is your wallet, and I will be the first one to concede that the CP costs more than it rightly should... I would even go one step further and state that its changes should be incorporated into all M5s.

WHEELS: After seeing them every day, I have to say.. I love them. would not change them out for anything.

Only thing I wish I had: B&O.

[shellbmb]

There is a little drone from the exhaust at cruising speeds that i've noticed especially with the stereo down. I was driving around 60-65 in comfort mode with the stereo off talking with a friend and it was a little annoying. But that's my only complaint so far. Not sure if any of that drone is coming from the active sound, but I plan on disabling that once I get around to getting the car coded.

I personally like the 601 wheels over the 343. But if I had preferred the 343, I might not have opted for the CP and spent that extra 6k on B&O and full leather as those are the options I regret not getting. The stock stereo is OK, but nothing special.

This car is insanely fast CP or no CP. You'll be happy either way you go from a power standpoint. But try to drive both back to back if you can and then make a final decision.

[frcotting]

Appreciate the input. I'm leaning toward getting the CP now.

[3rd party]

For me a huge part of this decision would be road conditions and availability of another car. I'm in the same neighborhood as the OP and the roads are the worst I've ever seen them and roads into NYC are incredibly bad.

[GOLFFRR]

Yes, especially for resale value down the road. When you goto sell the car buyers will want a car with the comp pkg.

IMO get as many options on a car as you can comfortably afford.

[frcotting]

Originally Posted by 3rd party

For me a huge part of this decision would be road conditions and availability of another car. I'm in the same neighborhood as the OP and the roads are the worst I've ever seen them and roads into NYC are incredibly bad.

Tell me about it! I'll be using my X1 in the winter and driving the M5 when it warms up. Hopefully by then the roads will be in better shape. I can't imaging hitting some of the potholes around here on 20" alloys.

[uhn2000]

Originally Posted by frcotting

Appreciate the input. I'm leaning toward getting the CP now.

Drove my business partners car with CP and its totally worth it. Feels more planted and sounds a bit better. The power differences are not that noticeable but the suspension and sounds are.

[M5essex]

Originally Posted by uhn2000

Drove my business partners car with CP and its totally worth it. Feels more planted and sounds a bit better. The power differences are not that noticeable but the suspension and sounds are.

so you have the non CP and yr business partner has the CP M5.. right? and does the CP sounds much better than non cp exhaust? really interested to hear your views, as I had the non-cp M5 at the weekend and was disappointed how tame it sounded... so much so that I almost cancelled my order or sacrificed CP to fit an aftermarket exhaust system.

[uhn2000]

Originally Posted by M5essex

so you have the non CP and yr business partner has the CP M5.. right? and does the CP sounds much better than non cp exhaust? really interested to hear your views, as I had the non-cp M5 at the weekend and was disappointed how tame it sounded... so much so that I almost cancelled my order or sacrificed CP to fit an aftermarket exhaust system.

Yes and I have been meaning to do a review because mine is also 6MT (his DCT). The sound is slightly louder/better but nothing you would really notice unless you have been in a pre 2013 for a while - its little changes. The 2013 is tame (sound wise) and some might say the 2014 with CP is as well. All I really think they did is turn up the Active Sound because we put down the windows the other day and drove around - I could not really tell much of a difference coming from the outside of the car, more from inside of the cabin (with windows up and down).

An Exhaust is a must and I have been wanting to do that for quite some time but just have not gotten around to it and when I do want to hear something earing popping its the V10 in my garage. The F10 M5 is definitely no awe inspiring sound in stock form, an exhaust might help but not sure yet. My neighbour installed one and I am going to check it out. I think the car just has too much sound insulation.

Overall I would say that the CP is needed for the M5. Get it..

[DrewM5]

Originally Posted by avlnch

I would get the CP if it were available when I purchased my car. I would of also gotten the carbon ceramic brakes if it were available.

I wouldn't watch reviews or read articles and make up your mind in favor of one or the other. I would drive both back to back to see the difference for myself. Then make a decision.

It sounds like you have spending constraints or want to limit your spending on the car where you can. If that is the case, you should research the cosmetic and performance modifications you are interested in and total the value. Bring that into your decision.

Research all the parts changes that the CP includes. Off track interests are mainly the new rack and pinion steering which has a better on center and corners/turns better.

The additional power the CP brings is basically nothing and it's only available at the very end of the RPM range.

It has a modified MDM mode that has a higher threshold for traction intervention/corrections. It also has a modified rear differential (software only).

The suspension is 10mm lower, has 15% stiffer stabilizer rates with 10% increased steering ratio.

So you will absolutely see a difference daily driving a CP M5 vs a standard M5. This is where driving the two back to back to compare them yourself comes into play. Some people won't notice a difference, although chances are if you are interested in the M5 you will notice every difference. See for yourself if the added benefit justifies the package cost.

That's really the best answer you will get. These are all facts. Everything else you read are personal opinions. It's your M5 and your paying to own and drive it.. so what good is one guys opinion (salesman, magazine reviewer, anyone else) to yours?

This really is the best advice. I will throw in one more factor that only you can decide: buyer's remorse. Are you that guy - like I am - that will regret not getting the "extra" every time you get in the car? If so, you may be saving $7,300, but you are dramatically reducing the pleasure you are getting from $110K purchase. Penny wise and pound foolish - but only if you are THAT GUY.

[dhirm5]

Originally Posted by uhn2000

Yes and I have been meaning to do a review because mine is also 6MT (his DCT). The sound is slightly louder/better but nothing you would really notice unless you have been in a pre 2013 for a while - its little changes. The 2013 is tame (sound wise) and some might say the 2014 with CP is as well.

Generally agree - CP exhaust is not that much different under normal driving circumstances. Under full throttle (or with an Exhaustmeister), the difference is much more noticeable. The lack of baffles in the exhaust results in a louder, meaner sound when the valves are open - and more burbles and pops. Stock, the valves open automatically above some RPM - or possibly at some throttle position.

Exhaustmeister let's you control the valve. I have the 'open' code learned in my mirror's far right button and just hit that after I start my car. I don't need the 'close' code.

I don't think the active sound is any different, but only BMW would know for sure.

Regarding OPs question - I have CP on mine and would do it again. Partially because I'm also 'that guy', like @DrewM5.

[brainblade]

I have 2013 and drove my friends 2014 cp. The 2014 cp sits lower and has a firm , oncenter feel to the steering. Comfort steering felt like sport in my 2013 and overall the steering, suspension and exhaust noise are improved over my 2013. HOWEVER. I am in NYC and I like the slushiness of my steering in comfort when Im in traffic going over bumps. I feel the non cp car suspension has more travel and I like the feeling when going slow over bumps. When I put my car in its firmest settings on the highway, it is more than adequate enough. No doubt I would like the CP, but im not regretful.

[jlee]

i drove a comp vs non-comp car and the steering alone was worth it. the wheels were second..love the wheels.

the hp pickup and "sport exhaust" are crap gimmicks...

but i found the CP to be a better ride, better steering and the variations between Comfort and M2 pretty noticeable.

Jeff

[frcotting]

Very helpful advice here from everyone. So, to summarize: a) the M5 is a great car without the CP; b) the CP adds a few subtle but significant improvements to the driving experience; and c) $7300 is probably money well spent if it means I won't have to wonder every time I get in the car whether I'm missing out on the full M5 experience.

[darkrabbit]

I'd agree that the CP might be worth it to some. It wasn't to me and I am still glad I didn't get it. The changes to the steering and suspension for a DD weren't enough to justify the price, and all I care about are the steering and suspension. The M5 isn't my primary track car either, if I want a raw experience I grab the M3 The drop is nice though.

It really is all about personal preference. It's not a must by any means, and you won't lose out on the M5 experience not getting it. The car is insane, in any form.

-J