More Janus-like indecision from a member of our Best and Brightest who’s torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool. “Jack” wants to buy American (whatever love is). And like many of us, he suffers from some sort of right brain/left brain; head/heart deal. So, he made a list:
Pros for the CTS-V
1. Helping out Joe Six Packs up there in Lansing and at all the parts companies across the country. I’m not a jingoist, but I’ve asked that Detroit build a car that’s competitive—and they have. And in a tie, I’m cheering for my fellow Americans.
2. The absolute best new car value for money in the over $50,000 category with respect to performance.
3. New car smell and complete control over the hoonage that I’d inflict on my car.Cons against the CTS-V
1. I don’t like the glossy, piano-finish trim of the interior. Would rather have the standard CTS interior.
2. Problems noted on various forums about various fit/finish issues (e.g., squealing navigation display, interior creaks and rattles, exposed harness wires, etc.)
3. Hit-or-miss dealer experiences.
4. A new CTS-V will probably depreciate faster than a similarly-priced used M5.Pros for the M5
1. The current M5 is the culmination of years of BMW M development.
2. iDrive (yes, I like it) and the nearly infinite customization of my driving experience.
3. The “M button.” No one really needs 500+ horsepower on tap constantly. So it would be nice to limit my horsepower and fuel to “only” 400 hp.
4. Random little extras available on an M5, like the head-up display, push button keyless start (as opposed to the CTS-V’s column keyless start).
5. BMW/German leather and seats seems to hold up very well over the years. Past experience tells me that American seats/leather don’t hold up as well (pet peeve).
6. BMWs are really comfortable (seat firmness, seating position, visibility, etc.) on extreme long distance drives.
7. International admiration for the M5 as the ultimate performance sedan. The day I see CTS-Vs around the world is the day that GM has come of age.Cons against a used M5
1. I have no idea on the hoonage inflicted on the car.
2. BMW drivers tend to be a bit on pretentious side.
3. That intangible feeling that I can’t trust BMW for years to come.
I’d take a CTS-V over a NEW BMW M5, even if they were the same price
Both are fine performance cars but both will most likely give you some mechanical issues over time. It comes down to personal choice – do you prefer the hi-tech approach of the M5 or the old school brawn of the CTS-V?
May I boldly recommend a 2003 (e39) BMW M5 instead of the newer model?
I just test drove my first M5 on Saturday….2002 model, 70k miles, about $20k.
Absolutely brilliant, and providing an experience that the current 5-series and current 3-series fall short of providing.
Seats 5 comfortable, much more classic styling. Far less expensive to procure.
Have you had the chance to test drive both?
Our CTS-V owners generally have no complaints about their cars. As far as reliability and build quality, they appear to be pretty good to me. I’m not too familiar with the fit and finish issues mentioned, but the ones I’ve seen are built pretty well. I totally agree with the opinion of the piano black interior, though. I prefer the regualar CTS to the V in that aspect.
If you buy an M5 that’s still under warranty, you’ll also have the free scheduled maintenance, which would be a great money saver. The down side is that once that’s gone, the repair bills will likely be quite a bit more for the BMW than the Caddy.
If it were my money, I’d likely buy the Cadillac, but either way you’re going to have a hell of a lot of fun driving.
There’s alot more guys who can wrench on an LS engine than a BMW.
I guess it all depends on where you drink – the legion hall or the country club.
Never driven either vehicle.
That said, I think the CTS-V is too quiet for it’s engine output. The gizmos and adjustability of the M5 sounds fun, but I’ve yet to read something nice about the SMG transmission- so you’d have to get a manual and BMW manuals are something of an aquired taste.
I think if you are keeping the car for five years or less get the M5. It’s used status should help you depreciation-wise, you won’t have many worries about the future of the parent company, and the expensive gizmos should all still be working.
Now if you want to keep this car for 10 years or more, then I would get the CTS-V. It is destined to be a classic and the LSx engine should last you for a long time. I have a feeling that the high-tech E60 M5 is not going to remembered as fondly as previous M5s, and I wouldn’t want to deal with fixing a BMW that far down the road.
Cousin has a CTS (not the V). He likes to throw it around a bit but it is not standing up to the hoonery. In fact it is falling apart. Even his marriage is somewhat strained over the cost of keeping it on the road. The car is a sinkhole for money and don’t kid yourself, Cadilac parts are not cheap. 4 year old car with repair bills over $7K and rising. I wouldn’t touch one with a forty foot pole. Besides a CTSv is not an M5 and never will be!
I have driven both the Cadillac and BMW plus the MB E63. I’d go for an E63 above the rest. Caddy’s not my style, M5 is too harsh around town and the E63 is just right, especially with the panorama roof in Desert Silver Metallic.
Twotone
Oh for goodness sake. Despite some losses in sales, BMW do not appear to be “going away”. Cadillac on the other other hand, whether part of the “good GM” or not is going to be starved of funds and ideas for some time. Also for drivability….it’s a no brainer!
Buy the BMW!
These “New-this or used that” are incredibly challenging…M5s are good used car values, considering how much depreciation they suffer initially.
BMW dealerships are very hit and miss. On the one hand, when my friend picked up his M3 in Vegas recently, his car was waiting for him under a car cover and a bow tie with a “Owner en route” sign, and the unveiled by the salesmen before him. Then you get the dealership where the tech sprays WD-40 on the serpentine belt to fix the squeal instead of replacing it.
1. I have no idea on the hoonage inflicted on the car.
You should be able to convince dealership mechanic to pull up DME (BMW’s term for “the computer box that runs the car”) logs and see if there’s been any overrevving, etc. An off-lease CPO would be your best bet.
Can’t help you with #2, or #3, though.
Stick or auto? Heard the SMG in the M5 feels very dated compared to modern dual clutch transmissions.
I’d take the Cadillac. Not sure if it matters to you but I’ve read (somewhere unremembered) that BMW had to be dragged whining like a little child into offering a stick for the M5. They apparently responded by offering a version with reduced ability to switch off the traction and stability control. This could mean you have lost the ability to overcome low traction situations and build speed (where a tc system can stop a car). So the good ones are neutered fun-wise and may not be capable of getting themselves unstuck in the snow. If this is just rumor I’d greatly appreciate a correction.
The CTS-V is a bit flashy though.
I haven’t driven an M5, but I’ve been given rides in them before. I really think I’d hate the automated manual gearboxe (SMG), in my experience they suck at upshifts. The advice is to feather the throttle, but it’s not the same as a real manual and you can expect a nasty kick because of that. I noticed it as a passenger and the driver owns his car and is very used to it.
I’d really want to see the service records on any used BMW I was interested in buying, to see if the owner maintained it according to the “free scheduled maintenance” standard or otherwise. If there aren’t any such records available, that’s probably as good an answer as you need.
CTS-V hands down… next question?
Instead of a used M5, how about a brand new 550i with Sport Pkg? Exhaust note toned-down a bit but you still get the not-too-shabby V8 roar. Your daily commute would still be comfortable while the active stabilizers really do wonders on handling.
If you want to stick with M cars, let’s throw in the mix a brand new E90 M3. Smaller package, same M heritage.
What a problem to have… I envy you!
Areitu has a great idea to review the onboard computer records for excessive hoonage. That would be my concern. I’ve got a friend with an M series and he says he “drives it like it’s stolen”.
And don’t overlook the fact that most people will assume you are a Yuppie poser, or worse, in a BMW.
CTS-V. The latest gen CTS is a better beast than the old one that people are complaining about. I’d take the new car with new car warranty over the CPO car if they are the same price depending on mileage. What kind of mileage are we talking about on the M5? If it’s anything over 10K, I’d go for the CTS.
CTS-V no question.
The “new” will be worn off of the (almost bankrupt) Cadillac in a few months. At that point, which used car would you rather have in front of your house?
The Caddy – if it can get Captain Slow to go fast in the twisties it HAS to be good.
Oh and the BMW most likely will have been flogged.
If you want to drive the King of the Road, CTS-V wins the day, it beats out all the competitors on the spec-sheet metrics and timed performance measures. There’s also something to be said for buying American, and Joe Sixpacks won’t all roll their eyes when you drive up in a BMW, which has a lot of social baggage.
However, it’s up to you and which driving experience you prefer. Take ’em both for a spin, subject them to real day-to-day driving tests (not just pedal-jamming and tire-squealing) to see what they’ll be like to live with. You really can’t lose this debate (nor can you win it if you’re looking for a reliable, practical car with low operating costs!).
My vote goes to the CTS-V, but it ain’t my money.
Unless that used M5 is the E28 or E39 chassis, my vote’s with the CTS.
Depending on mileage of the M5, I think I’d take the CTS-V if it had a manual transmission. I’m not a huge fan of the M5 for various reasons, most of which relate to the transmission, snob factor and harsh ride of the M5.
As I said in my last review of the 535xi, i personally find iDrive to be perhaps the best thing since sliced bread. Intuitive? No, not really, but if you are a tech weenie, than being able to adjust EVERYTHING in the car via an LCD is the height of “progress.”
Driving dynamics wise, I have to say again that I prefer the CTS-V, I find the ride to be more to my tastes, I like the fact that all of your ponies are a pedal press away, I like that the power seems to be more usable than the M5 as well.
In terms of the interior, I would suggest to your Cadillac dealer that they need to do some swapping of interior trim pieces for you in order to complete the sale. I’m sure that someone would be willing to get a CTS 3.6 DI with the V trim panels.
Overall there is also additional value in the GM 10yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty (of course a chapter 11 could change that) and there is some value in having OnStar built in as well, I consider that to be far superior to the BMW telematic system since it is a phone in its own right.
I drove a new CTS all-wheel drive with the direct injection V6, it was fantastic. I don’t know about the reliability though.
If Caddy costs no more over the long haul to keep running compared to the Bimmer, I go for the Caddy.
Too many “ifs” on the CTS, reading the blog…
At least you’ll be able to agonize with your mates at the bar if you buy the CTS – there will be plenty of “I bought a GM in 2009/2010” stories going.
1. Helping out Joe Six Packs up there in Lansing and at all the parts companies across the country. I’m not a jingoist, but I’ve asked that Detroit build a car that’s competitive—and they have. And in a tie, I’m cheering for my fellow Americans.
——————————————
Don’t you see the irony here?
You only help out uncompetitive car makers.
Competitive cars and car makers don’t need any sort of help, patriotic or otherwise. They eat their competitors for lunch.
For example, Honda Fit is competitive and no buyer intend to help out Honda in buying Fit. They simply buy a good car.
I’d take the CTS-V, although you would have to order one, because the one on the lot would most likely have a slushbox. It looks much better, inside and out, it comes with a warranty, it’s faster, it doesn’t have iDrive, and it doesn’t make you look like a douche when you drive one, like a BMW does.
The M5 is a robotic throwaway freak show, a poor impersonation of an electric car.
The CTS-V is a relatively perfect mix of modern technology and classic performance car behavor and tactile feel.
The preowned M5 will have been heavily abused (when it’s leased you drive it like you don’t own it), and probably had it’s first “BMW Ultimate Service” oil change at 10,000 miles.
If you aren’t going to keep the car any longer than the BMW Certified Pre-Owned warranty then it comes down to your personal preference (although I highly suggest the Cadillac).
However, if you plan to keep the car for a long time then the Cadillac is the clear choice. Modern BMWs are disposable cars; the CTS-V will be a classic.
2009 was the first year for the CTS-V, a recently built CTS-V or a 2010 CTS-V should have the minor issues worked out.
wsn:
GM has not been a competitive company overall, but the CTS-V is a competitive product, not a charity case.
Looking past “percieved” quality to actual quality GM’s better offerings easily beat the current German throwaway cars.
The Fit is a great car, but Honda does not make a car in this class.
Toyota has the IS-F, but it’s still really a class down in size and performance.
Neither. Get the C63 AMG.
I chuckle at the number of CTS buyers – clearly the entire universe of such are here in the blog. GM has no worries based on the votes here…
In answer to the “statement” claimants – I’d like to understand what buying a Cadillac really says (people won’t be knowledgeable about the CTS-V badge). Buying a Cadillac = you’re either old, a lawyer or accountant or you got the world’s best deal during the bad times. None of these say that you picked the better car.
I own a bmw and I would take the caddy. My mechanic drives my bmw as much as I do. It ate a transmission, every single suspension bushing and the cooling system. My experience with domestic cars is way different. They are rarely in the shop. Also, bmw won’t even provide me a dipstick to check the oil anymore, whichs means a trip to the dealer. Bet the caddy has one though! If it weren’t for the lack of money (spent it repair the bmw) there would be a cts V in my garage.
Why not consider a G8 GXP? With the money saved, buy a Commodore hood without the fake air scoops.
“The day I see CTS-Vs around the world is the day that GM has come of age.”
You won’t see this because U.S. car companies don’t build their cars to international specs unlike BMW, Toyota, MB, Hyundai etc etc. For example, all these cars are engineered for both LHD and RHD countries. G.M. just buys a local manufacturer (Opel, Holden, Shanghai Buick, Daewoo etc)
E39 M5/C5 Audi S6 Avant owner here.
E60 M5 not my taste. E60 interior design horrid, not as bad as the E65 7er but still more ’70s German hotel than BMW car. Chassis is nice. SMG not. Engine’s a buzz-bomb with less seat-of-the-pants 1000-5000RPM torque than my E39, very dependent on the SMG to make the car go fast. Great car when you’re hammering on it but the rest of the time it’s not all that. Looking forward to the next one with the turbo DI V8 but I’ll pass on this one.
CTS-V is the *perfect* mechanical package. Interior aesthetics suit me just fine, certainly better than any current BMW. Base seats suck for my 6’1 175lb backside, hold out for the Recaros. Outward visibility not as good as an E39 (the E60’s kinda halfway in between on that point.) Long-term durability not assured but I’d take the chance. Would love to buy American but I won’t buy a car from Obama/UAW Motors until I’m convinced that the administration’s current financial manipulations aren’t a way to hook the UAW up to the taxpayer nipple for the next two decades.
C63 doesn’t pull my chain at all. Don’t like the jagged shape (but it’s not as bad as that little SUV they just puked out), don’t like the interior, just doesn’t do anything for me, don’t even want to drive it.
E63 is gorgeous, wonderful shape, wonderful interior aesthetics, and THEY MAKE A WAGON which, having gotten used to the Audi, is just about a must. Haven’t driven an E63; the old E55 chassis was fine for real-world use but not the driving tool the E60 M5 (or the CTS-V) is. You won’t buy one as a track car.
So if I’m buying anything (not a slam-dunk given given current economic realities) it’s probably a used E55 wagon.
If I were buying a sedan (misgivings about GM ownership aside) it’d be a CTS-V or a Pontiac G8 GXP.
Haven’t driven a GXP, but the base G8 GT is exceptional value for money and if the interior’s not up to BMW standards of material quality it’s at least a decently attractive design.
If you get the BMW, a second on the “Get a CPO car”. The CPO price premium is rather low, but often has an effectively better warantee than a new car.
BMW M5.
If i buy the Caddy i will have to keep it forever, because you can´t sell it over here.
Nurburgring record holder-Check
Brembo Brakes-Check
Magnetic/Rheonetic Suspension Control Ala ZR1/Ferrari-Check
4YR/50,000 Bumper to Bumper Coverage-Check
5 YR/100,000 Powertrain Coverage-Check
Wheel Hop previous model had gone-Check
No I Drive which is killing BMW resale-Check Check
GM Deperciation Protection at trade in- Double Check Check
Up to 700 HP options available in the aftermarket. Well you know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRExJwg0sf4
Good luck making a BIMMER run like this for less that a truckload of cash.
Nuff Said.
I’d prefer the M5, but I can’t help but be concerned about long term repair costs on it. Since we keep vehicles for a long time, I would probably buy the CTS-V.
E39 M5, no question.
Me personally, the M5 in a heartbeat. Better all around, more capable, a true drivers package, and safe to say would hold more value than the CTS-V.
“Cons against the CTS-V”
“2. Problems noted on various forums about various fit/finish issues (e.g., squealing navigation display, interior creaks and rattles, exposed harness wires, etc.)” —– I’ve heard the same. Friend of mine had a previous version CTS. I was never that impressed overall with the car and it looked very dated fast. He was happy when he sold it.
“4. A new CTS-V will probably depreciate faster than a similarly-priced used M5.” —– Yep.
“Pros for the M5”
“1. The current M5 is the culmination of years of BMW M development.” —- Absolutely. My last BMW M car was far and away the best performance package I have ever owned. I too bought it used. That car was bulletproof. Never had an ounce of issue with it.
I might go with the CTS-V but it depends on how old the M5 is, mileage, etc.
The fact that Cadillac is in the financial crapper may be the biggest reason to buy this car. Even if Caddy winds up on the “good” side of GM, the CTS-V probably won’t. Its a halo car pure and simple. A rare, unique, acclaimed halo car. Those lucky enough to get their hands on one will have a great car to enjoy for now, and a date with the Mecum red carpet later. The M5 is an awesome vehicle, no doubt, but it will always just be another M5.
If you’re never going to mess with it beyond factory approved exhaust and intake packages(Dinan)then I would stick with the M5.
If you want the all hell just broke loose in a performance sedan, buy the Caddy and start talking to Hennessey.
In all honesty with the cars being +500hp stock(good god!) the repair costs are going to be the same even though there are great engineers on both sides. Avoid this consideration entirely with after market warranty policy.
I’m not the biggest fan of trying to help Joe sixpack right now, we are already carrying his mortgage as it is.
Isn’t anything in this price range carrying a bit of social baggage? But who really cares, its your car.
M5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqIJcT4FFU
I will assume from the list of candidates that mechanical reliability is not a concern.
Get the Bimmer if you want a driver’s car that makes people say, “Oh, just watch THIS prick.” Tint the windows pitch black.
Get the CTS if you want a looker that avoids the rich-boy stereotypes. Why GM doesn’t copy this design for all of its sedans is a mystery to me.
Just be sure to drive the E63 before you decide. A CPO 2007 E63 will go for around 50-55k and i think you’ll find it the best of both worlds (luxury/performance). I have an 07 and would seriously consider getting another one when this one gets old. It has 54k miles without a single problem, i think MB has gotten its quality act together.
How about Alpina B7? (If you can find one).
Granted, it’s one size bigger then M5. But with 493hp supercharged V8 it’s on par with M5. Too bad BMW never offered Alpina B5, because it would cannibalize sales of M5. But I’ve read review of E60 M5 vs. E60 B5. Guess what? Alpina just as quick! And when it comes to every day practicality/driveability it beats M5, as M5 power found way higher rev range.
One more reason to consider Alpina B7 is exclusivity. Chances are pretty slim that you gonna run into another one, especially if you get yours in Alpina Blue. It’s the ultimate of exclusivity, performance and luxury.
As the Presidents of The United States of America say:
“I will survive, in my Mach 5, in my Mach5, I will surviiive…”
go for the e39
I’d be scared of a used “M.” The abuse factor would concern me greatly.
For what you’re looking for, the suggestion to look at a new 550i is a good one. It’s in your price range, and since iDrive is something that you actually like (and you have some ‘splainin’ to do for that), you should be able to live with it.
If you like the Caddy and can deal with the non-existent resale value, though, I wouldn’t avoid it. Drive it (and everything else that you’re looking at) a few times, and make sure that you can deal with the whole package.
CTS-V hands down. The feeling afer destroying a snobby (not all are snobby so save the bitching) BMW owner from a stoplight would definitely make up for any depreciation. However I think if one held on to the CTS-V for about 20 years it’d probably be worth three times what it costs now. Think of it as the preserved testicles of a castrated American automobile industry.
CTS-v. Faster, better, and it ain’t ugly.
If you like the CTS-V, and you can get a steal on one, then why not? Depreciation isn’t as much a factor if you get 15k off to start.
OTOH, if they are holding firmer, go for the BMW. There are bound to be ways that a good mechanic can find signs of hoonage, for one thing, there is the service and data records in the cars memory. I am no expert at all, but I think there is bound to be some ways to improve your odds through diligence.
CTS-V, by far. There will be far fewer of them in existence, making them a rare sight now and collectible Americana in 15 years or so, similar to the 94-96 Chevy Impala.
BMWs characteristically suffer from electrical gremlins, making ownership anywhere between an annoyance to a PITA (Former lemon-MINI owner here).
The CTS is not as high-tech, without all the gadgets as the M5, but this also means far fewer things to go wrong. The interior bits might start to rattle a bit, but the fixes would be simple, such as tightening a nut here, new adhesive there, but like a lot of GMs and unlike BMWs, the proven powertrain would be bulletproof.
Oh, yeah, you don’t have to rev the s#!t out of the CTS-V to get real power.
I’m a little concerned about the CTS’s weight. Although its engine probably weights the same or less than the M5’s engine. I like a car that transitions really well, yet is my friend in day to day living. G8, M35/45, 330i, E39 and 550i also come to mind. Also I enjoy my E34 525i.
As for the Issues with society, I’m good with emotions, morals, perspectives, etc etc. Doesn’t matter to me who thinks what, although its been a hard obstacle sometimes. I suggest you work on that, its more important than any car or purchase imo.
The answer to this question is the Pontiac G8 GXP. More reliable and less snobbish than the BMW, and though it’s not as powerful as the Cadillac (“only” 415 hp), it’s every bit as nice as the CTS-V (and better-looking, I think) at two-thirds the price. Save 20 grand and buy the Pontiac.
Good to see that i-Drive isn’t flamed here –I like it too. Only luddites object to this functional dongle.
I think the CTS-V is probably the most tempting Caddy I’ve seen since the luxo cruiser verts of the 1970s. Over-the-top length screaming “size matters.”
I’m waiting for the new 5 series, because Bangle bungled the design on the current incarnation. And I didn’t think I would ever say this, but putting aside the mechanicals (which favor the BMW IMHO), the Caddy visuals appeal to me more than the M5.
And I’m a pretentious BMW owner….
Spitfire – would strongly suggest doing some research on Hennessey before spending money there.
In Europe, I’d go for the 5-series 335d (diesel).
M-sedan
507 hp @ 7750 rps
383 lbs @ 6100 rps
0-62 mph 4.7 sec
16.3 mpg
335d
286 hp @ 4400 rps
427 lbs @ 1750 rps
0-62 mph 6.4 sec
35.1 mpg
All the power you need. Cruise twice as much for the gas money, or as you planned with twice as clean environmental conscience. And the resale value is still there at the end of the raod.
I would take Caddy by condition that they gather together the best nuclear physicists who would be able to design a trunk lid and rear bumper that doesn`t leave an inch wide gap between them in closed position.
CTS-V dude, but wait for a year and hopefully GM would have sorted out the squeaks, if they have th e money to do so….
if you want to forget about the gloss on the dashboard, strip out the panels and change the color after you buy it, OEM’s don’t always get it right with these things. and if you dont want to repaint, get the manual version. that short throw shifter is a pleasure, even in drive where you can forget it in 4th, Torque oblige.
JEM
It was more of a recognition that the Caddy’s motor has easy potential verses the M5 which would take some seriously expensive reworking. I dont know much about the tuners specifically though…
I guess its a mute point too since it doesnt sound like our buddy is considering any mods and is looking for the turn key package.
M5!
Seems like there won’t really be a conclusive answer on this one from the B&B.
Personally I’d go with the M5, but then I just like BMWs.
The CTS-V is great too in most respects, but to me, if I’d spent some serious money on a car I’d expect it to be a satisfying experience in every way, so much so that it justifies the cost.
I think that in the details, the M5 offers more than the CTS-V.
I’d take the BMW M5 (stick shift) because:
1) While it won’t be as fondly remembered as the previous M5, it will no less be the only M model that sported a high revving V10 before BMW makes the switch to a turbocharged V8.
2) Even though the Caddy bristles with 556hp, the M5 still holds its own.
3) The repairs will be costly once the warranty runs out, but its money I’d pay in a heartbeat to keep that hi-tech motor running.
4) BMW isn’t going anywhere near where GM is right now.
What part of buying a new sports car seems like a good idea, unless you know the owner didn’t “inflict any hoonage” himself?
On the other hand, the CTS-V depreciates pretty quickly, so you’ll take a hit on it.
I think everyone will be wrong about the CTS-V depreciation. If you hold onto it 10 years and keep it in good condition, it will likely be worth a lot. It is already a rare car, and may go down as GM’s last shot at greatness before it imploded. The last great American sedan. You think that won’t be worth something?
This is a very unique car, and would be my choice.
If you’ve had a hip replaced due to your service in the Korean conflict, or you run a stable of ho’s downtown, get the Caddy.
E63 and screw the proles.
M5 maintenance costs are beyond a nightmare. If you are looking for something with high maintenance that has some performance, go with a 2006 QP – you can pick one up in the same price range and have the loveliest car on the road with good performance and exclusivity.
The CTS-V is just a stellar car in every way. It is the only US-available car by a US manufacturer that I would consider buying. GMs future is in doubt, but there is no question that the Corvette and Cadillac will survive in one form or another.
To me it is not much of a choice. The M5 has a lot of technical names and doodads to make it seem very advanced, and the CTS-V has a V8 that has been refined generation after generation to a point that is rarely reached by any design. The LS engines are just superior to anything out there by any real measure of torque curve, hp, mileage, and reliability.
Cons against a used M5
3. That intangible feeling that I can’t trust BMW for years to come.
I don’t understand this one; how is BMW less trustworthy long term that GM? Another advantage the Caddy has to me is the nearest BMW dealer is an hour from my house, but there’s a Cadillac dealer in town (for now anyway).
In the end, buy the one that suits you better. I vote BMW.
I have an ’04 CTS. I can vouch for the seats being very, very comfortable in this year/model, as do all the other owners on MSN Auto’s. I know they redid the seats in the new CTS however, so I hope it hasn’t changed for the worse. The CTS has a great ride quality to it.
And no sign of wear and tear on the seats yet.
I second an E39 M5 – that thing is a classic.
For Tommy Jefferson :
“If you’ve had a hip replaced due to your service in the Korean conflict, or you run a stable of ho’s downtown, get the Caddy.”
That my friend is classic. Well said. I vote for the M5 also.
A few counter points–
It’s flawed logic to argue that a modern American car will become a classic in the same manner as older generations. Not to mention, we’re talking a 15-20 year window on the small chance that logic might be true. Who keeps cars that long?
Just because a car is used, don’t automatically assume that it was abused…..and if it was abused don’t assume that it caused irreparable harm to the car.
Finally, how about buying a used CTS-V. You can get them in the low $30K range with less than 15,000 miles if you really want one. That way at least you’ll be insulated from the depreciation hit your going to take. I just saw one with 20K miles for $26K. How much did they sell for new?
For what it’s worth, my grandfather really enjoys his Cadillac too. Overall it’s up to you, you have to drive it every day.
Interesting that “the company that makes it is going out of business” isn’t among the cons.
As to the cars themselves, after owning five BMW’s dating from the eighties to the naughties, I’d leave off the “German leather” factor; the interiors on my cars haven’t held up particularly well at all. They’ve all had some form of characterful deterioration ranging from cracked dashboards to shredded seat pockets to various plastic thingies liberating themselves from their German masters’ efforts at domination.
If the M5 you’re thinking of is equipped with the SMG transmission, then I cannot countenance your purchase. I know it has its fans, but sadly, their opinions are in error. It renders the car undriveable.
Next, sound systems. Yes the M5 contains many wonderous marvels of science, but it absolutely will not rock. No BMW ever has or will. Forget the upgrade. It won’t sound any better. I haven’t driven the CTS, but based on the many domestics I have rented over the years, they always sound better than what I’m driving at home.
Lastly, there’s sex appeal. Here in the Bay Area at least, BMW’s have none whatsoever. M5’s are as common as tweets. Maybe that’s a good thing, maybe it isn’t. But the Caddy will be noticed, the Beemer won’t.
All things being equal, I’d prefer a car that has interior bits that stay put, makes music musical, and has looks that get looks. But all things are never equal. Each of my BMW’s was purchased after an exhaustive examination of the competition. The Beemer always drove best. If Cadillac has produced a car that drives better than an M5 (properly equipped of course with the correct transmission), then by all means buy it, either now or next month at the liquidation sale.
But somehow I doubt it.