2013+ S5 vs E92 M3

[MWMM3]

In a heated debate over which car to purchase, as of right now, it seems the cost and insurance are about the same. How reliable is the S5 in comparison to the M? I'd rather take the M but if the reliability is too much of a hassle I'll settle with an S5... Looking to purchase either at 60k miles. Any experiences, insights about the two would be cool.

[brilliant_black]

I'd get an oil analysis done on the M3 before buying to see what condition the rod bearings are in.

I'd avoid an early build 2013 S5 as some of the early build cars used the problematic first Gen DSG that plagued the B8 S4.


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[ash_schwin]

I came from an E92 M3 and had nothing but issues with it. I bought it from Carmax with the warranty and still caused headaches. I had the car for 7 months and had coilpack failures and then full blown engine wiring short that caused the car to not turn over when trying to start. Finally, there was an oil leak from the block and they were not able to understand what caused the leak. All of this on a car that only had 32K miles on it. Decided to sell it back to Carmax and write off the loss as I had to think twice before taking the car on trips over 50 miles. Bought the S5 CPO in February and it has been flawless and currently at 55K miles.

[Mrads]

As already stated make sure you fully inspect the M3. Many of them have been thrashed and are a grenade waiting to go off.

These are very different cars and IMHO the M3 is the better driver's car. I have loved both my S5s but I really miss my E92.

Not sure where you're situated but up in Canada (BC) the E92 M3s are considerably more expensive than an earlier B8.5 S5.

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[LINDW4LL]

In a heated debate over which car to purchase, as of right now, it seems the cost and insurance are about the same. How reliable is the S5 in comparison to the M? I'd rather take the M but if the reliability is too much of a hassle I'll settle with an S5... Looking to purchase either at 60k miles. Any experiences, insights about the two would be cool.

The S5 will be easier from a maintenance/reliability standpoint; the 3.0T S5s are pretty bulletproof and tough to beat in that regard. With the M3, yes, you have the potential for needing rod bearings replaced; but they're generally pretty stout otherwise.

M3: A much better, more direct, exciting driver's car. High revving S65 engine is intoxicating. Exhaust note is fantastic. Potentially more maintenance than S5, but nothing egregious that would stop me from purchasing.

Pros of S5: Can be made quicker and faster than any naturally-aspirated E9X M3 with simple tune/pulley upgrade. Interior is a nicer place to be than the E92. AWD for inclement weather.

[ChaserBBS]

if you want all sound no go...M3...LOL

But seriously...14' S5 here for two years and 30k miles...Zero issues...

[Dubzz24]

I’ve never had a B8.5 S5 (although my brother in law has a B8.5 S4), but I have had a B8 S5 (6spd), e92 M3 (6spd), and now own an RS5.

They might be similar, but they’re really very different cars. The M3 is the better drivers car, hands down (even compared to my RS5). Steering feel, handling, engine characteristics, the M3 comes out on top. That said, I feel the Audi is the better daily driver and is the better car to live with every day. More of a touring / cruising car where you can rack on the miles effortlessly, with comfort, and with a much nicer interior. I also think the S/RS5 are better looking cars, although the e9x M is still a great looking car.

Reliability: the V6T is pretty bullet proof. The M3.... not so much. Spun rod bearings... If I were to buy an E9x M3 I’d budget for a rod bearing upgrade regardless of maintenance history, mileage, or oil analysis. Oil analysis is only really of value if you have one for each change by the way. It’s the change in wear trend that’s important. I’ve seen many posts about blown engines after clean oil analysis.. And then there’s throttle actuators which are practically a 60k mile maintenance item. I think I’d only buy an M3 with full service records, decent miles, and preferably from the original owner. Just not worth the risk.

I thought about getting another e92 M3 instead of the RS but with the bearing replacement it would have cost about the same as the RS5. They’re both great cars for different reasons.

[boostinfd]

Since you're in Cali, I'd go with the M3... anywhere else, Quatro.

[Batman0424]

Although I have not owned the B8.5 S5, I did own a B8.5 S4, the E92 M3 and now a B9 RS5.

For me, I did not really enjoy the M3. I wanted to (really wanted to), but at the end of the day, it wasn't for me. Everyday driving was not as enjoyable as my S4, the interior was not nearly as nice and I was concerned about reliability - my buddy blew his engine while under warranty (no tune or mods). My S4 with a DP Tune was faster and extremely fun to drive daily.

Now, if I was going for a project / track car, I would likely jump into the M3, but I would never (or most likely never) purchase another as a daily driver.

This is, of course, subjective and I do prefer VW/Audi/Porsche over the competition.

[Loe]

prior E90 M3 owner, if I could go back, I would have kept it and supercharged it to turn it into a rolling-race monster. With that being said, with simple mods, the 3.0t is really 'easy' to get power out of so long as you can keep the Heaton blower contained in terms of intake air temps.

[wangshuo1989]

I'd get a S4 for daily and a E92 M3 just for fun weekends.

[Ape Factory]

Run away from an E9X M3. It's not just the bearings. It's the transmission leaks, transmission failures, VANOS issues, throttle actuators and the list goes on and on.