w3rkn
Well-Known Member
I've only *owned* 2 BMWs, both E46s, but I have worked at a BMW dealership when younger and trying to figure out what to do with my life, and I also have a number of BMW owning friends, so I'd like to chime in if possible...
Don't discount BMW on this. The performance aftermarket for BMWs, at least compared to MB, is much bigger than most expect. There are a few bolt on SC kits for the E9x M3s that make gobs of power, and the N54 market is about as stout as the motor. I think the edge here goes to the Mustang just because you don't have to pay a BMW tax for an exhaust, elsewise I'd say its a close tie.
BMW gets away with their interior by calling them spartan and driver oriented, but really they aren't anything to right home about, especially compared to MB or Audi. As a BMW fan boy, I'll be the first to say that the interior with the E9X is meh, and not really worth the price commanded. My mom's old 2001 C320 had a better interior than her current 2014 X3 does, and my E46 M3's interior was on par with the interior on my dad's new 5er. The fit and feel may be higher for the BMW, but that doesn't mean it is going to be "nicer". That being said, from my experience with Mustangs, the edge goes to the BMW, if just.
Can't argue here. The S550 EB and 5.0 and the E9x's N54/55 and S65 are four different ways to answer the same question.
Exterior is always up to opinion, but I think both look good in their own way. The Mustang is moving back to looking much more sculpted and muscular, while I feel the E9x is a more curvy design. The 3ers are getting bigger, while I feel the Mustang is getting more lithe and athletic looking. The new 3er/4ers are much, much better looking. I'll agree with a tie here.
Nope. Mustang hands down if for nothing else than the warranty. I love my BMWs, don't get me wrong, but the list of things that can go wrong very quickly is the same list of thngs that will bankrupt you to fix.
Found On Road Dead or "I'll push a Ford before I ever drive a Chevy" aside, for PoM Ford totally gets my vote here.
*And if you told me 10 years ago I'd be saying that, I'd laugh in your face.*
Tie. Again, its four very different ways to answer the same question.
See above for Peace of Mind. Mustang hands down. Even the basic maintenance on the BMW is exponentially higher. On my E46 M, DIY oil changes were still $100.00, and yesterday I heard an add on the radio full of excitement that an oil change for the new BMW started at the low low price of $80.00. And that is just on the N54. That S65 in the M isn't cheap to keep running well past 100k.
No idea on the new Mustang, but I have had some seat time in the outgoing model, and if it is anything to go by they are close. BMW does have an excellent green house, and on my E46s I rarely had any blind spot issues. Can't give it to either one till I drive the S550 though.
I think history is going to look very kindly on the C6 'Vette, but short of a Z06 I don't really see a reason to buy one over a S550 GT. Then again, I won't buy GM on principle alone, which makes me sad because I really like the C6 and C7.
Between an S550 and an E9x, my money would go to the S550 for the simple fact that it is new. When you factor in running costs and maintenance, price of aftermarket parts, the Mustang is a real performance bargain. I don't think you'd go wrong with either, just know that BMWs, much like very pretty women, don't like to get old.
I agree with pretty much everything you've said^.
But I don't agree with Trackaholic's assessment of the e90 chassis. I think the s550 is superior to it in every way, & competes directly with BMW's newer technology and weight.
Today's BMW coupes are 2 & 4 series. The e9x chassis is old news.. s550 trumps it.
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