Faults:

Nothing yet

General Comments:

The M5 has a reputation for being able to do it all, and I find this to be pretty much true.

In absolute terms, this depends upon just how hardcore you want a car to be, but for a mixture of dynamics, performance and practicality I am yet to experience anything better.

Straight line performance is usually the talking point with an M5, and it is stupendous - but only when you want it to be. In normal non sport mode the throttle response is quite easy going in its first quarter, not to intimidate - mind you, put your foot down further and by God it takes off. There's plenty else to enjoy when you're not pressing on - the ride is taut but not harsh, the exhaust still makes a nice growly sound but cruising refinement is almost on a par with my old Lexus.

Start to use the car a little more demandingly, however, and you begin to understand that it is an extremely serious machine - particularly in Sport mode, when the steering weights up and throttle response is noticeably sharper. Personally I'd prefer it like that all the time. The most remarkable aspect for me is how agile the car feels and how stable it is through corners - but not at the expense of comfort.

Fuel consumption is what you'd expect of a big V8 - use the performance and it's going to cost you but motorway cruising returns 28-30 mpg.

Servicing costs seem pretty reasonable, especially considering the performance on offer. Unexpected failures can be another matter, and I looked for one with a BMW warranty, which I consider essential.

Faults:

The gearbox keeps having problems after heavy use. It cost me £2000 to fix. The dealer service was good and was later fixed free of charge.

General Comments:

I didn't buy the M5 to thrash metal on the Nordschlieffe or to impress my friends that I have a £60k plus car. I bought it to embarrass Porsches, Lambos and Ferraris on the M25.

Imagine a 4 door saloon the size (and weight) of the M5 pacing your quarter of a million pound Ferrari or Lambo. I only got to once though. There was a 996 Turbo on the M4, and, surprisingly, very few cars there. I rolled down my window and asked him to race and first he laughed, but said OK. I gave him a head-start because he has Turbo Lag and that is just not fair.

I put my foot down and saw him in my rear view mirror. The best thing in the world to see is a 911 Turbo in the rear view mirror of your saloon. There is no finer sight.

Anyway, to the car. It's well made and even in 400bhp mode good to drive, although it is a bit on the slow side I must admit. And the gearbox is both jerky and unreliable. The suspension's not so good either.

You know, apart from the high running costs, these are the only problems. Those and the (by my standards) tiny boot space. On the motorway however, it is amazing, though because of the large engine, the fuel (and therefore touring) range is limited.

But just take one out for a drive and you will want, need love and hopefully have it. Get it in blue with M6 alloys. It looks really cool.