I mentioned this thread to a group of German car junkies who are lurking around my house and eating my giant T-bone steaks, and they said there was no real comparison between the cars in question. It's like comparing a Miata to a Caterham, in their words. The size of the M5 sets it apart from the other two.
Then they borrowed my M5, and I haven't seen them for some time.
if I borrowed your M5.. it would return with a full tank of fuel.. after I ran it dry first
I'd return it with corded rear tires and a big poop-eating grin 
Tom Heath wrote: In reply to Woody: Just make it two years or longer and the T-shirt is F-R-E-E. That spells free.
Three years = Free T shirt?
In reply to Woody:
Yep.
Deal.
I have a 10 year subscription and I never got a shirt 
How the hell was this thread brought back to life?
I have to admit, I read through this topic.
I am a Porsche/Audi Nut. Having never owned a BMW, but seen what they are capable of, I admit they are a truly great car. My problem with this thread is simple. We are trying to compare Apples to Oranges. Both great fruit, but very different. I have driven a Cayman R, and been driven in one on Watkins Glen. Handling and power just wow. The BMW is still considered a Sports Sedan (correct me if wrong, I don't mind learning) and due to that handles very differently than the mid engined Cayman.
Long story short is = Drive them all, see what you like and what fits your needs. Let us know what you end up and keep us posted with you end up buying. Either way, I think you will be happy.
Mike Kirby
I'm gonna vote drive them all too. They are all different in feel and usage. I'd pick the Cayman personally, but all are VERY nice. I'd also like to add in the Z4 M Coupe. I might choose that over all the others. To me it's more of a direct comparison to the Porsche.
The only issue I have with the E46 is that everyone I've driven had some sort of problem. There's always a light on, or an issue somewhere, even the one's I've driven at dealerships. I thought about buying one last summer but it really put me off. I've been around BMW's my entire life so I'm aware of their issues, but out of the 5 or so I looked at, they all had something wrong.
That said, I still like BMWs and would still buy one for the right price, and I still lust after M Coupes of either flavor!
Zombie thread! 
dyintorace wrote: Zombie thread!
A bit eerie for this thread to be resurrected on the same day we learn of jhaas' passing. There are a number of posts by pigeon in this one. 
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