Looking for Former BMW/Exotic owners opinions

[toesuf94]

I am in a pickle, and I want to hear from BMW or exotic owners that went to the Camaro to see if they have regretted the decision to leave thier former supercar or exotic at the Chevrolet Dealership. Here is my situation:

I have a 2006 BMW M5 that I love - it is simply an awesome car. I have two kids, 10 and 8 - so a four door is more practical. However, my heart is set on the 2SS/RS. I was at the concept's unvieling. I was able to sit in the concept for an hour by myself to touch everything in the car... I am in love with this car. There is a glass case with miniature Camaros and memorabilia all over it in my office all dedicated to the cars I love. The people on this board are more "my kind of people" and you all seem to really LOVE the Camaro and the community surrounding it. I went from a Corvette convertible to my M5 a year ago...and I kind of miss the fellowship that came with Corvette ownership. I see that every day on Camaro 5...and I like what I see.

With all of that said: I am nervous that I will regret selling my M5 for the Camaro 2SS. Anyone out there regret making the move I may be making?

[tronic]

This probably won't be a popular sentiment but with two kids I think you should stick with the BMW unless your wife/gf does most of the carting around. The backseat is too small even for little kids.

[DocHolliday]

I would have to agree. The Camaro is an awesome car, but if you're going to use it as a DD with kids in tow, you'd be better off sticking with the M5.

Not that the SS isn't good as a DD, but when you throw a couple of kids in the mix and one of them always in the back kciking your seats and scuffing the door sills as they get in and out, I think you'd drive yourself nuts trying to keep it looking showroom new like we all tend to do.

[toesuf94]

I should mention I do have an Escalade they can ride in...if I WANT to have kids and wife in the car with me...

I guess what I am asking is this: If you owned a BMW or a Mercedes or Porsche - do you miss your old car now that you are driving the Camaro?

[acamaro]

Originally Posted by toesuf94

I guess what I am asking is this: If you owned a BMW or a Mercedes or Porsche - do you miss your old car now that you are driving the Camaro?

If you got to the porsche level, you probably wont find anyone because they probably kept it or traded it in for 2 camaros. You will miss whatever you trade in, but the Camaro will make up big time for that feeling of a loss.

[Lbness]

OK I have 2 out of the three cars listed in this question .....
The Camaro is a drive no worry car all three of the German cars above have worry factor and you know how you feel about your M5. But when I park my 2010 Camaro I can walk away and not worry.
The car just brings smiles to everyone .... Now I don't feel like that with my 02 B4C I baby it more the the Turbo or e500.

[DocHolliday]

I've had 4 BMW's (an M5 included) and 1 E class MB and the short answer to your question is, yes I miss them. My wife still has a little 328i I take to the store on occasion and it brings back memories of the prior german cars I have owned, but I wouldn't trade the Camaro for another german car....ever.

So much more with the camaro than just transportation which is what I felt I got out of the BMW (even the M5) and MB. Considering you have other regular transpo for the kiddos, I'd prefer the Camaro to the M5 any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Supercharged2SS]

I have had 540, 745, bought my wife z4. all those cars were great. I have never been happier with any car than I am with my SS. I will say I have a buddy that has a 08 Dinan M5 and he wore me out when the car was stock. hence adding all the power I did. just couldn't take him beating me like that. 715HP later.... bye bye M5. anyway, even stock I have been happier with my SS than either of the aforementioned BMW's.

[acamellis]

I have a Mercedes SL55 AMG but since getting my Camaro, I've put only 120 miles on the Merc. I like the Merc but it's not MY Camaro. I will be selling it in the near future as a result lol

[Dion_1969]

I have not owned anything comparable to my SS but I have slapped 2 car seats in the back and load the trunk with gear for my 5 year old daughter and friend. I also take my daughter to school every day in it. I have no issues hauling the kids around. Just my 1 1/2 cents.

[Masta T]

i say get it since you do have a caddy so your covered

[vafinest25]

Well im was in the same boat, my wife has a 07 545, and i had a gmc yukon that i traded in to get my 2ss, which was going to be my daily driver. But what i did was go out to and buy a jeep cherokee as my daily driver and use for hauling around stuff etc. My wife does most of the carrying of the kids so in my case it worked out but if you want it just know you give up that space.

[Andro]

I sold my 335i for my Camaro and like others say I do miss it but I love my Camaro and I don't think I can ever part with it

[ZCT]

I can't say I'm as upscale as you

I had a 2007 328i from new and moved to a 2011 Camaro 2LT. It's a similar move as you are considering, just a few grand cheaper!

I actually don't miss the BMW at all. The Camaro has more personality, seems to handle just as well in day to day driving. I've had more compliments on the the Camaro than I ever did on the BMW. I've even got my beloved angel eyes, thanks to Chevy stealing the idea.

It takes some more getting used to than a BMW. The visibility isn't as good. Some of the materials inside are going to seem a little cheap compared to a BMW. But the technology is in many ways better. USB port. On Star, which is way better than BMW Assist. Love the HUD.

You're going to miss the climate control. You are probably going to miss the lack of useful storage space in the car.

But if you are looking for a more sensible alternative to the Corvette, that's a blast to drive, turns heads, and is a joy to drive, I don't think you'll be upset.

I'm a big fan of the Camaro, and don't miss the BMW. As good as BMW cars are, the BMW equivalent of my car, a 335i with similar options to the Camaro would run me a good $16K+ more, and I can't justify that for the name, the wood interior, and 'free' service.