The configuration was a luck of the draw, as the closest M5 I could find was in Nebraska. The M5 does feel noticeably bigger than the M3. The manual recommends not testing the engine much for the first 1,200 miles but that is now behind me. Time to play with the M1/M2 modes :). The M3 was fun to dri
When the lease on my 2011 M3 sedan expired, I went with an M5 with the following specs . I haven't pushed the engine too hard yet, but it is a noticeably softer ride.
I will try and take some pictures of the RG/rubber strap combo later this week. With regards to the "bling" factor, I wear a watch because I like it. I don't worry too much about what fashion dictates .
I went ahead with a third choice: Red Gold on a rubber strap (perhaps due to wrist time with my RG Offshore). The boutique in Las Vegas was very pleasant to deal with and accommodating.