You've been into cars from an early age, right?
When I was little, my father worked for Mercedes-Benz in Saudi Arabia and I became fascinated with automotive engineering and fast cars. He had many Mercs and I guess his taste rubbed off on me. Two of his cars stand out from my childhood — a white 280 SE and a 230.6. I remember riding in them both. We used to fix little glitches in his cars together and enjoyed each other's company.
But now you've defected to BMW. Your father wouldn't be proud...
I love the product innovation and technology at BMW. For example, it introduced the head-up display, which is a great and convenient feature, while the M button on the steering wheel completely transforms the dynamics.
My 2006 Stone Silver M5 features a seven-speed SMG transmission which employs Formula 1 racing technology to help me extract the car's full performance potential. When I hit that button, the 5.0-litre V10 unleashes all 507 horses to the rear wheels. It accelerates like a rocket ship, hitting 0-100kph in just4.5 seconds. Throttle response is sharper, while the brakes toughen up a lot more.
What do you like best about it?
I love the sound of the V10 and when you downshift the four stainless-steel exhausts begin to snarl. But, it isn't a really loud car in terms of looks or sound, it maintains a refined nature most of the time, until you hit that M button!
The fascinating thing about the M5 is its huge bandwidth of comfort, luxury and dynamics. It provides amazing straight-line speed and outstanding cornering ability. It's got the best of both worlds.
It looks brand new. Did the previous owner actually drive it?
It had just 28,000km on the clock when I bought it and I was the second owner. I had my eyes on this for a long time until I finally got it at a premium price. It came with a full service history from BMW and whoever I showed it to appreciated the superb condition it was in.
The only things I have added are K&N air filters. Apart from this, it is bone stock.
It's been mine for just six months and I have not found anything as good as this. It's proving to be a great deal.
I always wanted to have something that I could look up to in terms of power and comfort and this is second to none.
What other cars were you looking at before opting for this?
I considered an M3, Audi RS6 and SL 55 but all of these were not as roomy as the mid-size M5, which doubles up as a great sportscar.
It is one heck of an advanced car and is more than capable of meeting its driver's requests for power, grip and comfort.
I would say this is a man's car and a complete joy to drive. I plan to keep it stock, although I really like the G-Power M5 Hurricane.
What do people think of it?
My family and friends love the ride and I mostly I drive it on weekends.
Everyone appreciates the fabulous condition it's in and the luscious interior. I couldn't settle for anything else.
Do you belong to any car clubs?
Yes, I am a member of UAE-based BMW community and M5 board. I get a lot of information and assistance about my M5 from there.
You also like sportscars; which in particular?
I am a great fan of the Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and, most of all, the M-powered BMWs. But the first sportscar that I drove was a Nissan 280Z.
Those 280Zs were awesome. Do you have a dream car?
I have two. A Ferrari California and the SLR. I'd be happy with either of them.
Bio
Name Khalid Siddique
Job Manager in a telecom company
From Pakistan
Wheels 2006 BMW M5
In the UAE Three years
