which is faster and better for the money?

M3 is faster, but more money in insurance and gas. I have an '03 530i and drove it in Germany...134 MPH top speed is nice..great on gas! Plus..where can you really go over 150 MPH in the states legally?

BMW M3 is a faster car for sure when driven right but its more of a sports car while the 5 series is a little more for the normal commuter... but do not worry whatsoever about the speed of the 5 series as it will go as fast as the speed limit legally will allow you.

M3 is faster
M5 is,I can say a "Family" type of car rather then race type of car.