Contemplating on buying a M5 E39. What should I know

[Pho3niX90]

So after the 330 was officially declared written off I immediately started to look for a new toy. First I searched for another 330 but in the E90 variety but can't find anything close to what I was looking for (Fully spec'd indv). I then moved on to search for an E46 M3 and found some 'nice' examples but these are cars that get hammered 90% of the time.
Now I have started looking at some E39 M5's, the only thing bothering me is the dated front, but the power is drawing me in along with the luxury features that come with the M5.

So my question is this, do you guys think this is a good idea? I am not really bothered on the fuel costs, but what the common problems on these bad boys are? Thus far I haven't found anything except expensive brakes, common vanos problem and oil consumption??

So should I go for the E39 M5, E46 M3, or E90 330i?? It will be a daily driver, so main concern is comfort and power.

 

[Dippies]

Stop contemplating and buy the m5 :rollsmile:

 

[ChefDJ]

Obviously I voted for the M5, which you will damn well love.

Just don't rush into one. Take the time to find the perfect one. Fuel prices are going up which means V8 prices are coming down, and people are getting rid of them in exchange for a Tata or scooter.

Also, perhaps look at a certain 530d for sale here on the forum:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=50991


If it were me, my heart would say M5. But my brain would say 530d.

These E39's are getting difficult to get parts for, as I've recently learnt in these past few weeks.

 

[SP33DYV]

VANOS rattles and seals are very common problem as well as the big-end bearings that needs replacing after about 200 000km. If you can find a clean one with original mileage and exhaust and no aftermarket intake, buy it.

 

[moranor@axis]

everything will cost more some times by a little sometimes by alot... Vanos seals and rattle kit is double the price of the S54 because it has two full vanos units...

that said these are great cars im sure a few owners will pop in and tell you so also :rollsmile:

 

[SP33DYV]

BTW, I am also searching...

 

[Adi]

Hmmm was looking for a e39 M5 but settled on a e90 330.
The other car I would look at is the e60 550 or 545 it has awesome power, M spec.

My concern with the M5 was that car in traffic, they need open road, neither my e12 or e34 M cars like standing, stoping and going, in traffic.

My reaction is M5 if you will put up with repairs etc, practical would be the 330 e90 I love mine to bits.

 

[Pho3niX90]

Thanks for all the responses guys. After having a good hard think about it and viewing every single youtube video available on the cars I think I might go for the M3.

The M5 has a big engine, but has dated looks, dated navigation and not really faster than the M3 considering almost 500kg heavier with only 80hp extra. It does look very comfortable though considering all the luxuries.

The M3's looks still doesn't look a day old, however it lacks some luxuries and a stiffer ride, I have seen models that have the bluetooth, nav, pdc ect. Think I might go with the SMG. Not sure what colour to get though but leaning towards phoenix yellow.

The e90 330 is obviously newer in all ways, but I honestly do not like the e90's dash at all. And obviously lacks the power plants the other 2 have. I was already use to the e46 330 and was feeling like a slow car, so doubt the e90 will bring back the adrenaline, but I do like the start and stop button though.

What do you guys think?

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

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Obviously I voted for the M5, which you will damn well love.

Just don't rush into one. Take the time to find the perfect one. Fuel prices are going up which means V8 prices are coming down, and people are getting rid of them in exchange for a Tata or scooter.

Also, perhaps look at a certain 530d for sale here on the forum:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=50991


If it were me, my heart would say M5. But my brain would say 530d.

These E39's are getting difficult to get parts for, as I've recently learnt in these past few weeks.

Thanks. Was actually considering this, but I am too much of a petrol head. Just love the sound of petrol engines, but I will test drive one of these when I am at a dealer and if I like them I will give splenther a call

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[danieljames]

You've already decided on the ///M!!!! So why are you trying to convince us?

*I love my E36!*

 

[ChefDJ]

Then get searching for that M3 :thumbs:

 

[Tareeq]

///M3 :rollsmile:

 

[Bugger]

I would say M3. That E46 M3 is still one of the best driver's cars around.Only thing I would be wary of is the SMG box,I've not heard good things about them in the M3 for some reason.Having said that,I was told the same about the SMG box in the M6,and I love it!

Take the M3,you won't ever regret it!:rollsmile:

 

[Fordkoppie]

I have daily driven both an e39 M5 and afterwards an e46 M3 manual.

The M5 was definitely slightly more comfortable, but it used 1.5x the fuel of the M3 and it wasn't any faster.
Quality on some of the e39's parts are questionable.

Part prices on the M3 is ridiculous, but the M5 takes it to a whole new level of lunacy.

Between the choices you have narrowed it down to, I would look for a manual e46 M3.
Just stay far away from this SMG shit. That was the main reason I sold my CSL

 

[Gizmo]

My mom's silver e60 550i sportpack is a dream to drive, look at it as a second option as parts are cheaper and finding a clean m5 isn't going to be easy.

 

[Gbmw]

E46 //M3

 

[Andy1GP]

I have daily driven both an e39 M5 and afterwards an e46 M3 manual.

The M5 was definitely slightly more comfortable, but it used 1.5x the fuel of the M3 and it wasn't any faster.
Quality on some of the e39's parts are questionable.

Part prices on the M3 is ridiculous, but the M5 takes it to a whole new level of lunacy.

Between the choices you have narrowed it down to, I would look for a manual e46 M3.
Just stay far away from this SMG shit. That was the main reason I sold my CSL

+1 on what Moranor and Fordkoppie said.

Your vanos seals will HAVE to be done on either one. Resale on the M3 is superior too. Get the Manual not neg. :thumbs:

 

[Adi]

SMG can potentially mean trouble, as it will be out of MP

 

[Pho3niX90]

Thanks guys.

Okay seeing that most people are saying the SMG is trouble I will stay away from it. Will also have a look at the 550's and manual M3 :thumbs:

 

[ChefDJ]

Votes are tied for M5 and M3 :fencelook:

 

[Pho3niX90]

After 9 months I have found the car I want, I am going with an M6. Fetching it tomorrow :rollsmile: