M5? Alpina B10 V8?

[Steameh]

Well, I fancy a BMW super saloon, my budget is around 14k, I've seen both the E39 M5 and the E39 B10 V8 at around these prices. I want an M5 i really do, however I am very aprehensive about buying one, mainly due to the VANOS problems i hear some people have had.

My main questions are, are the vanos problems down to lackluster servicing or late services? Would a car that has been used often be more or less likely to have vanos issues? Does the B10 have the same VANOS trouble (i assumed that VANOS was used on all 5 series E39's). What is the performance difference between the B10 and the M5? And ultimately recommendations. The car would only be used on weekends really, probably covering 6k miles a year max.

Anyone owned both or driven both that can give a decent comparison I would be much obliged!

Thanks

Chris.

[Mustard]

1st question to ask yourself is do you want an auto or a manual then the decision is easy

Manual = M5

Automatic = B10 V8/V8S

As a weekend 'plaything' you could go for some interesting alternatives though.....E31 850CSi manual.... E28 M5.... E24 M635CSi .... E31 840Ci Sport Auto

Edited by Mustard on Saturday 30th June 15:32

[Trellis]

drive them both and it will be blatantly obvious which you prefer because they are both quite different in character.

(the M5 is the 'best' !!)

[Ashok]

The E39 M5 is a fantastic car. (The E60 M5 is not).

[shim]

ashok

interesting judgement from you!!

do you think that is maybe because you are comparing from a different start point (maybe the jump to E39 M5 was more significant than to the E60 M5) or is this a reu reflection fo the two cars from someone who has had both??

[Monster26]

Go visit www.thealpinaregister.co.uk

Go Alpina....have something alittle different...