What do you buy after an E39 M5
Discussion
In one of the other topics, I think it was "I picked up my 2001 M5" a couple of people asked what you could buy after an E39 M5 that would live up to that car's abilities.
My own plan had been to keep the E39 for another couple of years, then make the natural progression into an E60 M5. However rising petrol prices, the E60's huge thirst for fuel and also it's complex mechanicals, which could have the potential for big bills as the years and miles rack up, has dampened my enthusiasm slightly.
This months Total BMW magazine suggests that a natural and worthy replacement for the E39 M5 is a manual E60 550i M Sport. I hadn't even considered one of these, but the more I look at the car, the performance figures and the running costs the more it makes sense.
Does anyone else have any thoughts or opinions? Could a "normal" BMW be a worthy replacement for one of the best M cars ever built, or is an E60 M5 the only way forward.
My own plan had been to keep the E39 for another couple of years, then make the natural progression into an E60 M5. However rising petrol prices, the E60's huge thirst for fuel and also it's complex mechanicals, which could have the potential for big bills as the years and miles rack up, has dampened my enthusiasm slightly.
This months Total BMW magazine suggests that a natural and worthy replacement for the E39 M5 is a manual E60 550i M Sport. I hadn't even considered one of these, but the more I look at the car, the performance figures and the running costs the more it makes sense.
Does anyone else have any thoughts or opinions? Could a "normal" BMW be a worthy replacement for one of the best M cars ever built, or is an E60 M5 the only way forward.
I bought an E60 M5 after my E39 M5 and that was a BIG mistake. You can't waft on the wave of torque since the V10 doesn't have any and mine kept breaking down - complete p.o.s.
Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
Ashok said:
I bought an E60 M5 after my E39 M5 and that was a BIG mistake. You can't waft on the wave of torque since the V10 doesn't have any and mine kept breaking down - complete p.o.s.
Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
The B5 does look a very attractive propositionDon't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/314428.htm
Ashok said:
I bought an E60 M5 after my E39 M5 and that was a BIG mistake. You can't waft on the wave of torque since the V10 doesn't have any and mine kept breaking down - complete p.o.s.
Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
I should have said that my E39 M5 was bought as a used car and so would it's replacement, so the 550i's initial depreciation would work in my favour.Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
It's hard to argue against the 535d, particularly with the DMS chip, but I don't know if I can bring myself to go down the diesel route just yet.
Evolution of the autobox associated with efficiency of turbodiesel engine will give at the end a better result than high output fuel engine. The 535d is a very good engine and the V10TD by VW is incredible also (even compared to the Bentley Conti, as stated by a friend having both.)
I am very pleased with my fuel engines so far but it is now the last years (?) where you can justify this choice.
To answer your initial question. I am afraid that you won't find a better BMW car than your current M5. Personnaly, I would totally change and turn to Maserati e.g.
I am very pleased with my fuel engines so far but it is now the last years (?) where you can justify this choice.
To answer your initial question. I am afraid that you won't find a better BMW car than your current M5. Personnaly, I would totally change and turn to Maserati e.g.
bher said:
........I am afraid that you won't find a better BMW car than your current M5. Personnaly, I would totally change and turn to Maserati e.g.
Couldnt agree more. I had a few bits after my M5 (ML, CLS, M3 E46 coupe and cab) and non have really filled the gap. My M3 is going for sale soon... to be replaced by a Maserati.Which maserati ?
the 2001 models are to be avoided unless its had the steering rack replaced, there was a guy on here selling a M3 that I went to see & he also had a Ghiblli GT ,what a car ,what sound , to be honest I could see why he was keeping the Masser.
I'd love one, buying it is OK but I just could not afford the maintenance,great cars though.
the 2001 models are to be avoided unless its had the steering rack replaced, there was a guy on here selling a M3 that I went to see & he also had a Ghiblli GT ,what a car ,what sound , to be honest I could see why he was keeping the Masser.
I'd love one, buying it is OK but I just could not afford the maintenance,great cars though.
Ashok said:
I bought an E60 M5 after my E39 M5 and that was a BIG mistake. You can't waft on the wave of torque since the V10 doesn't have any and mine kept breaking down - complete p.o.s.
Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
The E60 M5 is much better if you like driving. Don't take one owner's bad experiences over the majority of very happy owners. Don't get the 550i since they depreciate faster than Ferrari four seaters.
Depending on your budget and driving style, I suggest a 535d (with requisite DMS chip) or an Alpina B5.
The new B5S is just out and is simply awesome
The E60 has as much torque as the E39 and more power. If you just want to waft along on a cusion of torque, you might as well buy a Mercedes. If, on the other hand, you want an exciting four door saloon, buy the M5.
french said:
Which maserati ?
the 2001 models are to be avoided unless its had the steering rack replaced, there was a guy on here selling a M3 that I went to see & he also had a Ghiblli GT ,what a car ,what sound , to be honest I could see why he was keeping the Masser.
I'd love one, buying it is OK but I just could not afford the maintenance,great cars though.
Me, personally, it's got to be the GranSport.the 2001 models are to be avoided unless its had the steering rack replaced, there was a guy on here selling a M3 that I went to see & he also had a Ghiblli GT ,what a car ,what sound , to be honest I could see why he was keeping the Masser.
I'd love one, buying it is OK but I just could not afford the maintenance,great cars though.
In place of an M5, if the E60 is in your sights, I'd be looking at the Quattroporte - incredible car (not owned one...yet). Best looking 4 door on the road, IMO.
LittleBro said:
bher said:
........I am afraid that you won't find a better BMW car than your current M5. Personnaly, I would totally change and turn to Maserati e.g.
Couldnt agree more. I had a few bits after my M5 (ML, CLS, M3 E46 coupe and cab) and non have really filled the gap. My M3 is going for sale soon... to be replaced by a Maserati.Edited by M5Dave on Wednesday 12th March 13:10
In reality, a manual E60 550i with sports suspension would probably make a lot of sense.
First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
derestrictor said:
In reality, a manual E60 550i with sports suspension would probably make a lot of sense.
First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
I don't suppose the 550i is that much more of a depreciation nightmare than the M5. Since I would be buying the car used, probably at about three years old, hopefully the depreciation will have begun to slow down a bit, and it should work in my favour.First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
What really puts me off the E60 M5 is the fuel consumption. I get about 20-21mpg in my E39 on mixed driving, but I've heard stories of E60 drivers getting 10mpg or less. Are they really that much worse than the E39? I do about 12-15,000 miles per year, and with that kind of fuel consumption there is just no way that I could afford to run it.
Dave, gentle, urban E39 M5 commuting, circa 250 on a tank; same in t'M6 yields 50 less.
You know what you need, don't you? A Bangle 730d, just like this - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/378868.htm
I'm not altogether joking, either. 
You know what you need, don't you? A Bangle 730d, just like this - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/378868.htm
I'm not altogether joking, either. M5Dave said:
derestrictor said:
In reality, a manual E60 550i with sports suspension would probably make a lot of sense.
First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
I don't suppose the 550i is that much more of a depreciation nightmare than the M5. Since I would be buying the car used, probably at about three years old, hopefully the depreciation will have begun to slow down a bit, and it should work in my favour.First off, most of the 367 horses will be present and correct whereas ye olde E39's will probably have gone to stud some time ago.
Then, whilst a stock E60 feels wooden next to the magic damping of any big //M - E34, 39 or 60 - the above spec would ameliorate to a large degree such regular lack of poise.
The 4.8 is a masterpiece; a real rortmeister and sans limitiere, I'd wager a genuine 170+ viggen.
Oh, hang on, they've just dropped another grand since I started this post...
What really puts me off the E60 M5 is the fuel consumption. I get about 20-21mpg in my E39 on mixed driving, but I've heard stories of E60 drivers getting 10mpg or less. Are they really that much worse than the E39? I do about 12-15,000 miles per year, and with that kind of fuel consumption there is just no way that I could afford to run it.
M5Dave said:
I've read a couple of buying guides on the 3200GT, the costs for routine servicing and replacing consumable parts, and the frequency with which some of those parts have to be replaced is eye watering to say the least. I take it it's the same story for other models
32's have a reputation for being costly to run, as does the marque as a whole. From what I gather, generally speaking, the later the car, the more reliable. The 4200 went through several revisions, all bringing with them improvements to drive and reliability. The later 05 model and the GranSports are suposed to be an improvement on this. Edited by M5Dave on Wednesday 12th March 13:10
In terms of maintainence, if you're prepared to used specialist, that'd help, but yes, its essentially Ferrari running gear and would be maintained by the same technitians that would look after an Enzo.
I came back to M series cars thinking it would be a relatively cost effective way of motoring. An £892 service later, I've decided the extra expense in running a Maser would be well worth it.
- note: the above is based on research not on my actual experience.
The 550i is just a fast beemer,nothing too special but a great car-superior to the E60 M5 as a useable daily hack.
And the V8s torque curve is better suited to give and take UK driving-the V10 can destroy them after 100mph but the punch of the V8's and the deep rumble makes the V10 feel and sound thin at times.
The E39 is like an old hot rod really-just as much fun aswell.
And the V8s torque curve is better suited to give and take UK driving-the V10 can destroy them after 100mph but the punch of the V8's and the deep rumble makes the V10 feel and sound thin at times.
The E39 is like an old hot rod really-just as much fun aswell.
Boulder said:
The 550i is just a fast beemer,nothing too special but a great car-superior to the E60 M5 as a useable daily hack.
And the V8s torque curve is better suited to give and take UK driving-the V10 can destroy them after 100mph but the punch of the V8's and the deep rumble makes the V10 feel and sound thin at times.
The E39 is like an old hot rod really-just as much fun aswell.
The only thing that makes a 550i more useable as a daily hack is the fuel consumption and the auto box (which makes no difference to me). And the V8s torque curve is better suited to give and take UK driving-the V10 can destroy them after 100mph but the punch of the V8's and the deep rumble makes the V10 feel and sound thin at times.
The E39 is like an old hot rod really-just as much fun aswell.
There is a lot of nonsense talked about how the extra torque of the supercharged V8 makes power more accessbibe lower down. All you need to do to get at the M5's power is rev the bloody thing. It loves to rev, so you put your foot down and use the power band. Even in town, the power is there all the time. Of course if you stick to below 4k rpm it will seem a little thin, but if you send that needle round the dial, it is almighty.
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