Discussion
Been looking at the E60 M5 which I could probably end up blowing more money as I still have an M car itch to scratch....
Just had a thought on the E39 M5 though which would actually put money back in my pocket for a change
Have test driven the E60 a couple of times in the past and it is impressive aside from the SMG box which I just didn't give myself time to get used to, so no real opinion on that as yet...
Am I likely to massively regret an E39 purchase? is the E60 worlds apart?
Anyone on here had both and offer much advice/opinions?
And before someone suggests it, I'll trot off now to do a search on the topic...
Just had a thought on the E39 M5 though which would actually put money back in my pocket for a change
Have test driven the E60 a couple of times in the past and it is impressive aside from the SMG box which I just didn't give myself time to get used to, so no real opinion on that as yet...
Am I likely to massively regret an E39 purchase? is the E60 worlds apart?
Anyone on here had both and offer much advice/opinions?
And before someone suggests it, I'll trot off now to do a search on the topic...
This looks like a fantastic example. They don't come up like this very often now...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
berry100 said:
Been looking at the E60 M5 which I could probably end up blowing more money as I still have an M car itch to scratch....
Just had a thought on the E39 M5 though which would actually put money back in my pocket for a change
Have test driven the E60 a couple of times in the past and it is impressive aside from the SMG box which I just didn't give myself time to get used to, so no real opinion on that as yet...
Am I likely to massively regret an E39 purchase? is the E60 worlds apart?
Anyone on here had both and offer much advice/opinions?
And before someone suggests it, I'll trot off now to do a search on the topic...
It is a tough choice to make,for me its easy.Just had a thought on the E39 M5 though which would actually put money back in my pocket for a change
Have test driven the E60 a couple of times in the past and it is impressive aside from the SMG box which I just didn't give myself time to get used to, so no real opinion on that as yet...
Am I likely to massively regret an E39 purchase? is the E60 worlds apart?
Anyone on here had both and offer much advice/opinions?
And before someone suggests it, I'll trot off now to do a search on the topic...
I prefer the E39 on five counts:
1)Interior is nicer looking.
2)Manual box.
3)V8 engine.
4)Looks classier.
5)Less depreciation.
Olf said:
This looks like a fantastic example. They don't come up like this very often now...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
Wouldn't pay £20k for one though, too near to knocking on the door of 3 year E60's...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
Thinking nearer £14k for one as this is half the cost of getting into an E60 from the enquiries I've been making....
I used to run an E39 (2000 model in 2003) and my Bro now owns an E60 (2006 I think). I've not driven his E60, but the observations I have on the two are:
E39 was (is) the best car I've ever owned and will take some beating - great build quality, superb drive partucularly at motorway speeds, very subtle - but I think its now in the no-man's land of not modern and not quite an icon (though I dont think it will be long).
The E60 is its modern equal, the car brought up to date. Maybe a little too techy, apprently build quality "isnt all that" (quoting my Bro who moved from an Audi), perhaps a little too subtle.
Yes, they've probably still got a way to go on depreciation, but if that worries you, you dont even want to think about the fuel
Its a shame the E60 wasnt offered with manual, but the SMG really is a great tool. While I doubt its as good as the DCT (I've not driven one yet), it is still a good bit of engineering and is surprisingly usable when you get used to it. I currently drive an E46 SMG M3 and while the 'box isnt great around town and in traffic, up and running, its great, especially when pressing on.
For me, as good as the E39 is, if I had the budget to buy and run an E60 properly, I would do so over the E39. If my budget was £15-17k, the E39 would take some beating.
Ooh, the agony of choice!
Good luck chosing.
Woody
E39 was (is) the best car I've ever owned and will take some beating - great build quality, superb drive partucularly at motorway speeds, very subtle - but I think its now in the no-man's land of not modern and not quite an icon (though I dont think it will be long).
The E60 is its modern equal, the car brought up to date. Maybe a little too techy, apprently build quality "isnt all that" (quoting my Bro who moved from an Audi), perhaps a little too subtle.
Yes, they've probably still got a way to go on depreciation, but if that worries you, you dont even want to think about the fuel
Its a shame the E60 wasnt offered with manual, but the SMG really is a great tool. While I doubt its as good as the DCT (I've not driven one yet), it is still a good bit of engineering and is surprisingly usable when you get used to it. I currently drive an E46 SMG M3 and while the 'box isnt great around town and in traffic, up and running, its great, especially when pressing on.For me, as good as the E39 is, if I had the budget to buy and run an E60 properly, I would do so over the E39. If my budget was £15-17k, the E39 would take some beating.
Ooh, the agony of choice!
Good luck chosing.
Woody
There cars are worlds apart.
I had the same question and took extensive drives in both - driven in isolation the e39 is a fantastic car, quick, well built, solid etc etc.
But, jump out of it and into an e60 and you immediately feel you are in a more modern car, the performance in the e60 in "economy" mode is the same as the e39 and then you press the M button and unleash another 100+ bhp and there really is no comparison.
Likewise handling, the e60 has electronic adjustable suspension which is just miles better than the e39.
The e39 has a great gearbox but give the smg time and it is fantastic (but you need the latest software which makes for smoother changes). I also think that the e39 looks better but only at the margins.
Summary - drive and buy an e39 on its own and you will love it, drive an e60 and you will never go back to the e39 as it feels a much more modern and complete car (which it is).
S
I had the same question and took extensive drives in both - driven in isolation the e39 is a fantastic car, quick, well built, solid etc etc.
But, jump out of it and into an e60 and you immediately feel you are in a more modern car, the performance in the e60 in "economy" mode is the same as the e39 and then you press the M button and unleash another 100+ bhp and there really is no comparison.
Likewise handling, the e60 has electronic adjustable suspension which is just miles better than the e39.
The e39 has a great gearbox but give the smg time and it is fantastic (but you need the latest software which makes for smoother changes). I also think that the e39 looks better but only at the margins.
Summary - drive and buy an e39 on its own and you will love it, drive an e60 and you will never go back to the e39 as it feels a much more modern and complete car (which it is).
S
Olf said:
This looks like a fantastic example. They don't come up like this very often now...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
Nice car but WAY too dear in the current climate and does not have extended warranty either.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
finmac said:
Olf said:
This looks like a fantastic example. They don't come up like this very often now...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
Nice car but WAY too dear in the current climate and does not have extended warranty either.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/711592.htm
If the choice is between a pristine post '01 E39 around £14-15K and a 3 year old E60 around £30K I would probably go with the E60, as it is a significant step up in performance and technology - that said as an '02 E39 M5 owner for 2 years, having put 50.000 km on it without a single fault.
The E39 M5 for me, however, is a complete package, where everything is just right - I suspect the E60 will be an experience overshadowed by that warpspeed engine and whether or not you are willing to put up with the continued depreciation (which makes it a great second hand buy, but maybe not so great come resale time for you) and the fuel economy (or lack of same).
The E39 M5 for me, however, is a complete package, where everything is just right - I suspect the E60 will be an experience overshadowed by that warpspeed engine and whether or not you are willing to put up with the continued depreciation (which makes it a great second hand buy, but maybe not so great come resale time for you) and the fuel economy (or lack of same).
Great choice to have to make. You need to try driving both as there is no correct answer to the question.
Much as I loved driving the E60 I can't bring myself to sell my E39 with it's manual gearbox. As stated by others, if setup with the full power, quick gear change etc, the E60 is faster off the line and is noticably quicker over 100 mph.
DAZ
(driven 20k in my E39, about 5k in my brothers E60)
Much as I loved driving the E60 I can't bring myself to sell my E39 with it's manual gearbox. As stated by others, if setup with the full power, quick gear change etc, the E60 is faster off the line and is noticably quicker over 100 mph.
DAZ
(driven 20k in my E39, about 5k in my brothers E60)
To be honest both are great cars and both are the best of each generation...you will not be dissapointed with either. I've driven both and I think if it was my money the E60 but if it had to be the E39 i would be just as happy.
Take an extended test drive in both because as you say a short 20 min drive in the E60 is not enough time to unberstand the SMG.
The only other thing to bear in mind is that the E39 has done most if not all of its depreciation where as the E60 is still falling, but saying that with E60 starting at 28k at BMW dealers they are alot of car for the money...
Take an extended test drive in both because as you say a short 20 min drive in the E60 is not enough time to unberstand the SMG.
The only other thing to bear in mind is that the E39 has done most if not all of its depreciation where as the E60 is still falling, but saying that with E60 starting at 28k at BMW dealers they are alot of car for the money...
I lust after the E39 and would have one every time, though I would not pay a premium for a low mileage car (25k on original tyres, then needs a clutch 3k later?)
E60 is a lunatic rocketship that "they" say needs deep pockets and/or a good warranty to run
Nice dilemma to be in though. Both can only get cheaper in the current hard times
E60 is a lunatic rocketship that "they" say needs deep pockets and/or a good warranty to run
Nice dilemma to be in though. Both can only get cheaper in the current hard times
Andyt25 said:
To be honest both are great cars and both are the best of each generation...you will not be dissapointed with either. I've driven both and I think if it was my money the E60 but if it had to be the E39 i would be just as happy.
Take an extended test drive in both because as you say a short 20 min drive in the E60 is not enough time to unberstand the SMG.
The only other thing to bear in mind is that the E39 has done most if not all of its depreciation where as the E60 is still falling, but saying that with E60 starting at 28k at BMW dealers they are alot of car for the money...
i agree with the extended test drive on the m60. i took one as a part ex last week and for the first hour or 2 i was really unimpressed. by the time i had done a few hundred miles in it i was in love. coming from a manual 911 turbo it was a culture shock till i got the hang of the setttings but once i did it is a far superior car. smg is not a patch on audi's dsg box and never will be. 19.7 has been my average mpg over 600 miles and taht includes plenty of 0-150's as well as plenty of 90mph cruising.Take an extended test drive in both because as you say a short 20 min drive in the E60 is not enough time to unberstand the SMG.
The only other thing to bear in mind is that the E39 has done most if not all of its depreciation where as the E60 is still falling, but saying that with E60 starting at 28k at BMW dealers they are alot of car for the money...
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