E39 M5. Best real world does it all drivers car?

[theboymoon]

1 car garage. Sensible money to buy & run. Any task you could throw at it.

Discuss.


(I think it just might be)

[Mastodon2]

I'd take an Impreza 22b or a P1 long before I took an M5. Not that M5s are bad, but just not what I'd want in a car.

[Wadeski]

not sure a barge is really my "best" drivers car dream.

also, is "does it all" really the ideal? Isnt that why everyone buys BMW 3ers? "good all round, just pick how fast".

I'd rather compromise "does it all? and have more enjoyment than compromise fun to feel 5% more special than the TDi reps...

[obscene]

I'd love to own one some day, lovely cars.

[GravelBen]

inkiboo said:

As an E39 M5 owner, they aren't even in the same league.

As an E39 M5 owner, you're probably biased

They do different things, and every has their own idea of 'real world', 'does it all', and 'drivers car'.

[MarJay]

130i

Seriously underrated. Quick enough but crucially not too bad on fuel. Correct wheel drive. Small enough to take shopping but big enough to take on a long journey and not feel cramped.

Obviously no good if you've got bigger children, but small children will fit in the back fine.

Not too expensive for what they are... Am I just arguing this because I own one? :lol:

[Captain Flashman]

what are E39 M5 running costs like? they're starting to fall into my price range over here but i don't think i can afford to run it.

[Pints]

Mastodon2 said:

I'd take an Impreza 22b or a P1 long before I took an M5. Not that M5s are bad, but just not what I'd want in a car.

Did you even read the OP? I'm a huge fan of the Scooby but wouldn't dream of running it as an "all in one" car. Could you even begin to imagine regular motorway runs?

How does the M3 compare with the M5, ITO maintenance costs?

[GravelBen]

Pints said:

I'm a huge fan of the Scooby but wouldn't dream of running it as an "all in one" car. Could you even begin to imagine regular motorway runs?

Easily, though a Legacy is much nicer for that than an Impreza. Could you even begin to imagine an M5 hustling along bumpy gravel back roads? We all have our different 'normal use' of a car...

[MDT]

Or an Audi RS2, RS4, RS6

I recon these tick all the boxes you would ever want to tick.

[useyourdellusion]

Pints said:

Mastodon2 said:

I'd take an Impreza 22b or a P1 long before I took an M5. Not that M5s are bad, but just not what I'd want in a car.

Did you even read the OP? I'm a huge fan of the Scooby but wouldn't dream of running it as an "all in one" car. Could you even begin to imagine regular motorway runs?

Mastodon2: My opinion is the absolute mirror image of yours. I've owned a P1 and an E39 M5. The M5 is indeed in a different league as an over-all package.

Personally, I love the M5's n/a V8, its comfort and practicality and it's stealthy, purposeful look.

The P1, whilst being a lot of fun, would make a lousy "all in one" car. Not massively practical (rear seats don't fold down), just as thirsty as the M5 but engine not as flexible. Attract all the wrong attention and they're nowhere near as good on the motorway. On a personal note, Turbocharged engines leave me cold these days. Give a N/A 'M' engine anyday!

[T.K]

GravelBen said:

Easily, though a Legacy is much nicer for that than an Impreza. Could you even begin to imagine an M5 hustling along bumpy gravel back roads? We all have our different 'normal use' of a car...

Who are you, Stig Blomqvist? In standard form , a P1 would be absolutely fking useless on a bumpy and unmade road. Fiver says a standard M5 would be quicker!

Edited by T.K on Friday 26th November 06:49

[Bill]

theboymoon said:

1 car garage. Sensible money to buy & run. Any task you could throw at it.

Discuss.


(I think it just might be)

Unless you want an estate...

[toast boy]

I suppose it could be if you want a car to do everything pretty well. However I'm both masochistic and immature so would rather put up with the foibles of a more focused car than sacrifice the fun. I'd probably go for a Honda engined Exige to be honest, or an Impreza if I really needed the seats. And before anyone asks, yes I would be happy doing motorway miles in it.

[rottie102]

Bill said:

theboymoon said:

1 car garage. Sensible money to buy & run. Any task you could throw at it.

Discuss.


(I think it just might be)

Unless you want an estate...

http://www.bimmertoday.de/2009/10/29/bilder-infos-der-bmw-m5-touring-e39/

[fathomfive]

Bill said:

theboymoon said:

1 car garage. Sensible money to buy & run. Any task you could throw at it.

Discuss.


(I think it just might be)

Unless you want an estate...

Or need offroad ability.

[andyp74199]

Rs4 avant.

[Bill]

rottie102 said:

Bill said:

theboymoon said:

1 car garage. Sensible money to buy & run. Any task you could throw at it.

Discuss.


(I think it just might be)

Unless you want an estate...

http://www.bimmertoday.de/2009/10/29/bilder-infos-der-bmw-m5-touring-e39/

In RHD?

[GravelBen]

T.K said:

Who are you, Stig Blomqvist? In standard form , a P1 would be absolutely fking useless on a bumpy and unmade road. Fiver says a standard M5 would be quicker!

Stiggy? Not even close unfortunately! But I have been sliding cars around on gravel for the last 10 years if that counts for anything.

While I haven't had the pleasure of driving a P1 (they were never available on this side of the world) they have a reputation for being softer than the STi-R they were based on, and I'm yet to encounter a Subaru that isn't remarkably competent on the loose stuff.

[Gizmo!]

My only concern would be "is it too big".

An E46 M3 is that crucial bit more compact. Both epic though.