10k to spend - E46 M3 vs E39 M5 - opinions please.
Discussion
Right chaps, the time has come. After spending too much on a wedding it's time to be a bit selfish and treat myself.
10k to spend, the options are: E46 M3 (Coupe or Cabriolet) or E39 M5.
The E39 M5 I've loved since seeing Tiff test it on Top Gear. I love the understated looks and fact it's a decent sized 4 door saloon (I'm 32 now, getting old). I'm wary that it's expensive. Things like brake discs are significantly more expensive than the E46 M3. The M3 is the sportier/better handling car but has a dubious image of late and has potential subframe issues. I like the idea of a cabrio and I think I'd probably go for one of those than the coupe.
Pros/cons:
E46 M3 Pros:
- Cheaper to run (than an M5)
- Available as a convertible (I like them
)
- It's an E46 M3
- Better/sharper handling
E46 M3 Cons:
- Image not great
- Potential subframe issues
- Many are SMG (I want a manual)
- Sounds a bit rubbish compared to the M5
E39 M5 Pros:
- It's an E39 M5
- 5.0 litre n/a V8.
E39 M5 Cons:
- Expensive to run (compared to the E46 M3)
- Potential Vanos issues
- More rust prone than the E46
- Good examples harder to find.
Given the option, which would you choose? It's to be used as a daily for work, 11 miles each way. However I'm also concerned that short (home visit) journeys during the day in the M5 will spank the economy (more so than the M3). Seems a bit of a shame to fire up an engine like that for a couple of miles.
As an aside, looking at examples on PH and Autotrader, I see the high spec models have the integrated widescreen sat nav (pro nav?). I assume the sat nav is rubbish? Can it be upgraded? It is possible to integrate an audio/aux in (keeping the OEM A/V system in situ)?
Would appreciate your advice/opinions. PS if you see any decent examples, let me know (I'm based in the SE). TIA
10k to spend, the options are: E46 M3 (Coupe or Cabriolet) or E39 M5.
The E39 M5 I've loved since seeing Tiff test it on Top Gear. I love the understated looks and fact it's a decent sized 4 door saloon (I'm 32 now, getting old). I'm wary that it's expensive. Things like brake discs are significantly more expensive than the E46 M3. The M3 is the sportier/better handling car but has a dubious image of late and has potential subframe issues. I like the idea of a cabrio and I think I'd probably go for one of those than the coupe.
Pros/cons:
E46 M3 Pros:
- Cheaper to run (than an M5)
- Available as a convertible (I like them
)- It's an E46 M3
- Better/sharper handling
E46 M3 Cons:
- Image not great
- Potential subframe issues
- Many are SMG (I want a manual)
- Sounds a bit rubbish compared to the M5
E39 M5 Pros:
- It's an E39 M5
- 5.0 litre n/a V8.
E39 M5 Cons:
- Expensive to run (compared to the E46 M3)
- Potential Vanos issues
- More rust prone than the E46
- Good examples harder to find.
Given the option, which would you choose? It's to be used as a daily for work, 11 miles each way. However I'm also concerned that short (home visit) journeys during the day in the M5 will spank the economy (more so than the M3). Seems a bit of a shame to fire up an engine like that for a couple of miles.
As an aside, looking at examples on PH and Autotrader, I see the high spec models have the integrated widescreen sat nav (pro nav?). I assume the sat nav is rubbish? Can it be upgraded? It is possible to integrate an audio/aux in (keeping the OEM A/V system in situ)?
Would appreciate your advice/opinions. PS if you see any decent examples, let me know (I'm based in the SE). TIA
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 27th March 18:39
g3org3y said:
It's to be used as a daily for work, 11 miles each way. However I'm also concerned that short (home visit) journeys during the day in the M5 will spank the economy (more so than the M3). Seems a bit of a shame to fire up an engine like that for a couple of miles.
These short journeys would suit the M3 more than the M5. M5 is more of a Grand Tourer, designed to crush a long motorway journey, for example.Wouldn't a hot hatch be more fun for these short trips?
If it was me I'd go for a nice e46 m3. They're newer and I think you'll get a better one for the money. Most e39 M5s for that money are pretty leggy and it will be harder to keep in good fettle than the e46. A good e46 is easily achievable in budget and if you look after it will last. I'd not want now to use a good e39 as a daily.
Watch these,might help you decide 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zR5amLJ7kk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ietvkKKMZTI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zR5amLJ7kk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ietvkKKMZTI
I've got both, totally? different cars, M5 loads of torque, M3(SMG Convertible) needs revs,if push came to shove really hard choice as to which one would go! You won't be disappointed whichever you buy. Looks like a nice M5 on facebook for your budget, 03,101000,@£9500. PM for phone number
Having owned both I would say that it's difficult to say which will be the cheaper to run, my M5 was actually very wallet friendly from a maintenance perspective ( overlooking the fuel of course), I've also know some M3's that have been shockingly expensive to keep right. It will largely depend on whether you manage to snag a nice example or not. With 10k I would guess you would have a better chance of getting a good M3 over the M5.
In terms of driving, the one I preferred depended very much on the mood I was in, however the M5 is better at doing everything, lunacy to relaxed cruising when required.
I reckon the best thing to do, if you haven't already driven both, is to see if you can grab an extended drive in each and go from there.
My time again?... I'm older know so it would be the M5, hoofing car
In terms of driving, the one I preferred depended very much on the mood I was in, however the M5 is better at doing everything, lunacy to relaxed cruising when required.
I reckon the best thing to do, if you haven't already driven both, is to see if you can grab an extended drive in each and go from there.
My time again?... I'm older know so it would be the M5, hoofing car
If it wasn't a daily and therefore something to drive and/or tinker with at the weekends, I'd get the M5. I've always liked the E39 shape and even if the car was initially a bit tired, you could spend time and money on getting it sorted.
However, because it will be used daily, I'd get the M3 as it seems you can get a better example M3 for the money you have - one which will need less work and will be less of a chore to drive each day.
However, because it will be used daily, I'd get the M3 as it seems you can get a better example M3 for the money you have - one which will need less work and will be less of a chore to drive each day.
I've had an e39 M5 and now own a manual e46 M3.
The M5 was a great car, but the interior felt more dated than the M3, and after a while I found it a bit too big for my needs.
I've had three e46 coupes now, and find them the perfect blend of size, practicality and performance. I've had the 'M3 for four years now (a record for me).
I did hanker after another V8 M5 a little while ago, because of that engine, and THAT throttle response. Glorious!
The M5 was a great car, but the interior felt more dated than the M3, and after a while I found it a bit too big for my needs.
I've had three e46 coupes now, and find them the perfect blend of size, practicality and performance. I've had the 'M3 for four years now (a record for me).
I did hanker after another V8 M5 a little while ago, because of that engine, and THAT throttle response. Glorious!
I would also say that running costs are roughly the same. The M5 is a bit cheaper to service, but consumables may cost a bit more than the M3.
Image isn't an issue for me, but I only ever get positive reactions when I'm out in the M3. It actually seems to get more and more of these reactions these days, all good.
Nobody noticed the M5 really, only those 'in the know' if you like.
Image isn't an issue for me, but I only ever get positive reactions when I'm out in the M3. It actually seems to get more and more of these reactions these days, all good.
Nobody noticed the M5 really, only those 'in the know' if you like.
In what way was the interior more dated? I've had two e46's and two e39's and they're both much the same in that department with the e39 being nicer ultimately. The only thing that I can think of is the tape player behind the dash trim if sat nav isn't on the car, but then it's hidden behind the trim all the time anyway.
Patrick Bateman said:
In what way was the interior more dated? I've had two e46's and two e39's and they're both much the same in that department with the e39 being nicer ultimately. The only thing that I can think of is the tape player behind the dash trim if sat nav isn't on the car, but then it's hidden behind the trim all the time anyway.
I can't put my finger on it really, I didn't like the grey/black seats for a start, maybe I'm just being fussy.Thanks for the opinions and experiences, much appreciated, keep 'em coming!
The lazy nature of the V8 appeals versus the M3's rev thriving I6 however I do agree the M3 is more suited as a daily.
Re subframes for the M3, is it a case of when rather than if?
How wobbly are cabrios? I used to have an E30 cabrio so I'm quite tolerant of roofless foibles.
The lazy nature of the V8 appeals versus the M3's rev thriving I6 however I do agree the M3 is more suited as a daily.
Re subframes for the M3, is it a case of when rather than if?
How wobbly are cabrios? I used to have an E30 cabrio so I'm quite tolerant of roofless foibles.
The 'lazy' nature some people speak of is a bit unfair, that implies it runs out of puff. The power is very linear so there isn't a sharp contrast between the lower/mid-range and upper range you seem to get with the S54, S65 and S85.
It just means there's ample grunt without having to thrash it but it's more than happy to meet the redline.
Just as an example, looking at some dyno graphs that have been posted before, the S62 makes more power below about 5750rpm than the S85. Obviously it's a different story after that but, especially with road driving, it's good to not feel short-changed with the mid-range given that's where you'll be spending most of the time.
It just means there's ample grunt without having to thrash it but it's more than happy to meet the redline.
Just as an example, looking at some dyno graphs that have been posted before, the S62 makes more power below about 5750rpm than the S85. Obviously it's a different story after that but, especially with road driving, it's good to not feel short-changed with the mid-range given that's where you'll be spending most of the time.
g3org3y said:
Re subframes for the M3, is it a case of when rather than if?
This worried me when I first bought mine. It's on 141000 miles now, and each time it's been in for servicing etc. at an Indy, I've had it checked and it's fine.I did get a nasty knocking noise coming from the back not long into ownership, and thought "here we go!"
It turned out to be a rear suspension top mount. £10 per side from GSF and an easy job to replace.
I think it's about a grand to have the rear subframe reinforced by Redish etc. Some people say don't buy one that hasn't had it done either under warranty at BMW or at somewhere like Redish, but I went with my instincts when buying mine and it's given me no trouble at all.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff