E39 M5... What Next?
Discussion
I guess this thread is aimed at people who have at some point owned an E39 M5 and then moved onto something else... What did you buy next and how did it compare? Were you disappointed and if so why? Was it an improvement?
Particularly interested in people who have moved onto newer ///M cars. The E60 M5 looks the logical next step, but the E92 M3 is a compelling proposition - although is the jump in power enough to keep an E39 M5 owner satisfied for a few more years?
Particularly interested in people who have moved onto newer ///M cars. The E60 M5 looks the logical next step, but the E92 M3 is a compelling proposition - although is the jump in power enough to keep an E39 M5 owner satisfied for a few more years?
Depends how much more you are prepared to spend and what benefits you want to gain.
I tried a current 997S last month and it wassnt much quicker or more exciting to drive to my dissapointment.Very impressive but not worth the extra outlay.
The E92 M3 is a logical step but doesnt exude the same quality or refinment.Try one though you wont be dissapointed,the engine is awesome.
I tried a current 997S last month and it wassnt much quicker or more exciting to drive to my dissapointment.Very impressive but not worth the extra outlay.
The E92 M3 is a logical step but doesnt exude the same quality or refinment.Try one though you wont be dissapointed,the engine is awesome.
Vauxhall VXR8. I sold my E39 M5 earlier this year. I was in exactly the same position, what to get next. Not ruling anything out nor being too specific on budget, I considered -
R35 GTR
AMV8
911
M6
E60 M5
E92 M3
My final choice was the result of various practical constraints which gradually ruled the other cars out. Your decision will have different deciding factors, but this is how I reached mine -
R35 - I had a deposit down from the start of 2008. I test drove the car at Silverstone, and whilst it was indeed awesomely quick, something just didn't click for me. A lack of drama probably. It also suffered from practical limitations which I decided I couldn't manage with. One of which was space to take my pushbike in the car. There simply isn't room. Likewise it isn't a four seater by any stretch of the imagination and I do on occasion need to carry 3-4 6ft people in comfort. I also think I chickened out a little because of the economy situation as well
AMV8 - I love the sound, I love how they look, but two seats and only reasonable practicality ruled it out. If I was lucky enough to have a second car in addition, this would have been a very serious proposition.
911 - I do like Porkas, I don't love them. Not at all practical, and I couldn't justify a turbo or GT3 which are probably the only ones I would choose to have if I were ever to have on at all
M6 - This was my second choice and I nearly did buy one - I guess I do like my Bimmers. Awesomely quick, but even though I don't do huge miles the fuel consumption is simply terrible and wasn't something I thought I could stomach. I wasn't sure if I could be bothered with the gear box around London either and the rear seats are also on the cramped side
E60 M5 - Coming from the previous generation M5 this car made sense, but I wanted to move away from a saloon since I don't have a family. Other M6 related issues also knocked this off my list
E92 M3 - The car I eventually bought. Simply because I love V8s and the sound they make. I couldn't resist a saving of over £20k on a virtually new car, I like how they look, I like how they handle. It is comfy and quiet on long road trips and I have easily taken my pushbike to races and carried my mates to Goodwood and back (both 6ft+ and both complimentary about the space, comfort and performance). I don't need M5 levels of performance given I am probably close enough to losing my licence as it is. I actually really like the interior, it is well put together, the stereo (Logic7) walks over any none after market stereo I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. The list goes on. Simply put, I love it.
R35 GTR
AMV8
911
M6
E60 M5
E92 M3
My final choice was the result of various practical constraints which gradually ruled the other cars out. Your decision will have different deciding factors, but this is how I reached mine -
R35 - I had a deposit down from the start of 2008. I test drove the car at Silverstone, and whilst it was indeed awesomely quick, something just didn't click for me. A lack of drama probably. It also suffered from practical limitations which I decided I couldn't manage with. One of which was space to take my pushbike in the car. There simply isn't room. Likewise it isn't a four seater by any stretch of the imagination and I do on occasion need to carry 3-4 6ft people in comfort. I also think I chickened out a little because of the economy situation as well
AMV8 - I love the sound, I love how they look, but two seats and only reasonable practicality ruled it out. If I was lucky enough to have a second car in addition, this would have been a very serious proposition.
911 - I do like Porkas, I don't love them. Not at all practical, and I couldn't justify a turbo or GT3 which are probably the only ones I would choose to have if I were ever to have on at all
M6 - This was my second choice and I nearly did buy one - I guess I do like my Bimmers. Awesomely quick, but even though I don't do huge miles the fuel consumption is simply terrible and wasn't something I thought I could stomach. I wasn't sure if I could be bothered with the gear box around London either and the rear seats are also on the cramped side
E60 M5 - Coming from the previous generation M5 this car made sense, but I wanted to move away from a saloon since I don't have a family. Other M6 related issues also knocked this off my list
E92 M3 - The car I eventually bought. Simply because I love V8s and the sound they make. I couldn't resist a saving of over £20k on a virtually new car, I like how they look, I like how they handle. It is comfy and quiet on long road trips and I have easily taken my pushbike to races and carried my mates to Goodwood and back (both 6ft+ and both complimentary about the space, comfort and performance). I don't need M5 levels of performance given I am probably close enough to losing my licence as it is. I actually really like the interior, it is well put together, the stereo (Logic7) walks over any none after market stereo I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. The list goes on. Simply put, I love it.
Edited by richbe on Sunday 4th October 19:18
As an E39 M5 owner I am most likely going to get an E92 M3. I think the E60 M5 would annoy me. No only the lack of ecomomy but also its complexity. You are totally tied to the main dealer - and that would irritate me. There are so many stories of gearbox failure etc, they are just too complicated IMO.
Good question, and one I have thinking about myself, after enjoying my M5 for more than 3 years and 70.000 km - for the time being, I have decided to keep it, mainly because it still does everything very well but also because I am not really sure about what to get. The short list, in no particular order:
E60 M5/E63 M6: Amazing power, quite interested in trying to live with the SMG (yes, really!) but ultimately also more of a screamer than a torque monster, which I would like to experience. Not crazy about the shape of the E60 or the interior, while the M6 would be very nice indeed.
Z06 Corvette: Simple NA (in the best sense of the word), like the looks, the super car performance, not so crazy about the interior (or the €3000 road tax in Belgium, due to that enormous 7 litre engine)
Porsche 911 Turbo (996): Relatively light-weight, easy turbo power with potential, 4 WD and in the real world probably the most allround useable junior supercar. Slightly dated interior (which in the 964 or 993 I find charming, not so much in the 996) but I need to scratch that 911 itch at some point
BMW 335d (E91 or E92)/535d (E61): Would make sense on a lot of levels, and easily the best combination of frugal and power that is out there right now. Again, no crazy about the looks of the E60 though in E61 shape and as a 535d it has a lot of merits.
Audi RS6+ : Almost traded my M5 for one of the TT V8s but realised that it has quite a few problems (notably in the suspension and gearbox areas), so left it alone. Still, amazing sounds and the combination of Quattro, easy power and automatic would provide for a very rounded package.
BMW E92 M3: In my view the logical step (although it may be more of horizontal step) from an E39 M5, although I would have wanted slightly more power. Still, in a year or so, this may very well be the one.
E60 M5/E63 M6: Amazing power, quite interested in trying to live with the SMG (yes, really!) but ultimately also more of a screamer than a torque monster, which I would like to experience. Not crazy about the shape of the E60 or the interior, while the M6 would be very nice indeed.
Z06 Corvette: Simple NA (in the best sense of the word), like the looks, the super car performance, not so crazy about the interior (or the €3000 road tax in Belgium, due to that enormous 7 litre engine)
Porsche 911 Turbo (996): Relatively light-weight, easy turbo power with potential, 4 WD and in the real world probably the most allround useable junior supercar. Slightly dated interior (which in the 964 or 993 I find charming, not so much in the 996) but I need to scratch that 911 itch at some point
BMW 335d (E91 or E92)/535d (E61): Would make sense on a lot of levels, and easily the best combination of frugal and power that is out there right now. Again, no crazy about the looks of the E60 though in E61 shape and as a 535d it has a lot of merits.
Audi RS6+ : Almost traded my M5 for one of the TT V8s but realised that it has quite a few problems (notably in the suspension and gearbox areas), so left it alone. Still, amazing sounds and the combination of Quattro, easy power and automatic would provide for a very rounded package.
BMW E92 M3: In my view the logical step (although it may be more of horizontal step) from an E39 M5, although I would have wanted slightly more power. Still, in a year or so, this may very well be the one.
Good luck mate!
I sold my E39 in 2003 :-(
Went from that to a 4.6is X5, which I hated for 2 years.
Then into an E46 M3 silverstone edition, lovely car, horrible interior colour. But ultimately it wasn't scratching the itch the same way as the E39 did. Sold that in 2007.
Acquired an E60 M5 in May this year. f
k me it's a missile. Needs revs though, nothing like the E39 in terms of power. A very nice car indeed, and imo, an extremely comfortable family car when you want it to be. The less said about fuel economy the better. Overall it's an amazing car, and the sound is incredible when it starts to sing.
When you're not in the mood, just flick the gear lever into D mode and it's a superb luxo-barge. When you want to get a shake on, press the M button on the steering wheel and it's ballistic.
SMG takes a bit of getting used to, you either gel with it and get along or you don't. I don't. For all the positives, the gearbox ruins the rest of the car for me. I'm considering my options, but I do think I will be parting with mine soon, I miss a clutch pedal too much.
Take your time, mate, and drive everything that's on your list. Then drive them again just to make sure you were right the first time ;-)
I sold my E39 in 2003 :-(
Went from that to a 4.6is X5, which I hated for 2 years.
Then into an E46 M3 silverstone edition, lovely car, horrible interior colour. But ultimately it wasn't scratching the itch the same way as the E39 did. Sold that in 2007.
Acquired an E60 M5 in May this year. f
k me it's a missile. Needs revs though, nothing like the E39 in terms of power. A very nice car indeed, and imo, an extremely comfortable family car when you want it to be. The less said about fuel economy the better. Overall it's an amazing car, and the sound is incredible when it starts to sing.When you're not in the mood, just flick the gear lever into D mode and it's a superb luxo-barge. When you want to get a shake on, press the M button on the steering wheel and it's ballistic.
SMG takes a bit of getting used to, you either gel with it and get along or you don't. I don't. For all the positives, the gearbox ruins the rest of the car for me. I'm considering my options, but I do think I will be parting with mine soon, I miss a clutch pedal too much.
Take your time, mate, and drive everything that's on your list. Then drive them again just to make sure you were right the first time ;-)
Edited by Scotty Corse on Monday 5th October 11:11
I have a friend in a similar situation but he has sold a 645i and has had an e39 M5 and e46 M3 but is not sure what to have next and have taken him to see pretty much all of the cars above.
Are the stories of the M5 reliability issues that bad and are they really that bad on fuel?
What a dillema to have!
Are the stories of the M5 reliability issues that bad and are they really that bad on fuel?
What a dillema to have!
I have had the pleasure of an e39 M5, which prior to that was an e34 M5 3.8 LE and before that an e34 M5 3.6.
I loved them all for different reasons, but have now got a LandRover Defender 110 XS which is absolute chalk and cheese and not comparable in any way.
I am now also on the lookout for another e34 3.8 M5 as a second car that will not break the bank.
M5's are awesome cars, docile and comfortable when not in a rush and more than capable of a trackday/ring trip if that takes your fancy.
If only the V10 came as a manual.
I loved them all for different reasons, but have now got a LandRover Defender 110 XS which is absolute chalk and cheese and not comparable in any way.
I am now also on the lookout for another e34 3.8 M5 as a second car that will not break the bank.
M5's are awesome cars, docile and comfortable when not in a rush and more than capable of a trackday/ring trip if that takes your fancy.
If only the V10 came as a manual.
PeterNem said:
I guess this thread is aimed at people who have at some point owned an E39 M5 and then moved onto something else... What did you buy next and how did it compare? Were you disappointed and if so why? Was it an improvement?
Particularly interested in people who have moved onto newer ///M cars. The E60 M5 looks the logical next step, but the E92 M3 is a compelling proposition - although is the jump in power enough to keep an E39 M5 owner satisfied for a few more years?
Supercharge your M5.Particularly interested in people who have moved onto newer ///M cars. The E60 M5 looks the logical next step, but the E92 M3 is a compelling proposition - although is the jump in power enough to keep an E39 M5 owner satisfied for a few more years?
I think the only thing you could replace an e39 //M5 with...
Is another (lower mileage obviously) e39 //M5...
Failing that an Alpina B5S as championed by Bellair is one of the most stupendously
complete cars out there..
Also i'd wait for DeR to come along 'cos I know he misses his old B5 on an hourly basis
Is another (lower mileage obviously) e39 //M5...
Failing that an Alpina B5S as championed by Bellair is one of the most stupendously
complete cars out there..
Also i'd wait for DeR to come along 'cos I know he misses his old B5 on an hourly basis
The Alpinas are lovely for straight line annexing but don't believe any claims that they are remotely as well sorted ito handling as the //M equivalents.
At one point I was running the E39 M5 and the E63 M6 and the E60 B5.
It was the ultimate daily dilemma but the wierdest thing - and perhaps greatest compliment you could pay the old dowager - was that whenever I sloped back into ye olde M5's saddle, never did it feel dated or like some bygone formula.
They are all completely different deliveries and it's amazing to think they all hail from the same mob.
I sincerely believe they are equally meritous and it impossible to describe one as 'best.' I'm not joking, in an ideal world you need the lot because for reliable performance imbued with a multiplicity of repertoires (from trundle to blitzkreig) no other cars compare whatever the hacks may claim.
Put it this way; how many 108k miled, 9 year old cars do you know capable of confusing a chrome plated McMerc SLR when there's a chicken madras on the passenger seat simply aching to be consumed and all the pilot's had all day is a mountain of ste and a bag of Space Raiders?
So in short, if I had to rank them...I couldn't.
At one point I was running the E39 M5 and the E63 M6 and the E60 B5.
It was the ultimate daily dilemma but the wierdest thing - and perhaps greatest compliment you could pay the old dowager - was that whenever I sloped back into ye olde M5's saddle, never did it feel dated or like some bygone formula.
They are all completely different deliveries and it's amazing to think they all hail from the same mob.
I sincerely believe they are equally meritous and it impossible to describe one as 'best.' I'm not joking, in an ideal world you need the lot because for reliable performance imbued with a multiplicity of repertoires (from trundle to blitzkreig) no other cars compare whatever the hacks may claim.
Put it this way; how many 108k miled, 9 year old cars do you know capable of confusing a chrome plated McMerc SLR when there's a chicken madras on the passenger seat simply aching to be consumed and all the pilot's had all day is a mountain of s
te and a bag of Space Raiders?So in short, if I had to rank them...I couldn't.
Your terminology Der is out of this world!
Refering to the OP, I am only tempted by an Sl55 as a replacement for mine (no kids yet, 911 is just too, i dont know, dare I say posey? thats why I bought the M5 in the first place, but then my budget is circa 20k so I have a slightly tighter choice.
I actually left the house to buy an E60 M5 last year, drove it, loved it, test drove the E39 moments later, bought it there and then and with the change I bought a Triumph Speed Triple, a DR800 Paris Dakar prepped Round the world toy, a Ducati 999s track bike and Trials bike to get to the local pub on. Cash to fun ration stretched!
Refering to the OP, I am only tempted by an Sl55 as a replacement for mine (no kids yet, 911 is just too, i dont know, dare I say posey? thats why I bought the M5 in the first place, but then my budget is circa 20k so I have a slightly tighter choice.
I actually left the house to buy an E60 M5 last year, drove it, loved it, test drove the E39 moments later, bought it there and then and with the change I bought a Triumph Speed Triple, a DR800 Paris Dakar prepped Round the world toy, a Ducati 999s track bike and Trials bike to get to the local pub on. Cash to fun ration stretched!
You lot really arnt helping...
I have an RX8 which has gone up a little in value at the moment due to things picking up. However, I have always loved an E39 M5 so do I sell a 2005 RX8 with nearly 2yrs worth of extended warranty (and peace of mind) left on it and get an M5?
I had a bad experience with my 968 so my worry is that I could buy an M5 and it turns out to be a money pit. I have seen a nice one in the classifieds.
117K, 2001, serviced by BMW 2000 miles ago. SAT NAV, etc etc.
Im very tempted, would a tesco warranty or similar cover the M5 (clutch, vanos etc)?
I love the Rx8 but I want more power and something thats more suited to having two young kids. Running costs are not an issue.
I have an RX8 which has gone up a little in value at the moment due to things picking up. However, I have always loved an E39 M5 so do I sell a 2005 RX8 with nearly 2yrs worth of extended warranty (and peace of mind) left on it and get an M5?
I had a bad experience with my 968 so my worry is that I could buy an M5 and it turns out to be a money pit. I have seen a nice one in the classifieds.
117K, 2001, serviced by BMW 2000 miles ago. SAT NAV, etc etc.
Im very tempted, would a tesco warranty or similar cover the M5 (clutch, vanos etc)?
I love the Rx8 but I want more power and something thats more suited to having two young kids. Running costs are not an issue.
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