E39 M5 Vs E46 M3.
Discussion
. I'm in a pickle which to decide with. I have a 12k budget. So either looking at a 03/04 M3 in manual. or a 00/01 M5 with low miles..
. No doubting that an M3 would be cheaper to run. Try them both.
Thanks its a tough one. I do prefer the look of the M3, my friend has one at the moment which he's selling as upgrading to a frozen e92 M3. But the M5 just looks like an awesome barge! We're going on a trip to the south of france through the alps etc this summer then spending a few days relaxing on the coast.
There was a lovely Laguna Seca blue M3 on 53plate, from BMW Used Approved for £11995 the other day which was perfect but sold!
There was a lovely Laguna Seca blue M3 on 53plate, from BMW Used Approved for £11995 the other day which was perfect but sold!
I was considering an E39 M5 when I was expecting to have to tow with my every day car but racing has been delayed for at least a year.
Went for the M3 instead as I didn't need the extra space the M5 gives you or particularly want the increase fuel costs with running the M5 and felt that the lighter M3 would be more fun on twisty roads.
Went for the M3 instead as I didn't need the extra space the M5 gives you or particularly want the increase fuel costs with running the M5 and felt that the lighter M3 would be more fun on twisty roads.
I run an E39 M5 everyday and I love it. Should probably point out that: I don't do trackdays, I have no kids and I don't really need the space.
I looked at E46 M3s last year (had an e36 M3 evo and a 330ci sport previously), but struggled - there were many of M3s for sale, but lots had a bare spec, or SMG or where in a poor colour.
I bought a 68k '01 facelift M5 with a FBMWSH for a lot less than it was going to cost to get a manual '04 M3 with all the toys in the right colour.
Ultimately it was the right choice for me as I've always wanted a v8.
I only do 5-6k miles a year and although the M5 drinks more, the servicing is cheaper.
The best way to make the decision, is to drive both first.
I see loads of M3s everyday, but very few M5s. Make me feel a little bit more 'special' lol.
I looked at E46 M3s last year (had an e36 M3 evo and a 330ci sport previously), but struggled - there were many of M3s for sale, but lots had a bare spec, or SMG or where in a poor colour.
I bought a 68k '01 facelift M5 with a FBMWSH for a lot less than it was going to cost to get a manual '04 M3 with all the toys in the right colour.
Ultimately it was the right choice for me as I've always wanted a v8.
I only do 5-6k miles a year and although the M5 drinks more, the servicing is cheaper.
The best way to make the decision, is to drive both first.
I see loads of M3s everyday, but very few M5s. Make me feel a little bit more 'special' lol.
standard E46 M3 is boring imho. Too many of them, too many maintained on the cheap nowadays.
I had a CSL before, and that was definitely very very special... exotic even. But so it should be, and also out of the price range.
Now have an E39 M5. It IS special. An absolutely bargain too, especially if you don't do many miles. The motor is epic. One of the greatest no doubt. Buckets of character, and it just does everything very very well. An iron fisted velvet glove. Speak to lots of ex-owners, and they will all say it is a motor they miss/regret selling.
I had a CSL before, and that was definitely very very special... exotic even. But so it should be, and also out of the price range.
Now have an E39 M5. It IS special. An absolutely bargain too, especially if you don't do many miles. The motor is epic. One of the greatest no doubt. Buckets of character, and it just does everything very very well. An iron fisted velvet glove. Speak to lots of ex-owners, and they will all say it is a motor they miss/regret selling.
I've not done an M3, but it's not killing me that I haven't done it.
However, having spent many many thousands of miles driving mine, especially in Europe, I can honestly say I don't think I'd ever need another car - unless they'd made a touring.
It's all things to all men and the performance is simply legendary - much more than any on paper figures will tell you.
It's a car that gets under the skin. It IS special and once you get the M5 (in as far as how it works), you'll realise why it's such a bargain and revered so much by those who've owned one.
Don't listen to the naysayers.
However, having spent many many thousands of miles driving mine, especially in Europe, I can honestly say I don't think I'd ever need another car - unless they'd made a touring.
It's all things to all men and the performance is simply legendary - much more than any on paper figures will tell you.
It's a car that gets under the skin. It IS special and once you get the M5 (in as far as how it works), you'll realise why it's such a bargain and revered so much by those who've owned one.
Don't listen to the naysayers.
Buy on condition and don't get hung up on mileage. Mine had 165' when I brought it. FSH is a must. Look out for worn clutch, discs and pads are not cheap so worth looking at. Suspension gets a hammering, look for rust spots. Make sure all electrics work. Best thing to do is look at loads and get a specialist to check it over. I see you are in Hants, I'm in Reading if you want a ride.
I too was in a similiar situation to you last summer. I was told in no uncertain terms by 'the boss' that an M3 would not be a welcome addition to the driveway, because of it's image! 
The e39 however got past the image police and so that's what I got.
I haven't regretted it for one minute either, and although the M3 is undeniably a fab car, I'd rather be in the understated M5. I have too much mechanical sympathy to rev the nuts out of the engine every time I want to go a bit quick, so driving style of the V8 suits me really well. The low speed torque is just amazing. And it's a great cruiser. I can see why so many have high-ish milage. The phrase mile muncher was invented for this car. So I think your choice will partly be determined on how you like to drive the car. The M3 appeals to those that want to drive the car harder perhaps.
And if Basingstoke is any closer to you you're welcome to a looksie :-)
The e39 however got past the image police and so that's what I got.I haven't regretted it for one minute either, and although the M3 is undeniably a fab car, I'd rather be in the understated M5. I have too much mechanical sympathy to rev the nuts out of the engine every time I want to go a bit quick, so driving style of the V8 suits me really well. The low speed torque is just amazing. And it's a great cruiser. I can see why so many have high-ish milage. The phrase mile muncher was invented for this car. So I think your choice will partly be determined on how you like to drive the car. The M3 appeals to those that want to drive the car harder perhaps.
CarbonBlackM5 said:
Buy on condition and don't get hung up on mileage. Mine had 165' when I brought it. FSH is a must. Look out for worn clutch, discs and pads are not cheap so worth looking at. Suspension gets a hammering, look for rust spots. Make sure all electrics work. Best thing to do is look at loads and get a specialist to check it over. I see you are in Hants, I'm in Reading if you want a ride.
Very good advice. Also check that the MAFs have been done recently, whether the Vanos has had any work or been replaced. Check tyres too, as they are in the order of £250 a corner. I did read somewhere that servicing on the e39 M5 is cheaper than the e46 M3, although I have not personally had to service mine yet so can't confirm that.And if Basingstoke is any closer to you you're welcome to a looksie :-)
Some great advice on the thread.
Definitely buy on condition and history rather than age or mileage. At a dealer the M5 is cheaper to service than an M3, but there's not a huge amount in it. I've owned both and hold them both in high esteem. My last M5 was a cracking example after I'd spent a few quid (£2k+) on it.
The car I had most fun in was the M3, but as a do "everything brilliantly saloon car", the M5 is hard to beat.
Matt
Definitely buy on condition and history rather than age or mileage. At a dealer the M5 is cheaper to service than an M3, but there's not a huge amount in it. I've owned both and hold them both in high esteem. My last M5 was a cracking example after I'd spent a few quid (£2k+) on it.
The car I had most fun in was the M3, but as a do "everything brilliantly saloon car", the M5 is hard to beat.
Matt
im selling an m3 if your interested http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2484794.htm
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