E39 M5 or E55 AMG?

[Jaroon]

I am going to treat myself to a big V8 in the new year. For one reason or another the C5 RS6 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo have dropped off my list leaving the M5 and E55 and I'm looking for some comparison experiences.

I'll be spending around 10K, the car will do about 3500 p.a., will be street parked and I wouldn't be getting a warrentee.

With scheduled maintainence and keeping the cars fully serviceable condition (no missing pixels etc.) which, on average will cost me more to maintain?

Personally I think a well bought and maintained M5 is depreciation proof but I'm not sure about the Merc, any opinions here?

Is the E55 a one trick pony, ie huge luxurious thrust or is there driving satisfaction beyond this?

Will an ungaraged M5 rust regardless of how I treat it or can I prevent corrosion?

I prefer a manual gearbox but mid range power is what truely puts a smile on my face. Any opinions or experiences gratefully recieved.

[XJ Flyer]

The combination of the V8 and manual box should make the M5 the logical choice.Or maybe look into the possibilities of converting an E55 to a manual in which case the performance and rarity value when it's done would probably more than cover the costs of doing the job.

[rottie102]

XJ Flyer said:

converting an E55 to a manual in which case the performance and rarity value when it's done would probably more than cover the costs of doing the job.

I'm sorry but

[0a]

The E39 is the last manual m5 and is getting rarer.

The Merc is just another v8 AMG, the later the model, the more power it has and the better it is. Rust rust. Rust.

[XJ Flyer]

rottie102 said:

XJ Flyer said:

converting an E55 to a manual in which case the performance and rarity value when it's done would probably more than cover the costs of doing the job.

I'm sorry but

That would obviously depend on how much anyone valued a manual box with a big Merc V8.Obviously a lot of Merc buyers prefer a slushbox and,unfortunately,depending on point of view,the cars obviously reflect that.Unlike the M5.

[sparks_E39]

M5. They all rust but usually not horrendously so. Some suffer on the jacking points and arches and rear quarter panel. Most go around the bootlid and leading edge of the bonnet. It will live outside ok.

[ArmaghMan]

Firstly, I'm assuming you are talking about the E55k, the one with the supercharger. If not then it's absolutely no contest. The original E55 with 354bhp is totally out of its depth against an E39 M5.
The E55k gives the M5 a good run for its money. It's significantly more powerful (476 bhp versus 400 bhp), and every bit as quick as an M5. However any comparison test I have seen ( Top Gear / Autocar) both favour the M5.
If you go for the M make sure to check the VANOS, if you can't , bring someone who can.
If you are buying as an investment ( of sorts) a facelift car will probably be a better bet. There are also those who claim that the face lifts use less oil. You will also find people who walk away from any car that didn't have the 1200 mile running in service. Mine didn't and has 98000 miles on it! So who knows?
I'm on my second M5 and have done around 100000 miles in them. They are not cheap to run but on the right road at the right time they are just an awesome machine.

[E65Ross]

Love the fact you mention rust about the E39 and not the Merc!

[sparks_E39]

M5. They all rust but usually not horrendously so. Some suffer on the jacking points and arches and rear quarter panel. Most go around the bootlid and leading edge of the bonnet. It will live outside ok.

[billzeebub]

M5

[Jaroon]

Thanks so far. Yup talking about the supercharged E55, I think it's designated W211 and I didn't realise this model was prone to rust so that's interesting.

The M5 would remain unmolested except maybe the exhaust but with the E55 I might consider the eurocharged pulley conversion, some extra cooling and a remap. About £1500-2500 worth of work but would you trust one that has already been done or do you think it is a indictor of a hard driven life?

[POORCARDEALER]

We have a E39 M5 which is a 5th car really...its done 10K mies in the 3 years we have owned it, and has done 122k miles with FBMWSH up to 112K....they are not cheap to keep in tip top condition, off the top of my head ours has had the following and I get everything done at trade rates

4 tyres 1000
4 wheel alignment 80
Fuel Pump and relay etc 200
2 services 750
window regulator and motor 150

never had any issue with rust

Mine is a 2000x facelift, wouldn't be worth more than £7500 today

Edited by POORCARDEALER on Saturday 9th November 16:06

[Veeayt]

Despite what is a biased opinion based on what carmags used to write, E55 is a more exciting car for an average driver. Its ability to light up its rear tyres on a flick of a throttle (traction off of course), the sheer torque of the beast, the not as bad as they say build quality and cosy interior makes it a great all-rounder. And let's not forget it's generally cheaper to run than the E39 M5

[EddieFelson]

POORCARDEALER said:

We have a E39 M5 which is a 5th car really...its done 10K mies in the 3 years we have owned it, and has done 122k miles with FBMWSH up to 112K....they are not cheap to keep in tip top condition, off the top of my head ours has had the following and I get everything done at trade rates

4 tyres 1000
4 wheel alignment 80
Fuel Pump and relay etc 200
2 services 750
window regulator and motor 150

never had any issue with rust

Mine is a 2000x facelift, wouldn't be worth more than £7500 today

Edited by POORCARDEALER on Saturday 9th November 16:06

£1000 for trade rate tyres for an M5? I paid around £800 and I'm not in the trade for OEM tyres

[richardxjr]

I used to hanker after an M5. They have passed me by though, not fussed about them any more. E55K still sounds enticing to me, but I couldn't walk past a 124 E500/500E to get to one. That is still where my ten or so large would go.

[rottie102]

Veeayt said:

Despite what is a biased opinion based on what carmags used to write, E55 is a more exciting car for an average driver. Its ability to light up its rear tyres on a flick of a throttle (traction off of course), the sheer torque of the beast, the not as bad as they say build quality and cosy interior makes it a great all-rounder. And let's not forget it's generally cheaper to run than the E39 M5

TYRE not tyres...

MB doesn't find fitting LSD to 500hp rwd Cars necessary

[Walter Sobchak]

I've not owned an E39 M5 but have driven one and owned an E55, the E55 is quicker and handles ok but isn't amazing, the M5 is a good car too I don't think you could go wrong with either.

[Matt UK]

0a said:

The E39 is the last manual m5 and is getting rarer.

The Merc is just another v8 AMG, the later the model, the more power it has and the better it is. Rust rust. Rust.

My thoughts exactly. Plus I always think that manual gearboxes are more reliable than autoboxes.

BMW e39 every day of the week.

[turboteeth]

Totally different cars. I have an E55 and it is NOT a sports car of any sort but has the best engine, best suspension and nicest seats I have ever experienced! Just make sure the airmatic works - expensive to fix as I recently found out

I am sure the M5 is more "pistonheads" but I'd have the grandad Merc anyday

[AreOut]

If you like driving go for M5, if you don't...E class diesel will suffice.