Discussion
3.6 M5 or 3.8 M5 (E34). The E39 is probably a cheaper car to run because it is newer, so less worry about bodywork issues and no EDC dampers to lose sleep over. The E34 3.6 is a great every day car, there are some top aftermarket suspension kits out there but finding a good car with bills is tough.
3.8's are expensive, trust me I drive one and you are always chasing another huge bill. Timimg chains need replacing at 100,000 miles, shims need changing more frequently and look out for engines that have not had the valve clearances checked every 20,000 miles. Although over 13 years old the costs are equal o running a £50,000 car today re parts and servicing even at a decent specialist. However the handling is sublime, the perfromance is stunning, the exhaust note sounds great and the looks are understated. Last and best of the handbuilt straight sixes.
E39's seem to be heavier on tyres, fuel obviously and brake disks / pads. Dead pixels on the dashboard are not uncommon. Oil consumption can be high, a litre per 1,000 miles is not unusual and listen to the VANOS if starting the engine warm. Mass Air Flow Meters are also an issue and do fail. You will get some noise from cold. Control arm bushes fail, as do anti roll bar links. Otherwise check the bills, what oil has been used and buy the best you can afford to avoid expensive repairs.
3.8's are expensive, trust me I drive one and you are always chasing another huge bill. Timimg chains need replacing at 100,000 miles, shims need changing more frequently and look out for engines that have not had the valve clearances checked every 20,000 miles. Although over 13 years old the costs are equal o running a £50,000 car today re parts and servicing even at a decent specialist. However the handling is sublime, the perfromance is stunning, the exhaust note sounds great and the looks are understated. Last and best of the handbuilt straight sixes.
E39's seem to be heavier on tyres, fuel obviously and brake disks / pads. Dead pixels on the dashboard are not uncommon. Oil consumption can be high, a litre per 1,000 miles is not unusual and listen to the VANOS if starting the engine warm. Mass Air Flow Meters are also an issue and do fail. You will get some noise from cold. Control arm bushes fail, as do anti roll bar links. Otherwise check the bills, what oil has been used and buy the best you can afford to avoid expensive repairs.
BMW CAR are running two e39s & a e34 M5s at the moment so that might be of help two you also check this site http://mukerji.co.uk/category/e39-m5/page/3/?blog=... theres plenty to read on running the e39 also drivers republic has a e39 on long termers thttp://www.eclecticcars.co.uk/pages.php?stock=247o, heres something to drool over.
Edited by sprouting on Thursday 5th February 14:34
In canada the best E34's can be imported from Japan. Canada also had a limited edition manufactured, the M540i. Only 32 made but with a sweet V8, traction control, floating rotors and EDC suspension/ Nurburgring anti rolls bars etc. If the car is in good order on top, look underneath and then get it sealed each year before the winter.
E39's are more modern, less worry re rust and I am sure in Canada are easily sourced. Just check for winterisation!!
Finally I was in Calgary in early December, -32c before 09.00 and -39c at 23.00. Cold as hell and painful when starting a car which has been out overnight.
For more information on both cars visit m5board.com and pop into the E34 and E39 forums.
E39's are more modern, less worry re rust and I am sure in Canada are easily sourced. Just check for winterisation!!
Finally I was in Calgary in early December, -32c before 09.00 and -39c at 23.00. Cold as hell and painful when starting a car which has been out overnight.
For more information on both cars visit m5board.com and pop into the E34 and E39 forums.
The chain design and the runners are much improved over those in the E28's and E30's. It is not so much the chain needs replacing ( it is a double chain not a single chain), but the castors and guide rails do....not a hugely expensive job...no need to take the engine out, but if it breaks usually upon starting the mess will be expensive. Chains on the later engines are not serviceable by BMW technicians but most owners will look at a top end rebuild for around £1500 and at this point will replace the chain and the runners.
Edited by belleair302 on Thursday 5th February 18:14
belleair302 said:
The chain design and the runners are much improved over those in the E28's and E30's. It is not so much the chain needs replacing ( it is a double chain not a single chain), but the castors and guide rails do....not a hugely expensive job...no need to take the engine out, but if it breaks usually upon starting the mess will be expensive. Chains on the later engines are not serviceable by BMW technicians but most owners will look at a top end rebuild for around £1500 and at this point will replace the chain and the runners.
Mine is on its orig chain and runners at 192K, however the guide rails are worn, not enough to have the dreaded rattle thoughEdited by belleair302 on Thursday 5th February 18:14
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff