E39 M5 "values"
Discussion
Maybe Im lucky, ours has done about 20K miles over 5 years with us taking it up to 133K, its a 2000 facelift....only cost servicing,tyres, brakes, a battery,a diff seal and a window regulator...no constant tinkering, its been 100% reliable, probably cost zero to run with the appreciation in value.
Let’s race:
E39 owner switches DSC off and starts to rev his engine
E60 owner puzzles his way through the idrive, switches passenger climate to full heat, finds out his brakes are ok and oil level is full, opens his phone book to discover Bluetooth is off. If I push the M button it will be quicker but I want to tweak everything not because it’ll make the drive better but because I can. Sets off, something doesn’t feel quite right. The gear changes are too harsh. Maybe if I alter this setting it might make it better. No, that hasn’t worked? Maybe I should read the manual and see if I am using the SMG properly? Oh wait, maybe I haven’t switched the traction control off fully? Wait, wait, can we start again, I wasn’t ready.
E39 driver has gone, he has an M tuned car and is enjoying his drive not worrying about things he can’t alter because he already has the complete package!
The e39 M5 is a great all-rounder, the torque throughout the rev range is fantastic, brakes (with some Carbotech pads) are more than adequate, handling is as good as most drivers will ever need and I’m pretty certain (with like for like drivers) that the e39 would leave the e60 on most A and B roads. Yes, on a motorway the e60 m5 will come in to its own and would give most supercars a run for their money but surely, nailing it in a straight line would get a bit tiresome after a week or so?
The e39 is a car capable of 60 in under 5s and speeds of over 180mph, has most of the luxuries most modern cars offer today, can more than hold its own on a twisty A road and was designed at a time where health and safety was not so much of a influencing factor. In the right colour it’s still one sexy beast combining “oldskool low rider” looks with modern curves. It caused the performance motor industry to take a look at itself (think which Ferrari’s and porsches were around at the time, were they much faster?) and react.
Across the pond, the Americans still compare their latest “super sedans” to the e39 M5. It has beauty, character, a thumping V8, manual gearbox, no complicated setup procedures, heated 10 way memory function seats, a huge boot, is pure fun and has bags of soul.
Prices dropped to silly ranges, plenty ended up in unloving hands and have been ruined, plenty have been damaged beyond repair (I know of a sub 80k anthracite example that has been written off this year) therefore, good examples are becoming increasingly hard to find. Whoever expected prices for these works of art to ever stay around the 6 k mark? Oh and if you want a car that can perform like the e39, be able to drive it hard but don’t want to spend money maintaining it good luck!
E39 owner switches DSC off and starts to rev his engine
E60 owner puzzles his way through the idrive, switches passenger climate to full heat, finds out his brakes are ok and oil level is full, opens his phone book to discover Bluetooth is off. If I push the M button it will be quicker but I want to tweak everything not because it’ll make the drive better but because I can. Sets off, something doesn’t feel quite right. The gear changes are too harsh. Maybe if I alter this setting it might make it better. No, that hasn’t worked? Maybe I should read the manual and see if I am using the SMG properly? Oh wait, maybe I haven’t switched the traction control off fully? Wait, wait, can we start again, I wasn’t ready.
E39 driver has gone, he has an M tuned car and is enjoying his drive not worrying about things he can’t alter because he already has the complete package!
The e39 M5 is a great all-rounder, the torque throughout the rev range is fantastic, brakes (with some Carbotech pads) are more than adequate, handling is as good as most drivers will ever need and I’m pretty certain (with like for like drivers) that the e39 would leave the e60 on most A and B roads. Yes, on a motorway the e60 m5 will come in to its own and would give most supercars a run for their money but surely, nailing it in a straight line would get a bit tiresome after a week or so?
The e39 is a car capable of 60 in under 5s and speeds of over 180mph, has most of the luxuries most modern cars offer today, can more than hold its own on a twisty A road and was designed at a time where health and safety was not so much of a influencing factor. In the right colour it’s still one sexy beast combining “oldskool low rider” looks with modern curves. It caused the performance motor industry to take a look at itself (think which Ferrari’s and porsches were around at the time, were they much faster?) and react.
Across the pond, the Americans still compare their latest “super sedans” to the e39 M5. It has beauty, character, a thumping V8, manual gearbox, no complicated setup procedures, heated 10 way memory function seats, a huge boot, is pure fun and has bags of soul.
Prices dropped to silly ranges, plenty ended up in unloving hands and have been ruined, plenty have been damaged beyond repair (I know of a sub 80k anthracite example that has been written off this year) therefore, good examples are becoming increasingly hard to find. Whoever expected prices for these works of art to ever stay around the 6 k mark? Oh and if you want a car that can perform like the e39, be able to drive it hard but don’t want to spend money maintaining it good luck!
I've gone through this with my e36. By the time I'd done north of 10k was spent on a low mileage example to start with. Admittedly a number of enhancements were made but this put me off buying an e39 M5 as a daily as much as I've always wanted one. There will be cars out there that don't need much doing and they are unlikely to,depreciate but the likelyhood is that a 10-12k car will need a few grand to get it tip top.
Munkynutz: That's a big yes from me to everything said apart from 'thumping V8'. I think you meant 'sophisticated high revving V8 with massive punch' 
The only thing I admire about the E60 is that V10 engine. If it were mated to a proper manual box (a la US spec) AND tuned to deliver most of its torque at road usable speeds, PLUS pruned of its over complex command and control systems....then it would be ideal.
Well, no it wouldn't because the E60 is too bloody big compared to the E39.
....and its cabin isn't trimmed as well as its predecessor.
The only thing I admire about the E60 is that V10 engine. If it were mated to a proper manual box (a la US spec) AND tuned to deliver most of its torque at road usable speeds, PLUS pruned of its over complex command and control systems....then it would be ideal.
Well, no it wouldn't because the E60 is too bloody big compared to the E39.
....and its cabin isn't trimmed as well as its predecessor.
Depthoar, yes 'sophisticated high revving V8 with massive punch' is what I meant, maybe I should have said Astonishing V8. Thumping probably relates to the brash, over loud and under powered American derivatives. The V10 does sound good but I don’t think I’d ever trade my V8 for it and if I did, I don’t think it’d be long before I regretted it.
Patrick Bateman, totally agree.
Patrick Bateman, totally agree.
I know I'm in the minority, ran my E39 M5 for just over 4 years and it was a great car. Over 2 years now with the E60 M5 and no regrets, wouldn't go back to an E39 as great as it was. Just looking forward to getting more use out of the E60 and then moving on to something newer. It got to the point that I was only doing about 1500 miles a year in the E39 but since having the E60 I do about 4000 a year ( wife has a newer V70 that we use most of the time ) , i find I use it more because it's a bit more modern but I'm now wanting an F10 M5 as I'm sure it will be streets ahead of the E60 in terms of ride quality and just generally a better car. I do like the older modern classics but if I was to buy one I think it would end up being an ornament in the garage.
Although my M5 is quite pampered and I don't thrash the nuts off it all the time as it's mostly used for just running about I did do a trackday at Brands last year which was organised and paid for by my BMW dealer that I use. The E60 was great fun ( not as good as my old M3) and found the SMG perfect on track plus the handling was good for a heavy car. I never felt that confident taking the E39 on a track day
So in short I found my E39 a great car and really enjoyed owning it but don't regret moving to the E60 just like I hope I won't regret moving to an F10.
Although my M5 is quite pampered and I don't thrash the nuts off it all the time as it's mostly used for just running about I did do a trackday at Brands last year which was organised and paid for by my BMW dealer that I use. The E60 was great fun ( not as good as my old M3) and found the SMG perfect on track plus the handling was good for a heavy car. I never felt that confident taking the E39 on a track day
So in short I found my E39 a great car and really enjoyed owning it but don't regret moving to the E60 just like I hope I won't regret moving to an F10.
You wont regret a move to an f10 !
I know what you mean about garage ornaments - I did less that 1500 miles in my e39 m5 last year . My 996 did 197 miles between mots . The f10 has done 1500 miles in 6 weeks and it's not a daily driver . And I did 10000 miles last year on battery power !
I know what you mean about garage ornaments - I did less that 1500 miles in my e39 m5 last year . My 996 did 197 miles between mots . The f10 has done 1500 miles in 6 weeks and it's not a daily driver . And I did 10000 miles last year on battery power !
ds666 said:
You wont regret a move to an f10 !
I know what you mean about garage ornaments - I did less that 1500 miles in my e39 m5 last year . My 996 did 197 miles between mots . The f10 has done 1500 miles in 6 weeks and it's not a daily driver . And I did 10000 miles last year on battery power !
But isn't the F10 M5 jarah simply too fast for the road? It's F40 pace to 100mph. I know what you mean about garage ornaments - I did less that 1500 miles in my e39 m5 last year . My 996 did 197 miles between mots . The f10 has done 1500 miles in 6 weeks and it's not a daily driver . And I did 10000 miles last year on battery power !
ds666 said:
Welshbeef said:
But isn't the F10 M5 jarah simply too fast for the road? It's F40 pace to 100mph.
No . I mean too fast in that you cannot use full throttle in the first 3 gears due to traction issues whereby 4th your over 100mph.
ds666 said:
I think 3rd is ok ....
F10 must be epic.Each successive M5 is "better" than its predecessor, that's a given. However, I think the E39's strength compared to the others is its blend of abilities. It's not the fastest but it's plenty fast enough for UK roads. The manual gearbox is a big draw, too.
Nostalgia is a massive, massive factor, too. I remember when they came out in 1999. I was always a big fan of imperious saloon cars and the E39 was king of the hill. When I first saw the M5 in the flesh I had the "I will own one of those one day" conversation with myself. It was, and always will be, THE complete car for me because of that moment in time and its impact on the super saloon segment, regardless of the fact that its modern successors are "better". I've also currently got a hankering for a 1990's Volvo 850 estate, I need help...
Edited by Hereward on Monday 22 February 20:38
Hereward said:
F10 must be epic.Each successive M5 is "better" than its predecessor, that's a given. However, I think the E39's strength compared to the others is its blend of abilities. It's not the fastest but it's plenty fast enough for UK roads. The manual gearbox is a big draw, too.
Nostalgia is a massive, massive factor, too. I remember when they came out in 1999. I was always a big fan of imperious saloon cars and the E39 was king of the hill. When I first saw the M5 in the flesh I had the "I will own one of those one day" conversation with myself. It was, and always will be, THE complete car for me because of that moment in time and its impact on the super saloon segment, regardless of the fact that its modern successors are "better". I've also currently got a hankering for a 1990's Volvo 850 estate, I need help...
Edited by Hereward on Monday 22 February 20:38
munkynutz said:
Let’s race:
Across the pond, the Americans still compare their latest “super sedans” to the e39 M5. It has beauty, character, a thumping V8, manual gearbox, no complicated setup procedures, heated 10 way memory function seats, a huge boot, is pure fun and has bags of soul.
True, but you cant trust the Americans to have any taste Across the pond, the Americans still compare their latest “super sedans” to the e39 M5. It has beauty, character, a thumping V8, manual gearbox, no complicated setup procedures, heated 10 way memory function seats, a huge boot, is pure fun and has bags of soul.
S
I;ve had my e39 for just over 3 years, it was one of, if not, the last AUC car sold. I bought it with 78k on the clock but for me its a car to drive and has been a daily for a lot of the time, now on 101,000 miles I had no fear of broaching the "idiotic" price drop line as its such a good car. We have taken it all over Europe, up the Col De Bonnet and back. Fully loaded with the family. The car is just superb.
I've been fortunate to run several cars along side it and whilst owners are accused of being blinkered, I would happily state the E39 is a much better, more solid, better materials etc car than my friends new Audi S6 (which rattles, has plastics that wouldn't look out of place in a bargain bin Seat).
You close the door, it thuds. You are cossetted from the outside with virtually no external noise. Sitting in the supple yet supportive seats you prepare for your journey. Turn the key and the engine purrs into life and then you enjoy every mile. I love subtle things such as the temperature vent where you can have the climate at one temp but warm up or cold things down via the little vent. In 3 years it has cost me a couple of oil services and just had the major expense of replacing all 4 discs and sets of pads (bought OEM through Cotswold BMW for a great price).
For a year I nearly never drove it as I was having a lot of fun in the z06. Then one day I drove it on a long commute and asked myself "Why haven't I drive this more?". I've had vastly more powerful cars and yet the M5 never feels slow. I quite like the old school gearing and ridiculous gear stick. I love the ITB's, the response is almost like driving an old cable throttle body. Unlike other cars which were fantastic when putting the foot down (but lacking at other times), the e39 is just so well put together and designed that is a joy to drive even at 20mph.
I wasn't scared of breaking the 100k barrier because the car is for keeping. This year I have decided to sell a classic mini to fund a refurb on the e39. The paint is very good but 14 years old. The shocks are good but will be replaced, already done the polly bush upgrade. I've just spotted two small blobs of rust on the sills but that's all, the rest of the car is solid including the jacking points.
I'm considering putting some of the Evolve headers on to marry up to the Miltek system and perhaps delete the MAFs but time will tell.
As for values, they are worth what they are worth. There are amazingly some owners who bemoan the "ridiculous" prices some are advertised for but those are typically the types that do not really appreciate what they have. If I sold now I would get what I paid for the car (including maintenance) 3 years ago, if it goes up and up and up then great but its a keeper. Eventually people will realise the 100k mile point is a joke, there are s
tters at a lot less miles, many of them clocked. I'd always advertise for what I feel it is worth based on condition and would personally take a 100k car that's had all the work done than a 40k car that's sat on old tired components.
I've been fortunate to run several cars along side it and whilst owners are accused of being blinkered, I would happily state the E39 is a much better, more solid, better materials etc car than my friends new Audi S6 (which rattles, has plastics that wouldn't look out of place in a bargain bin Seat).
You close the door, it thuds. You are cossetted from the outside with virtually no external noise. Sitting in the supple yet supportive seats you prepare for your journey. Turn the key and the engine purrs into life and then you enjoy every mile. I love subtle things such as the temperature vent where you can have the climate at one temp but warm up or cold things down via the little vent. In 3 years it has cost me a couple of oil services and just had the major expense of replacing all 4 discs and sets of pads (bought OEM through Cotswold BMW for a great price).
For a year I nearly never drove it as I was having a lot of fun in the z06. Then one day I drove it on a long commute and asked myself "Why haven't I drive this more?". I've had vastly more powerful cars and yet the M5 never feels slow. I quite like the old school gearing and ridiculous gear stick. I love the ITB's, the response is almost like driving an old cable throttle body. Unlike other cars which were fantastic when putting the foot down (but lacking at other times), the e39 is just so well put together and designed that is a joy to drive even at 20mph.
I wasn't scared of breaking the 100k barrier because the car is for keeping. This year I have decided to sell a classic mini to fund a refurb on the e39. The paint is very good but 14 years old. The shocks are good but will be replaced, already done the polly bush upgrade. I've just spotted two small blobs of rust on the sills but that's all, the rest of the car is solid including the jacking points.
I'm considering putting some of the Evolve headers on to marry up to the Miltek system and perhaps delete the MAFs but time will tell.
As for values, they are worth what they are worth. There are amazingly some owners who bemoan the "ridiculous" prices some are advertised for but those are typically the types that do not really appreciate what they have. If I sold now I would get what I paid for the car (including maintenance) 3 years ago, if it goes up and up and up then great but its a keeper. Eventually people will realise the 100k mile point is a joke, there are s
tters at a lot less miles, many of them clocked. I'd always advertise for what I feel it is worth based on condition and would personally take a 100k car that's had all the work done than a 40k car that's sat on old tired components.Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff