E34 M5 vs E39 M5

[r4_rick]

Say both have been well maintained, is the e34 80% as good a driver's car as the E39, but with only 60% of the running costs ?

Or will keeping an E34 in good health cost the same as an E39 model ?

Any views from PHers who've had both would be welcome

[M5Dave]

I think the E39 will be the cheaper car to run, it's more modern and they're fairly straightforward, no tappets that need re shimed or electronic damper control to go wrong, and servicing and maintenance costs can be quite reasonable if you use a good specialist.

The E34 is at an age now where it's not really practical as an everyday car, unless you're prepared to pay a significant amount of money every year to keep it in tip top condition.

As to driving them, the E34 is probably rawer and more of a driver's car than the E39 which, although quite a bit faster and still good on a back road, is quite a bit heavier, and is more of a fast luxury saloon than a balls out driver's car.

[POORCARDEALER]

I agree the e39 will be cheaper...any e34 is now at least 16 years old