E46 M3 or E39 M5???
Discussion
Hi,
After owning 10 BMW's of various size and shape, I'm looking at finally getting an M-Power car
But I cant make up my mind between E46 M3 and E39 M5
I've had an E39 540i 6sp, and I LOVED it. I love V8 power, loved the comfort and the interior spec. Pretty much loved everything about it. It didn't handle as well as I would have liked, but it was a touring, and non "M" so was to be expected
I also have an FD RX7, which I love for the driving experience. Crisp sharp turn in, amazing noise and power delivery. It just keeps on revving This side of me is making me think I should get the E46 M3.
Anyway, I was just wondering what other pros and cons there are of the M5 and M3 from people who have owned them?
My budget is approx £8k. Would either of the cars be buying trouble at this price?
many thanks,
Ed
After owning 10 BMW's of various size and shape, I'm looking at finally getting an M-Power car
But I cant make up my mind between E46 M3 and E39 M5
I've had an E39 540i 6sp, and I LOVED it. I love V8 power, loved the comfort and the interior spec. Pretty much loved everything about it. It didn't handle as well as I would have liked, but it was a touring, and non "M" so was to be expected
I also have an FD RX7, which I love for the driving experience. Crisp sharp turn in, amazing noise and power delivery. It just keeps on revving
This side of me is making me think I should get the E46 M3. Anyway, I was just wondering what other pros and cons there are of the M5 and M3 from people who have owned them?
My budget is approx £8k. Would either of the cars be buying trouble at this price?
many thanks,
Ed
Edited by Turbo-Tastic on Tuesday 6th March 18:17
Turbo-Tastic said:
Hi,
After owning 10 BMW's of various size and shape, I'm looking at finally getting an M-Power car
But I cant make up my mind between E46 M3 and E39 M5
I've had an E39 540i 6sp, and I LOVED it. I love V8 power, loved the comfort and the interior spec. Pretty much loved everything about it. It didn't handle as well as I would have liked, but it was a touring, and non "M" so was to be expected
I also have an FD RX7, which I love for the driving experience. Crisp sharp turn in, amazing noise and power delivery. It just keeps on revving This side of me is making me think I should get the E36 M3.
Anyway, I was just wondering what other pros and cons there are of the M5 and M3 from people who have owned them?
My budget is approx £8k. Would either of the cars be buying trouble at this price?
many thanks,
Ed
Funnily enough, I've got an Fd Rx7 and an E39M5. Totally different cars in every way. When I first got the M5 I thought performance was very similar, but having owned it for 6 months now I realise it's quicker than the Rx, probably the very linear power deliver on the M5 masked it's HUGE performance. In terms of handling though, the Rx, being far lighter, is my preference. All round, M5 hands down!After owning 10 BMW's of various size and shape, I'm looking at finally getting an M-Power car
But I cant make up my mind between E46 M3 and E39 M5
I've had an E39 540i 6sp, and I LOVED it. I love V8 power, loved the comfort and the interior spec. Pretty much loved everything about it. It didn't handle as well as I would have liked, but it was a touring, and non "M" so was to be expected
I also have an FD RX7, which I love for the driving experience. Crisp sharp turn in, amazing noise and power delivery. It just keeps on revving
This side of me is making me think I should get the E36 M3. Anyway, I was just wondering what other pros and cons there are of the M5 and M3 from people who have owned them?
My budget is approx £8k. Would either of the cars be buying trouble at this price?
many thanks,
Ed
Can't comment on the E46 M3, but without doubt an awesome car, far more similar to the Rex I'd of thought.
Sorry this doesn't answer your question;)
Gotta coin?
Seriously though, if I were spending £10k on a BMW both would figure at the top of the list.
E46 M3 is a greatcar, ran the 911 very close when new.
E39 M5 is quite possibly the most sorted super saloon ever built.
If you want a 'sports' car get the M3.
If you want the intergalactic shove and 4 doors, M5.
(Personally the M5 has more cool and less thrusting young excec about it. Check out the land speed record car and Clive Owen chauffer viral ads. M5 is thinking mans car. Oh, and which ever you buy please de badge them. If you know cars you know a real M. If you don't then the ///M makes you look like every other 318i driving wannabe.)
Neither will disappoint but only one will need it's boot floor repairing!
Seriously though, if I were spending £10k on a BMW both would figure at the top of the list.
E46 M3 is a greatcar, ran the 911 very close when new.
E39 M5 is quite possibly the most sorted super saloon ever built.
If you want a 'sports' car get the M3.
If you want the intergalactic shove and 4 doors, M5.
(Personally the M5 has more cool and less thrusting young excec about it. Check out the land speed record car and Clive Owen chauffer viral ads. M5 is thinking mans car. Oh, and which ever you buy please de badge them. If you know cars you know a real M. If you don't then the ///M makes you look like every other 318i driving wannabe.)
Neither will disappoint but only one will need it's boot floor repairing!
They're both going to be more practical than the RX7 ( and your old Enzo 
) but unless you really need 4 doors I'd say the M3. It depends what you're looking for; the M3 is 250Kg lighter and feels more alert and agile on your favourite twisty road; the M5 comes into play if you're covering high miles.
PS. Like the website
) but unless you really need 4 doors I'd say the M3. It depends what you're looking for; the M3 is 250Kg lighter and feels more alert and agile on your favourite twisty road; the M5 comes into play if you're covering high miles.PS. Like the website
Edited by Crackie on Saturday 3rd March 09:28
Have owned both. Owned the M3 back in '01 and sold it after 12mths as I just couldn't get on with it. Hated the lack of the torque - the fact that you had to keep stirring it to enjoy it. Reminded me of vtec. Several cars later and I'm back to the same vintage, but with the M5. In retrospect, I only wish I had bought that instead of the M3 at the time.
The M5 does what you want it do effortlessly. The M3 has to be wrung to be enjoyed.
The only problem with buying an M5 is what to do when you've had your fill. If I had the space it would be a keeper, for sure.
The M5 does what you want it do effortlessly. The M3 has to be wrung to be enjoyed.
The only problem with buying an M5 is what to do when you've had your fill. If I had the space it would be a keeper, for sure.
I owned both, loved the M5, couldn't get on with the E46 M3. M3 is certainly more agile and and a better steer around tighter roads, however on more open roads the M5 was streets ahead in terms of poise and composure.
The engines are chalk and cheese, M5 pulls hard from any speed in any gear, M3 needs working but is quite satisfying to use and doesn't feel much slower than M5 once up and running.
I think what I liked least about the M3 was it's longer journey ability, I found it uncomfortable and noisy and ended up just plodding at 65mph on motorways! M5 you could drive all day and never feel uncomfortable or tired.
I sold my M5 because it was getting long in the tooth and needed the suspension completely overhauled to return it to it's best, the costs for this were significant and in the end I decided to swap for a 335d as M5 was costing £110 a week just to get to and from work, every day I wish I had spent my money on the M5 and suffered the running costs.
I did drive a late M3 CS recently, that car was streets ahead of the 2002 M3 I owned.
I guess the choice is down to what you want it to do, if distance is involved the M5 is the only car to have.
Ian
The engines are chalk and cheese, M5 pulls hard from any speed in any gear, M3 needs working but is quite satisfying to use and doesn't feel much slower than M5 once up and running.
I think what I liked least about the M3 was it's longer journey ability, I found it uncomfortable and noisy and ended up just plodding at 65mph on motorways! M5 you could drive all day and never feel uncomfortable or tired.
I sold my M5 because it was getting long in the tooth and needed the suspension completely overhauled to return it to it's best, the costs for this were significant and in the end I decided to swap for a 335d as M5 was costing £110 a week just to get to and from work, every day I wish I had spent my money on the M5 and suffered the running costs.
I did drive a late M3 CS recently, that car was streets ahead of the 2002 M3 I owned.
I guess the choice is down to what you want it to do, if distance is involved the M5 is the only car to have.
Ian
IMO both cars are quite evenly matched in terms of performance, e39 more powerful but heavier, e46 more agile and accelerates faster from standstill, etc.
I think the decision should come down to the other aspects, i.e. the e39 is more practical, the e46 to me seems more modern, looks better (especially with a few small mods) whilst the e39's styling is a lot more subtle (which some people prefer). In truth, both are epic and IMO better than the newer M-car models
in terms of budget, for the e46, 9-10k would be better if you can stretch that far, M-cars are definitely not as well-looked after as one would expect so beware,
I think the decision should come down to the other aspects, i.e. the e39 is more practical, the e46 to me seems more modern, looks better (especially with a few small mods) whilst the e39's styling is a lot more subtle (which some people prefer). In truth, both are epic and IMO better than the newer M-car models
in terms of budget, for the e46, 9-10k would be better if you can stretch that far, M-cars are definitely not as well-looked after as one would expect so beware,
Replying more to your 8k budget question - from my experience buy the best you can and make sure the previous owner has receipts for certain work carried out. It's nowhere near enough to just have FSH. For any M car, this means regular stuff like tyres and brake discs, which are expensive. For an M5, if periodic items, such as diff seals, MAFs, cam sensors, thermostat and thrust arm bushings haven't been done, get your credit card out because they won't be long. E39s rust quite a bit too, look in particular at the boot, fuel filler cap area, bottom of doors and sills.
In this respect, as if often said, mileage is less important, maintenance more so.
Good luck with your search.
In this respect, as if often said, mileage is less important, maintenance more so.
Good luck with your search.
My M5 was averaging around 19mpg doing the 15 mile each way journey to work and general day to day stuff. At the time my partner lived in Southampton, I'm in Essex, on this trip around the M25 and down the M3 it would do 26mpg. The M3 would better both these figures by around 4 or 5 mpg.
I used an independent for looking after the M5 and apart for the cost of new brakes nothing was ever really massively expensive, in 4 years ownership the only real failure I had were the exhaust cam position sensors and the variable resistor that controlled fan speed in the cabin so overall running costs were fairly reasonable with the exception of petrol.
The M3 was fairly new when I owned it so was having to use main dealer and the normal high prices, this car was also reliable over the 2 years I owned it so wasn't so bad to run. The inspection 2 service for an M3 if done correctly is significantly more than the M5.
Hope this helps
Ian
I used an independent for looking after the M5 and apart for the cost of new brakes nothing was ever really massively expensive, in 4 years ownership the only real failure I had were the exhaust cam position sensors and the variable resistor that controlled fan speed in the cabin so overall running costs were fairly reasonable with the exception of petrol.
The M3 was fairly new when I owned it so was having to use main dealer and the normal high prices, this car was also reliable over the 2 years I owned it so wasn't so bad to run. The inspection 2 service for an M3 if done correctly is significantly more than the M5.
Hope this helps
Ian
Had both, loved the M3 when I had it, swapped up to an M5 as the kids got bigger, fell in love again.
If I had to pick one with my own money to have as a keeper it would be the M5 - I love the stress free way it gathers pace. TBH I don't think I ever really rung the neck of the M3, but it was more controlled in terms of handling.
Its a lovely dilemma to face though.
M3 average was c24 - 27 mpg
M5 averaged about 22mpg
Get the best you can afford and buy on condition, not mileage.
Then just sit back and enjoy!!
If I had to pick one with my own money to have as a keeper it would be the M5 - I love the stress free way it gathers pace. TBH I don't think I ever really rung the neck of the M3, but it was more controlled in terms of handling.
Its a lovely dilemma to face though.
M3 average was c24 - 27 mpg
M5 averaged about 22mpg
Get the best you can afford and buy on condition, not mileage.
Then just sit back and enjoy!!
had both at the same time last year -
M5 - 21 mpg, but they are getting old now....but the torq curve is highly impressive and the finish is far better than the M3, just in finish touches.....
M3 - small almost hatch like in feel, a great car mpg 22 to 26. Erm I dont know as we stand today...
I would have a M3 CS over my E 39 M5
....but E39 M5 does everything really well, drive slowly, drive quickly, drive like a nutter....just brilliant. This is my second...
M5 - 21 mpg, but they are getting old now....but the torq curve is highly impressive and the finish is far better than the M3, just in finish touches.....
M3 - small almost hatch like in feel, a great car mpg 22 to 26. Erm I dont know as we stand today...
I would have a M3 CS over my E 39 M5
....but E39 M5 does everything really well, drive slowly, drive quickly, drive like a nutter....just brilliant. This is my second...
Woah, didn't expect so many replies, thanks very much 
I must say, I'm more tempted by the M3, but having owned 2 E39's now, I know how good they are at long journeys as well as the day to day stuff.
I suspect I'll do what most of you seem to have done. Get an M3 first, then an M5 later!!
I must say, I'm more tempted by the M3, but having owned 2 E39's now, I know how good they are at long journeys as well as the day to day stuff.
I suspect I'll do what most of you seem to have done. Get an M3 first, then an M5 later!!
EssexIan said:
I decided to swap for a 335d as M5 was costing £110 a week just to get to and from work, every day I wish I had spent my money on the M5 and suffered the running costs.
How did the two compare?
Stiglet - Running cost wise the 335d is costing me £85 every two weeks, and as a car it is good. It is more agile than the M5 and very nearly as refined on a longer trip, what it doesn't have is the sublime composure that the M5 had and a wonderful V8! In most situations it is equally as quick and capable as the M5 but the diesel note and auto box make it all seem very ordinary.
Routine servicing costs are low, however there have ben several 'typical' issues with it that mean it has probably cost me more in 12 months than the M5 did in all the time I had it
At the end of the day it is a run of the mill car, M cars are generally special things.
Ian
I decided to swap for a 335d as M5 was costing £110 a week just to get to and from work, every day I wish I had spent my money on the M5 and suffered the running costs.
How did the two compare?
Stiglet - Running cost wise the 335d is costing me £85 every two weeks, and as a car it is good. It is more agile than the M5 and very nearly as refined on a longer trip, what it doesn't have is the sublime composure that the M5 had and a wonderful V8! In most situations it is equally as quick and capable as the M5 but the diesel note and auto box make it all seem very ordinary.
Routine servicing costs are low, however there have ben several 'typical' issues with it that mean it has probably cost me more in 12 months than the M5 did in all the time I had it
At the end of the day it is a run of the mill car, M cars are generally special things.
Ian
Its a tricky one and I am having the same issue. I have ran various BMWs over the years purely as transport and have never had a M power,things have changed and I bought an old Mitsi Pajero for buttons for winter/dog trips and I am looking for a summer car.
I have no intention of ever financing a vehicle again and I am looking for a long term keeper. My initial thoughts were to go for a top money E36 M3 Vert circa 6k, which led me to an E46 M3 vert circa 10k which THEN led to an E39 M5 circa 9k.
I have a feeling e46's haven't stopped losing money yet whereas the E36's and E39's are at the bottom of their markets and will start creeping up. arrgghhh. I want to scratch the cabrio itch but also love the V8. Decisions decisions
Plan A - I think is the E36 vert with a war chest left over
I have no intention of ever financing a vehicle again and I am looking for a long term keeper. My initial thoughts were to go for a top money E36 M3 Vert circa 6k, which led me to an E46 M3 vert circa 10k which THEN led to an E39 M5 circa 9k.
I have a feeling e46's haven't stopped losing money yet whereas the E36's and E39's are at the bottom of their markets and will start creeping up. arrgghhh. I want to scratch the cabrio itch but also love the V8. Decisions decisions
Plan A - I think is the E36 vert with a war chest left over
alfasud1 said:
Plan A - I think is the E36 vert with a war chest left over
Good idea I think. E36 won't be going up anytime soon but they certainly won;t be dropping any further. Not for well maintained examples. If £9-10k includes purchase AND warchest then you are better spending £6k on a car and £3k in the bank for the inevitable. I was in similar position last year, looking at M5's and E46 M3's with about a £9k budget. Saw a few but realised I that would be taking a huge leap of faith that nothing expensive would need doing in the short term and to be honest, in that price bracket, they all needed some work pretty much straight away to bring them up to a standard I'd accept.In the end I went for I went for a late E36 M3 Coupe at around £6k. I've spent about another £1500 in the last year but that includes complete suspension rebuild and upgrade, brakes, tyres and other little jobs. It's due an Insp2 soon but then all the regular consumables will be covered for sometime to come. Which wil give me peace of mind and allow me to get on with enjoying driving the car.
Sorry for the ramble OP, just trying to advise going into M ownership with your eyes open, they can swallow up money in no time, so budget accordingly.
P.S. E39 M5 will be next for me, probably a couple of years though.
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