Real alternatives to an E39 M5

[V8Wagon]

So...you've got £7K burning a hole in your pocket and the M5 is top of the list. They look ace, they sound like thunder and t'internet says they are about as good as it gets.

Is there really anything else that should be considered that may present a serious alternative at similar money?

Yep RS4's and RS6's are also awesome machines but they cost a lot more money.

[MX7]

S-type R?

[JayTee94]

Monaro?

[VinceFox]

Lancer evo. Little different but blistering point to point.

[Codswallop]

Jag S-Type R is meant to be very good, and some reviewers preferred it at the time over the M5 (notablly EVO).

[9mm]

The alternatives are well known but they aren't as good (at being the ultimate all rounder of the day).

Try an E55 Merc - straightline faster but half the driving experience.

Do buy a warranty or put aside a fighting fund though - costs can be heart breaking.

[jas xjr]

X308 xjr . I think you could get an xjr 100 for that budget

Not a lot of difference in real world driving

[Alnassma]

Codswallop said:

Jag S-Type R is meant to be very good, and some reviewers preferred it at the time over the M5 (notablly EVO).

English magazines unsurprisingly. I dont think it was as good and the build quality is probably half of the german..

[TTwiggy]

Audi S6 (C5)? Not as quick, but rare and from that period in Audi's recent history when the cars they produced were both understated and hewn from granite. Good all-weather ability too.

[V8Wagon]

TTwiggy said:

Audi S6 (C5)? Not as quick, but rare and from that period in Audi's recent history when the cars they produced were both understated and hewn from granite. Good all-weather ability too.

Good suggestion. I've owned one and loved it.



TBH, I'm after the experience of the S6 + a bit more!

[Alnassma]

TTwiggy said:

Audi S6 (C5)? Not as quick, but rare and from that period in Audi's recent history when the cars they produced were both understated and hewn from granite. Good all-weather ability too.

hewn from granite? The RS6 will give you another mortgage, and the B4 S4 and RS4 cost an arm and a leg to run.

Audies from 10 years back have certain fortes, cheap upkeep is NOT one of them.

[TTwiggy]

V8Wagon said:

Good suggestion. I've owned one and loved it.



TBH, I'm after the experience of the S6 + a bit more!

Ah, I see! I've just picked up a bargain B6 S4 - not sure how it would compare with an E39 M5, but I'm very happy with it.

[sulli]

TTwiggy said:

Ah, I see! I've just picked up a bargain B6 S4 - not sure how it would compare with an E39 M5, but I'm very happy with it.

Had both the E39 M5 and B6 S4 - straight line M5 is ahead, twisties not much in it, in the wet the S4 is leagues ahead.
Spec wise they are similar but the S4 is better built.
S4 slightly cheaper to run in my experience.
Both awesome cars, M5 a little more in your face, S4 understated - you won't go far wrong with either. I would guess though that a decent S4 is easier to find as many M5s now have had experience of poor owners....

[Frances The Mute]

OP - get out there and drive some examples.

I've been harboring a desire to get an E39 M5 since they came out. I viewed many this year and have been disappointed by all of the cars after driving them. Pups and good examples alike.

Whilst you can't argue with the headline figures, the reality is that they don't feel that quick and don't act the hooligan that they are made out to be.

[AreOut]

it very much depends on what you want, RWD or AWD car? The difference is just HUGE. M5 is uncomparable to any AWD car, both have some pros and cons.

[Sump]

There are alternatives, but no REAL alternatives to an E39 M5..

[Cemesis]

After my 3rd one (M5) I decided I wouldn't get a 4th and looked everywhere, determined to get something different. In the end I gave up and bought a 4th.

I've finally managed to get away though because of financial (marriage, family, £5,000 of fuel a year) and work commitments so I put mine up for sale yesterday.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4026798.htm

Will miss it

[Mastodon2]

Sump said:

There are alternatives, but no REAL alternatives to an E39 M5..

This sums it up imo. At that price point, there is nothing that can quite match it. Many cars can match or better it for pace, but for the total package. The M5 is like a limo until you put your foot down, then it's a different car altogether.

In fact, if you need a 4 door saloon with a big boot, and a great engine that is as good as or better than the E39 M5, then what have you got? The E60 is a real competitor, an incredible engine in that one but imo the looks, the interior and the massive size of it put it below the E39 for me.

[sulli]

Cemesis said:

After my 3rd one (M5) I decided I wouldn't get a 4th and looked everywhere, determined to get something different. In the end I gave up and bought a 4th.

I've finally managed to get away though because of financial (marriage, family, £5,000 of fuel a year) and work commitments so I put mine up for sale yesterday.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4026798.htm

Will miss it

A nice example of an M5
Right spec, good colour - hamman splitter on the front would finish that off ;o)

[Face for Radio]

Cemesis said:

After my 3rd one (M5) I decided I wouldn't get a 4th and looked everywhere, determined to get something different. In the end I gave up and bought a 4th.

I've finally managed to get away though because of financial (marriage, family, £5,000 of fuel a year) and work commitments so I put mine up for sale yesterday.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4026798.htm

Will miss it

I've always dearly wanted an E39 M5. That one looks spot on for what I would want.

Unfortunately I've always lived too far away from work, and fuel costs would ruin me, but right now where that isn't a problem, I need an estate for work! Sigh.