how to replace an E39 M5
Discussion
Slightly hypothetical, but also considering a change.
As the E39 is a good all round car, I am finding it hard to think of what I will replace it with when I come to that time. The only cars that come close to perhaps doing what the E39 does that I can think of are the E60 M5 and the Audi C5 RS6, in terms of a sensible price point.
What would you, the knowledgeable PHers, replace it with?
Would you keep it and spend some money on making it better?
Over to you....
As the E39 is a good all round car, I am finding it hard to think of what I will replace it with when I come to that time. The only cars that come close to perhaps doing what the E39 does that I can think of are the E60 M5 and the Audi C5 RS6, in terms of a sensible price point.
What would you, the knowledgeable PHers, replace it with?
Would you keep it and spend some money on making it better?
Over to you....
Pixelpeep said:
have you thought about one of these
Yes, these are on my radar to look at, with a warranty!JDMDrifter said:
The simple answer is don't replace it! Keep it well maintained and enjoy it. One day it will be worth a fortune. That's what i'd do anyway 
While values for good ones are increasing, they will never get to the equivalent of the E28 values. Mine needs some money spending on it, around £2k to get it to what I would be satisfied with, £7k to what I would be really happy with.olly22n said:
Really, it won't.
However It is worth keeping in good nick, they are a very special car.
Agreed on the value. Not sure that its all that special though?However It is worth keeping in good nick, they are a very special car.
Matt UK said:
If you need a decent size saloon with a manual transmission, great chassis and grunty V8 up front, then there really isn't much else out there.
If you know the car is a good 'un, spend money on it. If it's not, sell it and spend more on a good 'un.
I dont need a saloon, nor a hatchback or an estate, I just prefer them. Plus there aren't many coupe's that appeal to me.If you know the car is a good 'un, spend money on it. If it's not, sell it and spend more on a good 'un.
My car has a bit of poor bodywork, been keyed, a bit of rust and the near side doors need replacing.
chris watton said:
If it still ticks all the right boxes, then why the need to replace it?
It does and it doesn't. I also get bored of cars easily. This is one of the longest cars I have owned, and I've had it less than a year.I ran one of these for a couple of years and I get what you are saying....
It did everything really well, but because of that it was easy to take it for granted....until that is you sell it and soon realise that whilst there are some really special cars out there, there are few that are quite so complete.
It did everything really well, but because of that it was easy to take it for granted....until that is you sell it and soon realise that whilst there are some really special cars out there, there are few that are quite so complete.
I've had an E39 M5 and it is one of the (40) cars I wish I had kept.
The V10 is great (I had an M6) but the gearbox lets it down in every day driving, manouvering etc. At 9/10's and above it is great, but still lets it down overall.
I'd probably say an E63 or RS6 is closer in reality. Key question is whether you want an Auto or a manual?
The V10 is great (I had an M6) but the gearbox lets it down in every day driving, manouvering etc. At 9/10's and above it is great, but still lets it down overall.
I'd probably say an E63 or RS6 is closer in reality. Key question is whether you want an Auto or a manual?
If 4 doors are important:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
If they're not and budget is:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Plus the UK specialist for servicing is up the road from you (you're near Aylesbury right?)
If you want a ride in one or a look around I'm in Fairford Leys.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
If they're not and budget is:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
Plus the UK specialist for servicing is up the road from you (you're near Aylesbury right?)
If you want a ride in one or a look around I'm in Fairford Leys.
The e39 was a great car and I miss it dearly, I thought the VXR8 would be an exact like for like replacement, but it just isn't, in standard form it the engine feels flat, the controls are not as nicely weighted as BMWs (steering, over assisted brakes, clunky gearbox). This is not to mention an endless list of faults which I experienced, not acceptable on a brand new car, yet alone a 4-7 year old out of warranty.
I loved the thought of the e60 M5, but it's just that gearbox which drove me insane on a test drive.
As mentioned on this thread, the M3, in saloon guise might be the perfect replacement, similar size, similar performance, similar economy, similar running costs, similar........ You get the idea!
When I drive my M3 now I don't miss the M5, when I owned the VXR8 I wish I had never got rid of the M5....
I loved the thought of the e60 M5, but it's just that gearbox which drove me insane on a test drive.
As mentioned on this thread, the M3, in saloon guise might be the perfect replacement, similar size, similar performance, similar economy, similar running costs, similar........ You get the idea!
When I drive my M3 now I don't miss the M5, when I owned the VXR8 I wish I had never got rid of the M5....
mark.c said:
I ran one of these for a couple of years and I get what you are saying....
It did everything really well, but because of that it was easy to take it for granted....until that is you sell it and soon realise that whilst there are some really special cars out there, there are few that are quite so complete.
I have had one for 2 and a half years and always undervalued it, until I drove another car and then realised how special it was. Then I finally bought a B7 RS4 and for the first time, it feels worse in every department except comfort. It is now up for sale.It did everything really well, but because of that it was easy to take it for granted....until that is you sell it and soon realise that whilst there are some really special cars out there, there are few that are quite so complete.
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