Why are E39 BMW M cars so cheap ?

[daytona365]

Hi all, looking for a fast fairly cheap car, and it struck me just how much you can get with an E39 M car, for not that much. I know they look absolute crap, but do they hide a multitude of 'issues' as well ? Thanks.

[okie592]

It used to be the bmw fan boy car of truth before the e46 m3 dropped below £10k and became the only answer to all what car threads.


Plus they are at least 12-15 years old? Think they suffer a number of engine issues too

[nottyash]

A decent one is about 10 grand.
I wouldn't say that's cheap when for 5 grand more you could be in a 5 year newer v10 or Audi RS4

[groundcontrol]

They look crap? OK then...

Do you mean the M5 or just any Sport model in general? M5 prices are all over the place but they're definitely a case of getting what you pay for.

[Crusoe]

A £7k one will likely cost similar in running costs over a few years which puts a lot of people off and may mean the previous owner skimped on maintenance, though same could be said of E55s and other similar 400+bhp cars of the same era. Some known issues with higher mileage on the engine but otherwise wear and tear items if you get a good one.

[Benbay001]

Not refering to it as an E39 M5 would have me believe you are looking at run of the mill e39s. 520Ds and the like.
The reason they are cheap is because they are just like anyother 15 year old car.

[Patrick Bateman]

You'll get a decent one for comfortably less than £10k, despite advertised prices having increased somewhat.

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/104940-e39-m5-2002-s...

They're hard enough to find as is though, never mind a decent one.

May I also suggest a visit to specsavers.

Running costs are to be associated with what was a £60k car back in 1999, although a lot of money can be saved if you buy your parts wisely.

[daytona365]

groundcontrol said:

They look crap? OK then...

Do you mean the M5 or just any Sport model in general? M5 prices are all over the place but they're definitely a case of getting what you pay for.

....No E39's in general. They come across as more of an appliance rather than a future 'classic' as other types of BMW have proved to be. Well to me anyway.

[Pip1968]

I still like the shape. I think the bottom line is they are relatively expensive to fix and the bodywork does not seem to have lasted very well. Quite a lot of rust issues although I amnot sure how a similar age vehicle would compare. Newest will be over ten years old. Lovely V8.

Pip

[TheAngryDog]

Lol, E39 M5 looks crap

Also the RS4's equivalent is the M3. RS6's is the M5.

[TheAngryDog]

daytona365 said:

...No E39's in general. They come across as more of an appliance rather than a future 'classic' as other types of BMW have proved to be. Well to me anyway.

You don't know much about cars, do you.

[daytona365]

No, that's why I'm asking. Still you don't have to 'know a lot about cars' to have an opinion of a cars looks do you ?

[Khaki Suit]

The E39 is the last of the classic styled BM's IMHO. Harks back to the sharknose style. But each to their own.

[TheAngryDog]

daytona365 said:

No, that's why I'm asking. Still you don't have to 'know a lot about cars' to have an opinion of a cars looks do you ?

No, but you described it as an appliance, which it is anything but. A normal E39 may not be a future classic, the M5 will be.

Out of interest, what do drive currently? Or have owned in the past? Genuine questions, may just give some insight into why you think they're an appliance.

[daytona365]

E30 convertible now...Before, 69 Firebird, 2No old 911's, sadly before they skyrocketed ! TVR, Alfa, and Triumph Stag....Oh, and a 'Ferrari engined' Fiat 130.

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 23 December 23:44

Edited by daytona365 on Tuesday 23 December 23:45

[Stinkfoot]

Never heard the E39 M5 being called 'crap looking' before !

[Pommygranite]

daytona365 said:

No, that's why I'm asking. Still you don't have to 'know a lot about cars' to have an opinion of a cars looks do you ?

When you say 'looks crap', compared to what of the same period?

[matthias73]

TheAngryDog said:

daytona365 said:

...No E39's in general. They come across as more of an appliance rather than a future 'classic' as other types of BMW have proved to be. Well to me anyway.

You don't know much about cars, do you.

You know what, I'd agree with him.

I've had an e46, an e34 and now an e39. I've got the e39 because it's a cracking car for what I need it for and that they are insanely cheap. I want another e34 because I love everything about them, and the e46 is a fantastic drivers car with a bit of cool factor added in.
The e39 for me really just is an appliance, and yes I look after it and like the thing, but it's not a collectable and isn't that special.

Which is great, because it means you can pick up what is probably the best all round saloon car of the era for 600 pounds like I did.

[jamieduff1981]

I personally think the E39 is a 'handsome' car. Not stunning, and personally I can quite easily not notice one, but it's certainly not offensive to look at and I could think of much worse.

I'm no BMW fan at all but the E39 has to be the one I like the most. They went from a bit bland to complete munters from the E39 generation to the E60 onwards. I loved the idea of the V10, but just couldn't get over my repulsion to the Bangle designs.

Regarding their value, I suspect finding a good one will be very hard. They are too old to be worth spending on and too young to have any classic appeal. They're in that no-mans' land at the moment where they are just run in to the ground and allowed to rust, because investment in preserving them won't be recouped this decade. A pristine one will only fetch a few grand at best more than a complete nail of a car, so what's the incentive for current owners to refresh suspension, get rust bubbles sorted properly in a good bodyshop etc etc?

Probably a very good car to own, if you have the cash waiting and don't mind travelling around looking for a nice example.

[55palfers]

E39 is still a good looking car. Timeless IMHO.