E39 vs E60 running costs
E39 vs E60 running costs
Author
Discussion

mdowning

Original Poster:

218 posts

232 months

Tuesday 11th August 2015
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Purchase prices for a decent e39 and an early e60 are very similar these days. Out of curiosity, ignoring depreciation, how do the running costs of the two compare?


jonah35

3,940 posts

183 months

Tuesday 11th August 2015
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One has active seats, head up display and a 507 bhp v10 that can scream all the way to 204 mph, the other doesn't,

The e60 m5 is more costly but worth every penny.

cosworth330

1,316 posts

263 months

Wednesday 12th August 2015
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Only extra expense I've incurred is paying £102 a month for Mondial warranty and being tied into main dealer for servicing. Not really noticed much difference in fuel consumption although I've only done 6k in just under 2 years. I probably spent more on the E39 in maintenance and mods. Tax is £500 on the E60. I expect an E60 M5 will work out quite a bit more expensive if your doing a lot of miles.

skeeterm5

4,508 posts

214 months

Wednesday 12th August 2015
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I have owned and run E60 M5s and currently run an E39 M5, the biggest difference is fuel cost. Across 2 E60s and 60k miles they averaged 12 mpg, my E39 is currently showing 23.9mpg on the OBC.

This is over exactly the same daily journey and I don't think my driving style is any different. Other costs seems swings and roundabouts.

S

rassi

2,515 posts

277 months

Thursday 13th August 2015
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My E39 M5 did 23 mpg over 60.000 miles, my E60 M5 18 mpg over 10.000 miles.

The E39 is IMO much easier to work on, simple transmission and proven reliability with big mileage engines that have not been opened. MAFs (x2) are to be considered consumables, and the clutch can wear out quickly if no mechanical sympathy (mine was on its original when I sold it with 200.000 km on the clock),.

The E60 has the SMG complexity to deal with, and I don't think there are that many specialists who really understands this beast, which unfortunately means higher repair costs, and potential for very big bills.

That said, the E60 is hugely faster than the E39 once moving, but dare I say, the E39 is a more tactile affair and for me the better car (hence I kept it 5 years, and the E60 10 months).

zainster

442 posts

202 months

Thursday 13th August 2015
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I used to own e60 M5 and have to say what a great car!

A friend had an E39 M5 about 10 years ago and I did about 3k miles of driving in it. Surprised to read the mpg figures in this thread.

If I recall correctly, I averaged around 18mpg in the E39 and it was 16mpg in the E60.

IMHO the E60 M5 is worth the small extra outlay as it's such a great car. Performance is a huge step up over the E39 and I loved that V10 sound!

Get one with a bmw warranty and just enjoy the car I say. That's what I did!

I was lucky enough to have a new clutch and flywheel replaced under warranty too! So never really had any worries as the disks had plenty life all round.