E39 M5 should I chop in and go for 535D M Sport touring

[DVandrews]

I currently have a much loved and cherished low mileage E39 M5 but an addition to the family means I need a vehicle with load lugging capacity. I am currently considering an S6 Avant, E-class estate, E60 M5 Touring or E60 535D M sport touring. My preference is to stick with bimmers and I dont want to take the hit from the first year or so's depreciation so will probably go for a vehicel 1-2 yrs old. The lure of MPG > 25 is appealing and I would probably do with a DMS upgrade (with appropriate insurance) on a 535D and wondered what those in experienced in these vehicles might be. I understand that the 535D wont approach the E60 M5 in terms of sheer performance but there may be other compelling qualities.

Whaddya think?

Dave

[DennisCooper]

Hi there,

I'm an E39 Touring owner and dreaming wise, love to be in an E61 M5 Touring. I think I'll always have a Touring variant of the 5 series, I don't have a family as yet but I do have a big dog, and fairly frequently have to load lug.

Displaying a little bias, I'd personally not ever consider an Audi or a Merc, I much prefer the BMW sport nature plus I like to modify and the BMW's respond to that much better.

Is there 'ANY' way you could get perhaps an E60 525d M Sport Touring for load lugging duties, daily driving, and keep the E39 M5 as a toy? ultimately, this would be my overall preference, although of course I do understand the extra money and outlay in keeping two cars. If it's not possible at all, then definitley consider the 535d M Sport E61 Touring with the choice re-map and perhaps milder (or bigger!) performance mods too. It is a great car overall, the E60/1 has enjoyed a good following in M Sport guise and I think they'll remain popular even as the new F10 and the Touring variant come into their own over the next few years.

Cheers! Dennis.

[Hedgetrimmer]

DVandrews said:

I currently have a much loved and cherished low mileage E39 M5 but an addition to the family means I need a vehicle with load lugging capacity. I am currently considering an S6 Avant, E-class estate, E60 M5 Touring or E60 535D M sport touring. My preference is to stick with bimmers and I dont want to take the hit from the first year or so's depreciation so will probably go for a vehicel 1-2 yrs old. The lure of MPG > 25 is appealing and I would probably do with a DMS upgrade (with appropriate insurance) on a 535D and wondered what those in experienced in these vehicles might be. I understand that the 535D wont approach the E60 M5 in terms of sheer performance but there may be other compelling qualities.

Whaddya think?

Dave

Keep the M5 and buy and estate hack so that you can come and pick my engine up in future from Newcastle (Carl with the R500) - don't buy a 3 series estate as the boot is a joke!

Carl

Edited by Hedgetrimmer on Tuesday 14th September 13:39

[DVandrews]

Thanks Dennis,

I already have far too many cars and have just axed my beloved Cos YB powered seven which would have been the ideal toy. Another car in the stable would be too much so at least one of them has to go and the 535D M sport looked like it might perform a dual role as a sort of stealth car while allowing 5 Cwt of baby paraphernalia to be carted around as well.

I think some test drives might be in order together with exorcising the 12 yr old from my pysche..

Hey Carl.. I looked at a 335D and it was too poky in the rear for the kind of lugging I need to do

Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Monday 13th September 11:41

[Gibo993]

I did exactly that, (there where a few other cars in between) but the 535d is an amazing car and just about as quick as an e39, but on the downside it does it all without the drama and noise. You can drive the 535d all day and arrive refreshed and its eats miles and covers distance brilliantly and quite cheaply
The M5 will make you smile more

The 535d is a much cheaper car to run because of the condition based servicing over the fixed and of course fuel will be much better, as an all round proposition it is an amazing package.

(But this might tell) Mine is up for Sale as I'm looking to get into a e60 M5 (but I have owned it for 2 years)

I say get one

[rassi]

Funny, this is one the questions I have asked myself for a while too.

As much as I love my E39 M5, the fact that road tax is 2200 euro (in Belgium) and 600 euro for 535d, and that I could get twice the fuel-economy + diesel is 25 % cheaper here + I do 20.000 km per year, does mean it would financial sense except:

1) I would get nothing for the E39, and have to stomp up min. 20.000 euro for the 535 + an additional 4000 euro for registering it
2) the E39 is in perfect condition and could be driven without problems for years

At the end of the day, will probably keep the M5...

What kind of load-lugging do you need? Would a detachable tow bar help in any way?

[pjv997]

I ran a 535d saloon for a couple of years for the family transport before I changed to current M3 saloon.

I think it is a brilliant car for what it is. It won't put the smile on your face that an M car will, but it is very fast, pretty comfortable and running costs are reasonable.

I think if you have a 'fun' car, the 535d provides the perfect back-up - but if it is the only car you drive, whilst it is hugely capable, there will be something missing.

[DVandrews]

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately a tow bar/trailer wont do what I need.

Looks like it would be a good decision and repalce two of the cars I currently have.

Cheers

Dave

[Jonny TVR]

I have a 535D M and just about to order the new 535D M as I love them so much. Looked at all the competition and its much better. However if I didn't have a fun car I would have to get something more exciting instead of the BMW.

Edited by Jonny TVR on Wednesday 15th September 12:05

[Patrick Bateman]

I'd keep the M5 and buy a cheap Volvo estate, or something of that ilk.

[cosworth330]

I've kept my M5 and we bought a Volvo V70 D5 R-design in May, its a cracking car & will do about 600 miles to a tank. I rarely use the M5 but can't part with it.

Simon.

[ArmaghMan]

No