5 series at 22?
Discussion
Hello all.
I have recently got a new job where I need to be travelling around 70 motorway miles a day. (Plus my personal mileage aswell, so looking at around 700 a week/2500 a month) and no matter how much I love it, my EP3 won't really cut it with the fuel economy and lack of toys etc.
I've always loved the look of an E39 5 series with the M sport kit on.
Would I be mad to get a 530d and remap it at 22?
Examples I'm looking at are:
http://pistonheads.com/classifieds/2013930.htm
or
http://pistonheads.com/classifieds/2018015.htm
What are these like on over 100k? Once remapped what kind of performance would I be looking at? Take it these are still ok to get mapped on a high mileage as long as looked after?
Obviously I know it's not gunna be as much fun as the Type R but needs must. And I get to have a pimp mobile whilst I'm at it...
Opinions?
I have recently got a new job where I need to be travelling around 70 motorway miles a day. (Plus my personal mileage aswell, so looking at around 700 a week/2500 a month) and no matter how much I love it, my EP3 won't really cut it with the fuel economy and lack of toys etc.
I've always loved the look of an E39 5 series with the M sport kit on.
Would I be mad to get a 530d and remap it at 22?
Examples I'm looking at are:
http://pistonheads.com/classifieds/2013930.htm
or
http://pistonheads.com/classifieds/2018015.htm
What are these like on over 100k? Once remapped what kind of performance would I be looking at? Take it these are still ok to get mapped on a high mileage as long as looked after?
Obviously I know it's not gunna be as much fun as the Type R but needs must. And I get to have a pimp mobile whilst I'm at it...

Opinions?
Just out of curiosity, have you chosen those 2 examples because of their price, or the wheels they seem to be sporting? Both look like they belong to some East end wannabe gangster.
There are many other examples out there that would be better suited, and personally if you can afford it, then I say go for it. I've had 2 E46 3's since I was 22, purely because I can afford it at present. If you can find an example that has FBMWSH or has evidence that it has been looked after and well/regularly serviced, there is no reason why it shouldn't be sound over 100k miles.
Have you put much thought into servicing costs/insurance etc? Only thing I would say is depending on what you get, be prepared for servicing costs to be more expensive, tyres etc to be a little more pricey and of course fuel consumtion depending on what you go for, although i'm sure this has all crossed your mind anyway.
I'll fly the BMW flag any day though. I've been much more than happy with both I've had as I've spent a fair amount of time looking for the right one and trust me, you need to look. When you find one and you may pay a little above what you may want to budget, it definitely pays off.
There are many other examples out there that would be better suited, and personally if you can afford it, then I say go for it. I've had 2 E46 3's since I was 22, purely because I can afford it at present. If you can find an example that has FBMWSH or has evidence that it has been looked after and well/regularly serviced, there is no reason why it shouldn't be sound over 100k miles.
Have you put much thought into servicing costs/insurance etc? Only thing I would say is depending on what you get, be prepared for servicing costs to be more expensive, tyres etc to be a little more pricey and of course fuel consumtion depending on what you go for, although i'm sure this has all crossed your mind anyway.
I'll fly the BMW flag any day though. I've been much more than happy with both I've had as I've spent a fair amount of time looking for the right one and trust me, you need to look. When you find one and you may pay a little above what you may want to budget, it definitely pays off.
If it's what you want, then why not? Doesn't matter about age.
I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
Slagathore said:
If it's what you want, then why not? Doesn't matter about age.
I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
5-series are much better value and feel at least the class above a 3. They don't feel too big to drive either!I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
Is the Civic fuel economy really that bad? Whilst the 5 series is no doubt a great mile muncher, it's a very different car. Think back to the reasons you bought the civic and ask yourself how many of them are still relevant and how many does the 5 series satisfy? Can't help thinking you might be left wanting.
I'm 24 and have run a big barge for mile munching for a few years now. It's great for sitting back and watching the countryside roll by. But if I didn't have a hot hatch as well I'd soon get fed up with the barge.
I'm 24 and have run a big barge for mile munching for a few years now. It's great for sitting back and watching the countryside roll by. But if I didn't have a hot hatch as well I'd soon get fed up with the barge.
matt21 said:
Slagathore said:
If it's what you want, then why not? Doesn't matter about age.
I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
5-series are much better value and feel at least the class above a 3. They don't feel too big to drive either!I don't really see the point in getting that size car unless you really need the space, though?
What's wrong with a 3 series, it'll have most of the toys aswell, and probably be more economical.
That said, I'd probably even be looking at something like a Fabia Vrs. Remap and sort the suspension out and you've got a excellent, comfortable cruiser, and should be a bit more fun to drive than a heave 5 series.
I'm just thinking that something like a 5 series is great, if you need the space or are carrying other adults all the time.
If not, I can't help but think a smaller hatchback would be a bit more fun and cheaper to run, whilst still retaining plenty of comfort + toys.
i had alsorts of ridiculous stuff whilst that sort of age. examples include, a Scimitar at 18, a E34 520i at 19, a E24 635CSI at 21, and an XJ6 3.2s at 23 amognst other bits and bobs. best motoring years pf my life. im 27 now and drive a diseasal mostly due to my mortgage. but still fanny on with old landrovers in my spare time, mostly because theyre cheap to fix insure and run.
you will love an E39. cant say ive owned one but its always an itch ive wanted to scratch ever since riding in my mates fathers company car. a 540i sport thingy i think. black with a lovely shade of dark green leather. marvellous.
you will love an E39. cant say ive owned one but its always an itch ive wanted to scratch ever since riding in my mates fathers company car. a 540i sport thingy i think. black with a lovely shade of dark green leather. marvellous.
I've always wanted a five series since i was too young to drive and now I'm 22 i want one even more I just can't afford the examples I want. I've driven a 1996 astra 1.6, a 2006 corsa (which i hated), a 1999 nissan primera gt and most currently a 1996 volvo 940 2.3 turbo estate.
It's all about taking a chance and making the best of each car that you own, go for what you know you want if you can afford it, you'll never regret the experience no matter what happens.
It's all about taking a chance and making the best of each car that you own, go for what you know you want if you can afford it, you'll never regret the experience no matter what happens.
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