Dilemma: New 330i or e39 M5?

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 11:47 AM

Desperately need some perspecitve here everyone... I have an e90 on order, but my good friend who runs a great BMW tuner shop is selling his 2000 e39 Dinan S2 M5. It is absolutely immaculate with only 17k miles on it. I've drooled over it for the last 3 years as it mostly just sat in his shop. Here is a pic in the shop http://www.avusautosport.com/

I'm driving it now and I keep going back and forth on whether to purchase it now or wait another month for my new car.

Assuming money is not the issue, what would you do?

longtran · 02-10-2006, 11:49 AM

wow, before buying my e90 i was chosing between the e46 m3 or the e90. you are chosing the m5 or e90.....tough one.

cdheaven · 02-10-2006, 11:50 AM

i was never a HUGE fan of the older body style 5. especially now that the new m5 is out. are you planning the m3? do you need an m3 and an m5? and an old 3 series?

ben1364 · 02-10-2006, 11:55 AM

The question is, what do you want the car for. The E 39 M5 is a considerably different beast than the normal E 90. We can't in good conscience make the decision for you.

BMW F22 · 02-10-2006, 12:14 PM

this is a tough decision. If I can afford it I would get an M5. MUAHAHAHA Love the exhaust on that baby.

rickb · 02-10-2006, 12:20 PM

The driving experience is going to be so incredibly different, you need to (as someone else said) figure out what you want the car for before you can make that decision.

I went from a CLK55 to my e90. Incredibly different experience - the '55 was an absolute beast, wheras the e90 is a much more sedate drive. I have been pleasantly surprised at the responsiveness in the e90 - but it doesn't compare to the '55 at all. On the other hand, the e90 is pretty well loaded to the brim and I love having all the toys. Bluetooth is one thing I don't think I could ever live without again.

So ask yourself what you want the car for - as well as how comfortable you are with a 6 year old car. I don't care how many miles it has on it, if something breaks, that M5 is going to cost you BIG MONEY to get it repaired.

I just went thru a very similar decision process - new e90 or a 2003 C32. I settled on the e90 and really don't regret the decision.

Paul330d · 02-10-2006, 12:26 PM

Personally, I would go for the e39 M5. It's the best car I have EVER driven and that includes the new M5 & M6 (100hp more). You should bear in mind, however, that most of the costs of ownership will be fuel, maintenance & insurance (all much greater than the e90); the purchase price is not really that significant in the equation.

vladinecko · 02-10-2006, 12:41 PM

i went through the same dilemma before i ordered because used M5 vs. new E90 are about the same price now. you have to keep in mind though, just everyone else mentioned here, the upkeep of the M5 is not cheap AT ALL! plus, you can't beat the reliability and 4 years of free full maintenance that you get with a new E90. if i were you, i'd get the E90, unless you have lots of cash to throw around, in which case, i'd save up a little more and go for the new M5.

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 01:07 PM

Now THAT kind of feedback was EXACTLY what I was looking for! It looks like, though the M5 is a great beast to drive, the e90 is the best choice. Not only from a financial standpoint, but I already have "toys" to drive fast. And in a couple of years (after our first child) I can always get a new M5.

Thanks again everyone!!

timzerofive · 02-10-2006, 01:12 PM

M5 for sure
If I had found a good one during my car search, I would've bought one. A clean one with a good price is hard to find. When my E90 was almost here, I saw a real clean 02 with only 25k miles. Too bad it was going for almost $60k, wasn't worth it.

shimshimhada · 02-10-2006, 01:16 PM

Sell all of your cars and pick up the 997 Turbo.

Sorry. The E39 M5 would be the better choice, if you didn't already have four other cars. The clutch is bullet proof on that thing.

carnuts3 · 02-10-2006, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vladinecko

i went through the same dilemma before i ordered because used M5 vs. new E90 are about the same price now. you have to keep in mind though, just everyone else mentioned here, the upkeep of the M5 is not cheap AT ALL! plus, you can't beat the reliability and 4 years of free full maintenance that you get with a new E90. if i were you, i'd get the E90, unless you have lots of cash to throw around, in which case, i'd save up a little more and go for the new M5.

The problem is you would need to same a lot more for a new M5 - like twice as much, or an amount equal to two E90's. IMO, if you are looking for a good looking M5 in great condition at a discount then the '00 M5 sounds great, provided you understand that everyday you own the car it gets older-looking and dated compared to the other Bimmers on the road. If I were you and really wanted an M5 but didn't want to spend $80,000 +, I would buy the 2000 M5 that you discribed and enjoy it for 2 - 3 years. I would then sell it and buy a new E90 or M3 or maybe even a new M5 (if I couldn't do without the 5 badge).

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Sell all of your cars and pick up the 997 Turbo.

Sorry. The E39 M5 would be the better choice, if you didn't already have four other cars. The clutch is bullet proof on that thing.

I was actually contemplating getting a 997!!!! Hilarious! Yet, that was shot down immediately by the "cost conscious" wife. If I sold all the other cars the money will go in the bank. That said, the M3 is now sold and the 325 is soon going to my neighbor. The Porsche will probably be gone soon after the e90 arrives.

timzerofive · 02-10-2006, 01:29 PM

Why not a 996 turbo

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnuts3

The problem is you would need to same a lot more for a new M5 - like twice as much, or an amount equal to two E90's. IMO, if you are looking for a good looking M5 in great condition at a discount then the '00 M5 sounds great, provided you understand that everyday you own the car it gets older-looking and dated compared to the other Bimmers on the road. If I were you and really wanted an M5 but didn't want to spend $80,000 +, I would buy the 2000 M5 that you discribed and enjoy it for 2 - 3 years. I would then sell it and buy a new E90 or M3 or maybe even a new M5 (if I couldn't do without the 5 badge).

I don't "really want" an M5, but I have admired them for many years. I have never been a big sedan type but after driving this M5, and an e60 550i for several days; the size thing has grown on me a bit. Funny, our X5 seems smaller than both of these cars.

txusa03 · 02-10-2006, 01:32 PM

Have you thought about the maintenance side between the older M5 and the newer e90?

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

Have you thought about the maintenance side between the older M5 and the newer e90?

That; and an insurance comparison prove the ownership costs for the M5 will be violently higher than the e90. Add in depreciation over 2-3 years, and it becomes even more obvious which is the better buy.

shimshimhada · 02-10-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timzerofive

Why not a 996 turbo

The 997 Turbo is going to be AMAZING, it looks a lot better than the 996 too.

shimshimhada · 02-10-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schpilky

I was actually contemplating getting a 997!!!! Hilarious! Yet, that was shot down immediately by the "cost conscious" wife. If I sold all the other cars the money will go in the bank. That said, the M3 is now sold and the 325 is soon going to my neighbor. The Porsche will probably be gone soon after the e90 arrives.

omg...screw the M5 and the E90 then! After you sell all of those cars, buy a 997 S instead! You don't have a kid yet, right? Enjoy yourself before it's too late.

Schpilky · 02-10-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

omg...screw the M5 and the E90 then! After you sell all of those cars, buy a 997 S instead! You don't have a kid yet, right? Enjoy yourself before it's too late.

It's already "too late" cause it's already baking in the oven...

shimshimhada · 02-10-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schpilky

It's already "too late" cause it's already baking in the oven...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!

Actually, the baby can fit in one of the two rear baby seat holders that all Carreras come with.

voltron1011 · 02-10-2006, 01:51 PM

I would only buy an M5 if I had another Bimmer (like an E90) as a daily driver. If the M5 is your sole means transportation, I wouldn't do it. I would love to have one and keep it pristine for years and years. Drive it on some nice back roads on weekends.
I am so jealous when I see some M owners who have a pristine '88 M3 with 20000 miles on it. The M5 was such a limited production car, I can't see how people can use them as a commuter car.

02-10-2006, 11:47 AM	#1
Schpilky Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: Electric Red e90 (On Order) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Dilemma: New 330i or e39 M5? Desperately need some perspecitve here everyone... I have an e90 on order, but my good friend who runs a great BMW tuner shop is selling his 2000 e39 Dinan S2 M5. It is absolutely immaculate with only 17k miles on it. I've drooled over it for the last 3 years as it mostly just sat in his shop. Here is a pic in the shop http://www.avusautosport.com/ I'm driving it now and I keep going back and forth on whether to purchase it now or wait another month for my new car. Assuming money is not the issue, what would you do? __________________ Cancelled Order - 330i Electric Red w/ Black Interior and Sport Package Options- Everything BUT the Active Cruise Control Currently Own: 95 M3 (just sold) 88 325is (just sold) 01 X5 06 550i (just purchased)
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02-10-2006, 11:49 AM	#2
longtran Lieutenant General 1431 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	wow, before buying my e90 i was chosing between the e46 m3 or the e90. you are chosing the m5 or e90.....tough one.
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02-10-2006, 11:50 AM	#3
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 229 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	i was never a HUGE fan of the older body style 5. especially now that the new m5 is out. are you planning the m3? do you need an m3 and an m5? and an old 3 series? __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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02-10-2006, 11:55 AM	#4
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	The question is, what do you want the car for. The E 39 M5 is a considerably different beast than the normal E 90. We can't in good conscience make the decision for you.
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02-10-2006, 12:14 PM	#5
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	this is a tough decision. If I can afford it I would get an M5. MUAHAHAHA Love the exhaust on that baby.
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02-10-2006, 12:20 PM	#6
rickb New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Black Sapphire 06 325i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Windermere, FL iTrader: (0)	The driving experience is going to be so incredibly different, you need to (as someone else said) figure out what you want the car for before you can make that decision. I went from a CLK55 to my e90. Incredibly different experience - the '55 was an absolute beast, wheras the e90 is a much more sedate drive. I have been pleasantly surprised at the responsiveness in the e90 - but it doesn't compare to the '55 at all. On the other hand, the e90 is pretty well loaded to the brim and I love having all the toys. Bluetooth is one thing I don't think I could ever live without again. So ask yourself what you want the car for - as well as how comfortable you are with a 6 year old car. I don't care how many miles it has on it, if something breaks, that M5 is going to cost you BIG MONEY to get it repaired. I just went thru a very similar decision process - new e90 or a 2003 C32. I settled on the e90 and really don't regret the decision.
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02-10-2006, 12:26 PM	#7
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	Personally, I would go for the e39 M5. It's the best car I have EVER driven and that includes the new M5 & M6 (100hp more). You should bear in mind, however, that most of the costs of ownership will be fuel, maintenance & insurance (all much greater than the e90); the purchase price is not really that significant in the equation. __________________ www.greenkeepers.fr - spécialiste des tondeuses à gazon hélicoïdales atco qualcast ransomes lawnflite
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02-10-2006, 12:41 PM	#8
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	i went through the same dilemma before i ordered because used M5 vs. new E90 are about the same price now. you have to keep in mind though, just everyone else mentioned here, the upkeep of the M5 is not cheap AT ALL! plus, you can't beat the reliability and 4 years of free full maintenance that you get with a new E90. if i were you, i'd get the E90, unless you have lots of cash to throw around, in which case, i'd save up a little more and go for the new M5. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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02-10-2006, 01:07 PM	#9
Schpilky Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: Electric Red e90 (On Order) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Now THAT kind of feedback was EXACTLY what I was looking for! It looks like, though the M5 is a great beast to drive, the e90 is the best choice. Not only from a financial standpoint, but I already have "toys" to drive fast. And in a couple of years (after our first child) I can always get a new M5. Thanks again everyone!! __________________ Cancelled Order - 330i Electric Red w/ Black Interior and Sport Package Options- Everything BUT the Active Cruise Control Currently Own: 95 M3 (just sold) 88 325is (just sold) 01 X5 06 550i (just purchased)
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02-10-2006, 01:12 PM	#10
timzerofive there is no spoon 243 Rep 867 Posts Drives: 330i manual Join Date: May 2005 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	M5 for sure If I had found a good one during my car search, I would've bought one. A clean one with a good price is hard to find. When my E90 was almost here, I saw a real clean 02 with only 25k miles. Too bad it was going for almost $60k, wasn't worth it. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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02-10-2006, 01:16 PM	#11
shimshimhada Brigadier General 442 Rep 4,838 Posts Drives: Portal Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portal iTrader: (2)	Sell all of your cars and pick up the 997 Turbo. Sorry. The E39 M5 would be the better choice, if you didn't already have four other cars. The clutch is bullet proof on that thing.
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02-10-2006, 01:29 PM	#14
timzerofive there is no spoon 243 Rep 867 Posts Drives: 330i manual Join Date: May 2005 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Why not a 996 turbo __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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02-10-2006, 01:32 PM	#16
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	Have you thought about the maintenance side between the older M5 and the newer e90?
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02-10-2006, 01:51 PM	#22
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	I would only buy an M5 if I had another Bimmer (like an E90) as a daily driver. If the M5 is your sole means transportation, I wouldn't do it. I would love to have one and keep it pristine for years and years. Drive it on some nice back roads on weekends. I am so jealous when I see some M owners who have a pristine '88 M3 with 20000 miles on it. The M5 was such a limited production car, I can't see how people can use them as a commuter car.
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