Anyone had either of these?

 

I need something a bit quicker but need to retain the family car I can't have the wife having a faster car than me.

 

So, I'm looking to upgrade my 523i in the not too distant future and I'm in the process of getting my knowledge up.

 

Apart from the Vanos(s) on the M5 any other major things to look out for?

 

Also for the price difference, apart from the speed (i.e. 1 second quicker 0-60 and a bigger top end) what are the pro's and con's ?

 

Thanks in advance.

M5 will hold its price better and if you buy a 540 and see an M5 you will just know you made the wrong choice imo.

If you can afford the price difference, then defiantly go for the M5.

 

The E39 is a fantastic series, superior than most new cars still these days, but the M5 is something special in itself.

 

It has the Performance, looks and handling advantages over the Regular e39.

 

The 1sec 0-60 difference is significant , but its even more significant if you look at the 0-100 with a 4sec difference !

 

Two very different cars.

Edited July 23, 201015 yr by Yowser

Bar in mind though that an m series car is much more e pensive to run. Servicing must be done by either BMW or a proper specialist where a normal BMW isn't so highly strung. Parts are dramatically more expensive as well. For example 328i frot disks are about 120 per pair from BMW iirc, m3 evos were 110 each! Not such a problem but it's something else to bear in mind. Althogh they share the same body the cars beneath are very different.

Usual stuff for an e39 m5 is mafs (there are two) vanos oftenoverhyped but if they are driven hard from cold and have the wrong oil grade it can cause issues. There is a guy in the uk now that can rebuild them now though. Like any car at high miles bushes and mounts tend to go. Good tyres are a must and make sure it has a full BMW or respected speciliast history. They are fairly understressed engines at 400bhp over 4.9l and so milage isn't always a problem aslong as it's been looked after.

Thanks Guys,

 

I'm looking at at less than 100k for use in terms of miles on the clock. There are lots of both 540's and M5's but most have over 100k on them so are being put to the side.

I had a 540 estate and it was a great car, however I will say they are expensive to maintain so the M5 will be worse!

after owning and building silver streak im sure he can manage to run an M5 lol

 

i would go for the M5 over the 540 for the same reason you would pick a tt zed over an NA zed, you will always wish you had the M5

after owning and building silver streak im sure he can manage to run an M5 lol

 

i would go for the M5 over the 540 for the same reason you would pick a tt zed over an NA zed, you will always wish you had the M5

 

I agree - M5 all the way!!

 

Richard:cool2:

what sort of price are you looking at??

 

try joining http://www.m3cutters.co.uk i know its mainly m3's but there are a few m5 owners and they are a good bunch of people willing to help

Id say get something other than a BMW. Misubishi Galant/Legnum perhaps.

http://www.driftworks.com/forum/drift-cars-sale-private-sales/114765-fs-99-carbon-black-e39-m5-caramel-leather-carbon-splitter.html

http://www.driftworks.com/forum/drift-cars-sale-private-sales/114765-fs-99-carbon-black-e39-m5-caramel-leather-carbon-splitter.html

 

Ah yeah seen that one over on bimmer and 5.co.uk but although Jeek says he hasn't drifted over on that one and just uses his 540 for that I'm not sure about the vanos on it, he says it has noice at low revs which could mean a few grand repair in months to come. I'm also not liking the interior and that front lip would have to come off.

my mates got a e46 m5 on a h plate hes selling soon prob around 3k with every bmw extra £55 when new these have no vanos .3.6 straight 6 .

Id say get something other than a BMW. Misubishi Galant/Legnum perhaps.

 

While the Mitsu's are good cars in there own right you cant compare a galant/legnum to a M5 of even a 540i.

my mates got a e46 m5 on a h plate hes selling soon prob around 3k with every bmw extra £55 when new these have no vanos .3.6 straight 6 .

 

That would be an E34.

i considered an m5 once, my mate had one and it was a great car, but i just didnt think it was for me

 

lovely motors though, my mates was a schnitzer edition with different manifolds, exhaust, suspension and a few other goodies, sounded amazing

Thanks Guys,

 

I'm looking at at less than 100k for use in terms of miles on the clock. There are lots of both 540's and M5's but most have over 100k on them so are being put to the side.

 

I would be wary of ruling out all 100k cars, bear in mind if somethings done 95k and needs a clutch, but the one at 105k has had a clutch - which is the better buy... Condition not milage (unless your looking for sub 50k models!)

 

Also another point to consider there are very few manual 540is, most of them cary high miles as the few there are tend to be very sought after. Where as of course all M5's are manuals :)

 

This guy is an interesting chap, and shows what can be done with a high milage M5 http://mukerji.co.uk/ (also good for M3's and the suchlike!)

M5 anyday. no contest :cool3:

Thanks again guys. Quavey you have a point. I'll look for under 130k then :)

ive driven the m5 many times and also the e9 530i, and all i can say is it may look boring but when you actually start driving it youll just fall in love.. amazing v8 fast comfortable and not in your face. only downfall is the fuel lol.

Don`t discount a 540i just yet, with uber looks and style with near 300bhp and a 6 speed gearbox its a potent mix with genuine 30+ mpg.

 

Jeff TT

 

 

 

 

Don`t discount a 540i just yet, with uber looks and style with near 300bhp and a 6 speed gearbox its a potent mix with genuine 30+ mpg.

 

Jeff TT

 

 

I have to say, Jeff's 540 is a very nice motor - I've seen it at Zedworld once or twice and Lynda collected me from the station in it last time I was there....

 

......maybe Jeff's right Stu; don't rule out the 540 just yet!

 

The 540 engine is used in the new Morgan (among others) with good results....

 

Richard:cool2:

E39 M5 ftw!

Also you can get a good supercharger kit for the 540. £2500 and will see an extra 120 odd horses ;)

M5 of the two, I have drove both and was very close to the purchase of a 540 Sport. But at the last minute could not get the niggle out me mind that it was an old mans car:wacko: M5 was nice but big mileage for the money I had:blush:

 

Ended up with a B3 saloon, I Love it :thumbup1:

Have looked at M5s long and hard, generally don't buy a prefacelift, facelift comes with angel eyes, front rear PDC, alcantara headlining, better steering wheel, widescreen satnav, although the sat nav isnt great, it makes the interior look much better, also the heritage leather looks pants compared to the nappa, best colour is le mans blue imo, black, silver or the light blue doesnt really it suit it that well.