I am looking for a 5 series BMW to use as a DD. I have found a 91 M5 with 130k miles and a 97 540 6 speed with 119k miles. They are essentially the same price. Both are in great condition and have been maintained well.

I figure the 540 has probably had all of the "problem" repairs done at least once. The M5 is, well, an M5 and has many extras such as Hamann wheels, B&B exhaust, struts, springs, DVD, etc.

I guess the main difference is that the 540 is black w/ black interior. The M5 is black w/ grey interior.

Opinions?? Thx

The M5 will cost more for normal repairs, but is much more rare, as well as a more visceral experience to drive.

The 540 will cost significantly less to maintain, (in terms of raw parts costs) get better gas mileage, and (in general) be more comfy for daily driving purposes.

Personally, since it will be a dd, I'd go for the 540. If it was for a second car, I'd get the M5 without a second thought.

I probably should add that even though I stated that it will be a DD, I have 3 other vehicles that I can drive if needed and I usually do most mechanic work myself.

Also the M5 has had the front suspension redone so there is no shimmy.

M5 for sure.
I'll get some aguments but I think E34's are better built cars.
And you can't beat the quality of a nice E34 M5.
You have to hand it to any 15 year old car with a poop load of miles that's as tight today as many new 2006 cars.

I probably should add that even though I stated that it will be a DD, I have 3 other vehicles that I can drive if needed and I usually do most mechanic work myself.

Also the M5 has had the front suspension redone so there is no shimmy.

oh, then by all means, snag that M5.

If you have another driver, M5 all the way! Another thought, the 540 will continue to depreciate like a normal car, while M5s have pretty well hit rock bottom. No car is a good investment, at least not to drive, but the M5 will lose less value over time.

After driving my 91 M5 from 81k to 189k before the motor dropped due to the oil pump bolts coming, I'd do it again all day long. Short of a whole new driveline, that car gave me no problems whatsoever....just regular maintenance. Did one tune up on the car, regular 5k oil changes, changed the tranny and diff fluid, replaced the guibo and driveline....otherwise complete bliss to own. That car is SOO well balanced, easy to drive, and runs like MAD!! Another good point to though, since the car has been around for longer, you are definately able to find more opinions on how to repair anything since the experience is out there.

What about parts availability/cost for the M5? That is my main worry.

m5
it's nice, more hp, more race like
rare
i honeslty don't think that the price on them will fall any further
for example (thought it's not the same comparison) but 95 e36 m3 in nice condition will run you like $16k but 88 e30 m3 in nice condition goes for over $20 ... strange but true

i feel like that m5 will go up in value, but without looking at $$$, m5 is soo much more than any normal 5 series, may it be e30, e39 or e60
i don't think there are a lot of electrical problems with them since they;re old === less electronics

yeah, get that m5, drive it and enjoy it!

What about parts availability/cost for the M5? That is my main worry.

There are still parts available for the big stuff, and most of the non-engine parts are general e34. However, the engine stuff is pretty pricey, as the S38B36 is a motorsport engine and it was used only in the M5. Stuff like gaskets/rings are becoming more and more pricey as BMW has seriously cut back production.

Parts can sometimes be an issue. I've had to wait for an obscure engine part or two to be shipped from germany. Yea some parts are on the expensive side. But hell, it's not a Corolla. That's just the way it is to drive something different. Overall though the car is very reliable, and it's OBD 1 :redspot

The M5 will cost more for normal repairs, but is much more rare, as well as a more visceral experience to drive.

The 540 will cost significantly less to maintain, (in terms of raw parts costs) get better gas mileage, and (in general) be more comfy for daily driving purposes.

Personally, since it will be a dd, I'd go for the 540. If it was for a second car, I'd get the M5 without a second thought.

+1

I might be biased but I say go with the M5. The best piece of advice I have is to get a thorough PPI, including compression. Most of the parts aren't that much more than regular e34's.

When I had my '99 540i the switch that's under the clutch peddle went out. It's so you can start only with the clutch depressed. There wasn't one switch in the whole USA. It took a almost two weeks to get the part. So e34 M5 parts aren't the only hard parts to get. BTW, mine is a DD with a little stop and go. It's a great car for commuting.


Shh, The beast is sleeping....

M5 :worship:

If I were near a lot of twisty roads or wanted to track, then M5. Otherwise 540i/6. Love that torque.

6 of one half dozen the other. I think you need to drive both and take the one that you feel most comfortable in. The M is not very much fun to commute in and it really doesn't like traffic.

Very hard choice to make here, but if you have other cars...

I'm sure if you got the M5, you won't regret it whatsoever.

Greg,

Those Alpina rims are soooo nice.


Biased here as well. I have had my car for 7 years as of 12/1/05. I had the opportunity for a nice spirited drive home the other day with no traffic. The car still amazes me especially in its sweet spot in third or fourth gear. It was such a spirited drive I glazed my brake pads--it took a day or so for them to come back.:D

M5 if I were in your shoes...

M5... especially the 91s... 3.91 gears = splooge

If I were near a lot of twisty roads or wanted to track, then M5. Otherwise 540i/6. Love that torque.


3.91 gears... vs. 2.80-ish gears... torque schmork.

THe 97 540 of course ... dinan upgrades ... m5 bumpers, 02 head-tail lights, a few badges ... u gotta 02 m5 replica

nah, still want the M5...

THe 97 540 of course ... dinan upgrades ... m5 bumpers, 02 head-tail lights, a few badges ... u gotta 02 m5 replica
Why go replica, when you "really could" have the real thing.....for the same price.

M5 all the way.

M5... especially the 91s... 3.91 gears = splooge


Yea the 3.91lsd does help off the line :devillook

In the turns the M5 is going to dominate. On the highways, the 4.4 540i is going to run right with it up to 150mph. In stop and go, the M5 is no fun at all. Feels like 535i until after 4000rpms. It depends on how much you value "raw sport" as opposed to torque and quietness. These days, I prefer the latter a little more.

It certainly is a matter of taste. The M5 runs to 60mph in well under 6 seconds so it isn't an S2000. I do think they are a wash in terms of acceleration although my experience has been that the M5 pulls a bit at speeds past 80mph which is likely due to the gearing and higher hp.

Yea the 3.91lsd does help off the line :devillook

i drove Jeff Gomon's on the track once... it just KEEPS PULLING!!!!!!

and I've driven all sorts of things far less hospitable than an M5 in traffic... the gearing means it pulls smartly even at small throttle openings.

M5 NO CONTEST.

THe 97 540 of course ... dinan upgrades ... m5 bumpers, 02 head-tail lights, a few badges ... u gotta 02 m5 replica
+1

M's hate the boredom of quick commutes but... who gives a shit. M5 all the way. As far as repairs, you might as well buy a lottery ticket.. both cars can develop expensive repair issues or both could go forever.

///m

Greg,

Those Alpina rims are soooo nice.


Biased here as well. I have had my car for 7 years as of 12/1/05. I had the opportunity for a nice spirited drive home the other day with no traffic. The car still amazes me especially in its sweet spot in third or fourth gear. It was such a spirited drive I glazed my brake pads--it took a day or so for them to come back.:D

Thanks Kevin,

I think the Aplina rims were one of my better choices for my car. Why weren't you at the Holiday Party BTW?

You can help the torque in the M5 a lot. The euro 3.8 cam gears and a chip increase the mid-range torque. My engine has minor tweeks, see sig, and I'm putting down 307 pounds. The 540 will give more torque down low but with a little exhaust work(http://www.ratemyworks.com/p/postinginfo?SubID=car&PostingID=654E7B4E501011DAA0D9CBDB04949B9C) (http://www.ratemyworks.com/p/postinginfo?SubID=car&PostingID=654E7B4E501011DAA0D9CBDB04949B9C) you'll look forward to higher rpm's.

Greg S.

I didn't make the holiday party because my soccer club had their Christmas party on the same night. December is just crazy these days.

Just the EAT chip increased the driveability of my car lot. I actually don't mind downshifting--I guess I am just used to it. I would rather have a 7200rpm redline than low end torque (both is good too).

I didn't make the holiday party because my soccer club had their Christmas party on the same night. December is just crazy these days.

Just the EAT chip increased the driveability of my car lot. I actually don't mind downshifting--I guess I am just used to it. I would rather have a 7200rpm redline than low end torque (both is good too).

EAT > Confort > Dinan

In the turns the M5 is going to dominate. On the highways, the 4.4 540i is going to run right with it up to 150mph. In stop and go, the M5 is no fun at all. Feels like 535i until after 4000rpms. It depends on how much you value "raw sport" as opposed to torque and quietness. These days, I prefer the latter a little more.
The lighter v8 is actually better for handling. Us M owners don't like to admit it though.

The lighter v8 is actually better for handling. Us M owners don't like to admit it though.

I just meant with the stock setup. That is an interesting but of info, though. I know the S38 is a pretty heavy motor in the big scheme of things.
I always felt that my E34 was more nimble, but the E39 feels more planted. Also the rack and pnion on the E39 528i is very appreciated.

Why go replica, when you "really could" have the real thing.....for the same price.

M5 all the way.

heLLO THE E39 IS GOOD THROUGH 03 AND tHE OLD STYLE OUT ON THE STREETS SAYS I COULDNT AFFORD THE NEW BODY SHAPE .... uS FORUM E39ers CAN APPRECIATE YALLS OLD M5'S BUT A COUPLE OF BLONDS SEE AN 02 "m 5" AND YOUR 92 M5 WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE JUMPING INTO .....

heLLO THE E39 IS GOOD THROUGH 03 AND tHE OLD STYLE OUT ON THE STREETS SAYS I COULDNT AFFORD THE NEW BODY SHAPE .... uS FORUM E39ers CAN APPRECIATE YALLS OLD M5'S BUT A COUPLE OF BLONDS SEE AN 02 "m 5" AND YOUR 92 M5 WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE JUMPING INTO .....

So one should pander to the ignorant masses when making a car purchase? I think not. Especially not to individuals who cannot properly use the 'Caps Lock' button.

So one should pander to the ignorant masses when making a car purchase? I think not. Especially not to individuals who cannot properly use the 'Caps Lock' button.

How many times do you have to stay the age of 13 to talk like this :lol Even the BLACKEST guys I know don't talk, act, or even type this ignorantly. This is the kind of guy that puts spinners and curb feelers on a BMW :nono Dumbass :rolleyes

heLLO THE E39 IS GOOD THROUGH 03 AND tHE OLD STYLE OUT ON THE STREETS SAYS I COULDNT AFFORD THE NEW BODY SHAPE .... uS FORUM E39ers CAN APPRECIATE YALLS OLD M5'S BUT A COUPLE OF BLONDS SEE AN 02 "m 5" AND YOUR 92 M5 WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE JUMPING INTO .....


The E39 M5 is a 4-door Corvette. Nothing special. Boring after you have been in an E34 M5 or an E28 M5.

The E39 is a 4-door Corvette. Nothing special.

I like your collection...I miss my ///M5 :(

I like your collection...I miss my ///M5 :(


Thanks. Im thinking about an E60 M5 in the next year...maybe. Unbelieveable car.

roffle... yeah... I don't need random blondes jumping in my car... the wife would likely not appreicate it... although my 6 month old son does have a thing for cleavage....

roffle... yeah... I don't need random blondes jumping in my car... the wife would likely not appreicate it... although my 6 month old son does have a thing for cleavage....

Im over 25 years older than him and I still have a thing for cleavage.

So one should pander to the ignorant masses when making a car purchase? I think not. Especially not to individuals who cannot properly use the 'Caps Lock' button.

Ok, Here we go the forums have gotten rude. Look Genius i can type proper or goofy. To me this is a forum and i dont care how i type on it. To me i am here for recreational research, I dunno about u english major( and yes i used the lettr u to say you) .... Lets see back on topic, I like the newer shape bimmers but thats me. Hi my name is zee I am 23 and i have a thing for cleavage, I sometimes stare and fantasize

Ok, Here we go the forums have gotten rude. Look Genius i can type proper or goofy. To me this is a forum and i dont care how i type on it. To me i am here for recreational research, I dunno about u english major( and yes i used the lettr u to say you) .... Lets see back on topic, I like the newer shape bimmers but thats me. Hi my name is zee I am 23 and i have a thing for cleavage, I sometimes stare and fantasize

I was more making a reference to purchasing a vehicle simply because one thinks it will draw more women, although you did leave yourself wide open for ridicule by having caps lock on.

You like the newer e39. I respect your opinion, although do you like it because it should attract more women, or do you like it because of its merits as an asthetically pleasing shape in its own right? I am simply curious.

That said, I've had more women ask me about my e9 than the e34 or e39, and that's when the thing was not running! Newer is not always better for cruising.

Ok, Here we go the forums have gotten rude. Look Genius i can type proper or goofy. To me this is a forum and i dont care how i type on it. To me i am here for recreational research, I dunno about u english major( and yes i used the lettr u to say you) .... Lets see back on topic, I like the newer shape bimmers but thats me. Hi my name is zee I am 23 and i have a thing for cleavage, I sometimes stare and fantasize

maybe instead of staring at your english teachers cleavage, you should have paid a little more attention....

Just my .02 4 u, cuz I wanna:)

I was more making a reference to purchasing a vehicle simply because one thinks it will draw more women, although you did leave yourself wide open for ridicule by having caps lock on.

You like the newer e39. I respect your opinion, although do you like it because it should attract more women, or do you like it because of its merits as an asthetically pleasing shape in its own right? I am simply curious.

That said, I've had more women ask me about my e9 than the e34 or e39, and that's when the thing was not running! Newer is not always better for cruising.

No .. i definitely find the 97 and up 5 series to be sexy ... The car is hot ... in my opinion its a So called "baller ride" ..... It just is newer and it just doesnt Have an extremely boxy look ... Plus its the same shape as the 02 m5 and that means its easy to replicate

heLLO THE E39 IS GOOD THROUGH 03 AND tHE OLD STYLE OUT ON THE STREETS SAYS I COULDNT AFFORD THE NEW BODY SHAPE .... uS FORUM E39ers CAN APPRECIATE YALLS OLD M5'S BUT A COUPLE OF BLONDS SEE AN 02 "m 5" AND YOUR 92 M5 WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE JUMPING INTO .....


nOOb of the year nominee.

nOOb of the year nominee.
Upon further reading I do agree. His post was quite sparse in the area of knowledge.

M5!

Upon further reading I do agree. His post was quite sparse in the area of knowledge.

Humm .... Grey pupon ? .... are u calling me dumb ? jk :redspot

dumbest question ever... M5 dude! :D

Humm .... Grey pupon ? .... are u calling me dumb ? jk :redspot

You can't even spell or use proper punctuation.....so yes...dumb, and immature. What kind of reactions do you expect talking like an idiot. Sure, maybe in the Acura or Kia forums you can talk like a fuckin idiot, but otherwise...ebonics isn't a real language.

You can't even spell or use proper punctuation.....so yes...dumb, and immature. What kind of reactions do you expect talking like an idiot. Sure, maybe in the Acura or Kia forums you can talk like a fuckin idiot, but otherwise...ebonics isn't a real language.

Damnit, you are rather mean. Where does the hostility originate from sir? You seem to be a little edgy. I wanted to take this moment to apalogize for any inconviniences faced by you or any other party assosiated with the forum spellcheck clicka ! Lighten up .... and if ure pms ing i am sorry

back to topic!!!!!!!!!!!

No .. i definitely find the 97 and up 5 series to be sexy ... The car is hot ... in my opinion its a So called "baller ride" ..... It just is newer and it just doesnt Have an extremely boxy look ... Plus its the same shape as the 02 m5 and that means its easy to replicate

"Baller ride"? I bet you just go telling everybody that you own a BMW to impress them, don't you? Somehow I think that the women, aka da bitchez, that you attract with your 8 year old BMW aren't anything to write home about. My '70 911T got more looks and double takes than every other car I have had combined, if you're only out to try and attract women with your car, you could do way better than a E39. Me personally, I always felt that a personality was a better way to go.

Is this really necessary? The guy apologized, for chrissakes, give it a break. So he has a different opinion and sounds like an e-baller, who cares? A little tolerance can go a long way.

"Baller ride"? I bet you just go telling everybody that you own a BMW to impress them, don't you? Somehow I think that the women, aka da bitchez, that you attract with your 8 year old BMW aren't anything to write home about. My '70 911T got more looks and double takes than every other car I have had combined, if you're only out to try and attract women with your car, you could do way better than a E39. Me personally, I always felt that a personality was a better way to go.


Hi, I am not in my e39 just to impress people. I have it because i couldnt afford insurance on a corvette z06. I like fast cars, I also own a 91 integra gs black on black wich is a fast lil all motor car. And yeah personality is important not as important as looks though. I think an average guy in a nice car(ex e39) and smelling good can get more girls than a pretty boy driving a honda

i would look at the E34 6spd 540i m-sport over the '91 M5.

more torque and probably smoother ride.....

i would look at the E34 6spd 540i m-sport over the '91 M5.

more torque and probably smoother ride.....

Yeah, but it is a lot easier to find an e34 M5 than an e34 540i/6 M-sport, and the M5 has more hp and is more mod-friendly. They only made 135, after all. Plus, he is asking for a choice between 2 cars; can't exactly pick "c" when only given "a" or "b".

it was just a suggestion because the M-sport 540i is practically identical with except of 6 speed and motor.....plus, you would definitely feel better off the line pick up....i was first on the market for an E34 M5 but decided to find the m-sport 540i because of the smoothness of the V8...

it was just a suggestion because the M-sport 540i is practically identical with except of 6 speed and motor.....plus, you would definitely feel better off the line pick up....i was first on the market for an E34 M5 but decided to find the m-sport 540i because of the smoothness of the V8...

Be sure to let us all know when you find a nice one for sale. :D

it was just a suggestion because the M-sport 540i is practically identical with except of 6 speed and motor.....plus, you would definitely feel better off the line pick up....i was first on the market for an E34 M5 but decided to find the m-sport 540i because of the smoothness of the V8...

If he wanted to go all out and find the most powerful e34, then he would want to get a 3.8L M5. It has more power, more torque, and responds to mods better. Plus, there's a whole lot more than 135 of them.

I know of a Euro 3.8 in New Hampshire with 130k for around $12-13k. All the goods, enthusiast owned with all records. Paint is ok but the car flies!!!

If he wanted to go all out and find the most powerful e34, then he would want to get a 3.8L M5. It has more power, more torque, and responds to mods better. Plus, there's a whole lot more than 135 of them.

Yes...the euro 3.8 is yet another good option...even rarer than the 540i m-sport...my point exactly...just mentioning other possible options...

however the 3.8 is VERY pricey....this guy sells them www.willz.ca
he tracks down euro m5's and federalizes them...

Be sure to let us all know when you find a nice one for sale. :D

actually, i was able to find 5 so far...all for sale and all on the market for quite some time now. not moving as fast as i thought they would i think E34 buyers (including myself) are VERY VERY price conscious.

i'll keep you posted.

I know of a Euro 3.8 in New Hampshire with 130k for around $12-13k. All the goods, enthusiast owned with all records. Paint is ok but the car flies!!!

yes! i spoke to the gentlemen who owns this car. it truly does seem he kept it in good shape. i been meaning to go have a look at it but its a 5 hour drive for me and i havent had a free weekend yet to go.

here is a nice looking one....
http://www.bmwe34.net/ASP/DURegistry/RegDetail.asp?id=20

don't see a price and can't find it in the classifieds.

yes! i spoke to the gentlemen who owns this car. it truly does seem he kept it in good shape. i been meaning to go have a look at it but its a 5 hour drive for me and i havent had a free weekend yet to go.

It's worth a look. The car is a 7 but the guy is honest about the condition and seems to ahve it pticed accordingly, a rarity to be sure. I drove it an it runs awesome, unfortunately I was looking for a 9+ car so I opted for a '91 3.6.

don't see a price and can't find it in the classifieds.

Bodykit: Stock
Interior mods: None
Stereo & Electronic
Upgrades:
Car has BMW 6 disc CD changer and the 1993 throwing star covers. Turbine covers are in storage. I also have a complete set (5) of Original E34 ///M5 "M Parallels" for the car
Future Upgrades
About me
Other cars:
THIS CAR IS CURRENTLY FOR SALE!!! SEE CLASSIFIEDS THIS SITE OR E-MAIL FOR MORE INFO icm5er@optonline.net

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/ivanc/carshow.html

not sure what he is asking for....