E30 M3 vs E28 M5 - Help me choose

[old_skool]

I'm sure this won't start the usual 325 vs 318is scenario so here goes...

I have been considering an E30 M3 for some time now but can't help hankering after an E28 M5. The whole issue of the LHD thing with the M3 does bother me a little, although I know folks say you get used to it.

My father used to drive E12's and E28's so they are quite close to my heart in that respect.

I also think that I currently have enough E30's

I know they are very different cars and that finding a good RHD E28 M5 is difficult due to the low numbers (186 iirc) that were imported but there are still some around that aren't into long term ownership for reasonable £10k 'ish money.

So overall which would you consider the better car and given the choice of either one which would you choose? All opinions welcome and any detailed advice on the M5 would be gratefully appreciated.

[wullie325i]

hi

if you already have plenty of e30's i would go with the e28 as its a different car to an e30 in every way plus if you find its not for you im sure you could sell it on easily and buy an e30 m3 with the cash from the sale.

[fugazi33]

I'll get shot down in flames over this no doubt but I'd go for the M5, nice old bus, a bit different etc

[SPADGE]

Totally different cars Damien but i would go for the E28 as i love them and have never particulaly liked the e30 M3.
What i wouldn't do however is pay 10k for one

[ian332isport]

M5

[old_skool]

M5

[Simon13]

there's another nut case who visits my local bmw dealer who has an original RHD e28 M5 square rigger that he's selling. I can ask for details for you if you like?

I gather it should be a good one as it's bmw serviced, resprayed and he's always in buying parts?

[Jhonno]

M5 definately.. fancy an e28 myself

[Ziggy]

That's a proper difficult choice.

I think I'd just see what came up, have a good look / test drive & let that be my guide!

[M5pilot]

I too am suffering from E28 M5 envy.

E28's of all sorts seem to be making a real come back.

Sal

[Morat]

well, its simple. 6 pot vs 4 pot.
what?

WHAT?

OWWW!

[Taz]

e28 m5....

its more rare and looks better from the front

[320Touring]

Oooft Dameon...

e30 m3 or e28 m5? its a "daddy or chips" moment...

For a "away days "car e30 M3

For a car thats quick and useable every day e28M5

For the best of both worlds e34 M5

[bss325i]

M5 for the exclusivity and the fact they are awesome!

[snoops]

definitley m5, awesome cars, my dad was also thinking of getting one recently

[oguz327]

M5

Shark nose init!

[daimlerman]

Feel the same way as yourself,old skool,as regards an E30 M3.I would go for the E28 M5 as well.Love to see the M3's,but the praticality of LHD on our choked roads would worry me.The E28 is a big,comfortable motor that goes well with the M motor,and is very discreet as well.

[e30bmlover]

m3.............

[e30_black318is]

e28 m5 - for that legendary engine alone - 4 doors plus some nice creature comforts - I'd pay over 10k for the right model with the right milage and history and colour - don't like the m-tech kits though

[ajmal_325i]

gghgh ddefr vfrrr ddeeret frff tggg hffhhf errttttyyu

[E30BeemerLad]

M5 all day long

[bigdoe]

i know it´s a bit off the original question but what about the e24 m6, better looking than the e28 ( in my opinion ) but the same engine and just as rare.
i`ve got one and i love it to bits.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

e28 m5 - for that legendary engine alone - 4 doors plus some nice creature comforts - I'd pay over 10k for the right model with the right milage and history and colour - don't like the m-tech kits though

Jamie will correct me on this, but the m tech kits were not standard on the m5?

Either that or the m535i......

Now I'm confused.

Hard choice.

[Cloggy Saint]

Another M5 vote here

[casper8r]

M5

He probably means ///M5

+1

[march109]

M5 every day of the week, in any guise over its respective m3 for me!

[Cloggy Saint]

Interesting, so far only one M3 vote

[tylerma]

for me it would be the M5 proper old school thunder saloon

[zaust]

The five for me too.

[fugazi33]

Interesting, so far only one M3 vote

Likewise, thought the thread was going to turn into One of those "E30's are the best,everything else is rubbish" deals!

[Cloggy Saint]

I've no doubt that the M3 is a great car, but i'm with Spadge in that i've never really liked them. They're too over-stated for my liking

[Fushion_Julz]

The E30 M3 is a better drivers' car then the E28 M5...without a doubt!

However, it isn't as fast, it never came (officially, at least) in RHD and it only has 2 doors...

The E28 M5 (a genuine one) is also as rare as a snowball in hell.

In RHD they were only 186 ever made...worldwide! Think there were about 1000 LHD ones...

They are one of the rarest M cars produced..each one hand-built by BMW Motorsport, whereas the E30 M3 shells, at least, were assembly line made...

The E28, though, is an older car... By 1986, when the E30 M3 hit the tracks and showrooms, the E28 M5 was already out of production!
With that in mind it is worth noting that the engine (in non-USA cars) is basically the same as the 1973 M1...single row timing chain, included!
The steering is recirculating ball and the suspension is essentially the same as the 528/535i...in other words, pretty standard!

In comparison, the E30 M3 shares not a lot with the rest of the E30 range...It is quite a unique car...with a very defined motorsport heritage and pedigree...

Horses for courses, though...The M5 is a faster, smoother and bigger "fast saloon" or motorway cruiser...The M3 is a sports car that will be better on the track or for those country roads...

Personally, I've got (and prefer) the E30 M3...If I was gonna go for an M5, I'd go for the E34 3.8 with all the bits...
THAT is a proper supercar, performance wise...Just expect the bills to match!

[JungleGus]

is this e30 zone or e28 zone? e28s are crap!

well, not really, but an e30 would be way more fun

[Splondike]

M5 all the way (if you can find one). Uber

[ste]

E28 M5.


The original gentleman's bruiser. Has to be a dark colour and without the optional Mtech kit.

We all know what a capable car the E30 M3 is, but honestly they only really shine on a racetrack, otherwise you'd be disapointed in one after the E30s you already have. E28 M5 is a different prospect altogether.

Nowhere near as 'good' a car as the E34 M5, but the E28 is infinitely cooler.