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E30 M3 vs E28 M5 - Help me choose
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:38 pm
by 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.
Re: E30 M3 vs E28 M5 - Help me choose
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:42 pm
by 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.

Re: E30 M3 vs E28 M5 - Help me choose
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:43 pm
by 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

Re: E30 M3 vs E28 M5 - Help me choose
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:47 pm
by 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

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:48 pm
by ian332isport
M5
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:50 pm
by old_skool
ian332isport wrote:M5

Re:
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:55 pm
by 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?
Re:
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:59 pm
by Jhonno
M5 definately.. fancy an e28 myself
Re:
Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:59 pm
by 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!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:04 am
by M5pilot
I too am suffering from E28 M5 envy.
E28's of all sorts seem to be making a real come back.
Sal
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:26 am
by Morat
well, its simple. 6 pot vs 4 pot.
what?
WHAT?
OWWW!
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:36 am
by Taz
e28 m5....
its more rare and looks better from the front
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:54 am
by 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

Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:13 am
by bss325i
M5 for the exclusivity and the fact they are awesome!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:19 am
by snoops
definitley m5, awesome cars, my dad was also thinking of getting one recently
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:34 am
by oguz327
M5
Shark nose init!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 5:54 am
by 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.
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 6:45 am
by e30bmlover
m3.............
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:03 am
by 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
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:11 am
by ajmal_325i
gghgh ddefr vfrrr ddeeret frff tggg hffhhf errttttyyu

Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:11 am
by E30BeemerLad
M5 all day long
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:27 am
by 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.
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:29 am
by Rosc0PColtrane
e30_black318is wrote: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.
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:36 am
by Cloggy Saint
Another M5 vote here
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:39 am
by casper8r
ian332isport wrote:M5
He probably means
///M5
+1
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:40 am
by march109
M5 every day of the week, in any guise over its respective m3 for me!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:50 am
by Cloggy Saint
Interesting, so far only one M3 vote
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:51 am
by tylerma
for me it would be the M5 proper old school thunder saloon
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:54 am
by zaust
The five for me too.
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:58 am
by fugazi33
datourer wrote: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!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:08 am
by 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
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:44 am
by 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!
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:04 am
by JungleGus
is this e30 zone or e28 zone? e28s are crap!
well, not really, but an e30 would be way more fun
Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:11 am
by Splondike
M5 all the way (if you can find one). Uber

Re:
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:15 am
by 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.