E30 Zone

Hi all I got my 30th birthday coming up and thought I would reatmyself with some ///M power but can't decide between an E39 M5 or an E36 M3...

I keep looking at E39 M5s but I think I'd struggle to keep one properly maintained.

A nice E36 M3 would make a nice motor.

I think e36 m3s are finally on the up but my choice would be the e39 m5 seems like so much more car for the money! !
Nice dilemma to have. ......

Personally I would go for an e36. An e39 is a couple of expensive dramas away from being a regret

I'm leaning towards an M5... Seen a few 60k clean looking examples on e bay for around the 10k mark. But I always wanted an E36 a™Š Don't suppose anyone on here knows common faults on E39's? Think they have vanos issues and passenger air bag sensor but apart for that I have no idea...

Have you driven either of them?

LondonTom wrote:Have you driven either of them?

I drove a 325tds about 10 years back.... I doubt I'm going to get a chance to test drive any properly.

I'd go for the M5. I've only had a e39 540i but the torque was huge and such a solid, smooth and safe car.

Make sure you have deep pockets. E39 M5s are costly to run at this age.

A mate of mine has an E39 M5 now bear in mind he is fastidious with servicing and replacing parts BEFORE they wear out etc. He paid £12k for his car about 7 years ago and has spent another £10k+ (not including labour as he does all the work himself) on Vanos, timing chains, big ends, all sensors etc etc etc. To be fair he was prepping it for a supercharger conversion which it now has (the £10k does not include the cost of the supercharger) and it does drive like a new car but in parts alone these cars can EAT cash even with good dealer discounts on parts.....

E 36 would be more fun to drive (the M5 is a barge) but the M5 does win hands down on lardy uber barge comfort it really depends what you are looking for a drivers car or an iron fist in a silk glove.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272288630662

Saw this on e bay...

10k on running costs sounds like a lot but over 7 years in manageable but worrying. I seen a second one on auto trader 100k dealer history but some vanos rattle. I know it's a big car but always got the E30. Think I'll give it some time but can't see them going down in price...

Thanks for all the advice a‘aaa»

in terms of maintenance and running costs its like night as day. The e36 M3 IF you can find a good one isn't that expensive to run and keep right. Plus they'll do 30+mpg up the motorway.

The M5s in whole different ball game. 10k can buy you a pig aswell, it will get you a better M3 imo. I can see merits of both

what kind of driving do you do? a cruiser capable of holding 4 adults comfortably or something better suited to tight twisty roads so a bit sportier and a bit less practical for 4 adults?

Mainly drive in central London lol but I have a modded E30 and a modded combo van for carting stuff so think the M5 is missing from my fleet and hey its a nice place to be when stuck in traffic.... I'll have a little read on M5board but think my mind is made up... just going to take the risk it would have to be real lemon not to get my money back if i don't like it...

I've driven both, much prefer the e36, the only thing I prefer in terms of the M5 is the sound.

I think the m3 would also be a good investment .

havent tried a e39 m5 i dont really like the shape, had a fair few lovely e36 m3's in coupe and vert form great cars really enjoyed them. currently have a late e31 840ci sport and absolutely love it. rear seats are pointless for adults but fine for my kids. if it was me i'd go for the m3 for sure

To late for the M3.... Put a deposit down on the M5! Had a small test drive and it felt better than I expected but I can admit it's got a face only a mother could love. I don't think it's going to drop in price over the future.

Got the M5, clutch lasted about 100 miles!!!! Lol luckily the dealership are going to cover the costs. Have I made a mistake? It's defo much faster than my old 325i a˜ƒ

As said before, to keep up to scratch takes deep wallets.

They are a serious weapon to drive.

Yes you have! a˜ƒ

The clutch is just the begining lol. My e34 M5 loves my wallet, e39's are on the next level!

An then the E60 ramps it up another two notches!

lol go in Brave and eyes wide open along with the wallet and all will be well!

Will post some pics when she is home, I'v got a cheeky speedo vid but that's about it for now. Has anyone had experience with black diamond clutches? I keep telling myself and my Mrs it's going up in value lol E60's are insane think a mate was saying a water pump is £400!

E39 M5s are awesome.

But yes do watch out in terms maintenance.

Rod bearings and timing chain guides can go and then it's essentially a disaster.

Get them sorted in advance and you've got arguably one of nicest super saloons ever made.

Just a little update, the main issue I'm having is clutch. It went 150miles after getting the car and has been replaced with a black dimond Kevlar but it slips under heavy acceleration. The inner and outer track rods have rusted together. I changed the oil an filter found a few missing screws on the undercarage trim no copper washer on the sump plug and non BMW oil filter. Bad points out the way! It's an awesome machine I smile every time I get in an continue to smile from A to B and about an hour after arriving! I've had a few firsts with the M5
1) first M car I've been in and driven
2) first V8 I've driven
3) first time I've gone over 170mph
4) first time I've filled up with over £80 of fuel!

The utter joy of old cars!