Which M5?

[TVRTASMIN]

Might be changing the V6 Alfa soon and wondered if there was anybody with any knowledgable info. I know its not an E30 but there might be somebody out there.

Basically i am looking for the straight six version (can't afford a V8).
I've been told the 3.6 is a better bet than the 3.8 but this may be the Nikasyl lining issue. I suppose if a 3.8 was offered then it would need to have had a new engine fitted to prevent me having sleepless nights (use to own a supercharged jag with nikasyl linings).

Any info or links gratefully received

[Conan]

From what I know the 3.6 is a 'safer' engine to have and overall has less problems. But if you want the extra performance (and there is more) then a 3.8 is not a crazy buy as long as its been looked after. Try and go for one of the latest cars with the nurburg suspension pack.

Sals (M5pilot) your man for these questions though cos hes got a couple i think!

You could always get a Touring (although only LHD)





Te only two colours to get are the violet above or the Blue IMHO

[TVRTASMIN]

Thanks for the info.
I nearly went for an M5 Touring, which i might still consider.

I've also heard the 540i is a good buy even in Touring form. Manual transmission on both of course.

i know where there is a 540i saloon on an 'M' plate for £1495, it's an auto though.

[Conan]

Theres a very good 540 buying guide in either last months Total BMW or BMW Car mag. Well worth trying to get hold of.

[julianm40]

Save more - get a V10!

[Dan318-is]

From what I know the 3.6 is a 'safer' engine to have and overall has less problems.

Pure Myth. The s38b38 is only unreliable if it is not respected; e.g. if it is ragged from cold and if the oil is not maintained. This goes for any BMW engine imho. You have to ask yourself why would BMW release a 3.8 version that isnt as good as a 3.6 version? The 3.8 had a completely reworked management system and bottom end, higher compression and i think it even had revised manifolds??

The later ones also had an improved clutch and adaptive mtech suspension iirc? Or was that just the nurburgring package? Go for one of those puppies!

Im not sure, but either way, the 3.8, although in left hand drive, is in my opinion a much superior car, even tho all e34 m5s were handbuilt pieces of art.

[Conan]

except that there are plenty of RHD 3.8s around. Only the tourings were limited to LHD

[Dan318-is]

So 3.8 it is then!

[Conan]

So 3.8 it is then!

No reason not to!

[M5pilot]

Which one you want really depends on how much agro your after at the end of the day.

The FACT is that the 3.8's are much more likley to cost you more money to maintain.

All 3.8's have EDC Dampers and when these go they cost around £500 a corner. Luckily you don't have to change them in axle pairs.

You then have the actual 3.8 engine which statistically goes bang more than the 3.6. There are very few cases of the 3.6 going wrong at even very very high mileages. Karan's E30 M5 project is using a 200k engine. My 171k 3.6 engine puts down nearly stock figures.

This is not to say the 3.8 engine will go wrong. All depends on how its been treated.

The later 3.8's had 6 speed gearboxes, 343mm floating discs with 4 pot calipers and 18" M Parrellel wheels. Wheels are prone to fracturing and if the gearboxes go its lots and lots of tears.

Performance wise the 3.8 is far superior - more torque and power everywhere in the rev range. It sounds nicer and has much better throttle response.

If your going to go for a 3.8 try getting the latest one you can with the 6 speed box, N'ring suspension and as many extras as possible.

For more info go to www.m5board.com. Guys on there know their M5's inside out.

[Conan]

[miniblob]

Would go for a later 3.8 just to get the 6 speed manual!!!!!!!! Love 'em!!!

Sal, funny how you say the M Parrallels are prone to fracturing - my 850CSi throwing stars all fractured and cracked quite badly, I actually lost a rear wheel one day when driving!!!!!!!! Never found anyone who had heard of this or could quite believe it!!!

Sorry for going a bit off topic!!

[M5pilot]

Are you sure its not just the throw star cover thats cracking on yours?

I've never heard of Throw stars cracking!

850Csi........... Looks like I might comeover for a test drive one of these days.

[miniblob]

Definately the wheels that cracked!! I have the centre piece of one and the other three are in my lock up!!
All 4 cracked where the hole is for the throwing star covers to bolt onto!!

Should be up and running again in a couple of weeks so it should be good for a drive by the time you come to collect my touring!!!!

[stuartgallafant]

what does "iirc" mean???

[bigdek]

if i remember correctly