rollee

I absolutely love my e60 and considering an upgrade to 550i next year. I could use more power for my aggressive driving style, and manuel transmission is a must. The '5' suits my lifestyle perfectly.

Recently in a discussion with my buddy, he suggested me looking into getting a mint/low milage 2003 (last production model) e39 M5 instead. Why buy an e60 again after 3 years?
He points out that the e39 M5 is very desirable and a beast to drive (the huge amount of torque!!), the value has dropped enough making it very worth the while. Also, an 'M' car holds higher regard in the automotive world, thus resale value.
For the money saved I will put into new 19" SSR GT3/Michelin PS2 plus a slight mod to intake and Brembos.
I agree the e39 M5 is still gorgoeus and cannot doubt its 'ultimate driving experience', I like the fact that it has more torque in the low end (even at par to the e60 M5) and more BHP than the 550i.
Did I also mention TORQUE?

This really got me thinking...

I will only consider a 2003 e39 M5 (under 38,000 miles/60,000 kms), well maintained/no accidents the works. Better with a bit of BMW certified warranty left.
Costs factors in payments, insurance and fuel being equivalent.

Is this e39 M5 a 'far' better driving machine than the e60 550i (M sport & premium package)?
Will it be much more satisfying to drive/ accelerate/ corner and brake?

I will miss the fresh e60 styling, new gadgets, space, comfort and even the idrive, but more importantly does driving the 'used car' justify this loss of new?

Please post, much appreciated.

mr_djurgarden

I would go for the E60 550, no doubt about it. The E39 looks old and especially the interior. The E39 M5 goes from 0-60 in 5.3 s and the E60 550 with manual transmission 5.5 s so it's not a very big difference in the acceleration. I think the E39 would be funnier to drive but I think the E60 isn't that bad to drive either . You will definitely miss all the electronic device. My last car was a 530 E39 and even if I had the possibility to change to a E39 M5 i wouldn't do that, not even over my E60 530. Go for the 550 and good luck!
Cheers

ICEMAN 316

I would go with the E60 550 too.. E39 M5 still looks good but when you park it next to a E60 it just looks really old. I would miss the gadgets in the E60s. Go for the 550i

mr_djurgarden

And don't forget, the M-tech makes the car

joseyu

I would get the 550i, simply because it's probably just as fast as the old M5 plus it has all the new toys.

my530i

For me 60% go for 550 and 40% go for E39 M5.
Now, comes to price, E39 M5 is much cheaper? If it's more than $20K, it's a clear answer for you.

mihusky

I've driven a 2003 e39 M5 and an e60 545i one right after the other when I was shopping for my 545i (dealer had a e39 on the lot). The M5 was a beast and the low end torque difference was obvious. However, as others said, it just seemed old in styling and technology, especially the interior. I decided if I'm spending that much coin, I don't want an old model even if its an M5. Now if you are attracted to "instant classics", give the e39 some love. I'm just not that kind of BMW owner.

Allymunro

The E39 looks very dated now. Go with the E60 with all the new electronic gadgetery. The 550i is still some beast!

mr_djurgarden

Maybe you should do a poll to find out which ones the best

doug_999

Actually, I think the M5 only has 8 ft/lb more torque and it occurs 400 RPM higher than the e60. So around town the E60 should be at least if not more torquey than the M5.

My issue with the 2003 M5s are that they still command a good buck (much much more than say a 2000/2001) and they eat clutches for breakfast. Still a great car.