Would love to get any input on my decision. I currently drive a 2000 540i 6 Speed and love it. But, want some more power.

 

Tough one. I drove them both. If you want more power then the M is the way to go. It has a distinct M growl and a harder ride. Its also a more unique car.

For me the smoothness, refinement and fresh style of the E60 was more important.

You need to drive them both!

 

Welcome! I've never been fortunate enough to drive an E39 M5, but yours strikes as mostly a decsion between the older styling of the E39 and the newer E60. Both are great cars, but as a first time BMW buyer w/ my 545, my opinion of BMWs has always been a great driving car, but a bit boxy and uninteresting in exterior styling. Just my 0.02. That changed w/ the introduction of the E60, leading to my 545 purchase. Also depends how much more power you want or need. Not an expert and I'm sure someone will correct me, but I don't think the 545 is really a heck of a lot faster than your 540. If so not by much. If you really want the bump in speed and power, go with the E39 M5. Or better yet, wait and get the new M5 when it comes to the States...

 

Ask yourself what you will use the car for. My 545 is the best everyday driver/commuter car available. Power, ride comfort, handling, efficiency are all perfectly balanced. The older M is sweet ride too, lots of power, some loss of luxury and an older body style. Either way, you will be driving a great car.

 

welcome G-Man

its the old vs the new decision... old is real powerful, the new is quite beautiful, and enough power is available for most in the 545i ...


good luck

 

Tough one. I drove them both. If you want more power then the M is the way to go. It has a distinct M growl and a harder ride. Its also a more unique car.

For me the smoothness, refinement and fresh style of the E60 was more important.

You need to drive them both!
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Thanks very much, great advice! It'll be fun too.

 

If you're driving a 540 now and have been satisfied, I would go for the 545. The 545 has significantly more power than the 540 so you won't be dissapointed there. I can tell you that with my 19" wheel setup the handling feels very similar to the M3, and the power is comparable. (I pulled slightly on an M3 convertible on the highway a few months ago).

IF you really want to change the type of car you're driving, and want the ultimate handling and performance in a sedan, then go with the M3. The M3 has a VERY harsh ride and is quite a bit smaller than the 545 though.

I would agree with the previous post that the best way to decide is to drive both yourself as many times as you need to make a decision.

 

He was asking about an M5 though - different kettle of fish. I've got a MY00 E39 M5 and I have to say, it's an astonishing car.

I think I'm going to keep mine when I get my 530i (I don't need another V8 to feed!), and, apart from spying my car from the front, from a distance yesterday and noticing how outdated it looks I have to say the sheer torque, power yet every day drivability of the M5 is not replicated in ANY car I've ever owned.

Stock clutch is a bit crap though (I'm on my 3rd)

 

He was asking about an M5 though - different kettle of fish. I've got a MY00 E39 M5 and I have to say, it's an astonishing car.

I think I'm going to keep mine when I get my 530i (I don't need another V8 to feed!), and, apart from spying my car from the front, from a distance yesterday and noticing how outdated it looks I have to say the sheer torque, power yet every day drivability of the M5 is not replicated in ANY car I've ever owned.

Stock clutch is a bit crap though (I'm on my 3rd)
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Whoops! My bad - somehow I saw M3.

 

If the M5 will be a 2nd or 3rd car in your stable i would say get the M5 but use it as a weekend car.

If the M5 will be your daily driver and only ride i would say get the 545i 6spd manual.