Hey all, Ive been on BF.c for a few years now and have been a big BMW fan since highschool. I started with an E36 M3, moved up to a track ready S52 MCoupe, and then finally to the E46 M3. I'm a firm believer in the BMW/M driving experience and how these cars 'feel'. Now I'm looking for a bigger car this time, def. 4 doors, but still sporty; the first thing I decided to look at was of course BMW.

First things first, the car can't cost me more than 27.5k and it must be a sports sedan, while retaining a sense of class and luxury. I would like to see it have eaten at least a major chunk of its depreciation pus I do most maintenance myself, so something thats not too heavy on the maint. would be best (not like W211 E55 AMG lol), and lastly something fun to drive. Sorry, it seems like a pretty severe list of requirements, but heres what I've been thinking:

Well, I love the E39 M5's but honestly I don't think I have time for the maintenance, on the contrary the E60 545i seems to fit most of what I'm looking for, especially the 6 speed aspect of it, but is it sporty enough? (especially coming from a line of nothing but M cars). The E38 740i sport is one of my favorites, but I'd like something a bit more contemporary and the new 7 just doesn't do it for me. Should I go with the older M or newer non-M thats slower, but has newer technology and will be cheaper to take care of in the long run? What are some 'cheaper' mods that can be done to the 545i to make it a bit quicker.

Lastly I've been looking at teh '05 C55 AMG's - impressive cars to say the least, but im a bit wary of maintenance and the slushbox. Sorry, but I refuse to buy Audi, personal preference lol. Any other non BMW competitors that yall feel emphasize what I'm looking for here? Thanks for any advice, ideas, and help.

Nick

 

I got the 545 used last November w/6spd and love it. I was looking at similar cars to you. I also considered the CTS-V (which you can find dirt cheap these days), an E46 330 w/perf pkg (ZHP), and the Volvo S60R. Don't be fooled by the bland looks of the Volvo. They depreciated like a rock, but with a 300HP/300tq turbo and a 6spd, they are very fast. Also has the AWD which is nice in winter. Nonetheless, the suspension is not the sportiest, the looks aren't the sportiest, and the "space ball" shifter is plain cheap and ugly. Oh, and the Volvo's radio sucks.

The 545 w/sport package is a much better overall vehicle and is very sporty and fast in my opinion. I have really enjoyed it.

Some days I wonder if I should have looked at the E39 M5, but overall I'm very happy. The good part is that even though my car is a 2004, becuase it is the current body style, people always think it is brand new. That's a nice benefit about the E60.

good luck.

 

Sorry to post wh*re here, but dont know how can somebody make a decsion for you? You should buy what your heart desires most. Be it older generation 5er. Either car would be expensive to maintain in long run.

 

+1 the 545i is a wonderful car and has great performance too! I also drove an E36 M3 previous to this car and though they are not the same animal, they are both tremendous cars! There are my two cents, spend them as you see fit!

 

Wait a few more months until F10 5 Series comes out than there should be a slew of 550i's!

 

545i I think would fit what your looking for and in your price range. Make sure it has the sport package.

Otherwise I'd say look for a 2001 to 2003 M5 they should fall into your price range.

I guess what body style fits you better.

 

A few months? You've got to be joking. Not even close.

 

yupp...not before 2010...

 

The 545 is no M. Closest non-M E60 to a E39 M5 IMHO is a 2008 550i with the M Sportpaket. Since your an M guy, get the E39 M5.

 

I second that. The lack of an LSD can be annoying to an M guy. The E39 M5 looks like a good choice. Only problem would be finding one in perfect condition ( without clutch/driveline abuse)

The 545i is close in my opinion and if you must get one....remember to get a short shift kit from either UUC or Rogue Engineering, and a Zeckhausen clutch delay valve.