Should I trade an e60 for e39 M5?
Members
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 545i/6
Well if you take Motor trends numbers id say its a little more than marginal:
Quarter Mile
550i 13.3 @ 106mph (6mt)
e39 m5 13.0 @ 109.5mph
Thats a pretty nice spanking in a straight line and I assume the m5 will pull even harder on the top end (120mph+). I was actually surprised that the e39 m5 does weight 100-200lbs more than the 550i. Handling and breaking may give a slight edge to the M, Im assuming here though.
Contributors
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, California, USA
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
Well if you take Motor trends numbers id say its a little more than marginal:
Quarter Mile
550i 13.3 @ 106mph (6mt)
e39 m5 13.0 @ 109.5mph
Thats a pretty nice spanking in a straight line and I assume the m5 will pull even harder on the top end (120mph+). I was actually surprised that the e39 m5 does weight 100-200lbs more than the 550i. Handling and breaking may give a slight edge to the M, Im assuming here though.
Quarter Mile
550i 13.3 @ 106mph (6mt)
e39 m5 13.0 @ 109.5mph
Thats a pretty nice spanking in a straight line and I assume the m5 will pull even harder on the top end (120mph+). I was actually surprised that the e39 m5 does weight 100-200lbs more than the 550i. Handling and breaking may give a slight edge to the M, Im assuming here though.
Members
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
If you are looking for the performance and handling, go for 2003 M5. If you are looking for keeping the value down the road for 2-3 years, hold on to your 2006 530i and wait for the E60 M5 when the price come to more reasonable.
But if I'm you, 2003 M5 without turning back.
But if I'm you, 2003 M5 without turning back.
Contributors
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,496
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
My Ride: 2008 550I LOADED, all options except HUD and NV
If the question is looks, the E39 is arguably the best looking 5er ever, so the E39 M5 wins there. It's a gorgeous car, my only problem would be getting into financing for a 7 yo car - if it's straight cash and no debt, do it, if you have to finance it, walk away
Members
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 545i/6
In a drag race it is, thats approx 2 cars at the lights with the M pulling harder the longer they stay in it. The winner would be obvious.
Members
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
My Ride: 545i/6
Contributors
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,119
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, California, USA
My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
Model Year: 2008
It's hardly something you get to do every day. My point, and it is absolutely right, is that the gap between the E60 550i and the E39 is not vast, and that the E39 M5 won't "eat the 550 for breakfast" - which was the specific post I responded to. Ultimately the E39 is quicker, but by a far smaller margin than some here would have you believe. The E39 was a fine car for its day, but that day was 8 years ago. That a mainstream E60 such as the 550 is broadly as quick as the pinnacle of the prior generation is something that deserves to not get lost in the misinformation that's flying around.