za3879

Ok, so i drive a LOT so i cant lease. I'm reaching 90k real fast (currently odo reads 88XXX).
I'm on the verge of trading in my car for an 06 M5 (although i dont like SMG). the M reads 16k miles, and they're asking 55k, knocked down from 61,900 (they reaaally wanna get it off the lot). Apparently M's cant be 'certified' and they aren't willing to toss in the 100k warranty, and i def need the maint. package. they said they'd give me 20k for the 545.

opinons please on:
should i do it?
what would make it a deal i cant turn down?
am i getting a good price on the trade in?
does SMG suck going from manuals? i've always driven sticks.

RJH&CO

55k for m5
22k for 545i u should ask for
and call it at day at 33k.

skylolow

I think that is about right.

I doubt you'd ever break that 30K barrier. 545i's at the auctions with that kind of mileage I'd guess would go for between 18K to 22.5K. Lower mileage ones are in that 22K to 27K(tops) area with most falling in that 23.5K to 25.5K area.

SMG is awesome in the M5. When you test drove it did you try the different modes. Some can be flat out harish for daily driving. Others are smooth as butter in the shifts in the right hands. SMG does take a little time to get use to. Think of it similar to the first time you learned to drive a manual. I'm sure it wasn't the most pleasant driving experiment at first but after time it all smoothed out.


P.S.: Be prepared for a huge drop off in MPG. Though if I had the $$$ for the M5 I guess MPG would be on the back burner. But I'd use it in my haggling of the price.

jmsod

If you travel that much you are going to be spending insane amounts of money on gas with the M5. Plus, the M5 tank only holds about 18 gallons (similar to other E60s), but if you are averaging 10mpg then you will be at the gas station at least every other day. Why not consider a 550 or 535?
I have a 535 and it is every bit as fast as the 545. Just a thought.
Good luck with your decision.

tallers

I currently own an 04 545 with 89K miles. Since the original sticker was ~ $63K, I would not let my car go for $18K. I'd rather give it to one of my boys. Look at what you can buy today new for that money and it's not much. Anyway, maybe you can get a few more $$ with a private sale.

Regarding SMG, I previously owned an 02 M3 with it and I loved it. I currenly have an 06 911 Cabrio with a stick and there are times when I miss the SMG. As stated by Skylolow, try the differnt modes to find one you like. You can't shift as quick with the manual.

Good luck with your plan....

mhs525

An M5 is not a great car for doing lots of miles... really poor mileage and range...

A new M3 sedan would be a better choice if you want an M car

Or a lightly used 550i with less than 30k miles and a 100k CPO warranty

tex_phil

If you can live and afford the gas the M5 eats, get one.

za3879

Thanks for the input guys. The gas is a huge factor actually, but I'm about to get out of software sales and jump into medical device/orthopedic surgery sales (hopefully) soon. When I know I got that job and things start panning out as they should monetarily speaking - i'll most likely do it.

I've had not so amazing luck with repairs on the 545 lately. a sensor here, a sensor there, and recently i got shafted with no vaseline because my belt tensioners were shot, and the belts were loose and screaming loud as hell. It was another $530. I've spent more on repairs on this car than i ever have.
I'll never do this w/o 100k mile warranty again. Worst decision ever. :\

Someone recently told me that for the price of a used M5, I could get an 02'ish 911 turbo, but i'm thinking that would be a heap of trouble in repairs probably also. Any thoughts on that?

911 Turbo or M5? (if i even decided to make a purchase post new job).

LowOrbit

I would suggest a 2006 Carrera S, you can probably get a relatively low mileage one for around $62K. Much nicer interior than a 996 turbo and a lot more reliable and fuel efficient than a M5.

Here is a nice example.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p...amp;cardist=511

Or for higher $60s:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u...mp;rdpage=thumb

JetBlack5OC

+1

Get a new M3. Fast, agile, brand new, warranty, free maintenance.

The dealers are giving discounts.