(Updated) Yet another request for someone to talk me down... (E39 M5 related)

[Zenmervolt]

So, with the Volvo paid off for a while now I'm jonesing once again. In my normal browsing I happened to run across an E39 M5 (MY 2001) locally that appears to be in excellent shape. My reptilian brain keeps hinting that this would be a decent replacement for the S70 and chiming in with thoughts like, "how many opportunities to own an M5 do you really think you'll have".

Someone help convince me that this is a bad idea and that keeping the perfectly reliable and paid-off Volvo is preferable to 394 hp of 6-Speed Getrag goodness.

Updated with the last post just so I can't be claimed to have syringered everyone.

 

[MJinZ]

The performance is good but the body is not to my liking. I would only buy used cars that have the body style I want and is no longer available (something like an RX-7, Celica, or whatever), backed by being a great performer.

So I guess it depends on what your priorities are.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Sadly, I love the E39. I see it as pretty much the pinnacle of the "classic BMW" styling before Bangle came along and bungled the designs.

ZV

 

[EightySix Four]

Someone help convince me that this is a bad idea and that keeping the perfectly reliable and paid-off Volvo is preferable to 394 hp of 6-Speed Getrag goodness.

Can't convince you of something that isn't true

 

[MJinZ]

Sadly, I love the E39. I see it as pretty much the pinnacle of the "classic BMW" styling before Bangle came along and bungled the designs.

ZV

Then get it. It should be priced right being 10 years old.

I actually like Bangle's designs, not necessarily the bodies though. For example, I love the 5 series tail light designs, but I detest the profile of the car (looks like an octopus head) and the front hood has some strange humps. I think the 3 series sedan is HIDEOUS while the Coupe looks good overall, but is just not as "sleek" as it could be. The new Z4 is basically perfect. The X6 is gorgeous. The 6 series is monstrous in a good way but also a little too fat for its own good.

 

[DietDrThunder]

Volvo - Boxy but good
M5 - 394 hp of testosterone

I think if you have room, keep the Volvo as a backup vehicle and buy the M5.

 

[PricklyPete]

Buy it

 

[JulesMaximus]

The performance is good but the body is not to my liking. I would only buy used cars that have the body style I want and is no longer available (something like an RX-7, Celica, or whatever), backed by being a great performer.

So I guess it depends on what your priorities are.

Honestly, I think it is one of the best looking BMWs in the past 10 years. I could blast you for your choice in cars, but I won't.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Found a nice loaded one near me.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...mission=&max_price=&cardist=55&standard=false

 

[MJinZ]

Honestly, I think it is one of the best looking BMWs in the past 10 years. I could blast you for your choice in cars, but I won't.

I think it looks pretty dull. I would not buy a Celica or an RX-7 for example (they do not have the performance to back them up) but they are better looking cars:

The Celica design is something you can probably sell as a new car in 2010 and it would fit right in.

 

[PricklyPete]

Honestly, I think it is one of the best looking BMWs in the past 10 years. I could blast you for your choice in cars, but I won't.

Agreed...I would love to pick one up in good condition and keep it for the long haul as it will certainly be an iconic BMW car.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I think if you have room, keep the Volvo as a backup vehicle and buy the M5.

Not an option. Have a 951 and a motorcycle in addition to the Volvo. In order to keep things manageable, I've vowed that any new vehicle must replace an existing vehicle if they are similar in functionality. The M5 would have to replace the Volvo as my 4-door people-hauler.

ZV

 

[MJinZ]

Not an option. Have a 951 and a motorcycle in addition to the Volvo. In order to keep things manageable, I've vowed that any new vehicle must replace an existing vehicle if they are similar in functionality. The M5 would have to replace the Volvo as my 4-door people-hauler.

ZV

Do itttttttt

 

[PricklyPete]

Not an option. Have a 951 and a motorcycle in addition to the Volvo. In order to keep things manageable, I've vowed that any new vehicle must replace an existing vehicle if they are similar in functionality. The M5 would have to replace the Volvo as my 4-door people-hauler.

ZV

On an unrelated not ZV, what year is your 951?

 

[StageLeft]

How many miles/year if you can't keep the Volvo? I really think if you buy it and put a lot of miles on it each year you'll be cursing its maintenance requirements in very short order but if it's not used a ton go for it.

 

[vshah]

i think that's one of the nicest looking bmws of the last 20 years. get it and post pics!!

what color is it?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Found a nice loaded one near me.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=275711834&dealer_id=604978&car_year=2003&rdm=1267813696531&lastStartYear=1981&model=M5&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2001&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=608450&showZipError=y&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92009&advanced=&end_year=2003&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=55&standard=false

That poor car. Hardly ever driven.

The one I'm pondering has 111,000 miles and an unfortunate exterior color, but presents itself well in photos and has no scuffs on the front air dam, which usually indicates a conscientious owner.

As far as those who say it looks dull, that's the point. A sleeper is a wonderful thing. One of the main reasons I like the Volvo is because, despite its boxy looks, the T5 still pulls hard. It's nowhere close to the M5's league at only ~250 hp (light breathing mods for the turbo), but it definitely goes better than it looks.

ZV

 

[vshah]

http://www.bmwcoop.com/wp-content/images/2009/02/bmw-m5-e39-back.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agKyva3fIkI

mmm

 

[Zenmervolt]

On an unrelated not ZV, what year is your 951?

1986, original year. Sport seats and full leather interior (typically the rear "seat" is vinyl and only the front seats are leather). Running 16 PSI of boost for 275 hp and 300 ft-lbs.

How many miles/year if you can't keep the Volvo? I really think if you buy it and put a lot of miles on it each year you'll be cursing its maintenance requirements in very short order but if it's not used a ton go for it.

In the past three years I've averaged just about 7,000 miles a year on the Volvo due to being on the road a lot with consulting. The 951 sees a little over 5,000 miles/year on average and the bike is dependent upon how much time I spend at home during a summer. If I'm on the road all the time, then maybe 1,000 miles. If I'm home, 3-4 times that.

Even if I get a more conventional job, with alternating between the two cars and the motorcycle I don't see myself putting huge miles on any one vehicle.

ZV

 

[MJinZ]

That poor car. Hardly ever driven.

The one I'm pondering has 111,000 miles and an unfortunate exterior color, but presents itself well in photos and has no scuffs on the front air dam, which usually indicates a conscientious owner.

As far as those who say it looks dull, that's the point. A sleeper is a wonderful thing. One of the main reasons I like the Volvo is because, despite its boxy looks, the T5 still pulls hard. It's nowhere close to the M5's league at only ~250 hp (light breathing mods for the turbo), but it definitely goes better than it looks.

ZV

Ewwwww, light blue.... one of the few colors that gross me out on a car.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

do ittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

 

[PricklyPete]

1986, original year. Sport seats and full leather interior (typically the rear "seat" is vinyl and only the front seats are leather). Running 16 PSI of boost for 275 hp and 300 ft-lbs.

I'm jealous. The E39 would be an awesome compliment to this car.

Are you sure you can give up the wagon usability though?

 

[Zenmervolt]

I'm jealous. The E39 would be an awesome compliment to this car.

Are you sure you can give up the wagon usability though?

S70, not V70. The Volvo's a sedan.

ZV

 

[spidey07]

There are few cars that will give you that much driving happiness. Just do it.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Have you looked into maintenance for a 100K mile BMW? I'm curious what that will look like.