Blame this post on fellow GCFSB contributor Nate. Ever since he snagged his E28 M5, I’ve had M5 on the brain. I’ve driven a few E39s, and most notably, a friend’s 2003 525i 5 speed manual sticks in my mind as striking a great balance between luxury and sport. The shifter was accurate without being too notchy, the clutch takeup was perfectly weighted and the ride was serene without putting you to sleep.
I’ve dreamed about driving an E39 M5 for quite some time. I’ve been a passenger in one, but I’m hoping, someday soon, that I can buy a low mileage example of my own. The cost of entry to this 400 horsepower beast is becoming more reasonable, such as this particular one for sale in Connecticut.
2001 BMW M5 on Autotrader
LOOK AT THE MILES!! 50,210 Original Miles on this Gorgeous ‘01 M5 with a 6-Speed Manual Transmission!! This vehicle comes equipped with Navigation, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Power Heated Front Seats, Sport Suspension, Sport Steering Wheel, and much more!!! WOW.
Silver isn’t my most favorite color for an M5, however, it would allow me to slip past the fuzz more easily. Still, I’d rather have a nice dark blue, black, or just to be obnoxious, Imola Red.
Here’s a clip of Jeremy Clarkson’s series “Meet the Neighbors” where Nürburgring legend Sabine Schmidt does a hot lap in the E39 M5 Nürburgring Taxi.
-Paul
Great. Here I am getting all excited about finally buying a new 200hp GTI, and Paul puts up a low-mileage 400hp E39 M5 for $4K less. Thanks for that, Paul.
Sure, I know the inevitable maintenance price tag will be astronomical compared to the GTI. And yes, I really don’t need another RWD car that will be nearly useless in the snow.
But I dearly miss my E39 wagon, and this M5 would be SO MUCH FUN…
I’m with you, Larry. I’m trying to think of a good reason NOT to buy one of these, as I’m the kind of person that drives maybe once or twice a week (taking public transport the rest of the time). I love my Cooper S too much to let it go, though.
If only I had more space/money…..
Larry: You well know that the $4k you “save” will quickly be eaten up in repairs. Sure the E39 M5 looks affordable… but it ain’t.
For me, the $4k would be worth it. If I was going to buy one of these, I would most certainly set aside around $5k to give a comfortable cushion for maintenace/repairs, at least for the first two or three years of ownership.
I agree with you, Wes. The purchase price of the M5 is only the beginning.
In fact, that’s the main reason I’m considering a new car – for the first time in years – is because I’m tired of the unpredictable (and usually large) repair bills.
The idea (if not the reality) of an attainable E39 M5 is just so incredibly appealing…I just have to remind myself (over and over again) that it’s not real. The reality would be a 10-year-old high-maintenance M-car with monthly payments AND probably monthly repair costs.