i have been lucky enough to drive a 2003 M5 and a 996 turbo (both 6 speed). i have to say the 996 turbo was way better then the M5. i imagine the 997 turbo will be even better. i say go for it!

 

I had two E39 M5s and an E60 M5. While they were great cars my 2008 997TT is much more fun to drive. The M5s were great drivers cars for sedans but the TT is another step up in driving pleasure.

 

I actually bought an E60 M5 to replace the E39 last year.

I hated the E60 so much I sold it within 6 months.

 

GTS in 6 Speeds Manual That would surprise a lot of people to get into that and have to row the gears

I am looking for pre-owned. I cant' roll with the big boys yet

Damn overseas dollar is making the Turbo Cayenne impossible to be had in White/Sand. Our weak dollar!! Grr

Funny you say that about the E60 - I didn't like it either. I would take an E39 over the E60 all day long. Give me old school on some things.

 

I have the perfect solution: Get a 997 GT2, that will erase the E39 M5 from your memory pretty quick

 

Can't say that hasn't crossed my mind. Hell, my configured Turbo is already crossing the $150K mark.

 

The first few times I configured my car I was in the same ball park, but eventually over time I think most people get it into the $133-138 range. I just placed my order last week and Im at about $138 with destination charges, and thats only because I went a little overboard with some interior options, otherwise I would have been at $134.

Even so the GT2 will be quite a bit more than $135 or $150 and then of course comes the issue of wait lists and paying a hefty premium over MSRP.

I think having a great sedan and a great sports coupe is the way to go so I'd keep both if I were you. I have an E60 M5 that Im keeping.

 

Easy solution:

1. Sell E39, buy 997TT.

2. Enjoy the Cab for one more summer. Then sell the Cab.

3. By that time, tons of E60s will be coming off 3 year leases, so pick one up a nice low-mileage one in the 50s.

I know the E60 is ugly and has some issues (I own one), but I think you'll want another M5 in your life when the time is right.

 

got for the TT

 

My father's daily is an E39 M5. He started with a 2000 which he later traded for a 2002 since BMW had made some exterior/interior changes across the 5 series lineup. His 2002 currently has 70k miles on it and between the two he has put over 100k miles on M5s. He said he is going to drive this one until the wheels fall off and I believe him. He is so attached to that car and has done a few things to improve the driveability of it (brembos, suspension, exhaust, intake, etc..)
With that said I personally would go to the 997TT unless you need the space. However, I do know there is something about E39 M5s that the owners miss when they get rid of the car.

 

Go for the TT, you won't regret it.