Hey guys,

I recently picked up a pristine 2003 e39 M5 with 21k miles, which replaced my 2007 e60 M5. The 2003 still looks and feels brand new. Believe it or not, but I enjoy driving the e39 more than the V10 M5, even though it is a lot slower at high speeds and lacks the latest gadgets. Personally, I did not like SMG at all and prefer an old fashioned manual transmission.

Since my e39 has such low miles and its pristine condition, I would like to find another daily driver to limit the miles on my e39. I am looking for an old school performance sedan in hopes of finding another sedan or coupe that would have a pure driving experience and minimal computer automation and the fact that these cars are almost fully depreciated is a plus.

I am considering an e34 M5 (91-93), the rare Porsche built Mercedes w124 500E (92-94), and possibly an e36 M3 four-door. Clearly the M5 and 500E are much more substantial cars versus the plastic interior e36 M3. However, are the the 500E and e34 M5 too similar to my e39? The M3 though cheap inside, would probably have superior handling abilities over all of them including my e39.

I have never driven a 500E, but I have read they are solid as a tank and amazing performance sedans with great longevity, but do they feel like a tank behind the wheel as well? Does anyone here have experience with this rare Mercedes super sedan? Is cost of repairs and maintenance similar to BMW's of the same era or more?

Another thought is an e24 M6 (87-88), which clearly is the sexiest of the bunch, but not as versatile due to its lack rear doors and small back seats.

Which car do you guys think goes well with my e39 M5? I have limited my budget to $15,000 for this secondary daily driver and don't want a car that will be costly to maintain due to its age.

Thanks for all the help
James

 

I applaud your desire to keep your E39 nice, but in my opinion the best course of action would be to drive your car and enjoy it, and spend the $15k keeping it well-maintained and in good shape.

 

Most of the cars you list would be hard to find and especially in decent condition. The 500E if you can find one is the one i would keep in the garage and daily drive the E39

 

E36 M3

 

For daily driving i'd go e36 m3. Not the kick in the pants of the e34 m5 or the e24 m6, but you also won't be paying for the huge bills that come with the s38 and s38b38. SOme serious rebuild costs there, pretty much the same costs as an s14, cept with two more cylinders.

I despise the old Mercs. Its like driving a boat. My friend had an e300 (same model as the old e500s W124 maybe?) it was so painful. I'm sure the extra power would be nice, but man was it a boat.

Now I daily drive a 2005 e500. Thats a totally different animal. Still not as precise as my e30 or e28, but very nice for daily driving and long trips. What year e500 and model code are you talking about?

Go BMW, get a turboed or supercharged e36 for 15-16k. OR, if you'd like, wait for a nice swapped e30 which I'd take any day.

e34 m5 is a great car too, just too expensive is something goes awry.

 

Sorry see you said 500E, thats what I meant

 

all of these cars are more rare/unique than your e60, but for an everyday driver I would just keep the e60 and maybe drive the e39 on weekends. like others said, the cost of maintenance will be high on these older models.

 

Actually, my ideal driver for 15k would be an e28 535is* I have an '88 right now.

First, buy very nice example, color of your choice for 5k. Next, catch up on maint, repair dents etc. Shouldn't be too much in a fine example.

Step three, contact TCD in Ohio, install intercooled turbo kit. Its very reliable, very well known to e30/e28 guys. With clutch and exhaust, maybe $6000 installed. Very reliable set-up creating 350whp-375whp.
Final step, add wheels, shocks, springs and some good pads/ rotors.

All for under 15k, and will make you e39 m5 feel quite sluggish. With AC, it would be a very comfortable DD, handle better than a stock e24 M6, and be modified to your choosing. A very stylish classic BMW, that would surprise more than a few sports car that try to overtake you on the highway.

Beats a stock e36 m3 anyday in my book. http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com/

 

What he said, but I'd go with an E34 535i 5-spd if you can find one in good shape. It's more modern than the E28, lil bigger but not too much and parts are easier to find and is more similar to your E39 than to the E28. (I've had both)
I like the TCD stuff, and almost got a kit for my E34 a while back.

Otherwise, from your list, I'd go E36 M3. The E34 M5 can be a money pit whereas the E36 M3 is pretty much bullet-proof. I'd skip on the benzito; don't handles as well, have heard nightmare stories.

 

E500... but im biased

 

Did you own one in the past? Is it that special or would a w210 E55 be a better choice for $15k?

 

Do you guys think the e36 m3 will continue to drop in value or is it almost fully depreciated?

I read somewhere that 4-doors were more rigid than the 2 door M3's. Is this true and is it even noticeable or only on the racetrack?

Thanks!

 

I currently own one actually... It's a rare car that is very respected amongst the Mercedes community. Mine is a 1994 which is the last year for the W124 500's. I believe there was a total of only ~350 imported to the U.S. The performance and handling are top notch. The looks are also unbeatable as it comes with the factory widebody flares, and the sport looking body kit. Can't go wrong.

 

+1
E36's rock. BTW post picks of the E39

 

aple and orange .
If you would drive one you would agree. E500 is one of mine MB favorite car.