I am thinkin about getting back into BMW's. I had a 02 540i and loved it. I know the newer m5's have a 100hp on the v8's but I like the looks of the older models. I drove a new m6 this year and the sound and power really didnt impress me. Any thoughts on old vs new ? At least w/the m5 I can have some fun and transport the family also. I just got rid of my 65 427 cobra(2500lbs and 600 hp) so I need an unselfish void filler.Thanks

 

If you are more concerned with subjective looks than performance, sounds like the E39 is for you.

If you want the better performance car, it is not a comparison. If the M6 did not impress you, I don't see how an E39 can.

An old car is an old car.

 

Its more the loks and sound for me. What would some faults be on the e39, besides only 400hp and heavy ?

 

The E39 is lighter than the E60 M5, but not by too much.

Looks and sound? Well, the V10 sounds better and is more exciting. The looks of the E60 are a mixed bag, depends who you ask. Very controversial model in that respect, no arguing it is far more modern looking.

I think you will only have your answer when you drive the E39.

 

Any things to LOOK OUT for w/the e39. Any common issues ???

 

Some reading:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...tions-faq.html

 

and all I can really say is that they are apples and oranges. The E39 has beautiful torque, the E60 has none. The e39 has that great manual box, and the one piece feeling that the E60 doesn't have. The E60 also has far superior navigation, lots of neat electronics, incredible brakes (not that the E39 doesn't), and lots more ability to mod. If you have to drive the E60 daily, or regularly, I think you'll grow tired of it quickly. It is great on a weekend morning when you can give it the space to let it go. In traffic, the lack of torque gets a little old.
One other thing--I bought this E39 for a short term car. It has 93k on it, and I don't feel worried at all about repairs. I will never own an E60 M5 out of warranty....
Just my .02....

 

This lack of torque thinking is ridiculous, it simply has a wider torque band.

It makes MORE torque, spread over a wider range. It is also geared shorter with the SMG. In traffic, it is the better place to be, especially with SMG (yes, that rhymes).

The motor is perfectly docile, but an animal when you need it. 80% of the torque is available from 2500 rpm. Who in their right mind thinks a 5.0 liter V10 does not provide enough torque in traffic?

 

call it what you like, but the V10 is just not that much fun until you hit 3500 or more on the tach. I also don't enjoy stirring the box much in town, and the auto function on the SMG is awful. Sounds like you are in love with your car and I don't blame you. The E60 M5 is a fabulous car. So is the E39. They're just....different.

 

I dont see how 384lb-ft of tourqe is NO tourqe for one and who drives at such low rpm's in a M car? Sounds like you need a mustang instead. Or a tuned 535.

 

You can get the E60 M5 in manual...

I don't have an E60.

You have more torque with the V10, you don't have to stir the box much in town.

Yes, they are different, both great, but the torque argument is one on paper not in practice.

 

Butt dyno. Some like the torque build feeling...
Horsepower is relative to torque multiply rpm. Either car is fast for everyday driving imo. Can't go wrong with either.

 

If you like the e39 but want more power, ESS makes a S/C kit for $10K that will bump you up past e60 hp #'s.

 

Not a bad idea. Are the internals forged or cast. I am guessing that w/ a intake/exhaust and reprogram another 50 hp should be possible ?

 

Not quite. With an intake, headers, race cats, exhaust, and tune, my car made 380whp.