E60 M5 worth buying??

[Kiwi_BMW 89]

Well these just seem to be dropping in value like flies, no less than 1/2 dozen on TM for under 30k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1336543620.htm

Probably the cheapest low km one under 30k at the moment, but I see a F10 M5 down to 40k for a repaired one that still needs money thrown at it

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1339952026.htm

or one with 34km on the clock for 60k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1337537032.htm

The way the E60 is dropping in price is it worth waiting for the F10 to drop a bit more in price or wait for a good low km E39 M5 to appear.

[coop 261]

Depends what you want out of it I guess? 

I can't imagine there be too many people cross shopping an E39 M5 and an F10 at over $30k difference? 

 

If wanting a modern classic/desirable BMW then an E34 (if you can find one) or E39 would be a safer bet... will hold value possibly rise in near future. 

 

Then you don't get the performance of 500 plus hp from E60 onwards. 

The E34 and E39 are slow by today's standards. Those wanting an F10 level of performance would most likely turn their nose up at the E34/39. 

 

Who knows what will happen to the E60. I guess horrendous R&M costs will cause prices to drop even further as they get older. Current owners to bail once they've neglected preventative maintenance to a point where it's not feasible to keep (kiwi assumption that engine oil + filter = full service). I've toyed with the idea of owning one and still could do in the next year or two. I only would if I could diy repairs on it. I guess there are BMW (specific or OEM pirated?) diagnostic and programming software available at a small cost to help ease the financial pain of owning one. I haven't got this far in researching as not serious about buying one, yet. 

Edited June 12, 2017 by coop

[Michael. 2313]

Yeah they strike me as being less desirable than the older more proven models. 

Give me an E34 or E39 M5 over a well used E60 M5 anyday of the week. 

Between the SMG, and highly strung V10 along with all the E60 complications, they aren't as easy to live with than the 90s models. This will mean their value will keep dropping, good bargain for some, nightmare for others. 

[Gaz 1061]

If you were going for that e60 I'd definitely get it checked before buying it. 

[gtstarped 73]

Hey,

As I drive a E60 every day, have E28 and E34 M5's in the garage and recently drove a E39, Ill give you my 2 cents. 

Without having driven a F10, I can say hand on heart the E60 is the most amazing of the lot. The E60 gives me the fizz like no other M5 will ever do. The E39 to me has never looked great on paper, it was in my opinion somewhat of an after thought using an existing engine to basis it around. If you look at the Hp per litre this one stands out as being under developed. My belief however its is the best all-rounder in a way that no other M5 can muster (with expection of the F10 maybe). Its the fact that it has low down torque, no performance headers and its power is usable as any other non M motor is on a daily basis. An example being a E36 328i v and E36 M3 or a 130i v a E46. The non M motors are better on a daily basis, you just don't need to rev them so hard to get the best from them. Often M3's don't feel that brilliant unless you're using 9 10ths or more. That can be said of all the M5's too.

E28 - Raw and edgy. Rev's easily and feels willing to go all the time due to the weight, although not that fast. Handling is average and feels outdated. Slightly front heavy. Great fun a 9 10th or more and skids up easy.

E34 - I don't believe Chris Harris, they are a faster and better car than the E28, but I agree they aren't as appealing or fun. The power takes a long time to get past the extra weight +150kg. Far more comfortable, usable and relaxed. Looks a bit old man to me now though. I reckon you could use one as a daily even now if the gas consumption wasn't hopeless 15l per 100k.

E39 - Having spent only 30 mins with one I can say that it would be the easiest to live with daily. Fast but not as fast as I was lead to believe actually. Grunty and torquey. Suspension is compliant and relaxing. Probably would lights the tyres up easy enough and easy to handle with the some what slow steering feel.

E60 - Coming from a place where I dreamt of one of these for 7 years, it has not disappointed. Quick from 0-100, but utterly amazing from 80-160. It is like being on a travelator that low down power just can't give, only high end power can. The world just goes by so fast and were something to happen at that accelleration I'm not sure you could do anything. The gas consumption makes me want to cry daily. You literally can see it dropping in traffic. I get about 22l per 100 each fortnight, but don't drive that far so isn't the end of the world. The SMG is average but having driven a DCT recently, there is somewhat of a manual feel that the later cars have lost. Its challenging but that thump at 8250rpm to the next gear adds to the experience in my option. The things that annoy me is the damn onboard computer always complaining about something and the cost to repair anything. I bought as good as I could which was a very high spec'd 2005 with 90k in the blue I have always wanted. It has the option leather dash, alcantra roof lining, active seats, air con seats and a number of other special bits.

F10 - Without driving one, I'd assume its the best all-rounder, the fastest and probably quite soulless. Nothing about it other than more advanced technology and less running costs does anything for me. Eventually may go there, but I suspect will be forgotten compared to the new F90 4wd.

My order

1.E60, 2. E28, 3. E39, 4. E34

If you want an experience go E60, but don't buy at the bottom of the barrel. Get a GOOD BMW inspection and be thoroughly comfortable and open minded to the expenses.Be prepared to change all brakes $7k, shocks $7k, clutch $5k, bearing $5k and possible SMG pump during its life if it has not already been done. Throttle sensors are also known to be problems at $1k or so each. If its been done or you can wear this, the experience of ownership and 500hp at 8250rpm is simply not replicable in the BMW range in my opinion.

 My prediction is that all the rubbish will get neglected and drop in value as people can't keep up with maintenance and can't afford to run them. however the cared for ones will eventually flatten out in value and eventually become super desirable. We might be 10 years away though.

If you want a daily go E39, but it won't give you the fizz that an E60 would.

F10 at this stage is not worthwhile and be prepared for prices to drop when all the fat cat directors offload in 12 months and upgrade to a F90.

My 2 cents, but bare in mind I really know nothing :-)

[TermiPeteNZ 1318]

As another E60 M5 owner who hasn't driven any other M cars yet (really) I'm totally biased but in a happy place today. Tim's advice sounds good to me - and yes the E60 has craptastic fuel consumption (~20 at the mo given I haven't done a lot of distance driving in it) but it is exhilarating.

F10s seems to start from about $60K ... and are no doubt a better car in a bunch of ways (fuel usage, low-down torque, more modern cabin), but the E60 is pinnacle of the 'insane sedan' concept. That white F10 for $60k looks very nice indeed.

The SMG is not cool in traffic but very cool when on the open road. Did the Gentle Annie recently and it was *EPIC*.

If you are looking at an E60 then get the PPI done, and seriously consider an MBI - they cost a lot more than they do for non-///M cars but reduce your risk (for a while anyway).

Enjoy your car shopping - and hopefully you get to drive a few models along the way!

[Olaf 3317]

driving the e60 M5 changed my view of perfomance cars forever.  it is mind-altering just how good it is.  how capable.  you think you've driven capable cars, and then you drive the M5.  The chassis engineering is superb... it's a full-sized car, but... communicative.  use the brakes too hard and people will start floating away, such is its impact on the earth's rotational velocity.

M cars are a bit more pricey to maintain, and economising is folly.  The next owner won't want to take the risk if you've cheaped-out or been too DIY.  Or worse, neglectful.

[aja540i 1906]

I love my e61 m5, but its not perfect, fuel consumtion is what you expect from a 500hp 2T car, and repair and servicing costs can be eye watering, but in my opinion totally worth it for the open road, no traffic blasts that it was made for! I didn't bother with a PPI or warranty, but mine had  3+ years of service history with Team Macmillan BMW and was a UK private import.

[NUSTAD 243]

Thanks to Tim I have driven all the M5s now including the F10 around Hampton Downs.   The F10 is a big bruiser that goes like the clappers but left me cold.   The small drive in Tim's e60 left me wanting more but it needed to be on the open road where they really shine.  My E39 feels wasted around town and a bit lifeless.  It comes alive out the back of Taumarunui..........

The E60 chassis is a massive step forward from the E39 - even my wife's 530i E60 Motorsport is a lovely car - fast enough and great around town.

I fell for Tim's e28 - fun when going relatively slow.   Communicative, mechanical and musical.  Lovely car.

E60 feels like a weapon......if you need a weapons grade daily buy the very best you can.

 

[Neal 544]

Does anyone have a view of running cost for an f10 verse e60 M5 ?  Thinking it's time after 30 years of driving coupes to get a 4 door.

[TermiPeteNZ 1318]

5 minutes ago, Neal said:

Does anyone have a view of running cost for an f10 verse e60 M5 ?  Thinking it's time after 30 years of driving coupes to get a 4 door.

I'm too new to ownership to judge. 4 doors is good. There'll likely be at least a $30K difference in vehicle acquisition price which can cover a fair bit of operating cost. But an F10 wont be fully depreciated for a while yet!

I'm sure you've driven an E60 but if you haven't you're welcome to have a drive in mine of course.

[aja540i 1906]

The F10 has more bearable fuel consumption, but not enough to make up for the depreciation hit you will take buying one now. E60 has had the worst of its.

[treone 648]

Is an E60 M5 worth buying? Hell yes!

Nothing beats daily practicality and performance and handling.

Just an opinion from a previous E60 M5 and E36 M3 Saloon owner .