martyyyn 102 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 I think the time has come to buy a new toy. Over the years apart from the family cars (multiple E39's, an E53 and now an F10 535d) I've always had something for myself. They've included an E32 750il, an E38 740i msport, an SA E30 325i with Alpina goodies, an E30 318is and the E34 535is I've now had for 10 years (which is the longest I've owned any car). I even had a red, manual, Focus Zetec which was brilliant around town but not so nice at 100kph. Even the E90 320d msport 6 speed manual my son now drives is exciting for me. The torque is amazing and the msport goodies make all the difference to the car. It's always had to be something I enjoyed driving. It doesn't needed to be quick, or new, big or small, just an enjoyable experience every time I get in it. Now I'm at a point in life where I'm lucky enough to have a sum of money available to buy something I consider properly special. So what do I buy ? First of all I think the E34 is staying. I've had offers over the years but I'm not sure I can do it. It's not quick but I still love driving it. That's not to say I wouldn't sell if the price was right. I won't have the garage space for it if I buy something else so I have to consider selling it. I've wanted an M5 ever since I saw a brand new E28 in a BMW dealership my grandmother worked in when I was a kid. A sleeper saloon that looks normal until you give it a kick. But since Covid the car market has changed a fair bit. E39 M5's (if you can find one) have gone from $20k to $40k+. F10 M5 prices are relatively stable, but the 535d look and feels more like my old E38 than a 5er so I'm not all that sure. Although I expect the M5 to be a completely different car. We all know the potential bearing issues for an E60 M5 or E92 M3 and although the E60's have gone up to $30k the E92's have gone from $25k to $40k+ I don't mind the risk of those engines as long as I buy at a good price and can have it all taken care of. But are the E60's getting a little old now ? I wont use the tech in them and the idea of a V10 is very tempting. Then I start looking at much newer M135's which can be sorted to be seriously quick, but at 6'5 I wonder if I'll tire of the small sizing which led me to sell the E30 318is. It could be a great car, but I'll always be thinking about an M car. I don't need 5 seats and pretty much all of my driving is reasonably long distances on open roads. I go over the Paekok Hill regularly so it needs to be good in the twisties but also able to eat up the miles of open road where I can only cruise. So what would you do with $50k ? Buy older and fix ? Buy new and accept less "feel". Maybe buy something outside of BMW ? I've never had anything else other than Focus's and I don't really fancy an ST. Would you consider an M car as a "daily"? I run my own business from home so it could often stay in the garage for a week or two before being used, so it's hardly a daily. Any thoughts ? Anyone have something for sale ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sammo 2544 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 (edited) Without a doubt, an E46 M3 (if you can find one!) Modern and comfortable enough All the on road performance you could realistically need Big boot and usable back seat Raw / analogue enough without being exhausting Timeless styling (Peak BMW IMO) Future value assured Edited April 30, 2021 by Sammo 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 Nice write up. Whilst reading the first few cars that popped into mind were the F10 M5 and the M140i. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m5/listing/2966704966 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m140i/listing/3064767425 but then again since you have an F11 535d, I would think the F10 M5 is similar enough and also being 6'5 the 1 series might feel a bit small. I would keep an eye out for a nice E92 M3 manual for around 40k + 10k for maintenance. I think they have aged well and the prices going up in current days seem to confirm what everyone else thinks also. Also would definitely be open to an E39 M5 or E46 M3 but these things are even more rare and you need to pay big money for a good one. If you wanted to try something modern how about a 6 series coupe? https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/650i/listing/3060205966 If non BMW route: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mercedes-benz/cls-63/listing/3056941023 https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/maserati/ghibli/listing/3029208281 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 E34 540i6 or M5 and spend the rest to rebuild most of it. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BozzaFC 300 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 (edited) +1 on E46 M3 or maybe an M235/40i Alternatively, Porsche. Could get a 996 or a later Cayman for $50k. This is super nice. Local, too https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/porsche/auction-3038494106.htm Edited April 30, 2021 by BozzaFC 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 I think you'd have to consider an RS4/6 in the mix as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 2078 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 (edited) I would like to recommend an E30 M325i. You might just be able to fit one into your budget..... Hahaha sorry I couldn't help myself. I would say the E60 M5. You don't have to own it forever. Just have some fun for a year or so and move onto something new. If the prices stay silly any maintenance should be covered by the vehicles increase in value if kept tidy. The potential for incredible exhaust notes. Edited April 30, 2021 by Driftit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ BMW 368 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 1 hour ago, BozzaFC said: +1 on E46 M3 or maybe an M235/40i Alternatively, Porsche. Could get a 996 or a later Cayman for $50k. This is super nice. Local, too https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/porsche/auction-3038494106.htm Glad I’m not the only one who was thinking this... you could pick up an early 2000s 911 for that money (996) - the headlights are not to everyone’s taste but they are great cars. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/porsche/auction-3045857080.htm 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treone 648 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 Kia Stinger. There ya go, I said it 😎. Something M-ish, M5 - E34, E39 or E60 would be my suggestion... ohhh how about a M6 Gran Coupe? 1 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 2 hours ago, treone said: Kia Stinger. There ya go, I said it 😎. Something M-ish, M5 - E34, E39 or E60 would be my suggestion... ohhh how about a M6 Gran Coupe? Nothing wrong with the stinger! I wanted to suggest the M6 but they seem to be a bit more expensive around 70k which is why I suggested the 650i 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
treone 648 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 (edited) 32 minutes ago, qube said: Nothing wrong with the stinger! Agree! I test drove one just before last years lockdown. I told the sales person in all seriousness - the only car that I can compare it to, which I have previously owned is... E60 M5! it had heads up display, adjustable suspension, 'sport mode', seats, handling, ride comfort and its practicality was pretty much on par - which actually speaks a lot to the E60 M5! Only area the Stinger couldn't compare - the shear savageness and noise of the M5! oh and fuel economy 😎, but it only has a 50l tank so they probably have the same range haha How about a 6 series gran coupe: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/650i/listing/2962412947 Edited April 30, 2021 by treone 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E28E30 335 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 3 hours ago, NZ BMW said: Glad I’m not the only one who was thinking this... you could pick up an early 2000s 911 for that money (996) - the headlights are not to everyone’s taste but they are great cars. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/porsche/auction-3045857080.htm Wow that is supremely tidy, and Miles is a great guy at Cooper Cars. He keeps it small and has interesting stock. Put some money away for IMS change or a warranty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navin 180 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 2017 or 2018 Alfa Giulia Veloce would be my vote...yes it's not the full fledged quadrifoglio but they still drive bloody amazingly and 280hp is still plenty. Otherwise an E90/92 M3 with spare $ for the bearings would be plenty of fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matth5 471 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 E92 M3! Should have some spare change for the bearings and DCT service (if you get a DCT) if you think it needs it. An M car makes a great 'daily' for someone who doesn't actually commute daily. My M4 is my only car, I work from home most days lately. It does just fine for driving into town, food runs, shopping trips ect. Really no different to anything else just a bit more fun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GorGasm 563 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 (edited) Depends what special is to you. I had an E60 M5 and It was pretty good. Moderately special I guess. Granturismo S - Only gripes are the seats, sticky old sh*t in the interior and having to deal with Winger Maserati. Average joe's look at you like you are special AF. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/maserati/granturismo/listing/2963245208?bof=bgMRwpqY -911 if you don't mind automatics. -There was an Alpina B7 for sale a while ago and that looked quite nice. This looks pretty sick, but I'm not sure it's properly special: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/audi/listing/3019594564?bof=87YvckiS Edited April 30, 2021 by GorGasm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NZ BMW 368 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 17 minutes ago, GorGasm said: Depends what special is to you. I had an E60 M5 and It was pretty good. Moderately special I guess. Granturismo S - Only gripes are the seats, sticky old sh*t in the interior and having to deal with Winger Maserati. Average joe's look at you like you are special AF. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/maserati/granturismo/listing/2963245208?bof=bgMRwpqY -911 if you don't mind automatics. -There was an Alpina B7 for sale a while ago and that looked quite nice. This looks pretty sick, but I'm not sure it's properly special: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/audi/listing/3019594564?bof=87YvckiS Audi needs more brown! 😆 Man, that interior is an acquired taste. If people are talking big saloon cars, the XJ with the 5L would have to be there and the S63... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coop 261 Report post Posted April 30, 2021 For large sedans I’d hang out for an S65. Don’t come up that often but the ones that have, have been around the $50k mark. V12 twin turbo, 450kw (from memory) and 1000nm. There is also the CL63 Coupe. These have good lines, pillarless coupe. Only one on TM at the moment. Over priced at $50k, they’re usually around the $30k mark. Still on Mercedes, SL55 with the supercharged V8. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercedesbenz/auction-3066452636.htm Good luck finding a manual 911 for $50k. Maybe if it’s an early base model 996 with high km. Who wants an auto 911... It’d be like riding a blow up doll instead of the real thing. How about an FPV Falcon. Either the F6 turbo or GTE/GS/GT 5.0 supercharged. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/ford/auction-3015470711.htm 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martyyyn 102 Report post Posted May 4, 2021 Some good suggestions, pretty much what I expected I suppose. E46 M3 - How likely am I to find one which hasn't been trashed and how small are they inside ? My E90 is probably as small as I want to go on the inside and I'd expect an e46 to be smaller being the previous generation. F10 M5 - I'd expect this to be a completely different drive to the 535D but I can't get the E38 feeling out of my head. I'm sure it's sensational and would be something I'd likely keep for a few years. I quite like the 6er's but I would assume they are more of a tourer. The Gran Coupe looks really nice. An M6 could be an alternative to the M5. Arguably less desirable than an M5 so may be cheaper. But how much of a boat are they in the twisties. They just look big. I've never really liked the Benz variants to be honest. Too flashy on the outside, too many buttons on the inside. A Maserati would be interesting but how's the maintenance ? I'm on the Kapiti Coast and don't want to be going to Wellington for everything if I can help it. The 911/996 looks fantastic, even in silver which I didn't think I would go for again. But how does the auto compare to the DCT on an E92 M3 ? Audi's ? The last I heard they were expensive to maintain, is that still the case ? It was a while ago. FPV Falcon....get in the bin. ---- I'm thinking I might go for a E60 M5 until I find the good, manual, E92 M3. The E60's seem to be at a reasonable price right now. If it needs work then I keep it for longer, if not I move it on and the way prices are going I doubt I'd lose much. How can buying an E60 M5 be sensible ?! There's also an Alpina B5, but it's been for sale for a very, very long time. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qube 3570 Report post Posted May 4, 2021 (edited) 25k for the E60 M5, $10 for the maintenance and the remaining 15k on the petrol bills since you will get 200-250kms out of a tank that will cost $200 to fill up each time! This E90 M3 sedan looks great https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m3/listing/3067005300 Edited May 4, 2021 by qube Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtydoogle 383 Report post Posted May 4, 2021 I'll risk being banned here If I was spending the money l would buy an E55, and save 25k for tyres. Family skids in comfort. And keep my current MX5, because 1st gen MX5 is best car ever. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Driftit 2078 Report post Posted May 5, 2021 1 hour ago, dirtydoogle said: I'll risk being banned here If I was spending the money l would buy an E55, and save 25k for tyres. Family skids in comfort. And keep my current MX5, because 1st gen MX5 is best car ever. My old man has had an E55 AMG since new. Still has it. Is a great car and probably one of the best towing vehicles on the road. But most of the E55's here are Jap imports that flooded in around 2008 to 2010. They were dirt cheap which put them into the hands of people who could not afford to maintain them. Be very careful what you buy. I also once argued that an E30 is superior to an MX5 in every way. However now they are far more expensive than an MX5... I think I would still have an E30 over one though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted May 5, 2021 Why are you considering an e60 (SMG) but not an e90 (DCT)? E46 m3 obviously (not really any smaller than e90) https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mercedes-benz/listing/3074000407?bof=seIt4NTA https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/lexus/listing/3043434794?bof=9P2DovYb 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navin 180 Report post Posted May 5, 2021 Face-lift IS-F would be so good! Rare as hell these days Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted May 5, 2021 8 hours ago, qube said: 25k for the E60 M5, $10 for the maintenance and the remaining 15k on the petrol bills since you will get 200-250kms out of a tank that will cost $200 to fill up each time! This E90 M3 sedan looks great https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/m3/listing/3067005300 Hah! I can easily get 290km out of a tank and its only $160 to fill!! But 10k for maintenance is not going to go far...... 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1061 Report post Posted May 5, 2021 Can pick m5s up for sub 25k with bearings and clutch done so 10k would cover a fair bit Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
