Should I buy a e34 91 M5 or a like e39 5 series same price arround 17k

[e34]

Im planning of getting a new bmw changing mine, so I am able to afford a e34 M5 or to go with a e39 5 series. I have arround $17,000.00 to spend.(credit)

[Phil M]

youll definatly have less problems with an e39. altho you can find a nice M5 for $17k. You'll stand out more with an e34 M5 and look like every other joe schmo with an e39.

heres one, asking for $16,800. alpine white/black leather. 75k miles(!)
autotrader

or a nice black/black for 16,800. dinan upgrades, records, etc. 106k miles.
autotrader

hope this helps!

(by the way i have no affiliation with those sellers.)

[winfred]

i've never maintained a e34 m5, but i have done a fair amount of work on 528's and am not impressed, oh they ride ok and look nice, horrible stereo quality (freekin thing's huge, it's like 2.5 din what gonna fit) hohum handling, the ones i've driven are quick, gives my 535 a run for it's money up to a point LOTS of shitty plastic bits to break, real crappy window regulators (done at least one on each e39 we work on). so so build quality just kinda cheep

[Kennan]

I'd go with an e39. You could get a 97-98 540 for around that price.

[Brandon J]

Depends on what fits you and your budget. You will have to worry and maintain a lot less with the e39. If you get an e39, make sure you get one that is at least a '99 b/c that is when BMW made its first big production changes (i.e double vanos 2.8L, seat heater switches, standard options, etc.) and the quality control was much much better than the '97 and '98 models. If you can get an e39 with the premium stereo it is sooo much better than the standard stereo (I bet you will change any stereo and speakers you get anyways). It is nice to have rack and pinion steering as well as the sport seats that come with the sport package. Would be nice with an M3 engine and supercharger. Just an updated design with aluminum suspension, tighter body and less weight.

With the M5, when you have to fix something, it is big bucks. You have to do valve work with valve shims about every 15k miles and watch out for the self-leveling. One SLS rear shock costs more than a whole spring/shock set-up for an e34 or e39. Rotors cost more than the e39 528. Less to improve on with the motor unless you spend about $10k+ on a rebuild/stroker.

Forget your current credit with what you can afford right now. Also look down the road if you can afford to upkeep these cars. Then see if there is any room to do any mods that you want. Budget well. Godd Luck!

[bahnstormer]

if i wanted an E34 M5, i wouldn't spend less than 25k...i want it to be 100%

[Warren N.CA]

Im planning of getting a new bmw changing mine, so I am able to afford a e34 M5 or to go with a e39 5 series. I have arround $17,000.00 to spend.(credit)

[Stacy (Sydney)]

i've never maintained a e34 m5, but i have done a fair amount of work on 528's and am not impressed, oh they ride ok and look nice, horrible stereo quality (freekin thing's huge, it's like 2.5 din what gonna fit) hohum handling, the ones i've driven are quick, gives my 535 a run for it's money up to a point LOTS of shitty plastic bits to break, real crappy window regulators (done at least one on each e39 we work on). so so build quality just kinda cheep

Hey Winfred,

Noticed your comments about the 528i e39. As for as my e34 '88 ( 170/- miles) , I've broken lots of plastic bits ( to be fair I think this is mostly plastic+many years + my DIY skills ). Have you driven e39's with suspension upgrades / do you think they can perform at the track ???? ( my e34 always surprises me - and thats with tyres that I'm not that happy with and 15" basketwaves)

[Tiger]

Go for E39 540i

[e34]

Thanks for the Info. but as I see it a 540i may be a V8 and newer, But a M5 is still a M5 and people respect that. If u drive a 540i most people will not even look, But a M5 will turn heads. So in the end it looks more like I will be going more towards the M5 91. I will try to work my ass off so i can pay in cash. And after that I could be able to pay for the little things that go wrong. Sence I dont have to pay for room and food (still live with perents only 18) so i would be able to save there. THANK YOU FOR YOUR OPINION