92 535i or 91 m5 for a 02 330i?

[Tom Bombadil]

I am considering replacing my E46 330i with another E34. Currently I own a 95 525it which my wife uses - and we both love it. I've always thought the E46 was missing something and I am now looking for M5s on the high end and 535s on the low end.

I have manged to find a reasonably good 91 535i just a few miles from my home.
147k miles, black on parchment leather. No real rust in the usual E34 spots. I drove it for 30 mins, quite hard at times. The motor pulls to redline and is very strong. manual box, driveshaft and diff all seem to be in good shape. No burning of oil, nor any coolant in the oil.
It needs a lot of cleaning, some leather reconditioning, but at least the dash has not cracked. The door panels are pulling of course..
I do not know the history as it was acquired at auction by it's current dealer.
They are asking $3995

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/pts/310311778.html
http://c.im.craigslist.org/9m/5e/gMUqajEbmjtuSntfWeOwH8EyN4DD.jpg

(horrible pics, just in from auction transport.)

Another car is a 91 M5 - two owners, clean carfax, and looks very clean. I have not yet driven it. New water pump, etc and valve adjustment. Black on black.
Asking $11.9k

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/car/311318273.html
http://images.craigslist.org/01011001020601040020070413879d80d77210fe1ec200e629 .jpg

How would you all feel about these two, particularly price wise?
Note that I do 99% of my own work...


One way I save significant cash but may wish I had spent more - then again I may just keep the 330i (it still has 1 year on CPO).
In either case I can free up some $$$ from a new bathroom in the house.

[dennyg]

My neighbor just leased a 335 coupe. If you have the bucks that would be my choice right now. I know its against the fiver group but man......that car is nice......can't feel the turbo lag at any time.

[misfortune]

I don't know about an m5 as a daily driver. 535 is pretty solid as far as daily driving goes though.

[repenttokyo]

that first one sound sketchy, the second one would be the one I would investigate if it is in your price range :)

[Paul in NZ]

whats wrong with a M5,s as a daily?I beleive they use a bit MORE petrol than a 535.Are the engines relatively fragile? Whats difficult /expensive about them to maintain?Are the valve adjustment cam removal and reshim type???.Is that the bugbear?

[Derek A.]

Cams don't come out - but they are shim type.

M5 does use more fuel, parts are more expensive and harder to find.

I have a 90 535i 5 speed in awesome shape - but might still consider an M5 if the right example came across my plate. Somehow I just can't bring myself to do the e39 route.

Derek.-

[Kalevera]

I'd get the M5 inspected....if it checks out, offer 10k. If you get it, consider yourself a lucky man.

535/5 prices have been tumbling recently, they'll go lower in a few months. $4k is reasonable for that car if it's in good shape.


I think you'll be happier with the M5, though, as long as it's been maintained.

[VentoGT]

Never driven a 535, so I can't speak to differences b/t a 535 and M5 but my M5 is my daily [although I probably only do about 10K miles per year on it] and I haven't spent that much on maintenance. If you're the same guy as the guy on the Yahoo M5 list, that black car looks nice, though I hate the spoiler and the pinstripe [pure opinion]. If you can budget $1800-$2000 per year in maintenance cost [assuming taking it to a specialist] I think you'll be fine provided something doesn't go BANG in the motor.

[markus]

buy my 540i instead.

[bmwrp8]

I'd go for the M5! But have it checked first

[Tom Bombadil]

Never driven a 535, so I can't speak to differences b/t a 535 and M5 but my M5 is my daily [although I probably only do about 10K miles per year on it] and I haven't spent that much on maintenance. If you're the same guy as the guy on the Yahoo M5 list, that black car looks nice, though I hate the spoiler and the pinstripe [pure opinion]. If you can budget $1800-$2000 per year in maintenance cost [assuming taking it to a specialist] I think you'll be fine provided something doesn't go BANG in the motor.


That's not me on the Yahoo list (I suppose there is another Boston area guy looking for an M5?). Competition??? I agree on the pinstripe and it would be removed and the paint cut/polished/waxed. I think the spoiler is a 91 thing...

I probably do 12-15k now, so no huge mileage worries. I take exceptional care of my cars.


Oh, and Markus- if your car was a manual I might buy it.
I *really* want a manual now...

[VentoGT]

Tom--the spoiler isn't a model year thing, as my car is a 1991 with no spoiler--it was an option on all of the cars. There is a guy on the Yahoo M5 list that has a 330i right now and is asking about the M5 as a possible replacement, and I thought it might be you :) Lots to learn about the cars on www.m5board.com as well. A large European contingent there, but a lot of knowledge. Know what you're getting into with potential maintenance costs though--there is a saying that these cars are all $20K cars regardless of what you pay for them up front...