What 5 would you buy & why?

[sparkdaddy]

I guess I'm a BMW guy. I have a BMW motorcycle (R75/6) for those interested, and I have a 94 740il that I'm tired of. It has 174k on it and still going strong except for the rusted door panel. New engine at 65k, new tranny at 97k. But I am tired of it.

I'm looking for a 5 series. The pro's are it is not as big, smaller engine is ok but still need power to fly up the hill to go skiing and I need something newer. I will work from this car. Price range 15k or less.

Best engine, best year etc.

Thanks for your two cents.

[attack eagle]

95 540i6

or ///m5

[Paul in NZ]

it depends what you want from your car.If you like the 7 you may be tempted by an E39..530 or 540,the 540 is available as a 6 speed manual.If you want a more connected drive then an e34,I guess the 540 six speed or an M5,but the 535 manual has its own attractions....perhaps a late 525 manual.The e39 would be available in a touring,but it seems most E34 tourings in the US(you dont say)are 525.

[sparkdaddy]

I will probably go with a automatic since I work from the car alot. I sell real estate and taking notes and talking on the phone while sifting is a little cumbersome. Doable just cumbersome. Don't forget the coffee with no cup holders too.

I like the idea of a smaller engine but worried about an automatic and having enough power in the mountains or city for that matter? Any good balance there? Gas is espensive.

I have yet to see a M5 for under 15k as well.

[repenttokyo]

I have yet to see a M5 for under 15k as well.

not hard to find, they regularly go for less than that on ebay. But no automatics.

M5, either e39 or e34 is the way to go with these cars, in my opinion.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

I have yet to see a M5 for under 15k as well.

I picked mine up for under $9k, just needed some a/c work

[e34.535i.sport]

First of all e34 beats the e39 hands down in the looks department... No competition.

I might be biased here but the 535i seems to be a good compromise. There's a lot of power there in my opinion but it's still reasonably cheap to run and maintain (particuarly if you do your own work). Yes it's a bit thirsty but if you've currently got a 740iL then it shouldn't be any worse than that.

When I was looking for an e34 I didn't really have an engine in mind. I test drove the 520i, 525i, 540i and finally the 535i (couldn't insure or afford an m5... yet!). After considering the boring stuff (MPG/maintenance costs/insurance/etc) and then the good stuff (power/spec/etc) the 535i won out. I also must admit out of the ones I found it had by far the most comprehensive service history and seemed well looked after. This is probably the most important thing you should be looking for. I've done a lot of work to my car (and still am!) and thats always going to be necessary with the age of these cars, but its worth it.

Although the V8's are apparently more 'temperamental' than the straight six's, the 540i is a beast and if I could afford to run one I probably would... Anyway your best bet is probably to try a few different models and see what you like best and what best suits your needs. Happy hunting.

[Bo525i]

Get an Alpina B10

[BuckNaked]

$15k buys a lot of car if you shop around and are patient.
Right now there is a 540i in the $15k range, but it has 56,000 miles, rather extreme. Expect a nice '95 540i/6-speed to go in the $8k range. And expect to spend at least a grand on maintenance immediately.
I would avoid the m5's if you are cost conscious and need a daily driver.
Price the difference in a simple brake job for the M5 against a standard model. e34 M5's (all of which had the straight six) have the added cost of valve adjustments which I understand are a yearly ritual.
To me, the 540 is the daily driver, the M5 is for track days and bragging rights. But they are huge bragging rights, don't get me wrong.

[Paul in NZ]

the e34 m5 didnt have vanos in either guise...3.6 or 3.8...and i dont know how NZ comes into it.SparkDaddy started the thread I dont know where he is located