shopping: '03 M5 vs '05 545i 6spd

[upsman1090]

Hey Guys,

Currently driving a 1992 535i 5spd with 410,000 miles on it. Motor is still solid, however was recently rearend and insurance totalled the car. But i am still driving it. Its fine, just cosmetics. Well I wasn't ready to spring for another car yet, but since this happened I have been shopping around for my next BMW and have narrowed it down to either a 2003 M5 or a 2005 545i 6spd. I'd like to spend around $20k and both these cars can be had for that amount.

But I use my car for work everyday and drive between 100-200 miles per day. Not sure if the M5 would be ideal for this situation and give me the same reliablility as my current 1992 535i. Funny though they both get around the same gas mileage, so having an '03 M5 would be a nice upgrade but would the maintenance costs and reliablitiy make me regret buying it.

then there is the 2005 545i ... its much more modern, has all those new bells and whistle, Ipod connection, and gets 25-30 MPG and I would image it might be less of a maintenance hog then the M5.

So hard to decide...
M5= 400hp=fun, 20MPG, 4000lbs, high maintenance? must use super fuel.
or 545i= 333hp, 25-30MPG, 3600lbs, more modern, regular gas, low maintenance costs. new looks.

I have driven a few M5s and one 545 and liked both, just cant make up my mind. I am leaning towards the M5, just afriad its gonna cost me a ton in maintenance and fuel.

So guys if any of you have gone through this or have any input or insight that I might be missing here... please feel free to speak your mind - thanksJoe
1992 535i

[upsman1090]

thought I would share the latest.

This weekend I found a dealer in Long Island, NY that had a '03 M5 and '05 545i on his lot at the same time. I took a ride out there, unfortunately when I got there the M5 had a deposit on it and was in the shop for a muffle hanger so i didnt get a chance to drive it, but I did see it. They were asking $17,595 it had 97k miles was silver with all black sport seats. It looks great except for the paint on the roof above the rear window was starting to dry out.

But I did get to drive the '05 545i, 6sp/MT, 108k miles, asking $16k, it was black/black, overall good shape, except for the headlights were starting to yellow on the tops and the rear window gasket had bad dryrot, oh and there was a very notice shimmy at 60+mph. But this car pulled really hard compared to the 1st 545i I drove. This recent 545i left a good impression with me regarding its power, adding a point to the 545i as a contender to fill the spot in my garage.

well anyway still have to drive another example Joe
1992 535i

[Gadjo.Dilo]

I'd go for a 2003 E39 530i to get close to the E34 feeling The M5 is a moneypit and the 545i is more a computer on wheels. For 20K and even less you can get a pristine E34 540i/6. But this is just my 2 cents...

Gadjo