e34 M5 vs. e39 540i/6 as Daily Driver

[brcampbe]

These are the two cars I am looking at as my new daily driver, which would be the better choice? The e34 M5 or the e39 540i/6? Both require maintenance, but I am just looking for a few opinions from those who have been there/done that. Thanks!

[TommyFTR]

Tough call. Both great cars but for different reasons. Looks, fun and cool factor you go for the e34 M5. For comfort, quiet, dare I say reliability and practicality you go with the e39 540i/6. I love the e34 M5 but I don't have one specifically because I drive my car everyday. God forbid something happened, it's a lot easier to replace the e39 too.

That's my $.02

[dantheman67]

E34 M5! Much more baller status and the driving experience with the older ///M will be much more raw.

[PorscheH6]

E39 540 will feel like a Merc compared to the E34 M5.

The 4.4 provides very adequate twist and propels the car to 155+ in a jiffy-

i <3 my e34 m5 ;)

[caaraa]

E39 540 will feel like a Merc compared to the E34 M5.
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[sfgearhead]

the M5 will have a more engaging driving experience, the e39 will be plenty fast but more comfy.

Pick which you prefer, drive both, then find the one with the best records you can.

[Tj Hunter]

How much DIY stuff can you do personally? How much bank roll do you have? Any M car is going to require about twice the maintenance as a non M. If you are going for a nice DD, I would buy an E39. If you don't mind cost and maintenance go with the E34.

[Hoolie]

NO LSD on the e39 = fail.

[adl320]

I've been DDing my '91 E34 M5 since February of this year. I've put several thousand miles on the ODO since then and the car has been flawless. I manage about 260-300 miles each week and am getting between 17.5 and 18 MPG.

The car has 130K miles now and the engine is the 3.6L with Dinan Stroker kit, exhaust and stage II suspension. The engine was in great shape to begin with as it was completely rebuilt at around 100K. As for maintenance, I've basically done my own oil changes every 3K miles, changed the air filter and will be doing some heavier items in the next few weeks, including valve adjustment (about every 10k-15k miles) and plugs.

I live in AZ so I've just gone through a nice hot summer with the car and daily driveability with the AC has been worry free. I haven't driven the E39 but I do also own a 2008 E90 335i. As others have noted, the M will be much more engaging than the E39 and even my 335i. I actually enjoy driving it more than the 335i. The 335i is coming off lease next month so that is going to free up cash to keep the E34 alive for a long time. I'd recommend the E34. Much more exclusive, much more fun.

Looking at the maintenance history for my car over it's 20 year lifespan, the average annual cost was about $2,000. Looked at another way, that is WAY cheaper than a car payment for the 335i. Keep on the maintenance and you'll do yourself a huge favor. Also, remember that nothing does these cars in faster than sitting. Drive the damn thing! The previous owner only put about 2,800 miles per year on it! The car no longer seeps oil like it did when I bought it.

Both are solid choices for sure, but maintenance or not, I'd bet you'd get much more enjoyment out of the M5. If you've driven one and you've experienced the sweet sound after 3,200 RPM and the power when the plenum opens up at 4,000 RPM, you know what I mean! I absolutely LOVE the e34 M5 - The last of the hand-built M cars!

Aaron

[Cyrix2k]

Dd = 540

[ingtoncreti]

E39 540 will feel like a Merc compared to the E34 M5.


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[bmwhiteman]

I wouldn't have rather taken my 2500 mile cross country trip in anything other than my e39. I had a e34 540i/6 sport and after driving my e39, I would never go back as a DD. maybe as a fun car or a collector piece. The first night i drove my e39 I was freaking out because I couldn't hear cars pass me on the freeway. I always knew when people were coming in my e34 cause the weather stripping and glazing was much older. I also never would get over 500 miles to a tank in my e34. My e39 only took 86 gallons of gas to go LA to north carolina

[mdchevelle]

I'm also considering an e39 540i/6 silver/black leather, and an e34 m5 black/white leather. I'd say im looking for better gas mileage, but thats only because i want to improve from daily driving my 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 350/auto with 3.73 rear gears (12-14 mpg...mixed with mild habits). Would love to stick to a v8, but the all-too-enticing aurora of the '93 m5 might draw me to the beefy 3.6 straight 6. I'm a college Freshman with about a half hour commute if i go the short way, but im sure im not the only one that purposefully takes the backroads. I have been driving my dads e46 325ci convertible, and have fallen in love with the brand. if you can't tell, im new to this forum, and my dad and i use it for DIY repair of his e46. Thoughts?