Considering E39.... Which to get?

[Z3SpdDmn]

So, I've got a '97 Z3 2.8L thats lots of fun. Used to see a lot of autocross, but its just a summer car now. Its good for that.
I've got an E30 race car. Enough said about that.
I've got an '07 Silverado. Its a lease and it tows well. Thats it.
What I'm missing is..... a Highway Hero!
I make a 6 hour trip (each way) for work 2-4 times per month and I'm trying to get them to pay me mileage instead of making me use this not-so-awesome Matrix.

I'm thinking of an E39, as they would be in my price range ($10k-25k) and pretty much the best car money can by for the highway. I would strongly prefer an '01+, must be a manual with sports package. I am interested in value and reliability, too. So, I could be in the teens for a 530i with mileage in the 50k range, or so, or go way up to an M5 at the top of my range.

I really like the idea of a 540i/6 or M5 for its cult character and power, but not sure if a 530i would maybe be more reliable/affordable. I think the M5 would really blow the bank, as awesome as it would be. Oh, and I would consider doing the occasional track day with the car, just in case I was instructing somewhere and didn't want to trailer the race car.

Thoughts?

[FP5241]

Hi.
:wave
A 530i would be ideal for your highway needs.
I6 engine, good MPG's, 01+ styling, lower maintainace costs...
Good luck!!!
:)

[crdiscoverer]

Hi.
:wave
A 530i would be ideal for your highway needs.
I6 engine, good MPG's, 01+ styling, lower maintainace costs...
Good luck!!!
:)


+1
530i is the best compromise economy/reliability/performance wise. You also get a rack and pinion steering (for your racing needs :stickoutt), cause V8s due to space constraints use a recirculating ball.

[skateparks]

'03 530 5 speed, CPO perfect condition should cost $21,000. 30+mpg and reliable beyond belief. Same car I'm looking for, there are a ton out there.

[wofton]

Good Luck finding a well maintained 530i with around 50k in the teens dollar wise. There are plenty out there for that price but be careful on what you get for your money.

[Orxan4ik]

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:buttrock

[Danni540]

530i is the car for you. For highway use I'd even get an automatic one.

[bmr4me]

I have a '01 530i sport(auto), that i bought with 117K on it. I paid $14,500 for it. Dont know if thats good or bad, but I love the car. Looks great, and runs awesome. Only upgraded the cooling system and havent had any more problems. Replacing front wheel bearings, rotors, and brake pads in the next two weeks. Other than that, I LOVE IT.

[e39dream]

A 525i would be a good choice as well.

[skateparks]

I'm doing the 525 for the extra 2-3 mpg.

[LuvMy328is]

I'm doing the 525 for the extra 2-3 mpg.
I upgraded my air filter and get better MPG than a guy I work with that has on '02 525 :buttrock Go with the 530i. Sport/Auto = AWESOME highway warrior

~Phil

[BR540i6]

I've got a 540i/6 and get about 21 on the highway at 80 miles an hour. Heated seats are nice especially after 2 or 3 hours on the trail. Hope this helps.

[Nero530i]

Based upon your description a 530i is the solution. 525i is underpowered whereas the 540i is not but it does not fit your description. M5 is a money commitment.

[Z3SpdDmn]

Thanks for the replies, guys! The couple of you recommending automatics are killing me, though! :nutz:


Here's my impression of each car (sport pkg manual trans, of course):

525i: "Should have been a europe-only model"

530i: "Oh, nice car."

540i: "Sweeeeeet!"

M5: "OMFG!!!!"


So, I guess I'm looking for the most "OMFG" response for the least money with the best reliability :D It looks like the vast majority of you guys are recommending the 530i. I'll have to drive one and see if its got enough power. While the M5 is probably out of the question, it may come down to finding a nice 540i to satisfy me. Will I really be looking at an 8-10 mpg difference on the highway between a 540i and 530i??? :eyecrazy How much difference should there be in aquisition cost between the two, for equal mileage and age?

Thanks again guys.