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Thread: Pairing down the fleet. Your suggestions.

  1. #1
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    Pairing down the fleet. Your suggestions.

    Hello fellow e39 enthusiasts. If you had to choose to pair down your fleet from 6 cars to 3, and your had to choose 3 of the above, which would you choose to keep? Bear in mind a convertible is a must. Your candidates are: 1) 1999 528i 150k miles. 2) 2000 Z3 2.3 roadster 45K miles. 3) 2003 M5 149K miles 4) 2004 X5 4.8iS 91K miles 5) 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 26K miles 6) 2018 BMW M2 3K miles. I'm sure this will be an interesting read.

    FYI All the cars listed above are in fantastic shape, no rust and no check engine lights. Very well maintained.
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  2. #2
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    That's easy, keep them all. If I have to, I can choose two, the '99 528i and the '00 Z3. I had a convertible once, it was only good for cruising the beach or going around the neighborhood looking at yard sales.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Ok, gotta ask "why"? Especially with the range of choices.
    I do not believe in a risk free society where the thrill of living is traded for the safety of existence. Nick Ienatsch

    The law does NOT determine "right" from "wrong". They are unrelated.

    If you put cheap parts on your car, you will soon have a cheap parts car.

  3. #3
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    paring

    IMHO: I'd keep the 528i because it is reliable and easy upkeep, the Z3 for the same reason and because little convertibles are fun, and the M5 as a garage queen to make perfect, show for special events, and let its value grow as the rest of the e39 M5s disappear. Eff VW and the M2 is just a hole to throw money in, get rid of it before the warranty expires.
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  4. #4
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    Easy! Z3, M5, X5. One of each type of car— a convertible, a sedan, and an SUV. I don't really care for newer BMW's or VW's, so of course I'm biased.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  5. #5
    geargrinder's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JaxPlanet View Post
    Eff VW and the M2 is just a hole to throw money in, get rid of it before the warranty expires.
    ZLOLZ. "Eff the Stupid Jetta" was just about to come out of my keyboard when I saw that...

    So "must keep a convertible' means you're offering false choices. Z3 is only converto listed.

    Therefore its really:

    Z3 plus which 2 of:

    1. 528i
    2. M5
    3. X5
    4. M2
    5. Stupid Jetta


    Stupid Jetta is Stupid, so, again, false choice. So its really:

    Z3 plus which 2 of:

    1. 528i
    2. M5
    3. X5
    4. M2


    Tough one.

    I might get all analytical and split them into 2 sub cats thusly:

    Pick one as the practical DD beater:
    1. 528i
    2. X5


    Pick one as the sport driver / garage queen:

    1. M5
    2. M2


    I tend to hate SUV's, and E53's are notorious PITA... and the Z3 is already a fun little 'handling car', so keep the M5 instead, and in that case I'd likely end up with...
    Z3, 528i, and M5.

    Or. I might throw out the previous framework entirely and just pick the 3 cars that I really like the best in which case...
    Z3, M5, M2.

    Something like that.
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  6. #6
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    Totally agree with GG.
    lol at the jetta.
    Out of the listed cars, I have only driven the 525i / 528i and the jetta.
    I would love to drive the other cars, let alone own them.
    Last edited by Jason5driver; 07-23-2018 at 08:27 PM.

    Looking for an E39 belly pan , passenger front inner fender liner …

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post

    So "must keep a convertible' means you're offering false choices. Z3 is only converto listed.

    Therefore its really:

    Z3 plus which 2 of:

    1. 528i
    2. M5
    3. X5
    4. M2
    5. Stupid Jetta

    Let's start with above from GG. But I think you make regular drives from NJ to Burlington? If so, the SUV is needed for bad weather and cargo.

    I would keep:

    Z3 - Summer convert- fun in the sun
    528i - reliable daily/highway cruiser for shoulder seasons (March- May & Oct- Dec)
    X5 - unstoppable winter cruiser & pothole fighter

    The three cars you sell will fetch a pretty penny (M5 values anybody?) and with that cash you can lie in wait for a well-maintained, rust free replacement (from a dry state) for one of your keepers which you will likely need in a year or two.

  8. #8
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    Z3, M5, X5. No explanation needed here.

  9. #9
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    I know two of these cars that I would _not_ keep: M2 (for the reasons already mentioned) and X5 (too much of a boat and N62 - no thank you).

    For the rest I feel like there's not enough information to say which is the third one to go.

    For instance, the stupid Jetta I might actually keep over some of these other ones if it is manual, etc.
    M5 has already some hours in the clock.
    Z3 - Sounds like it would be a keeper, but if it is automatic it wouldn't do much for me.
    528i - automatic, wrong color, poor condition could ruin it for me.

  10. #10
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    I've driven an M235i, and I can only imagine the M2 is better. So I'd keep that.

    IMO:

    Z3, M5, M2.
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
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    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
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  11. #11
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    Thanks folks. I appreciate all the thought you've put into your answers. I'll reply to you all below.

    Quote Originally Posted by Santaclaus4 View Post
    That's easy, keep them all. If I have to, I can choose two, the '99 528i and the '00 Z3. I had a convertible once, it was only good for cruising the beach or going around the neighborhood looking at yard sales.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Ok, gotta ask "why"? Especially with the range of choices.
    Not bad choices. There's only 2 of us and we don't really need 6 cars for 2 of us and we'd like to travel more. Plus maintaining 6 cars is expensive!


    Quote Originally Posted by JaxPlanet View Post
    paring

    IMHO: I'd keep the 528i because it is reliable and easy upkeep, the Z3 for the same reason and because little convertibles are fun, and the M5 as a garage queen to make perfect, show for special events, and let its value grow as the rest of the e39 M5s disappear. Eff VW and the M2 is just a hole to throw money in, get rid of it before the warranty expires.
    The 528i is really in stellar condition and has a whole slew of upgrades. It was a South Carolina car it's whole life until I bought it. I added M5 interior, Heated Seats (OEM), OEM SiriusXM, OEM Aux in, OEM Bluetooth telephone. The M2 is N55 powered so it's not going to be the maintenance nightmare the S55-based M3,M4 are.

    Quote Originally Posted by dannyzabolotny View Post
    Easy! Z3, M5, X5. One of each type of car— a convertible, a sedan, and an SUV. I don't really care for newer BMW's or VW's, so of course I'm biased.
    Fair enough.

    Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post
    ZLOLZ. "Eff the Stupid Jetta" was just about to come out of my keyboard when I saw that...

    So "must keep a convertible' means you're offering false choices. Z3 is only converto listed.

    Therefore its really:

    Z3 plus which 2 of:

    1. 528i
    2. M5
    3. X5
    4. M2
    5. Stupid Jetta


    Stupid Jetta is Stupid, so, again, false choice. So its really:

    Z3 plus which 2 of:

    1. 528i
    2. M5
    3. X5
    4. M2


    Tough one.

    I might get all analytical and split them into 2 sub cats thusly:

    Pick one as the practical DD beater:
    1. 528i
    2. X5


    Pick one as the sport driver / garage queen:

    1. M5
    2. M2


    I tend to hate SUV's, and E53's are notorious PITA... and the Z3 is already a fun little 'handling car', so keep the M5 instead, and in that case I'd likely end up with...
    Z3, 528i, and M5.

    Or. I might throw out the previous framework entirely and just pick the 3 cars that I really like the best in which case...
    Z3, M5, M2.

    Something like that.
    You've never driven an N62 powered X5 4.8iS it's a great car and does it all in style.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jason5driver View Post
    Totally agree with GG.
    lol at the jetta.
    Out of the listed cars, I have only driven the 525i / 528i and the jetta.
    I would love to drive the other cars, let alone own them.


    Quote Originally Posted by effduration View Post
    Let's start with above from GG. But I think you make regular drives from NJ to Burlington? If so, the SUV is needed for bad weather and cargo.

    I would keep:

    Z3 - Summer convert- fun in the sun
    528i - reliable daily/highway cruiser for shoulder seasons (March- May & Oct- Dec)
    X5 - unstoppable winter cruiser & pothole fighter

    The three cars you sell will fetch a pretty penny (M5 values anybody?) and with that cash you can lie in wait for a well-maintained, rust free replacement (from a dry state) for one of your keepers which you will likely need in a year or two.
    I commute between Burlington, NJ and Freehold, NJ often. haha. Also all my cars are 100% rust free. 2 are from the south, 1 is from Southern California, 2 are brand new and 1 lived in a garage it's entire life in NJ.

    Quote Originally Posted by Iforgetalot View Post
    Z3, M5, X5. No explanation needed here.
    Also

    Quote Originally Posted by vinyldude View Post
    I know two of these cars that I would _not_ keep: M2 (for the reasons already mentioned) and X5 (too much of a boat and N62 - no thank you).

    For the rest I feel like there's not enough information to say which is the third one to go.

    For instance, the stupid Jetta I might actually keep over some of these other ones if it is manual, etc.
    M5 has already some hours in the clock.
    Z3 - Sounds like it would be a keeper, but if it is automatic it wouldn't do much for me.
    528i - automatic, wrong color, poor condition could ruin it for me.
    Thanks, that's food for thought.
    Quote Originally Posted by computiNATEor View Post
    I've driven an M235i, and I can only imagine the M2 is better. So I'd keep that.

    IMO:

    Z3, M5, M2.
    Yes, the M2 wipes the floor with the M235i.
    Last edited by amancuso; 07-24-2018 at 05:39 PM.
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  12. #12
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    If the convertible "requirement" were waived, I'd stick with the 528i for daily driving, the M5 (because E39 M5 is best M5), and the M2 (as the replacement for the "fun car" Z3).
    Nate J.

    (oOO\ (|||)º(|||) /OOo)
    Titanium Silver/Black Nappa Full 07-18-2001 E39 M5 Heritage (BZ99672). 198,000mi+. Increasing daily. Engine rebuild thread.
    (eŌō\ (||||)º(||||) / ōŌe)
    Alpineweiss III/Black Merino Full 03-26-2007 E60 M5 Manual (CX08265). 157,000+. Dead starter -_-

    RIP, Seabiscuit. Black Sapphire/Schwarz 03-11-2003 530iA Sport (CK39185). T-boned 03-01-2017 at 155,861mi.
    Take 2 "Otto" - Toledo Blue/Sandbeige 04-25-2002 530iA Sport (CH98032). Sold 11-10-2017 at 147,743mi.
    Take 3 "Manuel" - Toledo Blue/Grau 10-29-2001 530i5 Sport (CE92358). Sold 02-01-2019 at 217,600mi. I regret that. Build Log
    Reliable P.O.S. - Green/gray 1995 Camry V6 LE. 270k mi. Sold for space.

  13. #13
    geargrinder's Avatar
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    Waaaaait a minute.

    Obviously you are all hard bonered for the X5 (yeah. Whatever. I mean if you love it that’s fine good for you but don’t ask me what I think then crap on my opinion because I’m more discerning then you are and aren’t suffering from that mentally infirmity that causes erections when you sit in a car that’s 2feet higher off the ground from a functionally equivalent-to-superior car) . So ok.. you didn’t tell us before.

    Clearly you’ve already decided to keep the Z3 and X5.

    Factor that into the rest of it and therefore it’s really:

    Choose 1 car between the 528, M2, M5.

    Whatever. Flip a 3 sided coin.
    (Then burn the stupid X5 and pick 2 ;P )
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by geargrinder View Post
    Waaaaait a minute.

    Clearly you’ve already decided to keep the Z3 and X5.
    Choose 1 car between the 528, M2, M5.

    Whatever. Flip a 3 sided coin.
    (Then burn the stupid X5 and pick 2 ;P )
    Ohhhhhh no you don't... Keep the M5. That's not even a choice.
    I do not believe in a risk free society where the thrill of living is traded for the safety of existence. Nick Ienatsch

    The law does NOT determine "right" from "wrong". They are unrelated.

    If you put cheap parts on your car, you will soon have a cheap parts car.

  15. #15
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    Thanks again guys. I think I'll just keep them all for the time being. No rush to get rid of anything at this point but within the next 5-10 years. Highest mileage will be the 528i, so that'll probably be going out the door first.
    2001 Z3 3.0i -Oxford Green/Sandbeige
    2016 428xi -Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 430iC- Estoril Blue II/Black
    2018 330it - Melbourne Red/Venetian Beige/Black

  16. #16
    geargrinder's Avatar
    geargrinder is offline Having No Trouble Here BMW CCA Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by amancuso View Post
    within the next 5-10 years
    Mmmmrf. Waste of time thread.

    "we have to pair 6 cars to 3 what should I do!?"
    "oh no actually... wait... we aren't really doing that".

    This thread is loaded with false advertising.
    Have to keep the Z3.
    Have to keep the X5.
    Stupid Jetta is Stupid.
    Not actually going to get rid of any cars anyway.

    So, with this information... 5-10 years from now the 528i should be long gone, probably the Z3 too, replaced by something else topless... so... its all retardedlyhypothetical.
    2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
    2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
    2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
    2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)

    Former:

    1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
    1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)


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