2002 540I Dinan vs 2001 M5 help me decide

[Thadebbie]

I need the boards help. I'm trying to decide between the above cars. The 540 6 speed has 30,000 mi with Dinan cold air, chip, exhaust still 6 months under fact warrenty I think I can get it for around $34000. The M5 has 64000 mi, not quite as good of shape as the 540 for $38,000. I love the idea of owning an m5 but it felt a little brutal to drive daily over the 540.
Concerned about maintenance with the M5( coming off of a terrible experience with an 8 series), no spare etc but still drawn to it. Also concerned about depreciation. Not worried about the money as much as the depreciation as I like to change every few years.
Any thoughts..
Thanks for any advice.

[Nero530i]

540i sounds like better deal. Hard to say since you don't give much in the way of specifics regarding either car. Color, options, over all condition, car/fax history and most importantly, ownership/maintenance history.

[Thadebbie]

They are both 2 owner cars with full maintenance records owned by enthusiasts. Both loaded. silver.

I am concerned wiht reliability. Have the m5's had many maintenance problems at 65000 mi. vs a 540 at 30,000mi?

Thanks

[Reverend73]

some people dont mind settling for a 540i, while others demand the very best(very subjective term, I know) and get an M5. Depends on the type of person you are I suppose. Yeah, there are a multitude of other factors, but that is what it all boils down to for me.