Weekend Motor car

[The Pan Man]

I might be in the position to purchase a BMW M5 one of the last E39 series. I have known the car from new and it is a minter one owner full history etc. Now it has been some years since I had high powered petrol cars, would I still enjoy it, 400 ish BHP. Anyone have a similar garage arrangement.

 

[Michael G]

I might be in the position to purchase a BMW M5 one of the last E39 series. I have known the car from new and it is a minter one owner full history etc. Now it has been some years since I had high powered petrol cars, would I still enjoy it, 400 ish BHP. Anyone have a similar garage arrangement.

I'd buy it.
For some reason I've always preferred the E39 M5 to the equivalent E60.

 

[wemorgan]

A motoring journalist had an E39 BMW M5 as a long term car. I'll try to find a link for it, I think it was in CAR magazine. IIRC ownership costs were significant, but as a motorway cruiser was very capable. Personally I'd not quite put it in the 'week-end car' category.

edit:
it wasn't this one, but it gives an idea anyway
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/44251/bmw_5series.html

 

[SilverSaloon]

Go for it. Always nice to have something more "special" to take out when you feel like it.

I dont regret getting the SL as a "sunny day" car.

 

[Lugy]

Buy it!

 

[Benzsc1]

I do like the M series Beemers TBH my pick would be a nice 3.8 E34 or better still a E30 Evo M3

But The E39 is a very nice and competent car ........ Do it I say.

 

[wemorgan]

I do like the M series Beemers TBH my pick would be a nice 3.8 E34 or better still a E30 Evo M3

I totally agree Though I imagine finding a nice, rust free, unmolested example for sensible money would take a while.

 

[ShinyF1]

A motoring journalist had an E39 BMW M5 as a long term car. I'll try to find a link for it, I think it was in CAR magazine. IIRC ownership costs were significant, but as a motorway cruiser was very capable. Personally I'd not quite put it in the 'week-end car' category.

edit:
it wasn't this one, but it gives an idea anyway
BMW 5-Series | Used Car Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

I think it was Steve Sutcliffe on Autocar that ran one

 

[BTB 500]

As above, any 4-door saloon (even an M5) is surely too practical to be classed as a weekend car?

 

[flango]

As above, any 4-door saloon (even an M5) is surely too practical to be classed as a weekend car?

By that rule you would have ruled my Lotus Carlton out as well then

I only use my CLK as a weekend car but we are back to 2 door there of course.

 

[BTB 500]

By that rule you would have ruled my Lotus Carlton out as well then

I only use my CLK as a weekend car but we are back to 2 door there of course.

Yup. A 2-door coupe would fall within my definition ('rule' is a bit strong!), but not any big 4-door saloon unless a classic/custom/etc.

Btw I mostly drive our Vito at weekends, but I wouldn't class that as a 'weekend car' either

 

[st4]

Why should a car be ruled out as fun just because it has 2 more doors. its quiet the silliest idea I hear on forums.

Just because a car has less doors doesn't automatically make it "sporty". A drop top I'd rule out as that gives open air motoring but give be a saloon over a coupe any day.

The e39 5 series was one of the best cars BMW ever made and the M5 is the pick of it, its an outstanding car and brilliant even by todays standards. If its been reliable and you can afford it, I'd buy it without hesitation knowing you own one of the best performance cars in the world.

 

[JonMad]

Go for it. Weekend cars FTW! <--- (though my diesel Fiesta is also a weekend car now I'm having to get the damn train to work every day).

 

[JasM]

If you like it then go for it.

 

[stumpy1]

I've had 2 of them and they are still one of the greatest cars ever made. Be careful though, as big bills can lurk around the corner. My second one makes even a Mercedes look reliable...........

 

[Adam230K]

I'm not sure I agree with your 'weekend-car' analogy for an E39. Ok I dont drive the M5 and i have a measley 540i but its just too big to have any real fun in. Mine has the sport pack with the M suspension etc, so its like an M5, just without the running gear and the engine.

It handles really well for its size, but it does give you the feeling you are in a smaller car when you are sitting in it, even though its a bit of a porker really. Dont know if you'll like this type of thing, but I know I dont. I like to have crystal clear feeling to what the car can and cannot do, the e39 is very predictable and easy to have a bit of fun in, but it crosses the margin of too big for a sports car in my eyes, mainly because of the 'feel' that it gives you, misplaced confidence almost that it is a smallish car that handles really well, but when you give it an obstacle which only a small car can do, you will quickly see that it isn't! Hard to explain but at least I tried!

On the other hand its an amazing motorway cruiser, I recently went to europe with it to 5 different countries and it was absolutely beautiful. Returning an average of 33.6mpg aswell, couldn't ask for much more really. Its very fast yes, but still doesn't handle as well as you'd might think, its on a steering box, not a rack & pinion like the 6 cyl 5er's or 3er's.

All that said though, i'd still say have a drive and see what you think. But thats my 2p.

 

[stumpy1]

I'm not sure I agree with your 'weekend-car' analogy for an E39. Ok I dont drive the M5 and i have a measley 540i but its just too big to have any real fun in. Mine has the sport pack with the M suspension etc, so its like an M5, just without the running gear and the engine.

It handles really well for its size, but it does give you the feeling you are in a smaller car when you are sitting in it, even though its a bit of a porker really. Dont know if you'll like this type of thing, but I know I dont. I like to have crystal clear feeling to what the car can and cannot do, the e39 is very predictable and easy to have a bit of fun in, but it crosses the margin of too big for a sports car in my eyes, mainly because of the 'feel' that it gives you, misplaced confidence almost that it is a smallish car that handles really well, but when you give it an obstacle which only a small car can do, you will quickly see that it isn't! Hard to explain but at least I tried!

On the other hand its an amazing motorway cruiser, I recently went to europe with it to 5 different countries and it was absolutely beautiful. Returning an average of 33.6mpg aswell, couldn't ask for much more really. Its very fast yes, but still doesn't handle as well as you'd might think, its on a steering box, not a rack & pinion like the 6 cyl 5er's or 3er's.

All that said though, i'd still say have a drive and see what you think. But thats my 2p.

The M set up is different to the Sport and yes, it is a big car. But the handling is remarkable for the size. And with lots of power and torque, it is quite lively when the mood takes. One of the best things about a big na engine and a manual box is milimetre perfect throttle response. I do agree though that for a weekend toy this is almost too useable on a daily basis. I had an M5 and a V8 TVR which was a great combo.

 

[st4]

Is an M5 any bigger than say an SL (230 or 129) which many use as a weekend car? Its a cracking car whatever.

 

[stumpy1]

Is an M5 any bigger than say an SL (230 or 129) which many use as a weekend car? Its a cracking car whatever.

Yes it is a touch bigger in all respects. What it is best for is someone who wants 911 performance, but without all the drawbacks. It really is the car for all occasions, much like an E55k for that matter.

 

[Adam230K]

Yes it is a touch bigger in all respects. What it is best for is someone who wants 911 performance, but without all the drawbacks. It really is the car for all occasions, much like an E55k for that matter.

Indeed I agree with your statement here. Its just too useable for everyday purpose, but with a big V8 that drinks far too much to make it useable everyday.

Its almost like the car has an identity crisis, but its brilliant none-the-less, And the handling will not fail to amaze for sure.