Can't decide between 3.8 E34 and E39 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

rstringer · 18th January 2008, 03:27

Hi there,

I have narrowed down my choices to two cars , a 3.8 Liter(Euro Spec imported from Japan) and very rare black/black E34 and and a low milage also black/black E39 with almost every option.

Now I have searched though all the comparison threads, but I am more confused as ever

. And the problem is both cars are not local so I don't get a chance to drive them though I once did test drive the E39, but not as hard as I wanted to since the seller was seating right beside me.

Now I understand the E39 has more torqy engine but is more luxury and comfort orientent than the E34, but a lot of people are saying that the 3.8 E34 is not too far behind? How true is this? Hndling is supposed to be more crisp and less body roll as well in the E34, fact or fiction?

I do prefer less luxury and more pure driving fun, plus I fell in love with the E34 after watching Ronin but am tempted by the V8 and the great look of the E39 as well.

So I know that this might have been discussed in the past but I need some fresh opinions especially in relation to the 3.8 ( hopefully first hand experiences).

Cheers,
Rob

rstringer · 18th January 2008, 06:03

Wow, I am getting more response on the e39 forum. C'mon guys I expected someone to step up and sway my decicion to by the e34

Stevie · 18th January 2008, 06:18

There is no discussion, so probably few responses.

If you want a cruiser that is fast at 8/10th, get the e39.

If you want something that is handbuilt, very uncommon, and a pure drivers car, get the e39. Sabine still says the e34 is the best drivers M5, and thats coming from someone who has a company e60 M5 and gets free tires every 10 and brakes every 20 laps!

Running costs are high on both, although finding someone to do it might be easier for the e39. At equal prices I'd still want an e34 though!

m5ed · 18th January 2008, 06:42

I've driven both...(actually I have both) and honestly if you want a daily driver definitely you need to get the E39. but if its for pure driving enjoyment then E34. you have to think about running costs on both to be about the same E39 with more stuff to replace like MAF and CPS etc while E34 need valve clearance and such especially S38B38 parts harder to source.
fuel consumption are about the same even though my E39 gets better mileage for some reason??

E39 will get you more envious looks from others while the E34 will only get real BMW fanatic attention while others will think you drive an old and loud crappy BMW.

mottati · 18th January 2008, 06:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by m5ed

fuel consumption are about the same even though my E39 gets better mileage for some reason??
.

i tend to get better milage with the e34, at around 16, where my e39 gets around 13mpg. Not a reason to make a decision like this though! (i already answered in the e39 section, same general feeling. Daily driver, e39, for fun, e34, so get both.

rstringer · 18th January 2008, 08:03

Thanks everyone for your input so far. I have to say that I am generally a very agressive driver but not a really fast one. I like to shuffle in a very dense traffic so I need accleration and good handling. So with all of your comments in mind is it fair to assume that the E34 will give me more agility and better handling and suite my agressive local driving better than the E39?

BTW Also I do love a stiffer ride and the simplistic look and feel of the E34 so looks don't play a role for me.

Cheers,
Rob

m5ed · 18th January 2008, 08:11

keep in mind that the S38 engines need to be revved high for anything to happen...below 3k rpm its pretty much like driving a 525 (in my opinion) so if you're always in traffic without the room to floor it you might not like the S38...and also if a stiff ride is what you like than I think with the E39 you can do much more modding like 20's and more suspension options

rstringer · 18th January 2008, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by m5ed

keep in mind that the S38 engines need to be revved high for anything to happen...below 3k rpm its pretty much like driving a 525 (in my opinion) so if you're always in traffic without the room to floor it you might not like the S38...and also if a stiff ride is what you like than I think with the E39 you can do much more modding like 20's and more suspension options

Hm interesting I would have an issue with the S38 if that is the case. And how about the handling? which car has less body roll and which corners better?

Cheers,
Rob

ASBO · 18th January 2008, 10:58

Think of the E34 as a swiss watch and the E39 as the latest gadgetron G-shock laser beam ultratastic watsit. Both are exceptional watches, but the key difference is that the E34 is very much an anologue device whereas the E39 is somewhat more binary.

farrell · 18th January 2008, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by rstringer

Hm interesting I would have an issue with the S38 if that is the case. And how about the handling? which car has less body roll and which corners better?

Cheers,
Rob

The E39 is actually quite softly sprung & damped.
Its quite a balanced package but has alot of rubber isolators & bushes
in the suspension.
Plus point = refined & low NVH.
Minus point = wear & general vagueness for the enthusiast, hence
the proliferation of Eurathane bush kits for almost everywhere on E39.

The other factor is traction aids.
The firmer you make a cars ride with stiffer roll rates etc, the harder it
becomes for the 2 stage traction aid calibration to reign the car in.

There is little doubt that changing a cars handling characteristics with
stiffer dampers & springs, bushes, rollbars, brakes & bigger wheels moves the car
outside the original design envelope for the the traction control catchnet.

One would assume that owners doing these mods realise that the traction
control system is profiled for a std vehicle.
Ie, its calibrated reactive system with adaptation values for the std car.
It does not pre-empt.

I prefer the E34.
Its raw.
Its handbuilt ( unfortunately, that also appears to be the case where
subsequent owners have been having a little play !)
It requires some thought to drive it well in wet conditions.

But...an E39 will disapear from view as you fight to keep an E34 sticky side
down under this scenario.
Thats progress I guess.

In the dry, handling wise, the cars are very very close to each other.
Find a good E34//M5 & you won't be disapointed.

Farrell