Stupid questions from a new guy. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

thrown_hammer · 4th October 2002, 15:00

I am looking for a 1992 or newer M5 and have some questions.
What are the major differences between the US and Euro cars? Is it just HP or something more? There is a Euro close to me with all the papers.(and it's black

)
I have seen M5's of various years advertised with I6's and V8's. Did they come with both?
Also what part of the VIN# tells me it is a true M5 and not a badge monkey.
Thankyou for your time.

de Witt · 4th October 2002, 15:43

The E34 M5 only came with a I6, and the US only recieved the 3.6L version~314hp. This is the biggest difference, as in 1992, the rest of the world recieved a 3.8L version ~340hp The smaller differences generally deal with options, like a computer-controlled suspension, exterior color choices, interior choices, and various other options.

Look for these first digits on the VIN: WBSHD

thrown_hammer · 4th October 2002, 15:56

Thanks for the reply.
So after 1992 the difference is minimal. Do the Euro cars take a price hit? For instance on 911's a Euro is about 10% less on price.

de Witt · 4th October 2002, 17:14

In my opinion, there are minimal, but desirable differences between US and Euro M5s. I would like a 1995 M5, with a 3.8L and six speed box', but that is about $35,000 including federalization. I can get an absolute mint condition M5 here in the US for $25,000 (you just have to look around and know where to look email me if you want help with that). I would be willing to drop $35,000 for a pristine, <5,000mile US M5. And by choosing a US M5, I have saved myself a lot of hassles. If I want more power, there are ways of bumping up the hp, with out "taxing" the engine.

There are many more Euro M5s, and a lot fewer US M5s. I dont know how to accurately compare that (maybe an econ or business guy could do that), but I cannot. I think that if you wanted a Euro M5 produced after 1992, the difference would be dependent on what exactly you brought over. Here is a website (and a fellow M5er) that imports euro M5s:

http://www.willz.ca

That gives direct prices from Europe (I dont know how much he inflated them if at all), not including federalization which generally runs $10,000 and a lot of lost hairs on your head.

Nice Porsche. I would like a ~1991 911T, just to rip around town in. Of course some RUF mods would be installed....heh cool!

thrown_hammer · 4th October 2002, 18:21

Thanks for your help. I think I will look for a US car. If you wanna see my Porsche click the www link. When I get closer to buying one I will ask your assistance. I don't know much about BMW's I just know M5's are BAD! And I can't get the family in the 911(the rollbar and kirkey seats make it rather difficult.) If you wanna get a Porsche feel free to contact me. I am active in PCA.

thrown_hammer · 17th September 2004, 17:29

Sorry to bring this up from the dead....

Plans have changed. I have a '89 535i with the 5-speed now. In the market for a '89 US spec M5 to add to the stable. No hurry I plan to take my time. Specifically looking for a black one. What is the market for these cars? Where is a good source with M5's for sale?

Hollis · 17th September 2004, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrown_hammer

Sorry to bring this up from the dead....

Plans have changed. I have a '89 535i with the 5-speed now. In the market for a '89 US spec M5 to add to the stable. No hurry I plan to take my time. Specifically looking for a black one. What is the market for these cars? Where is a good source with M5's for sale?

Well, for a 1991-1993 US spec M5 (the only years we got them), I would say to pick up that subscription to the BMWCCA and start hunting and pecking through the copies of the Roundel that will begin to show up on your doorstep. They tend to have the best cars as far as point blank searching goes. From there, Autotrader has shown some pretty decent results as well for me. Also, from time to time, there might be something worth looking at on eBay.

Tubbs · 17th September 2004, 22:07

I just learnt that a straight six in american is an I6, you learn something new!

In englishese we sometimes refer to a V8 as a "bent 8", but bent can mean something else entirely in british...

cardriverm5 · 17th September 2004, 23:25

Tubbs get a grip mate.....