Decision time: Sell 03 M5 for a 996 Turbo Cabriolet? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

b757236 · 9th June 2008, 19:15

We don’t need a big sedan; we have 7 passenger Mercedes GL diesel for the family and dogs. I usually drive alone or we use it for going out or the weekend trips. I am thinking about a used 996 911 Turbo Cabriolet as a daily driver (10 miles to work) and weekend getaway car instead of my pristine 03 M5 (less than 40K miles silver/black). What to do? Any thoughts?

Jefsmr2 · 9th June 2008, 19:27

I think you just answered your own question. It would be tough to let the M5 go but the 996 turbo cab will be one heck of a replacement. The Carrera is one of the few cars I would trade my M5 for though I prefer the hardtop personally. Good luck with your decision.

ard · 9th June 2008, 19:30

Cab? Yuck. Otherwise a 996TT is a blast.

OF course, entirely different cars.

I often think ot the M5 as a 'gateway' car...leads to smaller and faster cars!

A

PS Personal opinion only, but I'd never own a cab- rental is fine, but it gets tired.

H8Rain · 9th June 2008, 19:44

+1 on the cab. I hate them..... I could even live without a sunroof. I hate the sun beating down on me.

JizJizJiz · 9th June 2008, 20:06

Do it...I've been contemplating getting rid of the Z4 for a 996/TT Cab.

b757236 · 9th June 2008, 20:17

I never thought of a cab before..but think of those cool days and nights heading out of town for the weekend...Is it clear the female in my life is driving this one?

gsfent · 9th June 2008, 20:19

911 turbo is a great car. Very different than the beast. In sunny Florida, cab makes sense if you are a sun worshipper.

Drive one for a few days if possible to see if you can put up with some of the compromises of a cab, higher visibility and a stiffer ride in the 996. Some purists believe there is a lot missing in the jump from 993 to 996, but only you can be the judge of that.

Regards,
Jerry

Taipan · 9th June 2008, 21:50

Just do it!!!

2003M5 · 9th June 2008, 22:34

I was thinking the same thing about 3 weeks ago. I was looking at a 996 turbo cab. Then went to drive one. I love how the m5 rides and it was faster than my car, but I don't think it's worth the exchange. I also have low mileage on the beast and know what it has been through as opposed to another used car. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!

DRM · 10th June 2008, 00:15

Coupe or Cab; your choice. But, a few questions/comments.....

1) Have you driven one?? 'Big difference from M5 sedan. You need to know you'd be happy with long weekend drives and the commute.

2) 'Dunno what your $$$ budget is, but '02 - '04 model year are best. '05 is good, too; but quite rare and therefore much more $$$.

3) If you haven't already, peruse www.6speedonline.com . Lot's of good info there; including many anecdotal threads related to reliability/durability. 'Fair to say, these cars are relatively "bullet proof", if maintained properly. CPO or after market extended warranty is "nice to have", but certainly not worth sweating over.

4) If you search, try finding one with X50 pkg option. It was a $19k power option (GT2 turbo's and intercoolers) when new, but little to no premium now in used market. And for Gawd's sake, get a 6-speed manual. Tiptronic autobox is crap.

5) These cars when new and nicely optioned were $150k - $170k. Like all "toys" in this economic climate, prices are down and a pristine, low miles example can be had for $65 - $80k, depending on MY.

6) Just cruising and mostly staying "off boost" will get you 22 - 26mpg. Even "mixed" driving (playing with it's power) will still result in 18 - 20mpg (that's what I average, even though mine is highly modified).

Good luck and happy hunting!!