After yet another SES light (seems like a monthly occurrence), this time because I need to replace the cats, I took a test drive in a 550i. It had pretty decent power though it lacked the sound of the V8. The interior was not so great, large expanses of plastic, flimsy steering wheel, cheaper leather. Yes, the body is still fuggly. But the time involved in taking my car to the shop is getting to be too much for me to deal with.
Yes. The answer is in your own words (although I'm not sure I know what 'fuggly' means...). Sometimes a mistress can be a bit high maintenance, but she gives you the ride of your life.
After yet another SES light (seems like a monthly occurrence), this time because I need to replace the cats, I took a test drive in a 550i. It had pretty decent power though it lacked the sound of the V8. The interior was not so great, large expanses of plastic, flimsy steering wheel, cheaper leather. Yes, the body is still fuggly. But the time involved in taking my car to the shop is getting to be too much for me to deal with.
Would I regret getting one?
Based on what you've said here, i'd say, yes, you will regret getting one. Doesn't sound like you particularly like the 550. Personally, i think if i were in the market, i'd regret not getting the M5 if i got the 550.
Mike
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Mike
91 M5 Alpine White II, Silver Gray 3/90 production
17x8/17x9 M system with PS2, 20mm touring roll bar; Ground Control Coilovers; EAT Chip, CD43; bmw/nardi blackline steering wheel, 3.8 Cam Gears
08 535i / 6 speed
Space Gray; Gray; Sport/Premium/Nav
00 M5 Ti Silver; Imola/black sportiv --Sold
Engine:
Supersprint Headers, Dinan CAI kit and MAFS, Throttle Bodies, Cams, Ported heads, Exhaust, Custom dinan software, Evosport Pullies, Dinan clutch and lightened flywheel; Ignition solutions plasma coils
Suspension:
Dinan Stage 3 with front and rear Strut Tower Braces, Beastpower Sway bar brackets, Dinan Wheels with 275/285 PilotSport, X5 Thrust arm bushings, Stoptech 355mm 4 piston front, 355mm 2 piston rear brake kit, Dinan 3.45 diff
Interior/Misc:
Eurodash, updated steering wheel, Bluetooth retrofit, Sirius Retrofit, hardwired V1, Widescreen Mk4 nav, M audio retrofit, Ice Link, BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade, bmw towbar
I think so. I came from a 545i/6 and haven't regretted it for a moment. If you're not fond of the E60's styling, I can't see parting with $60k+. Performance-wise, the 550i won't be giving up too much to your E39, but it's a less visceral experience.
Can you locate a nice, low mileage CPO 2003 M5?
__________________ 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG / Black / Black 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 / Silver / Black
Previously: 2001 BMW M5, 2004 Mercedes CLK55 AMG, 2004 BMW 545i, 2003 Infiniti FX35, 2001 BMW 330ci, 2000 Audi A6 2.7T, 1999 Mercedes CLK430, 1998 Audi A4 1.8T
Are you crazy? Let me repeat that again, are you crazy?... I understand that sometime the trial and tribulation of a M5 ownership can get you down but the 550i is not the solution from your own impression of it.
After yet another SES light (seems like a monthly occurrence), this time because I need to replace the cats, I took a test drive in a 550i. It had pretty decent power though it lacked the sound of the V8. The interior was not so great, large expanses of plastic, flimsy steering wheel, cheaper leather. Yes, the body is still fuggly. But the time involved in taking my car to the shop is getting to be too much for me to deal with.
Would I regret getting one?
Replace both cats? Not impossible, but pretty unlikely both went bad at once. Have you done modifications to your car? Symtoms for bad cats (other than SES light?). I would investigate further before spending my $$$ on new cats, and if it was my $$$, no way would I get the stock BMW cats. Call Evosport, they have race cats for about $250 each IIRC.
By your description, the E60 is not something you are going to enjoy. So you can try to get a good mechanic to sort your E39, trade in for a low mileage newer E39 under warranty, trade for something in the Bangle network you might like (E90?) or (flame suit on) look outside the Bangle network.
Regards,
Jerry
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'01 Black/caramel
Dinan Stage 3 suspension, SS jet coated headers, ESS SC kit, open brake ducts, Hamann front splitters, TEC cupholder, U.S.(Euro style) tilt/slide armrest, 6k HID fogs, 6k super white low beams, V1/Stealth1, dual head LI, 2.65 diff w/40% lockup/2x dynamic, compact spare, Euro trailer hitch, Mocal oil cooler, ACS type rear spoiler, Rogue custom SSK and tranny mounts, ST 355 BBK (fronts), BP sway bar brackets, Bluetooth retrofit
Thanks, based on the feedback I am convinced I need to hold steady through one more SES experience before bailing out of the M5. When the light is off it is the greatest car I've ever driven.
Yes fast4door, the 550 has a V8 but it doesn't have the same rumbly-grumbly sound as the M5.
The codes are DME 178 and 179. My independent said it was the cats, Peter Pan BMW confirmed and will replace under 8/80K emissions warranty (phew!).
As far as the mistress comment, Wilson, that's why I am 100% faithful in my marriage. Even if I was tempted by a mistress I can't afford the maintenance.
I understand that sometime the trial and tribulation of a M5 ownership can get you down but the 550i is not the solution from your own impression of it. 
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