I'm sure this question has been asked before, but not by me. So, I'd like your opinions and recommendations regarding my query.
I lease a titanium/black 2003 M5 that I care for a great deal. I added Tubi cat back exhausts a couple years ago and I like that sound and look as well. It's a great car.
I've had no problems with the car, other than SES lights after spirited driving. And, that goes away after several on/off/on cycles and I couldn't care less about that. Some oil consumption (which I think is odd, altho usual). An emergency brake that won't hold the car. An "odd" smell with the AC.... no big deal.
I don't rightly know what my buy out is, but say it's under $50K (USDs). I have only 16,000 miles on the car because I have several other vehicles that I drive and work is only 7 miles away.
The new M5 really doesn't spin my top. I've tried to get used to it's appearance, but alas, it still does not make my gut churn like the E39. I wish Bangle woulda just 'evolved' the E39 like BMW did with the 3 series, but they did not. Sadly.
I've considered leasing a '07 M6, but it still looks less BMW and it's pretty pricey at 100+K. Altho, I can do the lease, I think it's over priced (JMHO).
And, I'm not enamored with SMG. Don't get me started. But, I will only drive a car that has a manual transmission. SMG will "nix" the entire deal. I need a car with a clutch.
Soooooooo..... lemme hear from you folks about my questions. Keep the E39 or move on. And, if so.... to what?
Thanx all.
BAGGER
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2003 Titanium Silver BEAST
Tubi Exhaust, otherwise stock
I love this car...!!
the question is, what would you replace the M5 with that can do all that it can do? There isn't much else out there, and the e63 amg is auto trans only...
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
This is like the lawyer's thing of always knowing the answer before you ask the question. You know what the majority will say on this board, so my hunch is that you are looking to validate that which you already know... that you wanna keep it!
Dave
I think this is an easy one. Keep it. Unless you love something else you will be disappointed if you let this one go.
Fix the parking brake that should be easy, and to get rid of the bad AC smell turn the AC off about 5 minutes before you turn the engine off. The smell is due to condensation which will evaporate if given a chance. I do this and have not had any smell at all.
Don't even look at the SES light, that is emission related.
So if your cars works well and you love it, esp with your low mileage, keep it.
I also agree that the only other car that you could consider with a manual transmission is the P car and it is only good for two passengers. You could prob get one of those, same year same mileage as yours for around 82 K. Not a bad buy if you are bored with your M.
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