Poyan

I got a beast, e39. Thinking about switching up to the E60, Now my question is, is it really worth it other than the e60 being a newer and faster car?

*What year of the m5 e60 is the best model? does some year models have more or less faults than other?

*Personally I'm thinking to get a 2005 M6 because its cheaper but if for instance the 2006 is much better i'll of course reconsider.

*IF we get into a m5 e39 vs m5 e60 argument, can you tell me the pro's and cons of both models? I just had my vanos and airmass meters fixed so im really curious about a change of model

thanks!

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Looking to buy Kelleners Sport Silencers for the E39 M5. Message or E-mail me if you're selling!

Black M5

There is no doubt that you are running higher risk of something going wrong with the older models so i would look into a 2007 or 2006 at the worst.

Pro and cons

Pro - e39 M5.

instant torque which is pretty much available throughout its power band.

still looks good.

Available in manual.

Cons.

Quiet a few cars had problems with their vanos.

Drop in performance in hot weather.

difficult to launch. You have to be a pro with loads of practice to get it to run 13.2@108 at the 1/4 mile.

Pro- E60 M5

Is the last M sedan from Germany

SMG means supershifting and not humanly possible to match!

0% error in shifting or downshifting.. Revs are always matched

launch control means you can launch it perfectly 100% of the time unless you have bad tires.

Power keeps building all the way to redline.

Handles and brakes better than the e39 M5.

Pretty cool when you say you own a V10 sedan.

Cons

Bad on fuel consumption.

lacks torque at low rpm so you have to keep downshifting to get it to roar.

The clutch will get worn out if you use launch control 10 times in European models. (American models launch at lower rpms which makes the clutch last longer).

Only available in SMG unless you live in the USA.

Would need to put your hand over your heart if anything goes wrong with the gearbox.

ummm lastly, will get bugged with the new superboy on the market.. the CTS-V.. Its soo annoying and the arguments are thats its the best just because its faster.. like duhh...

Im sure i have forgotten some points and i hope others can help me out here... Its already midnight and im feeling sleepy

Poyan

thanks mate
there were some good points there...hopefully people come up with some more.
What is more faulty on the older m5 e60's than for instance a 2007 ?

__________________
Looking to buy Kelleners Sport Silencers for the E39 M5. Message or E-mail me if you're selling!

AFC1

If you are looking at an E60 M5, I think Black M5 is right when saying the 2007 are the way to go in terms of reliability at decent prices. If the 2007 model pricing is a bit out of your reach, I'd suggest an 06 model, maybe from May 06 or later. This way you pay less money and get a car which is likely pretty reliable. The 05s and early 06s tend to have SMG issues.

Regarding pros and cons, I think Black M5 handled that question quite well. The only thing I'd add is just to go out and test drive one. Of course our advice should help you out, but you need a thorough test drive to make sure the E60 M5 is for you. One thing I'd suggest is drive it TWICE if you do not like the SMG. I couldn't stand it the first time I drove it, then I drove one again and it absolutely loved it

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






afc1

m5_kid54

I agree with the above posters, getting a 2005 or early 2006 is a bit risky at this point especially since they would also be out of the 3 year manufacturers warranty. Coming from an owner who did this same switch from e39 to e60 m5 i can tell it is absolutely worth it. The e60 looks newer and fresher while the e39 is starting to look a bit dated in my opinion, the e60 also handles and brakes a lot better than the old m5, it hides its weight really well and feels like a big go-kart. Of course the e60 also blows the e39 away on the straights aswell.

The one thing i will miss about the e39 however was that interior. To me it just felt a lot more expensive and that more quality materials had gone into making it up. The e60 feels a tad cheaper inside it must be said, at least for 2007 models and below.

If i were you i would test drive one first obviously and see how you like it, you never know you might absolutely hate it, or you mind end up buying one. Good luck

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2007 Interlagos Blue M5/Black Interior
Tubi Style Exhaust
RPI Scoops
BMC Air Filters
Block Off Plates

Black M5

The gearbox is the only worry really.

ur20v

I wouldn't worry to much about the getting a 2005 model, most will have had any issues sorted and if you get the BMW extended warranty all will be covered.

The main faults on the E60 are;

vanos hp line... theres a SIB for this so if it fails (normally noise vanos or a oil leak) this will be sorted there (it is a recall on 'effected' cars so is not warranty dependant)

SMG pump failure, the brushs in the motor burn out so a new pump unit is required (can get noisy and or fail which stops the gearbox shifting) Again there is a SIB so should be covered as part of the recall.

Clutch wears out approx @ 40000 miles if you can call it a 'fault'??! Its not bad for a 500 bhp car and much much better than any Ferrari or Lambo.

Battreys and alternators can give up with all the electrical systems demands.

These faults aren't that common but well published and lots of info on here.

Other than that they are pretty solid tubs. The main gearbox unit (pump aside) is very very strong and there have been very few failures even with the 5.7 strokers, nitros or supercharging upping the power massively!

Don't think they are bad on fuel BUT they do have a very short range depending on how you drive (230-300miles range)

I don't subsribe to the lack of torque in the lower rev range, the E60 will pull well and power up hills or past slower cars if you leave it in 7th gear at lower speeds but its such a big difference when you get the engine spinning near it 8250 rpm read line you'll think it was slow, plus the smg is keen and lightning fast to drop as many cogs as it can to get you in the power its no problem.

Stormster

Other than the fact it is faster?! I'm thinking you probably want a nice 530d if you're not bothered about it being faster! Isn;t that most of the point?!

I had an E39 M5 and my only regret was that I didn't get into an E60 M5 sooner! It WILL take some time getting used to over the simpliciity of the E39, but when you are used to all the wonderful and nytserious features you will never look back. I'm suprised any M5 owner would question going to the next M5 model...

Poyan

okay is there any difference between the 2005 m5 and the 2008 m5 for instance? in appearance ? for instance taillights and headlights, steering wheel and whatever. Just like the 99 M5 differs from the 2001 in headlights and steering wheel and gauges. Does the e60 as well?

__________________
Looking to buy Kelleners Sport Silencers for the E39 M5. Message or E-mail me if you're selling!

ur20v

Things changed in 2007,

The differences are small, the most noticable is the rear LCI led lights which is a easy and cheap upgrade, try ebay or try the person others on here have used for the V6 modules to make them work, he has a contact to get the lights as well.

The headlights aren't as noticable and are a much harder upgrade.

Interior wise early cars had a normal ignition key and later have a fob and a start button, and a Aux input for a IPOD (again upgradeable) apart from that theres not a lot!

Steering wheel, seats, trim and instruments are all identical

It comes down to cash at the end of the day!

Jay