[Obioban]

Originally Posted by neopolymath

What are the big, model-specific issues e39 M5s have similar to our vanos/rod bearings/subframe trifecta?

I just remember briefly reading about people worrying about rust, electrical gremlins, and that (seemingly) controversial carbon buildup.

I only briefly considered buying one years ago, but did not because I could not find one that was taken care of and around 100-120k for a decent price. I really liked the one I drove but it appears all of them are 150k for 18k type cars and I just can't get down with that.

There really aren't any-- it's a very reliable car. Perhaps the most reliable M car? (likely because of the way low HP/L, non real M engine).
-Replace the timing chain tensioner every ~100,000 miles. If you don't do this, you'll need to replace the guides later (PITA). The M5 doesn't run hot like the 540i, so its guides are fine if you keep the tensioner fresh(ish)
-the carbon buildup "issue" can be addressed by removing the secondary air pump and coding off the errors. This lets you pass emissions and forever fixes the issue
-if you really drive like a dick, add a gusset to the front diff mount.
-if you rev to redline frequently, at some point you'll have to do rod bearings. But... there's no real real to rev to redline, as power falls off after 6500rpm. Drive it the fastest way possible (not to redline), and the bearings go a long, long time (nearly 200,000 miles on mine, original, driven hard)
-if you're inept at stick, the clutch will suffer. If you're not, it lasts a long time (mine's original at nearly 200,000 miles).

Cooling system is one of BMW's most reliable efforts. ~150,000 mile replacement interval.

Like every car, replace all the bushings/bearings/ball joints every ~100,000 miles to keep it feeling new car tight.

Electronics are pretty much the same parts as the e46-- many are interchangeable with the e46. Reliable. They do get unhappy if your battery is weak. Replace (or charge) the battery, functionality restored.

It's a really, really good car. It's comfortable, easy, plenty fast, effortless, reliable, and solid. It's just not a driving experience like the e46M is.

[ameerskhan96]

Hopefully after I finish my E46 m3 I'll get a e39 m5. Might not be as nimble as an E46 but probably the most badass NA v8 bmw produced imho

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[EricSMG]

I would LOVE to have an E39 M5 as an every day M-car. It's probably perfection for that.

I just can't justify the price for a clean one and I'm tired of wrenching on cars.

[neopolymath]

Originally Posted by Obioban

There really aren't any-- it's a very reliable car. Perhaps the most reliable M car? (likely because of the way low HP/L, non real M engine).
-Replace the timing chain tensioner every ~100,000 miles. If you don't do this, you'll need to replace the guides later (PITA). The M5 doesn't run hot like the 540i, so its guides are fine if you keep the tensioner fresh(ish)
-the carbon buildup "issue" can be addressed by removing the secondary air pump and coding off the errors. This lets you pass emissions and forever fixes the issue
-if you really drive like a dick, add a gusset to the front diff mount.
-if you rev to redline frequently, at some point you'll have to do rod bearings. But... there's no real real to rev to redline, as power falls off after 6500rpm. Drive it the fastest way possible (not to redline), and the bearings go a long, long time (nearly 200,000 miles on mine, original, driven hard)
-if you're inept at stick, the clutch will suffer. If you're not, it lasts a long time (mine's original at nearly 200,000 miles).

Cooling system is one of BMW's most reliable efforts. ~150,000 mile replacement interval.

Like every car, replace all the bushings/bearings/ball joints every ~100,000 miles to keep it feeling new car tight.

Electronics are pretty much the same parts as the e46-- many are interchangeable with the e46. Reliable. They do get unhappy if your battery is weak. Replace (or charge) the battery, functionality restored.

It's a really, really good car. It's comfortable, easy, plenty fast, effortless, reliable, and solid. It's just not a driving experience like the e46M is.

Thanks for your input. I would honestly prefer that vehicle in a lot of ways. We will see how stubborn I am regarding car seats in a 2 door.

[Rich.7]

Originally Posted by Paulo M

Can’t be that hard to let go, considering it’s the one car out of 5 you gave up. Plenty of other e46’s to choose from in the future if you ever want to go back.

It's getting harder to find clean no history examples under 100k miles. Values are also going up with dealers that favor selling M3s very quickly buying up good examples.

[Smoove1]

Originally Posted by Obioban

M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3.

Not a second of hesitation. I'd sell all the other cars and the house before the M3, particularly in its current state

M5 is a really good "normal" car. The M3 is a 90s exotic in a practical body, with easy serviceability. That comes with some civility compromises, but I don't mind any of them in the slightest.

... That said, the M5 is my go to when driving people around, especially if they're older

I own both as well. I would keep my M5 over the M3 if I had to choose. It's a better all around car that can still be fun around a race track. Yeah, it'll eat the brakes, tires, and bushings but it'll still do most of the stuff or be completely sideways trying to do the stuff. The M3 (my M3) became a terrible car to drive everyday once I started modding it. I've been stealing the wife's Range Rover to tow it to the track. Maybe I'm just getting old. I've been strongly considering selling my M3 since it's only used for track days. It serves no other purpose and my one year old has no where to sit due to my "super cool" roll bar.

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by Smoove1

I own both as well. I would keep my M5 over the M3 if I had to choose. It's a better all around car that can still be fun around a race track. Yeah, it'll eat the brakes, tires, and bushings but it'll still do most of the stuff or be completely sideways trying to do the stuff. The M3 (my M3) became a terrible car to drive everyday once I started modding it. I've been stealing the wife's Range Rover to tow it to the track. Maybe I'm just getting old. I've been strongly considering selling my M3 since it's only used for track days. It serves no other purpose and my one year old has no where to sit due to my "super cool" roll bar.

I don’t know if it’s fair to hold your modding decisions against the car :P

[e46Dawg]

Originally Posted by BMWjunkie11

If he's posting a thread like this he'll regret it. Usually when you ask for advice you're second guessing yourself and looking for someone to say you're making the right decision. If he really didn't care and wouldn't regret it he would have just sold it.

Unless he started the same "Hard to let go of" threads on a Porsche, Mazda or Honda forum, this is probably the easiest for him to let go.

Originally Posted by Rich.7

It's getting harder to find clean no history examples under 100k miles. Values are also going up with dealers that favor selling M3s very quickly buying up good examples.

I have this car. 2004, Silver Grey with black leather, 93k miles, manual, no nav or parking sensors, clean history, pretty much stock (unless aftermarket was an actual improvement) and a binder of records. What's it worth? Feel like it's been maybe very high teens or low $20's for five years now. Haven't noticed any significant increase.

[Smoove1]

Originally Posted by Obioban

I don’t know if it’s fair to hold your modding decisions against the car :P

Yeah, I ruined it for street use. Fast track cars make terrible street cars and it goes around a track pretty good so...

[DJ///M3]

OP: E46 M3 AW/black cloth 6MT slicktop is a nice combo. Like others I own both e46 M3 and e39 M5 (Royal Red w/Caramel). If I had to choose it would be my M5. When get bored with my M3, & M5 I drive my X5M. From a practical approach the e39 M5 makes senses for your family. However your e46 M3 warrants careful consideration for potential upside in value down the road.

It's a tough decision. Both platforms are very good for their intended purpose. Do what is best for you and your family.