Which BMW M car?

[BNA/LION]

sorry I can't help as I've only owned an M6. I knew a business associate who had an M5 E39 and he loved it but no idea on the shop costs etc.

Good Luck!

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

I would do preventative rod bearings if I went E90. As for best daily, every time a clean ZHP comes up it really tempts me.

Agreed, my buddy just got an Imola >60k on the clock great machine. Just to put it into perspective for the purposes of the OP. His other car is a F80Comp 6MT. Look what he chose to compliment it with, a ZHP!

OP get a E46 or E39 don't think twice!

[V25V]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Of the 3 that you listed, the E39 M5... BY FAR.

Agree. E39 M5 is a beast, love them and that is a rock solid V8 in there. That said, I would add E46 M3 as others have suggested to your list and do that, but I'm biased.


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[Fencer]

With early E46 one needs to make sure it went through the recall. Strangely, not all cars of the early vintage qualified for it - some, company said, were fine. I don't know whether they were indeed "fine", I would check the serial number.

Great car, no questions there, but some issues with older ones, specifically the rear subchassis cracks - a $7-10K repair, and VANOS.

Solid cars, tons of fun to drive, and if in good shape, might even appreciate. I still regret not buying one from the insurance company, when they totaled it. I think it was an easy $5 repair.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by Fencer

With early E46 one needs to make sure it went through the recall. Strangely, not all cars of the early vintage qualified for it - some, company said, were fine. I don't know whether they were indeed "fine", I would check the serial number.



Great car, no questions there, but some issues with older ones, specifically the rear subchassis cracks - a $7-10K repair, and VANOS.



Solid cars, tons of fun to drive, and if in good shape, might even appreciate. I still regret not buying one from the insurance company, when they totaled it. I think it was an easy $5 repair.

Agreed, subframe and vanos are known issues but not overly expensive to repair and something you can inspect pre-purchase to be on the lookout for. I have owned mine since 2005, no issues on either 92K miles with dozens of track days. Well prepared and well taken care of, they will hold their own.

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by V25V

Agreed, subframe and vanos are known issues but not overly expensive to repair and something you can inspect pre-purchase to be on the lookout for. I have owned mine since 2005, no issues on either 92K miles with dozens of track days. Well prepared and well taken care of, they will hold their own.

There she is

[4vCoupe]

Found a clean Alpine 6mt coupe E46. Has 79k miles and recent subframe repair. Seller ask 20k. Seem like a good deal? E46 prices are all over the map.



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[np2016]

The E46 chassis and inline 6 is bullet proof even in the M3. I currently have a 2015 M4 and had a 2004 330ci.

[CamSLC]

From your list, the e39 M5 is miles ahead of the other two. From my perspective I would get a e46 M3 like others have mentioned. One of the future classics that won't be a maintenance nightmare. No clue what a good deal is for one.

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

Found a clean Alpine 6mt coupe E46. Has 79k miles and recent subframe repair. Seller ask 20k. Seem like a good deal? E46 prices are all over the map.



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I would get a PPI. What suspension set up is he running? Loving the CH.

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

Found a clean Alpine 6mt coupe E46. Has 79k miles and recent subframe repair. Seller ask 20k. Seem like a good deal? E46 prices are all over the map.



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15-20 is fair - many ask more but don’t get it.

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by Ballzzz

15-20 is fair - many ask more but don’t get it.

For a run of the mill, your statement is accurate. Start throwing in Comp cars and they’re in the 30s.

[Ballzzz]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

For a run of the mill, your statement is accurate. Start throwing in Comp cars and they’re in the 30s.

It really really depends. A well maintained example 6mt coupe 50-100k miles should be in that range. A sub 50k mile comp one owner desirable color sure 25, I wouldn’t pay it but they trade there. I have seen examples sell for 50k plus within the last 12 months. I have also saw close to 10k with Smg/vert.

Regardless they are MUCH less than an equal example e39 and less to maintain.

[4vCoupe]

I’ve seen a few E39 M5s going for big money. EAG is one of the big dealers for clean low mileage M cars.

I was looking at a 50k mile M5 in lemans blue with caramel interior but I don’t want to pay $40k for a weekend car.


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[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

I’ve seen a few E39 M5s going for big money. EAG is one of the big dealers for clean low mileage M cars.

I was looking at a 50k mile M5 in lemans blue with caramel interior but I don’t want to pay $40k for a weekend car.


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You won’t lose money on it as long as you buy right. It’s a decent toy to park money in. EAG is a rip off though. Better off being patient.

[Fencer]

Originally Posted by V25V

Agreed, subframe and vanos are known issues but not overly expensive to repair and something you can inspect pre-purchase to be on the lookout for. I have owned mine since 2005, no issues on either 92K miles with dozens of track days. Well prepared and well taken care of, they will hold their own.

Full agreement here, love that model!

[V25V]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

For a run of the mill, your statement is accurate. Start throwing in Comp cars and they’re in the 30s.

Mine is a ZCP, 90K miles, CB/Cinn. TCK suspension, GC sways, Milltek Sec 2/muffler and APEX 18x10 wheels all around. If someone offered me 30K today for mine, I would probably let it go. That seems high, I would expect 25K for mine but doubt I would sell it for that. For some reason that extra 5K would push me over the ledge..... dunno why.

[Fencer]

. Oops, a double.

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by V25V

If someone offered me 30K today for mine, I would probably let it go. That seems high, I would expect 25K for mine but doubt I would sell it for that. For some reason that extra 5K would push me over the ledge..... dunno why.

I know it seems high and there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason other than ownership history. Here are a couple of ZCP I have watched over the course of 2019. In addition to these two, there are several non-ZCP cars that have gone for big money simply for clean history, 60kish miles. Even some with clean mods.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-34/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-bmw-m3-coupe-23/

[V25V]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

I know it seems high and there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason other than ownership history. Here are a couple of ZCP I have watched over the course of 2019. In addition to these two, there are several non-ZCP cars that have gone for big money simply for clean history, 60kish miles. Even some with clean mods.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-bmw-m3-34/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-bmw-m3-coupe-23/

Thats insane. I do not think I could bring myself to list my car though, it would need to be a spur of the moment type thing. If it hits a point where these are regularly going for that sort of coin, I may consider it. I guess it is inevitable, the E36's did it.

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by V25V

Thats insane. I do not think I could bring myself to list my car though, it would need to be a spur of the moment type thing. If it hits a point where these are regularly going for that sort of coin, I may consider it. I guess it is inevitable, the E36's did it.

I feel it is inevitable as well. The trend continues to work its way down with each generation. That is why I think the E90 is the perfect car to get into, enjoy for a bit, and then get out of with relatively no financial pain.

It'll be interesting to see how the F80s do. I feel like the N/A M cars will hold much better.

[Callmeaidis]

Originally Posted by 4vCoupe

I’ve decided that i want a fun weekend car. Want to get some opinions from TRF. I narrowed down my choice to a BMW M car from the late 90s early 00s.

Here are my choices

1. E36 M3 coupe.
2. Z3 M coupe.
3. E39 M5.

I know these cars are very different from each other but any previous or current M owners want to share options?


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E39 M5, there is no other choice.

[ckaynyc]

Speak of the devil a 70k mile Interlagos Blue ZCP listed.

Here you go OP:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...3-zcp-6-speed/

[V25V]

Originally Posted by ckaynyc

I feel it is inevitable as well. The trend continues to work its way down with each generation. That is why I think the E90 is the perfect car to get into, enjoy for a bit, and then get out of with relatively no financial pain.



It'll be interesting to see how the F80s do. I feel like the N/A M cars will hold much better.

We have an F80 as well, 2015, 42k miles now. Zero issues but the known brake dust shield issue in the back, which was taken care of. It's a good car, does everything well and is fast, have been on track with it a few times. That said, it's lifeless. Just doesn't speak to me but it's got 4 doors, wife just puts it in D and goes. Two car seats in the back and nice trunk for groceries. It's a good car but I would be shocked if it became a collectible one day. Who knows, kids these days love engine sounds piped in from the speakers. Or no sounds at all....


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[Ballzzz]

So OP what are you thinking?

[Flex368]

S54 M Coupe.

Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[FLGatorM5]

Originally Posted by Flex368

S54 M Coupe.



Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

Rare bird. Nice!

[V25V]

Originally Posted by Flex368

S54 M Coupe.

Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

Love those cars!

[ckaynyc]

Originally Posted by Flex368

S54 M Coupe.

Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

The clownshoes are great! You have the right motor

[M45]

I had a snot green E46, so I'll recommend that.

I have to say it HATED being left outside and running while cold.