Hello, thinking too buy

[njch412]

Hello, my name is Nate. Please read this entire post before posing a response.

1) I'm new to this forum, hope everyone had a good new year.

2) I'm interested in an e39 m5. Possibly a 2002 or 2003. They look to be an excellent buy for their price at this time.

I am formerly an Audi owner, a 2000 A6 2.7L twin turboed. I fell in love with german cars when I owned this car, but this fall I ran into a pole in a flash flood of rain. I dont own a car right now. I am a 17 yr old High School Senior. I am a 17 year old High school senior. I said that twice. Many who read this will develop preconceived notions about a 17 yr old who owned an A6 and now wants an M5. I do not come from extreme wealth, my mother is a nurse in Illinois with divorced parents.

A little background. I am going to be a cadet at The United States Military Academy. It is an all expense paid education in return for 5 yrs military service. My mother will not be paying 160,000 dollars a year for Harvard so she offered to buy me any car of my choice. I really like Audi and initially thought Audi RS4 but there where some complaints about Audi I have, mostly their styling, a little weak.

My reason for this post. I will need a car in 2009 at USMA. I will also need one for my job as an Officer in the U.S. Army. Do you members of this forum believe the M5 will be reliable as a 6-7 yr old car in 2009? Or, do you believe the new M5 will have lowered in price substantially from its price now? Also, what type of aftermarket parts are available for the M5 (basically, how can i take 4.9 0-60 to a flat 4 or high 3)?

[BahnBaum]

An M5 will be a very expensive car to maintain, especially out of warranty. If you're going to have the resources to cover those types of expenses while you're in school and then just getting started in your career, then go for it. If not, you may want to set your sights downstream a bit and get a newer, less exotic BMW to start out with.

JMO, and best of luck at the academy.

Alex

[Bruce]

The prices of M5s have come down a lot (so much so I bought one). Be prepared to pay and pay dearly for work on the car. The motor is only shared with the Z8s- low volume = more dollars. M actually means multiplication factor- parts that are unique to the M5 will not be priced sensically. OTOH, its an M5...need I say more?

There is NO WAY you are going to get an M5 to low 4 0-60 times (which brings us to the point that a BMW is not a drag car, much less the M5- which is a high speed luxocruiser) without spending serious dollars on a supercharger (the Dinan S3 package costs around $70k plus the cost of the car). The are other SC systems out there none for less than $20k. No free HP like there are on the turbo Audis.

That being said....the M5 is too much car for most people, much lesss a 17 year.

Also- you WILL be treated differently driving a BMW especially an M5. You really should go more low key and fit in. Seriously.

[Arkady]

You need to seriously consider if you are able to afford the maintenance and not just the price of the initial purchase.

I'll give you an example:
Last week my car went in for service.
1. Right and left valve cover gaskets replaced (common issue) - $600
2. Rear differential axle seals replaced (common issue) - $300
3. Power steering hoses replaced (common issue) - $250
4. Power steering pump failed - $500
5. Passenger side rear ball joint replaced - $200
Total - $1850

Now, is this the type of bill you will be able to afford while you are in the academy?

What I would say is why not take the $40k you would be spending on a car and put it in the bank. Buy yourself a dependable, cheap car. Then, when you graduate from the academy you will have more cash to spend on a car (from interest earned) and an actual income to afford the maintenance part.

Anyway, good luck with your studies.

[njch412]

Thanks for the input. As spoiled as it may sound this car is an award for being a good kid. I never partied or drank in high school, got good grades and made good decisions. Since my mom is going to be getting a freebie on the college she wants to be me something nice. She was going to suprise me with a vette, but my grandpa warned her against that.

How is the interior space in the m5?

I'm 6'4" with seriously long legs and I weigh about 250.

BTW, how much will the new M5 depreciate in 4 years?

[fast4door]

The car is expensive to maintain , and it's a high strung hotrod so gramps should have warned her against this car also.:yikes: As far as room goes there's plenty and very comfortable.You really should save the money though and buy something modest till your done with school..:thumbup:

[IanBMW]

Honestly I say get a M5. Hell that's pretty low key, most people think it's just a expensive bimmer. Think about it, he's going to be going to harvard.......how many people are going to think he's a rich @$$hole.......lmao. By the way congrats to you for getting in there in the first place. I will say, don't worry about depreciation; yes maintenance will be high, but same for most cars you've been looking at. You will fit fine, I"m 6ft 2in and if all the way back I cant press the gas all the way down.

[njch412]

The car is expensive to maintain , and it's a high strung hotrod so gramps should have warned her against this car also.:yikes: As far as room goes there's plenty and very comfortable.You really should save the money though and buy something modest till your done with school..:thumbup:

I'll be done with school when I get the car. Maybe Ill be in grad school.


Well, I did some research, I really want to know how much the new rs6 is going to cost as well as how much the e60 m5 will cost 4 yrs down the line.

[Leonhard]

show foto

[njch412]

5.2 Litre Twin turbocharged v-10 520 +bhp with a 40:60 front to rear torque split

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/article_images/AudiRS6scoop_1_560px.jpg
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/article_images/AudiRS6scoop_2_560px.jpg
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/article_images/AudiRS6scoop_3_560px.jpg

[chief3]

Nate,

Heres an option for you...save the cash and buy a 540i or an audi. Your time at the academy isnt gonna be full of driving around and having a good time - i know. where you make up the difference is asking to be assigned to ANYWHERE in germany, italy, england, or korea and then you take advantage of the military program. you can get a new M5 for less than stateside and not pay taxes on the car! When you bring it back to the states it will be considered a used car and you will pay used taxes for stateside plates. I would focus more time on being a plebe and getting a free education...worry about impressing the chicks and fellow classmates later....I've done 15 years in the army and working on my last 5....your not missing a damn thing by skipping over the impressions and chicks while in training.

my wife gave me this option. were heading back to germany later this year. i'll pick up the next generation 550i or M5 and be the old man with the nice car....expenses wont be an issue as I will be able to afford repairs/maint. with my retirement check - and the fat contractor job/govt job....

just an experienced veterans point of view...

[njch412]

Nate,

Heres an option for you...save the cash and buy a 540i or an audi. Your time at the academy isnt gonna be full of driving around and having a good time - i know. where you make up the difference is asking to be assigned to ANYWHERE in germany, italy, england, or korea and then you take advantage of the military program. you can get a new M5 for less than stateside and not pay taxes on the car! When you bring it back to the states it will be considered a used car and you will pay used taxes for stateside plates. I would focus more time on being a plebe and getting a free education...worry about impressing the chicks and fellow classmates later....I've done 15 years in the army and working on my last 5....your not missing a damn thing by skipping over the impressions and chicks while in training.

my wife gave me this option. were heading back to germany later this year. i'll pick up the next generation 550i or M5 and be the old man with the nice car....expenses wont be an issue as I will be able to afford repairs/maint. with my retirement check - and the fat contractor job/govt job....

just an experienced veterans point of view...



thanks for the input chief, along with everyone else. I really appreciate the input.

[fast4door]

Nate,

Heres an option for you...save the cash and buy a 540i or an audi. Your time at the academy isnt gonna be full of driving around and having a good time - i know. where you make up the difference is asking to be assigned to ANYWHERE in germany, italy, england, or korea and then you take advantage of the military program. you can get a new M5 for less than stateside and not pay taxes on the car! When you bring it back to the states it will be considered a used car and you will pay used taxes for stateside plates. I would focus more time on being a plebe and getting a free education...worry about impressing the chicks and fellow classmates later....I've done 15 years in the army and working on my last 5....your not missing a damn thing by skipping over the impressions and chicks while in training.

my wife gave me this option. were heading back to germany later this year. i'll pick up the next generation 550i or M5 and be the old man with the nice car....expenses wont be an issue as I will be able to afford repairs/maint. with my retirement check - and the fat contractor job/govt job....

just an experienced veterans point of view...
Well said and great advice..:thumbup:

[Bruce]

5.2 Litre Twin turbocharged v-10 520 +bhp with a 40:60 front to rear torque split

They need two turbos to get 520 hp out of 5.2 liters? That is pretty weak. Either they want more torque or less stressed components. And it is not very attractive to boot (no Audi is).

[njch412]

They need two turbos to get 520 hp out of 5.2 liters? That is pretty weak. Either they want more torque or less stressed components. And it is not very attractive to boot (no Audi is).

Well, they dont have a release date yet and rght now I think they are just testing the run out. Id expect it to have more chrome finish like the rs4. And it will be available in sedan as well as avant hatch style.

Maybe they will have one of these in Germany for sale.

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/8-2008-audi-r8.jpg

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/27/audi-r8-2007-2008/

[Bruce]

Actually, yeah, the Le Mans concept- whatever they turn out calling onthe street) is a good looking Audi- too bad it is out of my price range.

[chief3]

oh yeah....if you are in europe somewhere with a new M5, you can at least push it to its limits in some areas without landing your butt in jail! then when you return to the states, you should have the speed bug out of you....well, maybe...it isnt out of me yet...that's why i'm going back!

[mark_m5]

Hi Nate! Welcome to the 'fest.

I have a 2002 M5, and my wife has a 2005 Audi Allroad 2.7 Twin Turbo (automatic); so I can tell you how they stack up.

First off, I LOVE the M5:thumbup: . It has power like a 'Vette, and tons of room. I haven't had any problems with it either. I can tell you, it's in a league beyond the Audi. As for comparing it to the RS4, I think the BMW is still a better car, but that's a much closer comparison.

2nd, it's not the maintenance hog some people think it is.


Last week my car went in for service.
1. Right and left valve cover gaskets replaced (common issue) - $600
2. Rear differential axle seals replaced (common issue) - $300
3. Power steering hoses replaced (common issue) - $250
4. Power steering pump failed - $500
5. Passenger side rear ball joint replaced - $200
Total - $1850


Arkady's prices here sound like dealer (or as I like to call them, $tealer) prices. I've never heard of rear axle seal issues. In my previous car, a '99 540i 6-speed, the $tealer said I needed pwr steering hoses and valve cover gaskets. I went to a good independent (aka "indy") mechanic, and he said the hoses were fine - he fixed the leak with new hose clamps (~ $5), charged half for labor on gaskets, and he even cleaned the engine compartment for free.

3rd, I'm "blown away" by how mature you sound for 17. Thank your mom for raising a great kid! I thought about going into the military, but I learned in Junior ROTC that I had issues with taking orders.:D Normally, I wouldn't recommend an M car for a newer driver, but since you're a veteran of a crash already, and sound more rational than the typical teenager, maybe it's OK.

4th, If you're planning on buying an M5 now and garaging it for 2 years, then it'll depreciate while it's sitting there; but you'll have a lower mileage car than one than you'd buy in 2009. So, buying the car in 2009 will cost less, but you'll get a car with more miles on it.

5th, as for the E60 (newer Bangle design), I'm not a fan. It gets really bad gas mileage, and even though it has 100hp more than the E39, it's not that much faster; and you have 3 supercharger options (soon possibly 4) for the E39 that'll bump up the output to 630hp, 670hp, or higher. Acceleration #'s are hard to come by, but they're SCARY fast. I rode in one. Trust me, it's amazing.

Check out www.m5board.com (http://www.m5board.com) for more on the M5 experience.

[brownduck]

Nate,
Just as an FYI: It sounds "spoiled" and IS "spoiled" to be bought an M5 just for graduating from high school. There are a lot of bright kids, that make good decisions -- that also have to pay for their own transportation when they get to college. Also, there are 1000s of bright kids, that are also good kids that don't even have cars as a freshman. So, if you think you're going to roll up to the acedemy with an M5 and not get the "rich kid treatment" I think you might be mistaken. The M5 garners A LOT of attention, more than I ever expected -- even more than my 911 Cabriolet.

My intention is not to belittle your accomplishment, but just to add some reality to your predicament. I would think hard about buying an M5 at your stage. I say... invest the 40k, and bang around in a bomb for a few hungry years. Besides, any girl that is interested in you just because you have a nice car, is she really worth it? OK, scratch that last thought, it doesn't make sense.

[njch412]

Nate,
Just as an FYI: It sounds "spoiled" and IS "spoiled" to be bought an M5 just for graduating from high school. There are a lot of bright kids, that make good decisions -- that also have to pay for their own transportation when they get to college. Also, there are 1000s of bright kids, that are also good kids that don't even have cars as a freshman. So, if you think you're going to roll up to the acedemy with an M5 and not get the "rich kid treatment" I think you might be mistaken. The M5 garners A LOT of attention, more than I ever expected -- even more than my 911 Cabriolet.

My intention is not to belittle your accomplishment, but just to add some reality to your predicament. I would think hard about buying an M5 at your stage. I say... invest the 40k, and bang around in a bomb for a few hungry years. Besides, any girl that is interested in you just because you have a nice car, is she really worth it? OK, scratch that last thought, it doesn't make sense.



Edited by Mod...

RE READ ALL THE POSTS. When will I be getting the car, not my freshman year.

[R1butler]

Nate,

Congrats on your achievements. If I'm understanding you correctly, it sounds like you won't be getting your car until you are through with your undergrad studies (4 years from now). Certainly a mature decision, as voiced by others. I have a couple of thoughts:

1: It's difficult to speculate on the value of a vehicle in 4 years. Suffice it to say that the ones you're considering should be relatively affordable.

2: If the styling suits you, the E60 M5 would be a good option, especially if you can find one at a fair price as a CPO from a dealer. A warranty is a good thing (this comes from a guy who had a new engine installed at 24,00 miles of mostly conservative driving -- but that's another story).

3: Young, probably singly guy might not need 4 doors -- a 3 or 4 year old M6 might be a blast. Hmmmmm.......

4: The powerful M5 would be a reasonable first car. It's certainly much safer than the "powerful" first cars that many of us middle aged and older guys had. If I could survive my old Plymouth Roadrunner (440 cid /4 spd), I'm sure you'll do fine. Besides, you sound much more responsible than I was.;)

Best of luck to you!

Pete

[wwb4]

Well, they dont have a release date yet and rght now I think they are just testing the run out. Id expect it to have more chrome finish like the rs4. And it will be available in sedan as well as avant hatch style.

Maybe they will have one of these in Germany for sale.

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/8-2008-audi-r8.jpg

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/27/audi-r8-2007-2008/

That's not a bad looking Audi if I do say so myself.

[njch412]

yeah, Audi change in design is coming, but its slow. They are feeding design cues slowly throughout their lines (big grill made its way from a4-a6-a8.

I must say I do like the new TT more than the Nissan 350z. And I really like the bmw coupe. Its like a hit of heroine into the eyeball.

[van556]

Nate,
If you're still tracking this, why not start with M3 that in its stock form?
Van