M5 V. 540

I have been looking now for over a month at both manual 2001 540's and 2000 M5's. I was happy with the 540 but wanted to drive an M5. While I would like be "smart" and take the cheaper 540 I do not want to miss the opportunity to get an M5. I would appreciate hearing any insight anyone has on either car as it applies to overall satisfaction.

p.s. I had seen several comments on not getting a 2000 M5 but waiting for a 2001....any specific information relating to this would be helpful

Check out the m5board message board E39 section , and do a search there. These topics (540i vs M5 and 2000 vs 2001) have been thoroughly discussed there. In short...get the 2001 M5.

thanks for the insight .....might have to wait a year but think it might be worth the wait for a 2001 M5.

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Check out the m5board message board E39 section , and do a search there. These topics (540i vs M5 and 2000 vs 2001) have been thoroughly discussed there. In short...get the 2001 M5.

Definately go for the M5, or you'll wish you had everytime you see (or read about) one. I would get a 2001+ if able but if not, a low mileage well kept 2000 is still a great car.

I agree with the above rec regrading m5board.com.

Good luck!

Thanks for the reply regarding the M5. I test drove another last night and am still hooked. One thing I noticed (it was a 2000 M5 with 70k from carmax) was that the transmission/clutch seemed a bit sticky. I think I will wait to find a good 2001 as has been suggested even if I have to save some more pennies. Thanks again