Looking for change

I own a 2011 535i 6 speed and have been disappointed with car performance wise. I bought car in May cpo with 12 k on odometer now has 17k. I know someone selling a 2006 m5 with 20 k miles fully loaded for 38 k. I'm really contemplating getting rid of car and buying the m5. Car is not daily driver. Thoughts ? I would be looking at a 550 but really don't want to lay out an extra 10 k .

We have a 550 and it is pleasure to drive. I only test drove the 535 a couple times before we decided on the 550. I can't recall how the 535 drove but the 550 does have much more power so acceleration is that much more effortless. Granted, the 535 is pretty powerful with 300 horses. The 550 gives it that extra kick. If you haven't, I would go and test drive a 550 to compare for yourself. Every individual has a different perception of what they like.

If the car is not a daily driver, you might as well bite the bullet and get an "M". Although an "M" can easily be a daily driver too.

There are things you can add to the car to give it more power and I'd recommend you try this out before biting the bullet on getting a new car. From the factory all of these BMW's come very detuned, and far from its full potential. I'd recommend that you get a tune for your car to give it that extra kick.

The BMS N55 stage 2 JB4 tune is one of the best performance mods you can add to the car. You'll see gains of up to 60hp to the wheels (80hp crank) on a completely stock car or up to 100hp to the wheels (120hp crank) on a fully modified car!

The BMS Stage 2 Tuner for the N55 is a piggy back system, which means it is untraceable by scan tools, so no need to stress about the BMS N55 Stage 2 Tuner voiding your warranty. The BMS N55 Stage 2 Tuner is simple, it plugs into the vehicle's computer and controls the amount of boost. Not only giving you unheard of horsepower and torque gains but also better throttle response and an overall better sports car feel!

I am not a fan of the E60's body style and you would be getting a car that is 5 years older if you were to pick up that m5. But since the mileage is not that much different, it really confess down to looks. The F10 is the best looking car in it's class IMO. I would suggest going the BMS tuning route or picking up a 550.

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Originally Posted by Ptoscano75

I own a 2011 535i 6 speed and have been disappointed with car performance wise. I bought car in May cpo with 12 k on odometer now has 17k. I know someone selling a 2006 m5 with 20 k miles fully loaded for 38 k. I'm really contemplating getting rid of car and buying the m5. Car is not daily driver. Thoughts ? I would be looking at a 550 but really don't want to lay out an extra 10 k .

I too was underwhelmed by my 2011 535i 6MT when I got it new a year ago. I felt it was signficantly slower than the 08 535i 6MT it replaced. However, I currently have 26k miles on my 11 535i and have noticed that the engine has become much quicker as it breaks in. The fuel economy has increased significantly as well. It took until 22-23k miles before my car started to feel the way it should have felt off the lot. It is not fast, but it now feels adequate. You might want to put a few more miles on your car and see if you are more happy with it at 25k miles. The difference in my car's speed between new and 26k miles is tremendous.

I can understand that the relatively low mileage on this M5 makes it rather tantillizing but, personally, I would shy away from any M-car that's out of warranty. Everything about these cars is expensive.

The E60 M5 is very, very special. A V10 derived from an F1 engine in a great handling chassi with four doors. I doubt we'll ever see such a sedan again. It's a classic and IMO can't be compared to run of the mill volume cars as the 535 and 550. That said, my personal stance is that I will not buy a car like this if I can't buy it new. I think a CPO E60 550 M-Sport would be a better choice in that price range.

Originally Posted by Leslierc

I can understand that the relatively low mileage on this M5 makes it rather tantillizing but, personally, I would shy away from any M-car that's out of warranty. Everything about these cars is expensive.

You might take that in consideration for any Porsche as well...
But, depreciation is so fierce on these cars, some costs after the first years for maintenance is peanuts compared to that.
But then, after a couple of years of ownership of the new car, there will be other tantillizing cars developed.....

Originally Posted by Sophisto

You might take that in consideration for any Porsche as well...
But, depreciation is so fierce on these cars, some costs after the first years for maintenance is peanuts compared to that.
But then, after a couple of years of ownership of the new car, there will be other tantillizing cars developed.....

I've got 4 years of manufacturer warranty remaining on my Porsche (5 years for the tires and wheels) and I bought it "used" with 1025 on the odometer. So, other than just taking a cheap shot what's your point? The OP was asking for thoughts abount an M5 and the fact is that a 2006, even with relatively low mileage, will get expensive...a $500 oil change is not "peanuts" to me.

Appreciate the feedback. Bottom line is I want added power and for me to get close to the 500hp of an m5 albeit 6 yrs old is still a intriguing move. The e60 m5 is a phenomenal car from a pure performance perspective and does not compare to s 535 or a 550 with out significant upgrades.

Originally Posted by Leslierc

I've got 4 years of manufacturer warranty remaining on my Porsche (5 years for the tires and wheels) and I bought it "used" with 1025 on the odometer. So, other than just taking a cheap shot what's your point? The OP was asking for thoughts abount an M5 and the fact is that a 2006, even with relatively low mileage, will get expensive...a $500 oil change is not "peanuts" to me.

Sure, but what do you think about 20k miles in 6 years?

You can also checkout an E60 535i. The N54 engine is extremely tunable. Here's a link to the Vishnu guys 627 rear wheel hp car. They state about $8k worth of tuning:
http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...35i-coupe.html

So 500 hp at the crank should be peanuts and way cheaper than that. I'm not a power junkie myself so I have no experience of these tunes. I'm a sporty handling junkie. 300 hp is enough for serious fun IMO. The need for more than that on the road means that you have too much weight to log around

Originally Posted by Sophisto

Sure, but what do you think about 20k miles in 6 years?

Like I said, I can understand why this car would be tempting...as I recall, I had about 17K on the odometer of my '08 M6 when I turned it in in '11 and the car was barely broken-in. For sure, this M5 sounds like a good find...depending on how it has been/was treated by the last owner. Of all the M-cars, I think the M5 is the most legendary and probably the one that Darth Vader would be driving. I also think that a lot of folks don't necessarily consider that the costs of owning an M...fuel, oil, tires, maintenance...can be exponentially more than other 3, 5, or 6 Series cars. No doubt, there's probably little difference in supporting an M compared to Porsche, Maserati, AM, or like cars. I think it is more a matter of going into the relationship eyes-open.

Well put. The m5 is a superb car

Originally Posted by Ptoscano75

Appreciate the feedback. Bottom line is I want added power and for me to get close to the 500hp of an m5 albeit 6 yrs old is still a intriguing move. The e60 m5 is a phenomenal car from a pure performance perspective and does not compare to s 535 or a 550 with out significant upgrades.

True, it comes down to needs.

I have had big horsepower in the past. Hated the MPG.

The 535 is an amazing car with 34+MPG highway.

Incredible power to MPG ratio. I don't think a 4 cylinder Camry would do much better.

Once you hit the V8 territory, real world you are in SUV range, 12MPG.

Everything is a trade off. I would rather have two cars each suited to the task at hand. 500 HP is worthless 99% of the time in CA traffic.

I think an important question is where will you really be able to utilize the 500hp?

Having a 7 year old car, with 7 year old technology, would make me run - not walk - away. I don't care if it's an M5.

Do you need the space of a 5-series? If you really want performance, ditch these heavy people haulers and look at a 911 or something that's a genuine blast to drive.

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

I think an important question is where will you really be able to utilize the 500hp?

Having a 7 year old car, with 7 year old technology, would make me run - not walk - away. I don't care if it's an M5.

Do you need the space of a 5-series? If you really want performance, ditch these heavy people haulers and look at a 911 or something that's a genuine blast to drive.

Good point, I think the most fun to drive bimmer is the 135 vert.

Adding more power and weight does not add fun thrills.

Allright lets add up.
We are now looking for a 911 with under 20 k miles, still under warranty, for $40.000

I want one of those too!

Originally Posted by chuck92116

Good point, I think the most fun to drive bimmer is the 135 vert.

I'm with you regarding the 135i convertible...light-weight, near perfect balance, 300HP inline 6 turbo...what's not to love!! As someone else here has said, and I agree, you'll hardly (if ever) use 500HP on the streets or the freeways.

Tx for all the replies, to answer some of the questions this car would be in addition to the 965 turbo I have in the garage. So no need for another go cart. This car has always been a favorite of mine. My current 535 just seems way to slow. In hindsight I kick myself in the a$$ for not going the 550 direction. I think I may go the jb direction and see if it somewhat pacifies me.

You have a car that you consider boring, and I understand why one might contemplate a move to a 550i. However, while the 550i is more engaging, it really is more of the same at a higher price. The M5, as others have stated, is a very special car that we will not see again. Cars get faster, slicker, and each year are packed with the newest gizmos, but that does not mean they speak to your desires.If you listen to your inner self - you already know the answer. Your heart is calling out to you, not your head. Assuming you can swing the maintenance on an M5, answer the call of your heart and drive passionately.

A couple of guys in our local BMWCCA chapter dumped their E60 M5s in the 50-60kmi range due to excessive amounts of metal in their oil analysis and discussions with SAs about their longevity.

Originally Posted by Capobranco

You have a car that you consider boring, and I understand why one might contemplate a move to a 550i. However, while the 550i is more engaging, it really is more of the same at a higher price. The M5, as others have stated, is a very special car that we will not see again. Cars get faster, slicker, and each year are packed with the newest gizmos, but that does not mean they speak to your desires.If you listen to your inner self - you already know the answer. Your heart is calling out to you, not your head. Assuming you can swing the maintenance on an M5, answer the call of your heart and drive passionately.

+1. one thing is for sure, you will never get an engine that audacious for the price again. anywhere. it's made of gold.

Originally Posted by highyo

+1. one thing is for sure, you will never get an engine that audacious for the price again. anywhere. it's made of gold.

Very true. It's an astonishing car and with 20k miles it's likely worth the risk. Heck, my M3 has 25k miles with pretty much an M5 engine with one V removed and it feels like it's getting better all the time. There's never been a hickup, it feels bullet proof. It is a 30k risk though but if you can drive it for three years it equals the depreciation of a new car so if it blows up after three years you can just sell it in pieces to someone who has a working one and wants spares The wheels alone should get you some money back, they make any E60 look great.

Originally Posted by solstice

..... There's never been a hickup, it feels bullet proof. ...

+1 My M has also been bulletproof - and surprisingly I have used only one quart of oil in 12,500 spirited miles. The only thing that might give me pause regarding the M5 is whether the car is equipped with an SMG transmission. If the car has a 6MT, I 'd be out driving my new M5.