Downsizing from X5 to M5? Thoughts?

I love my X5 but it may be time to hand her over to a new owner.

2004 X5 3.0i Sport
Black on Black
Every Option (Sport/Cold/Nav/Panoramic Roof/etc.)
88k miles
Paid $18k in 2010 - 72k miles

The reason?

I simply don't use it as an SUV enough and we got another dog. We have an 05 545i too so being able to use the SUV for hardware store trips and such is great but other than that and skiing I don't really have any need for an SUV. I work from home most days and when the dogs do need to travel (65lb GSD + 110lb GSD), the back trunk goes unused as they're awkwardly laying on the back seat. Our larger GSD has trouble getting into the back as it is so going to a sedan might save him some miles on his hind legs.

In short, the X5 is fantastic but we don't really need it anymore.

What I want:

I've had my eye on an E39/E60 M5 or E66 750i/760i over the past few years. The newer models are stunning and although having an M3 is tempting, I know myself well enough that I'd only get into trouble in that small of a rocket ship. I got 6 tickets in my 350Z in the 1st year before turning over the keys. Not to mention the pups as well obviously. An M5 appears to be the best of both worlds (size and speed) and I still love the old E39 lines. Nostalgic but awesome. We love our E60. It has every option including the rare HUD.

Any thoughts or recommendations here?

I'm shopping around and there are some great examples of M5s/7s worth taking a look at with the packages I'd want (Black Ext./Black Int./Sport)

My History:

1. 92 325i
2. 94 530i
3. 96 M3
4. 97 328i Convertible
5. 04 X5 3.0 Sport
6. 05 545i Sport

All thoughts are appreciated

M5 all the way BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..............or what I have been looking into is a Merc s55 WooooooooooooW both speed and lux. Check one out and post back

The newer models are stunning and although having an M3 is tempting, I know myself well enough that I'd only get into trouble in that small of a rocket ship.

I'm not quite sure I understand. The M3 is not that small. It weighs over 3700lbs. Secondly, the E60 M5 is faster than a E9X M3 and E39 M5 by a very significant margin.

Just don't expect the M5 to do as well off-road

saw this in my local CL.


2000 m5 with 64k for 16k. looks clean and crazy low miles

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3587808760.html

Swap an M5 engine in a 540iT. Lots of room in the back.
There is one for sale.

GSD=Giant spotted Dalmation??

Froma X5 3.0 liter I6 to ///M5 e39 v8 power it's a HUUUGE upsize.
You got the upsize/downsize very wrong my friend.

Originally Posted by Coochie_Bandit

GSD=Giant spotted Dalmation??

German Shepherd. Not sure why the D on the end but thats how they've always been abbreviated. Nothing against Dalmatians.

Originally Posted by Bandem

I'm not quite sure I understand. The M3 is not that small. It weighs over 3700lbs. Secondly, the E60 M5 is faster than a E9X M3 and E39 M5 by a very significant margin.

Anything smaller than a 5 series is small for 180 lbs of dog. There is no way they'd fit in the back and messing with two doors would be impossible. We have an E60 545i, I think my nostalgia for the E39 is winning over having two E60s, even if one is an M5.

Originally Posted by AnotherGeezer

Just don't expect the M5 to do as well off-road

I live in the city, this thing has been super babied. Spoiled even.

Originally Posted by Tommylaw9

saw this in my local CL.
2000 m5 with 64k for 16k. looks clean and crazy low miles
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3587808760.html

Thanks a ton for this, I'm calling him now!

Originally Posted by doru

Froma X5 3.0 liter I6 to ///M5 e39 v8 power it's a HUUUGE upsize.
You got the upsize/downsize very wrong my friend.

Size. Not speed.

Can't wait

Originally Posted by mylifeasapc

Anything smaller than a 5 series is small for 180 lbs of dog. There is no way they'd fit in the back and messing with two doors would be impossible. We have an E60 545i, I think my nostalgia for the E39 is winning over having two E60s, even if one is an M5.


Can't wait

I could be wrong, but if you get an M3 sedan, perhaps there is a fold-down seat option?

Originally Posted by Bandem

I could be wrong, but if you get an M3 sedan, perhaps there is a fold-down seat option?

I think there is but I'm still leaning more towards a 5 or 7 at this point.

My cousin has a 335i and it feels tiny compared to our 545i. I'm not sure if its really all that much bigger but sitting in the back seat it certainly felt like it

My 11 years old GSD cannot even get on sedan from the back door and I have to lift his rear legs to help him get on and once he is in, the back seat is too small and not comfortable for him to sit/lay down. You have two GSDs and the back seat of e39 is definitely not enough space for them. If I were you, I would keep the X5 and build a wood ramp for the dogs.

ive been kicking around the idea of switching to an x5. im tall so itd be easier to get in/out of + live out in the country or if i want to go camping to the snow. and i like hte idea of my dog riding in the back and not effing my up leather seats.