Opinions (advice) desired - '03 M5 or '08 TL-S?

[nvr2mny]

Considering a small(er) sports sedan. Anyone have experience with the BMW M5 (2003) or the '08 Acura TL-S? I've "heard" the BMW's of that era had troublesome Vanos issues but really have no experience with them. We have owned a couple of the 7 series (80's 735iL and a 2008 750iL) but didn't own either one long enough to be out of warranty, but didn't have any problems with either one. Haven't owned a TL-S model, but had an '11 TL, nice car but kind of "tinny". Any advice appreciated.

[ParkerFE]

As the owner of three M5s, e34, e39 and e60 and an e36 M3, all used as 20k mile/year DDs, if low maintenance costs are a necessity, stay away all BMWs. While not a "sports sedan" per se, its hard to go wrong with a GTi. For the difference in what an out-of-warranty M5 could end up costing you over a 3-5 year period, you could buy a new GTi. In fact, I'm thinking of getting one myself.

[Starless]

I have a 2001 Acura CL-S.The only issue i've had is with the transmission, had to have it replaced at 135,000 miles. Although I believe that issue was taken care of after 2006 (?)If you get a manual, then no problem. I like the car, but not a fan of 260HP to the front wheels. Maybe look for one with SH-AWD.

[jhynesrockmtn]

My girlfriend has an 04 TL with 165,000 miles. She's never had any issues outside of normal maintenance. I had an 05 MDX, ran it up to 145,000 with no issues.

[aschen]

this is easy right? the m5 will be 23 times more expensive to own and 23 times more fun to drive. Im not even sure I am exagerating.

[Deschodt]

Funny.. GTI is also my canned answer for everyone now... It's just so capable, roomy, comfortable, and cheap without feeling cheap. Only issue with it is FWD, and FWD is not for everyone. I'd still have mine if it was RWD or AWD (but pricing on the R is silly). I ended up replacing it with an S4, love that thing (but won't be reliable post CPO).

M5 was on my bucket list, then I drove one. Had the same reaction I did with the revered E30 M3.

" Hmmm...." (i.e : appreciative but not convinced)

Yes, back in the day those must have been groundbreaking cars. Now, I'd rather get something else... The E39 electronics doodads, display, cooling system etc don't age well. The car is somewhat in limbo (not a classic easy to fix aircooled 911, not at quick a modern car, lots of stuff to go wrong). I'd get the GTI, or in the M5 vein, a CPO C63 AMG ;-)

[nvr2mny]

Well, I'm not surprised by the BMW comments, disappointed though. The GTi is no doubt an impressive car, but it just doesn't "do it" for me visually. Leaning towards the Acura BUT does anyone here have any experience with an later model Audi A8 (NOT the L model)? Like between 2010-2014? Thanks, so far....

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by aschen

this is easy right? the m5 will be 23 times more expensive to own and 23 times more fun to drive. Im not even sure I am exagerating.

Ditto on the expensive part. But I've driven several M5s and been really underwhelmed. They don't feel much more impressive than an E39 540i.

Regarding the A8, I know the late 2000s had air suspensions that can be problematic. Other than that they have tons of gizmos.

[aschen]

there is the e90 m3 sedan as well. Its probably more compelling than an e39 m5 right now. They are in the 35k range now I think.

Those cars are nice. The seats are great. The interior is simple. The handling is decent for a 4000lb car.

However, the engine is a slice of alright. Individual throttle body v8 and revs to almost 8k I believe. The sound is fantastic. The throttle response is amazing. The pull builds linearly in the entire rev range.

My dad has one of these and i got to say the v8 m3 engine is about as good as they come

[Nostril Cheese]

Why get an M5 when the 540i does everything nearly the same?

[nvr2mny]

Anybody know if the '03 540i has issues like the M5?

[onewhippedpuppy]

It has less issues, and the ones that it has are cheaper to fix because the parts don't say ///M on them. It's also by no means a super reliable car, just a more reliable car than the M5.

[Deschodt]

Friend of mine has a 540 and I almost bought it from him...(I had a 528 at the time). I wouldn't say it felt exactly like an M5 but it is a nice cruiser for sure. Blew the cooling system same as my car, lost some pixels on the display same as my car, had "modules" go bad same as my car. His then started ticking ominously... I didn't buy it in the end ;-)

The issue with all those cars is the "limbo" factor... Old classic cars -> late 80s (or so) tend to go up in value and are easy and cheap to fix. Or at least if not cheap, worth the fixing. Modern cars are super quick and full of conveniences and built disposable...

Those late 80s-90s car are in the middle limbo. Good deals to purchase but full of electronic doodads that are starting to go bad, cost a lot to replace, sometimes are impossible to get anymore, and value wise the only cheap thing about cars of that vintage is the purchasing. Maintenance is expensive, resale will suck. I'd avoid that era altogether if I were you unless the car has potential to become a classic. The M5 might make it, but that's if you plan on keeping it forever. As a driver, I'd get a something newer (or way older).

[aschen]

M engines are frequently the best thing about an m badged vehicle

540 seems like a cool car but having never driven either Im going to take a guess that the m5 engine is alot more engaging.

The intake set up certainly looks inspired

[greglepore]

The engine in my E39 was way more powerful but much less inspiring than the 6 in my E28M5.