For $4 million that is quite a few hunks of German steel. Well, average older Porsche cost (guesstimate - 22k) so that would be approximately 182 Porsches. If you include parking and insurance, then that cuts the number to about 25.

Yes, I thought of breaking down how many Porsches I'd own if I traded a $4 million Monet for them. Then I thought how ridiculous the thought was in general.

How about an s54 M coupe? 315hp, incredible chassis, and a hatch for lugging your stuff around.

thanks to everyone, great comments! this is not an if/or situation. I will have a 3.6 light early car and either a 540i or an M5. I also have an 04 benz wagon loaded all wheel drive (wife's car) so this new car will be my daily car for at least 5 years. I like to drive cars until 200k if I can. I am not afraid of some maint. work, or even top end engine work. Really just looking for the great opinions on this board. Thanks, James

p/s

right now I am thinking 2000/2001 M5 with about 25-35k on the clock.

Well, I bought my 540i new in the summer of 1994, and I still have it. maintenance has been acceptable, motor mounts, water pump, radiator, exhaust mount rubber, and a few brake replacements in about 70K miles.
I have NO desire for a more modern sedan, and very few of my friends realize it's age as well...

how does the a/c work down there in Austin???

It works just fine. I have never had a failure (knock on wood).

I think I remember reading that the mid 90's was when all the German companies finally started doing their A/C development here in the desert southwest.

my mother in el paso texas, (slightly cooler than hell) lost her AC in her benz. right when the warranty expired. i cant remember exactly, but it was higher than 5 grand to fix. it may be the first time i heard her say "*****". you dont want a german AC system to fail.

Can't decide either
 

One month it's the M5, the next it's another 911. Both are fine automobiles. I guess it says a lot about how well my existing SC handles and runs that I'm still very satisfied with it after 20+ years and don't see a huge fun factor increase unless I go with a Turbo. Both Porsche and BMW have classic looks and should hold their value well. One thing I'm looking at is that even though the M5 is around 3700 lbs, the 400 HP and huge brakes makes it a real beast. And at the current prices, you can pick up an 03 M5 for the same price as a 96 Turbo. I know the Turbo is faster but I wouldn't kick either to the curb. The Turbo is easily recognizable by the general public while most non enthusiasts don't even know what's underneath the M5's conservative exterior. In my case, the choice will come down to either an M5 or a normally aspirated 993. The 993 Turbo's too rich for my blood.

I'm partial to the LeMans Blue color. Here's one that was on ebay recently.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1120608394.jpg

I am thinking silver or that blue, gotta love it!

My partner got an '03 740iL when I got my G35. His has been in the shop for ALL KINDS OF THINGS! You name it, it's screwed up-I drive, brakes, sucks tires in less than 10K, trunk won't stay closed, interior started pulling itself out. This and the guy has a charmer personalitiy, but two different dealers have been rude to him becaused they are constantly getting hammered by irate customers.

Now, down at the Infiniti dealer, they coevered my first front brakes at 20K under warranty. I just took it in for the only defect I've had in 42K, the driver seat slides broke-made it a rocking chair. I told them I had a new rear end put on due tobeing rear-ended big-time, and they still fixed it under warranty ($1000 worth). That and Infiniti has fresh baked muffins when you go in the morning, BMW has generic donuts in plain brown boxes:rolleyes:

If you saw all the $hit he's gone thru, it would amaze you. In California, the lemon law would have saved him, I'm sure.

As a daily driver the 5 series is Great. Mine has tons of room and will eat up a large tract of land in a hurry. As far a reliability they are pretty solid but I will agree the cooling system tends to need a bit more maint. than most. I love my porsche but when its just the daily grind of traffic and running errands you can't beat the BMW. Now if I could just get it away from the wife I would be set. If you buy one get a Certified used one from a dealer. Yes you will pay approx. $2k more but you will get warranty up to 100K miles. Thats my opinion, take it for what it is. "Free"

so, 540i or M5?

I have a 540i with the auto. i drove the six speed but I knew that would just get me into trouble. The auto was a bit lazy until 4k until I put a EAT chip in it. Now it is somthing like 300HP and 335tq. It feels like more. With the auto trans it feels like a giant elecric motor jus pulling and pulling with no pause or drop in power. It is truly amazing from 30-120. It is super pleasant as a daily driver and the AC has kept up pretty good here in Phoenix. It was 107 at 10:30AM here today.

The M5 has 12:1 compression so you may need super duper unleaded. I think it needs like 93 and only 91 existis out here any more. My buddy who has a M5 keeps race gas for it. The 540 is 10:1 and can survive on pump 91.

As to which way an early 3.6 or a nice 5er? Depends on what you want. The 5er will be more pracitcal and easier to drive on a daily basis. But there is nothing like an early 911, especialy one with a big motor. But in this heat mine is parked until October, but I am drive the 540 every day.

The M5 is a great car performance-wise. Quicker than the early 996s and all the luxury you can want. They tend to eat the OEM shocks pretty early and do have some common electric problems - my car is on its 3rd instrument cluster - all replaced under BMW warranty. I would recommend buying one with an extended warranty to at least 100,000 miles.

It is difficult to compare the two as they are completely different beasts as many have pointed out. I have a 1981 SC with a 3.6 and it is exhilarating. I feel really in tune with the road and wind it out at every opportunity - it is brutally fast and feels like a souped up go cart on wheels. I also have a '00 540i 6 speed and it is comfortable, elegant, smooth, and requires no effort when driving. I alternate between the two but if I miss driving anything it is the 911. The 540i gets me where I need to go quickly, safely, and in comfort. The 911 gets me there quickly and is a blast to drive - but it has no a/c, ride is extremely firm, and I would not take my nine month old along with me. In a nutshell deciding between the two really depends on your needs.

Re: Can't decide either
 

Yeah - I am kinda partial to Lemans Blue myself;)

-Jeff

BMW's are great cars, with good performance and comfort. I have a 7 series that will beat my 911 to 50mph, while being nice and cool with the A/C on! But the 911 is more fun to drive, though not in 90 degree, high humidity heat. If I could only have one I would have the BMW, due to practicality while still providing good handling/driving qualities. Your 3.6 will be fun and fast, but if it doesn't have A/C will not be fun during the summer. If you can swing both that is the way to go. An 88 M5 is a great driver but finding a good one could be difficult due to limited production, and rebuilds on that engine are similar in cost to 911's.

I think he was looking at a 1998 M5. They would cost even more to rebuild, i am sure. Extended warranty time, buy from a BMW dealer only, or owner with transferrable warranty.

I think I have narrowed it down, sorry for any confusion, the 3.6 is already paid for and in the works. I need a daily car. I think the 2000-2003 M5 or a 2002-2004 540i with M sport package will be my choice.

I have heard you guys and will make sure that I get an extended warranty. Does anyone know of BMW offering more than 100k warranty?

I will stick to sub 35k cars.

thoughts?