[speeder]

Thanks a lot. One difference that jumped right out with some quick research is that the E34 M5 got ~10mpg city, (according to EPA estimate at the time), while an E36 M3 gets almost double that according to owners' reports. That's a deal-killer for me in anything approaching a dd.

When you add fuel costs to regular maintenance costs on an aging M-car, it's easy to see why there are not a lot of them on the road being used as actual transportation. That's my litmus test for any vehicle, other than a track toy. How does it work as an actual transportation device?

ALL BMWs are prone to needing all of their suspension bushings replaced as well as other maintenance issues, I'd imagine that the parts are more expensive by leaps and bounds on the M5. It seems as though the E36 M3 is actually a decent everyday car and the availability and cost of parts is not bad, dealer or aftermarket.

Every few years, I want one of those E34 M5s and have to be reminded why no one seems to choose it as a driver. I do love them still...