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Re: Buy a 535is or M5? (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ M5 (E28) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Neil Deshpande on January 06, 2002 at 14:41:29:

In Reply to: Buy a 535is or M5? posted by Mike on January 06, 2002 at 11:38:41:

Mike:

The M30 (535i motor) is one of the most reliable, easy to work on motors that BMW has ever made. The S38 (M5 motor) is at the other end. There is no doubt in my mind that the M5 will cost you a lot more. Why?

1. Expensive engine with a bunch of unique things that need replacement and cost more - mounts, hoses, etc.

2. Expensive tranny, if it goes and many do.

3. Expensive interior bits. Unique leather-covered stuff.

4. Expensive suspension. Load levelling stuff WILL go and cost a bomb to fix.

5. Expensive brakes. Try rebuilding M5 front calipers as compared to 535i fronts.

If you do the work yourself, the parts cost difference, while large percentage-wise, is really not much in absolute terms. I'd say go for the M5. If you farm our your maintenance, go for the 535i. Better a perfectly maintained 535i than an indifferently maintained M5.

Neil Deshpande
http://www.neilwerke.com

***


Will an M5 cost me that much more to maintain than an 535is? I'm just starting out here, so thanks in advance for your patience.

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