BoostedE21

MODS: DONT MOVE THIS! I put it here for a reason.

Down to two cars, really. I’ve considered a ton of them - E34 M5, E46 M3, E55 AMG, 996 911, etc etc. What it comes down to is one of these two:

1) 1993 BMW 850Ci ACS

http://tomnlisa.homestead.com/CarPictures1.html (that exact car)
Sounds like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiupn9BTPBg


2) 2002 BMW M5

http://www.gt40se.com/bmwm5/bmwm51.jpg
Sounds like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmgqDURRmD4

Here’s my reasoning for them:


1) The 850 has a sweet history. BMW invested over a billion dollars into the 8 series, and I think it looks absolutely fantastic. That V12 can sound pretty cool, and it’s a really unique head turner. This particular car has a fully documented history, TONS of upgrades (dinan parts, M5 differential, AC Schnitzer bumpers, etc). The interior is pretty dated looking, but my focus would be on the road, so I don’t really need a bunch of features in there. Unfortunately this car’s an automatic, but Getrag is selling new-old-stock CSi 6 speed transmissions, and I could buy the car and convert it to a manual for about the same price as a M5. Cons: It’s older. The previous owner was **** about replacing every single part that wasn’t 100% tip top, but it’s still over 15 years old, and ball joints and stuff won’t be at their best. It’s also less powerful than the M5, on the scale of 50 hp and similar torque.

2) The E39 M5 is highly regarded as one of the best cars BMW has ever built. It’s fast as hell, sounds great, and quite modern. It’s very comfortable, but it’ll rip your ***** off if you let it. It’s also a pretty darn good track car. It’s practical with 4 doors, but I already have a 4 door car (very boring and slow, though) - so I don’t necessarily need that. Cons: very expensive to insure. It’s also very bland looking - it just fades in with all the other hondas and the million other 5 series on the road. It’s not really a thing of beauty like the 8. They’re typically driven pretty hard by their owners. I would pretty much leave it stock, but it does only come in a 6 speed, so I wouldn’t have to worry about a manual conversion.


Mileage is negligible, both cost about the same to own / buy. Let me know what you guys think!

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

Vote for the 850.

I've always loved the styling on the 8 series and it's a classic. It will stand out and be a very unique car and a head turner.

Also: V12.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

^ I'd have to agree fully with what he said. Saw one yesterday actually.

ArmyofOne

The 850, hands down. My favorite BMW of all time. And they can be had fairly cheap now.

lamar411

Saw a black one a few days ago, very rare and a headturner, go with the 850

97'ES

I have always loved the 850 as well, it an exotic for christs sake. Tough to find a csi. If its an auto though id have to give my nod to the M. Converting that 8 series would be a nightmare im sure.

BoostedE21

Actually, it's not too bad of a job. I enjoy that kind of stuff. And by the time I buy it, my friend will have his shop built, and I'll have access to a lift

Haitwun

That 8 series is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time. Get the 8 and keep us updated!

Slooooooow

iTrader: (1)

1993 BMW 850Ci ACS

DixonPai

iTrader: (3)

850i lol always dreamed of owning one ahah

intermec

8 it is

YES, the inside is dated but you know some day, it will be a classic. And now, it is a head turner

M5? only hard core Bimmer fans know how good that car is. For others, it's just another BMW

OceanView

Both cars are nice.
Have you thought about the maintenance costs on these cars?
I have owned BMW's in the past and vowed to never own one out of warranty.

BoostedE21

I have. I'm easily capable of doing the service myself, but they're way more reliable than people give them credit for. I mean, I don't expect a 400 hp M5 to be trouble free, but as long as you give it a work out now and then and don't just putter around town, it should be fine. Even the Vanos solenoids aren't really a big deal - and that's the biggest issue with E39s.

97'ES

Then by all means the 8 series!