Raron

Hey Folks,

I recognize these options seem all over the place and hits nearly all of the German brands but I'm shoping for a $15k-ish toy/daily driver (although I work from home) and of course it will be German ;-) Considering how rare all of these cars are I'm hoping to get objective feedback from each community and factor into the decision. For the record, I would get a 5spd 928.

For a little background I've owned several BMW's including Z3M Coupe and Roadster, Z4M Coupe, 740il, e36 325i etc. I have also owned several Porsche's including 993, 944 Turbo, 944S2 and 968. The only Mercedes were an ML430 and an R129 SL500.

928's have always intrigued me, they are rare, sound great and just have mega-pressence. Another 944 Turbo also tempts me but since I've already owned one I'm trying not to give in.

500E's are just cool. They represent are the epitome of build quality and the peak of Mercedes over-engineering being based off the legendary W124 with collaboration with Porsche. Understated quality, muscularity, rare etc.

I've been looking at E34 M5's and 540/6spds. I had not been shopping the E39 M5 and 540 because they seemed to a bit conservative compared to the E34. The E34's are great bang for the buck and look quite menacing dropped on some wheels. However, I've recently began considering E39 M5 which are monsters.

So here are my questions for all of you...

1) What is life like with your 928? What other cars you have owned as well?

2) Does the 928 satisfy your need for a toy as well or does it feel too refined, heavy, GT-ish? This next car will be my primary toy.

3) Is maintenance ridiculous to the point where its frustrating because something is always broken?

4) Have you ever driven an E39 M5 or E34 M5? How would you compare? compare?

Raron

Forgot to add... One thing that I've already grown to really appreciate is the awesome 928 community. Tons of knowledge and willingness to help. In fact, I just came from a meet here in Austin and drove 2 cars and rode in another!

dprantl

Been driving 928's for over 10 years and just love them. Maintenance is not bad if you keep up with it. But you need to work on it yourself or have a good 928 mechanic nearby that won't rip you off. It probably is no different for the other cars on your list. I have driven M5's and while they are nice, my wife's C32 AMG is so much more fun probably because it's a lot lighter. While I do like the 500E, if you are looking for fun, the C32 will fill that better.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

SteveG

There are owners in Austin and a 3rd coast shindig. I can't speak for them, but I bet you can hook up and drive one yourself. I could go on about the subtle and not so subtle differences between an '85 and GTS which are the only ones I can really talk about.

77tony

Had a 94 E-500 that was upgraded by RennTech Performance and they turned it into an E-600 screamer. Great car. Now have a 94 GTS and also a great car. I think the big question is if you want a two seater or four seater? The rear seats in a 928 are basically useless unless you have little ones. Just my 2 cents. T

Tom. M

I'd go for all three... Great choices

Ispeed

I have an e34 '95 540i/6. It is great, but I don't know if it would make a good hobby-car. It is pretty low drama. It is a hotted up street car, where the 928 is a softened up race car as far as how they are built.
The e34 M5's can be wicked expensive to own, I wouldn't do it personally.

E39 M5? It is too similar to my 540i/6 and 3 times the maintenance. Tempting, but I am already having a good time in the e34 for cheap $$$ and little to worry about. The 540 has suspension, and a nice exhaust that howls. 300 hp is enough to get in as much trouble as I can, and it will go as fast as I want on the highway.

You absolutely can't beat the 928 owners, you will have more friends than you can shake a stick at.

Raron

Thanks for the feedback! Yes I have driven the C32 and it does feel light - especially compared to a 500E. Perhaps a bit more engaging to drive but not as good of an overall ownership experience if that makes sense (not as special, doesn't have pressence etc).

Funny how I always keep coming back to the 928...

delisedesign

The 928 is an amazing GT that can second as a great everyday car.....the M5 is an amazing everyday car that can second as a great GT.....the e39 5 series is one of the most balanced platforms ever developed, and in terms of rigidity and smoothness of ride, it was decades ahead....you'll find that the 'lay of the land' inside the cars are actually a bit similar, the M5 obviously has more head room and a bit taller seating position, but the ergonomics (instrument cluster, steering wheel, gear lever position) are somewhat close....riding in the back of an M5 is comfortable, and a great experience, yet when youre driving the car, you often forget it has four doors. The M5 is faster in all ways, but it doesnt feel it...also, being a newer model, the e39 fit and finish feels much more modern, and a bit more fresh.

the 928 feels like its getting settled in the faster you travel, whereas the M5 always feels like its going 30 mph, regardless of actual speed. While the weight of the 928 does affect the performance, it gives you a confidence level similar to being in a mid size sedan. thats one of the things i like about it as an everyday car, even though its extremely low, you dont constantly feel like youre in a sports car. Ive also fit three adults in the 928 and everyone was relatively comfortable. You actually have more storage space as an M5 trunk in the 928 with the rear seats folded, and both cars do phenomenal on cross country travel. However, the 928 is noticeably more 'fragile' than an M5....in perfect working order, its a tank, and meant to be driven like one, but you still always get a small feeling like something could go wrong if not checked. ultimately, the 928 will give you a more connected, involved driving experince, being a porsche, it delivers a much more authentic thrill, and acts a bit different everytime you drive it...in a good way....the 928 has more character

if money were no object and i had to have just one, i would probably go with a well sorted e39 M5 with low miles over a similar 928, because you really are getting two cars- a very modern hi-tec sedan, and a purebreed steed... but, as a toy, the 928 delivers much more .....maintenance wise, neither are cheap, however while the 928 is more accessible as a DIY car, the M5 has much more tech to get through to fix something...... on the other hand, its much easier to find someone who can work on an M5 than a 928.... since it shares parts with the regular five series, basic stuff such as door handles and hvac can be much easier to fix....but, as mentioned above, the 928 community is much friendlier than the experiences i have had with BMW owners

in terms of 'appeal' the 928 has a stronger presence and gets way more head-turners, but in more subdued trim and color, it also has a 'sleeper' aspect which is equally matched on the M5... i think that after youve owned both for awhile, the novelty items retain their appeal....... 928- pop up headlights, adjustable instrument pod, bwaaaah engine sound....e39 M5- self levelling xenon headlights, illuminated tachometer, vahrooom engine sound

....while both cars are years apart in their development, the 928 in s4 or gts trim gets major points for being able to pass as the same age, and hell, its a porsche!

James Bailey

There are so many Mercs and BMWs in Orange county that no body notices them.....

dprantl

Yeah, if you're looking for rarity and fun, the C32 has it. If you are looking for presence, it definitely does not because it looks like any other W203 C class that has the sport package.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

Rob Edwards

Fixed that for you. Driving around here, no one pays any attention to me in either the GT or the GTS.

I have never driven an E34M5 but did have a lot of fun in an E39M5 at TWS in Texas- great road car and fun on the track despite the weight. I'm sure you know to be wary of the secondary air/carbon fouling/CEL problems on the '00-'03 E39's. See here: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39...q-summary.html

James Bailey

Rob , maybe it is not the car

pcar928fan

One thing for sure he has about a ZILLION folks here in Austin who can work on the cars...both in the 928 Owners Club AND in the retail world. The guy that wrenches for me owns an '85 S 5spd and an '87 S4 auto...so getting the car worked on won't be a problem and we get parts from Roger nearly next day, even with "regular" delivery!

IcemanG17

I know there are guys on this forum that own E39 M5's and love them...... I had an E92 M3 which was an excellent car...but a very expensive one!!

Either sedan will be much more practical than the 928 and also more of a sleeper...it won't attract attention like the 928 does.

My advice is find a good example of each and drive it....that is the best way to find out which vehicle you enjoy the most.....