OK guys, here we go.I know that this question has been asked before,on numerous occassions. I am in the market for a hi performance sedan. I have narrowed the choice down to two..., a 1988 BMW M5 or an e500. I don't have a specific car in mind,I wish to here your knowledgeable opinions first. I realize there may be a difference in price. That aside,which would be a better buy? It will not be a daily driver,but will see its fair share miles over the course of a year. I know both cars backgrounds quite well. My main concerns are longevity and performance. I'm aware that upkeep will not be cheap for either vehicle.One last thing,I live in central NJ and although the area is EXTERMELY affluent,(I, for one, am not,or else I would own both),I have never even seen a E500,let alone ride in one. I have been in several M5's though.Thank you in advance for your time.

E28 more agile, more tossable than the 500E, otherwise similar performance...drive both and see

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86 16v
H&R/Bilsteins

I figured that the M5 would be somewhat more nimble,particularly because of its lighter weight. I'm also concerned with overall ride quality,and acceleration. I am trying to find someone in the tri-state area that may be willing to let me observe their vehicle.The owners of these cars tend to be quite discreet. I hope to get the chance soon to evaluate one.I am willing to travel some distance, if need be.If anyone wishes to give me the opportunity to come see their ride,that would be great. If not ,I totally understand.Thanks once again.

I thought that I would have had a larger number of responses to my questions. I say this only because I know how passionate you people are about your cars. I seriously believe that if someone were to put down an e500, that there would be a rather large group waiting to "step off". I am not one of the proud few who own one of these great cars. That is why I posted this message. A smart man knows "everything", a wise man knows when to listen. I am listening...

I have a '92 500E, my third MB over 15 years. I have had 3 BMWs (3, 5 and 7-series, but no M5's), and my family has had both BMW and MB.

MB: heavier-feeling car, up to 1994 E-Class a very solid car. My 500E has 243,000 miles, cost me $0.43 per mile since I bought it 6.5 years ago with 80K. Sounded high when I added it all up, but really not much more than far inferior cars. I have recently contemplated a newer car (have not had engine, transmission, rear end trouble at all, so I know its coming). Have just about decided to drop the $ to rebuild the entire drive train and keep it a few more years...that's how much I like this car. How many cars are comfortable for a 600-mile trip, 150 miles all day in town, AND on the track (road course and drag strip)?

BMW: cheaper feeling car, but also probabaly a little cheaper to maintain, since there are many suppliers of aftermarket parts, which you will not find with the 500E.

I would say there is almost no comparison between the E28 M5, and the 92-94 500E500. Even the appearance.

Feel free to ask more specific questions, but I hope this sheds some light. I think there have been few responses because many on this forum could write for two days straight and still not say all they want to say about a 500E.

I know how passionate you 500 owners are about your cars. I also want to say that I firmly believe most of what is written here. My problem still remains that I have yet been able to evaluate a 500 in person. I have not seen one that I know of here,and yet, I've seen Aston Martins and Ferrari's at will. Anyway ,thanks for your input, and maybe I will be lucky enough to spend some time in one soon. Thanks again.

Rocinante

Cannot tell much about E500 or M5, but I know that in those days, say 1960 till 1995 Mercedes built BETTER cars than BMW. Better as in better quality. Maybe BMW built better cars as in better handling or faster lap times.
Also keep in mind that the M5 is available with manual gearbox, and the E500 is not.
Also I know that here in Europe the parts for Mercedes (original) are ussualy a lot cheaper than BMW original parts.

I am not sure about too much on the old M5's but I DO know when I started pricing out M3 prices on a 1988 M3 I was looking at, I about had a stroke. They were at LEAST twice the price of the normal BMW parts, and usually only available at the dealership. I had to tell myself that it was "only a 4 cylinder BMW hot rod" to help talk myself out of buying that car. It still amazes me that some of those cars are still getting MAJOR $$ on the open market. Like over $15K. Unreal. I think I'd rather have the Mercedes/ Porsche project myself. It cost WAY more than the M5 did when they hit the market. I think the styling holds up better as well. I know what I'll be driving when I can afford a 500e/e500.....

Can't speak to the older M5's. I can tell you that I decided on the '92 500E I just purchased over a '00 M5 that I was looking at. While the M had a bit more performance, the 500 is better built, has more pedigree(Porsche connection), and I won't be passing an identical car at every other stop light. Where I live, in the Austin area, BMW's are as common as pickups.

I had a co-worker that owned a new 500E in 1993. I only got to ride in it once, but always knew I would get one eventually. I bought mine, sight unseen(except for photos), from an individual in Oregon. The first time I drove it was from the transporter to my driveway. I've been smiling everyday since. Good luck with your decision.

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Gary
1992 500E
1995 Impala SS
2000 C5 Hardtop
2006 Hummer H3
G Man's Rides

Having owned a 635csi and a 1988 735i (a rare 5-speed), i tthink that the BMW has muich better handling than the w124. 500E might be an exception, but I'd be willing to bet that the e28 M5 handles better.

the engine in the M cars of that era was a modified M30 engine. It will likely require more maintenance than the M119 engine (like valve adjustments every 15k miles). Parts will be much more expensive than regular bMW engine parts as well.

The E500 shares a motor with a ton of other mercedes. There were some mods unique to the 500E, but not parts that will likely require replacement.

From my experience, the BMW suspension components wear more quickly than Mercedes as well. I spent a lot of money on control arms and bushings. These parts are specific to the M-cars as well (like the 500E), and will cost you quite a bit.

I'd love to own either, but until the kids get into kindergarden (who knew nursery school could be so expensive?) i'll be content with my E420.

Troy
1995 E420 92k