Pros and Cons of both? Looking to find late model years with under 100k miles.
I know the cts v needs upgraded diff and motor mounts. What about the m5?
Pros and Cons of both? Looking to find late model years with under 100k miles.
I know the cts v needs upgraded diff and motor mounts. What about the m5?
The V's rear diff is also pretty much made of glass, and the rubber driveline couplers aren't particularly robust either. And the weirdo 6-bolt wheels limit you on wheel choices. But the LS engine is reliable and easy to work on and the manual transmission is also tough, and as long as you aren't launching it like a total hoon, the rest of the driveline should hold up.
E39 M5 is about as 'arrive and drive' as you can get, as long as you get one with well-documented maintenance. You'll wnat to check over bushings and rubber-based items, but other than that, they're pretty stout when left stock from the factory.
CTS-V: My impression is that once you reinforce the back half of the drivetrain, it's pretty bulletproof. I drove one once, and it was huge fun. But the interior is utter crap.
E39 M5: Starting to attain classic status as one of the greatest cars ever made. Betcha that means prices will go up, too. A more complete performance car than the CTS-V, which is more like a 4-door Mustang. But more potential to nickel and dime you to death with typical BMW stuff like bushings, VANOS, cooling system, etc.
I'd pick the M5. It's a bucket-list car for me.
I owned a 2003 M5. They are pretty incredible cars. Mine was stock other than a Dinan exhaust, which sounded amazing! That said, the car was expensive to own. I bought it from a friend who was the original owner. Older gentleman, who is content to take his cars to the dealer for anything/everything. I still ended up having to replace both headlights, the driveshaft, CV and several other odds and ends. Thank heaven it came with an aftermarket warranty.
No direct experience with a first gen CTS-V, other than sitting in one. Based on interior, the M5 wins hands down. Worlds better. I think the M5 wins on looks too.
Loved my CTS-V. You'll pay for maintenance with the M5, but CTS-V consumables are $$$$. Pick your poison.
Everyone forgets that the CTS-V had OEM fluid filled motor mounts that burst every 30,000 miles or so. They're cheap, but a complete pain in the ass to replace.
M5 is prettier, both inside and out, but they're appreciating, while the CTS-V is in the trough of the depreciation curve. That, coupled with the cheaper, broader LS motor aftermarket, I'd give the nod to the CTS-V.
For me its the M5 hands down between the 2. I was thinking of replacing my 996 with that or a M3 or a highly enhanced UrS4/6. The Audi was winning but the 996 still won out ultimately. too much bang for the buck. Anyway, if you want sticker shock, look at the price for brakes on a M5. EEEEEEK. And the steering is a compromise due to the V8. They are very impressive cars though. (Still not as impressive as a 500 bhp UrS4/6 wagon, though)
How much do you care about interiors? Quality? If you care at all, this is an odd match-up. They are both 'super sedans' but the e39 is an impressively well-rounded and nice car even without the 'super' part while the 1g CTS is something most people wouldn't look twice at or honestly even think positively towards without the 'justification' of a 400hp/manual combo.
I guess it depends on if you are looking for a nice car or a hoonmobile.
Mark, you definitely don't want an UrS4/6 at this point. I've owned several throughout the years and while the drivetrains are incredibly stout, the rest of the car is really old.
You'll chase your tail on a lot of issues and parts supply is getting scarce.
To the OP's question, the M5 is a killer, complete package and the one to buy, if you can keep a slush fund to pay for the inevitable $$$ issues that'll come up.
Finding either under 100k miles that's not salvaged or silver seems to be a challenge. Thought there would be more given I'm in SoCal. I'm looking as far north as Portland and as far west as Dallas. 
Vigo wrote: How much do you care about interiors? Quality? If you care at all, this is an odd match-up. They are both 'super sedans' but the e39 is an impressively well-rounded and nice car even without the 'super' part while the 1g CTS is something most people wouldn't look twice at or honestly even think positively towards without the 'justification' of a 400hp/manual combo. I guess it depends on if you are looking for a nice car or a hoonmobile.
Chose those two because I wanted a fun daddy-mobile for awhile with a manual transmission. I love super-sedans. The wildcard seems to be the e55 AMG if I'm willing to go auto.
The GM interior is pretty lacking though. I've always hated their interior until the V2 cars.
markwemple wrote: Anyway, if you want sticker shock, look at the price for brakes on a M5. EEEEEEK.
Hell, look at the prices for the cars themselves. I just did. Looks like I may have waited too long.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5737863023.html
Going to try and check this one out. Some of these folks are asking 17k for a salvage title car.
In reply to Tom_Spangler:
Yeah. The e39 M5 is on the up tick. It'll swing the other way a little as maintenance is outrageous if ypu have to pay a tech. Like I said the 996 won for a reason. Ant I use mine to haul kids too.
Only 996 I can find under 24k are cabs and tiptronics. Or just E36 M3 shape.
That price range is E63 territory 
Ooo, I like that color combo a LOT. Have you heard them with a rear muffler delete? Sounds so good and apparently isn't too loud. There's a couple videos on the youtube showing interior and exterior sound levels.
There's a big difference between asking and selling prices for the M5 - at least there was when I bought mine. Look at completed eBay auctions.
The M5 is a special car and feels like it, quite a difference from the 540i of the same era - although every 540i owner will deny it 
I love ours, but I would not want to pay someone else to maintain it. It's an exotic.
In reply to yupididit:
Well, mine is a cab. I wouldn't buy a coupe unless you're racing it. Cab is much more fun!
You either want an M5 or you want a V8 sedan. If you just want the latter, take solace in the fact the CTS-V is a generation or two newer design and has proper rack and pinion steering. 
(make mine the M5)
thatsnowinnebago wrote: Ooo, I like that color combo a LOT. Have you heard them with a rear muffler delete? Sounds so good and apparently isn't too loud. There's a couple videos on the youtube showing interior and exterior sound levels.
Yes, they sound amazing.
M5 all the way. E39 M5s like their e34 predecessors are something of a "modern classic". They are somewhat expensive to maintain, but imho it's worth it. I have a cousin you bought a 540i who said that "it's basically the same as the M5" (it's a very very nice car, but it is not the same). However, if you're looking for just a go fast sports sedan, perhaps the CTS-V is the way to go or the 540i.
That M5 I linked above seems to be the car I'm leaning on.
My friend Amr just offered me his e63 with 69k and an all inclusive warrenty for 22k, he also offered me is 95 S600 for 1000 bucks. Both are in amazing shape, he's been a surgeon for almost as long as I've been alive and very thorough with his cars. That bastard
I think the answer there is s600 and e63.
Some of the other local-ish M5's I want to check out.
I've seen a lot of E60 M5's between 18-20k. Usually around 90k miled. I've heard that one should not own one without a very nice aftermarket warrenty, the used prices reflect that.
dculberson wrote: I think the answer there is s600 *and* e63.
A little above my budget for the 07 e63. But, we'll see if I can swing it. Both would be epic and my neighbors would think I'm a drug dealer!
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