I am looking to spend around $30k, for a nice, powerful, safe, and practical car. I've narrowed it down to the BMW 5 series. My problem is that l can not pick between the two models. The M5 seems like it is going to be a classic, especially since there is only such limited numbers out there. It is also an absolute beast with it is 400hp. Plus, it is always a great thing to brag about having the M badge on your car. However, the gas mileage is atrocious. (13 city/ 22 highway)

Then there is the more recent 545i. It has about 320hp, which l do not know is a huge step down. l can only find models in my range with about 60-70k miles, so that is probably high, and it is expensive to repair these cars. However, with the introduction of the 550i, the 545i is surely to go down in price soon.

Which should l opt for?

M5 all the way.

Well first off, BMW r beautiful. But if l where you, l would go with the 545i, because u get semi-same looks, & way better milage. And with these gas prices, an M5 will keep u going back to the station. The M5 is a very attractive car, its fast, luxurious, & has varios features, but the gas mileage kills it. If milage isnt a problem, go with the M5, but ifit is, & u want better mileage, go with the 545i. Its between you, but if l were u l would get the 545i & with a few little extras or accesories, u know, think about the possibilities. Well good luck, hope u make the right desicion for yourself!

do you like the M badge better or a cheaper car to maintain down the road ???

If you're worried about repair costs, get the non-M model. l am not sure it is quite true with the M5, but M3 owners say it stands for ''multiply by 3.''

Also, learn to do most of your own work.

Both of them will have a higher maintenance cost. Be aware that no matter which one u get u will need to replace the water pump & possibly the radiator along with miscellaneous other cooling system parts usually before 80K at a cost of $800 - $1200.
Now, about which to get, the M5 will absolutely have a better/higher resale value, but then u need to think about how long u will be keeping the car. If u plan to sell it in the next 2-4 years, the value that the M5 holds will probably be more then it cost you. If u intend to keep the car (M5) for 10 years or more & drive it regularly, when u sell it u will get a few thousand more then selling the 545i but u will spend a lot more then that amount on fuel (mostly) & repairs.
Good luck, & if possible, get it in Royal Red, l rarely see that color around.

The 2000 E39 M5 is a cult car. In fact all E39 M5s are. l am looking for one to add to my collection of BMWs. So l should recommend that u get the 545i. More E39 M5s for me. :-P

There is absolutely no way any E6X 5 series is comparable to the E39 M5. Different horses. Not even the E60 M5. And seriously, BMW lost its appeal with the whole I-Drive thing.

But here is the thing about E39 M5. Do not just buy it for the M novelty. l would strongly recommend that u have a qualified/experienced BMW tech examine the car. Compression testing, leak-down test & everything else necessary.

Trivial fact. Did u know there is one BMW E39 M5 wagon in the world? It was a one-off car made especially for a M division executive.

http://bmwm5.com/articles/germany2/images/171.jpg

m5

if you are trying to impress other people get the 545i because it is the newer bodystyle. very few people know what a M5 is.

maintenance will be expensive with either car. good luck

also, look into the 335i. great power

the engine of m5 is v10,and of 545i is v8
the cc of m5 is 4998,and of 545i is 4398
the hp of m5 is 507, and of 545i is 333
the 0-100 of m5 is 4.7,and of 545i is 5.8
the top speed of m5 is 160 mph ,and of 545i is 155mph
the better is m5.

It depends how long you want to keep it. It is sadly true now that cars begin to break down after about ten years. So you should probably go for the five series because it is newer. Gets better gas milage and has the same amount of interior room. Also, the BMW 5 series has pretty good power.

l would go with the 545i, l found some with 30-50k miles for around $27-$34,000, so if get a 545i look around a bit more.

Unless u have a very special & sentimental reason to get a 2000 M5, l would recommend buying the 2005 545i. Both cars r excellent machines, but for the same price, u r getting considerably more from the 545i.

The M5 is based off the E39 chassis, a design that is now over 10 years old. The 545i is based off the E60 chassis which debuted in 2004, so it is a much newer car with many updates to not only its looks, but to its electronics systems, interior ergonomics & driver interaction. BMW is iDrive was added to all 5 series cars for model year 2004, but navigation is still optional. Radar-cruise control was also optional for the E60 5 series, but it would be a hard find on the used market. The E60 5 series is also quieter than the previous generation.

In regards to performance, the 2000 M5 is a very fast car with a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. But the 545i is also a powerful car with a 0-62 time of 5.8 seconds (5.9 Auto). For the .5 seconds u would lose, u gain a little bit in fuel economy (18 city/25 Highway) because of newer engine technology & a 6 speed automatic transmission.

All this said, owning an ///M branded BMW is a great experience especially if u r a BMW enthusiast & would take great pride in owning a Motorsport car. However, they r indeed more expensive to maintain, repair & operate & for the same price, u can get a much newer & updated car that is still an ''Ultimate Driving Machine.''

come on, the m5 baby!! and do not even think about questioning yourself