I’m looking to buy one of these in the next few months, but 1st I’m looking for honest opinions about both of these vehicles. I love the E46 M3, but a sedan fits my needs better, which is why I’m comparing this to the E60 M5. I don’t want an E39 M5, as I’m looking for a more modern body style. I know a lot of people hate the “Bangle” 5 series, but that is not my concern. Can you guys list the pros and cons of both vehicles for me, which will help to influence my final decision? Thanks!
The m5 is double the price… Bigger… Has a v10… 4 doors…
Basically totally different animals.
M5 anyday.
psh, is this a joke? e60 fucking m5 all fucking day! v10, 500 horsepower and baller as fuck??? What the hell else could you possibly want in a car? lol
butttt if for some strange reason you go with an m3 ill sell you my laguna seca blue m3 for cheap… has some minor problems but easy fixes
This post is like comparing a zr1 to a gto.
Dave, what kind of minor issues are we talking and how cheap is cheap? PM me some details on the car if you don’t mind (mileage, issues, etc…). I will be in a position to pick up something like that in about 2-3 months and I’ve always loved the LSB M3s… I’m tired of my E39 530i already 
To the OP, if you can honestly swing the price tag, the E60 M5 is an amazing vehicle and in a completely different class from an E46 M3…
I’ve found a few E60’s around $20-26k, on autotrader, which I’m willing to fly to if need be. I’m paying cash for whatever I get, so I have to keep a budget, which is why I’m considering getting the M3. I know what ever I get will probably have 100K miles or so, which is fine by me. I’ve owned 8 BMW’s in the past. I just don’t know any issues that the V10 may have after 100k miles. I fell more comfortable with the E46 with high miles. I don’t care which one is faster in a straight line. They are both classy cars to me.
Why not consider the e90 M3?
E60 m5, try and go 08 and up because I don’t think early models were offered with 3 pedal standard it was just smg. Another car to consider if you want a break from BMW is e55 amg but I don’t think a e46 m3 even comes close to either of those cars
E39 is a bit dated but I’ve had two of those m5s and they are prlly the best car I have ever owned, actually they were the best cars I’ve owned.
m5, no brainer
impossible without salvage title, maaayybbee 26k but 20-24, never… you find me one and ill be posting a thread of my new whip on here very shortly… Before I got my m3 after i sold my 07 5 series when i was religiously looking for an e60 m5 reasonably priced, i couldnt find shiitt for less then $28k+ with 90-140k miles. I just couldnt see the logic in paying $30,000 for a car with 100,000 miles and and im waayy to cheap of a fuck to buy a lower mileage one for $40k+
His budget isn’t $40k+.
m5
if you decide your interested in the m3, check mine out for sale thread. 2001 e46 m3, 131k miles, 6 spd coupe, carbon black on black interior. or if you like the blue check out love boost’s.
i sold mine today but op, let me know on some 20k e60 m5s because those fuckers are mine if they exist lol
:lol:rofl
lmao are you suggesting love4boost to look at love4boosts car for sale?
no he was suggesting the op to look at his or my car not knowing ive sold it already. I just butted in bc op said he could get an e60 m5 for 20k which is literally impossible without being wrecked or salvage title.
yeah clean m5s are big money, for that money id be in a e90 m3.
And for resale of a m5, itd be very hard to get rid of one for decent money with 100k a year after you buy one with 80k+ miles.
how did you arrive at this thought?
No doubt an m5…those cars are so fucking mean!