60 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHLooking for a non P-car toy
Leading reported evidence
Replace car
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Leading evidence: 'Replace car' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean c5 in connecticut' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I bought my first 996 sight unseen with 123k on it and the thing ran awesome until I sold it.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
So I'm in the market for buying a fun used RWD V8 I can drive as a secondary to my 996.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I've heard they give M3s a run for their money due to weight advantage.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
60 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T052503Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hey all,
So I'm in the market for buying a fun used RWD V8 I can drive as a secondary to my 996. Potentially looking at the following:
2001 BMW 740iL (E38) with 77k miles
2004-2005 Pontiac GTO
E39 BMW 540i M-wagon
1999-2002 MB SL500 (R129)
E39 M5 but with higher miles (VANOS issue deterring me from that though)
Anyone have any suggestions?
I'm on MBworld and 6speedOnline, want to see what my P-car guys have to say
Definitely agree on the GTO, 6 speed and cheap to modify. The SL's are awesome but real heavy cars. Would have to implement some good 'ol Porsche weight reduction to that one for some fun.
Budget is more or less $20k, but these are on the market for less than that. Just want to keep something alongside the 996 so I don't have to take the King Ranch out when I don't need to.
My 95 E36 M3 is always for sale. 10K takes it home. Hopped up on all sorts of suspension and engine.
headers CAI Chip
AST shocks, 550 650 springs TMS sway bars, poly bushings, 17 x 9 wheels
HELLROT. Yea it's fast.
I'd go with the GTO or a Pontiac G8 GXP with a 6speed (if you can find one). The others can have really costly repairs that ruin the joy of ownership.
You know what they say" If you go AMG, have a warranTy" This applies to Bimmers as well.
I know it doesnt fit what youre looking for, but have you thought about an s2000?
I only sold mine because it wasnt worth shipping from Hawaii, and miss it dearly. If youre looking for something with a butt load of torque, you'll probably find the s2k lacking. If you want something that handles well, you'll love it. Maintence is cheap and theyre very reliable.
what an odd list. You go from a large luxury sedan, to a australian made sports coupe, to a gentlemans cruiser convertible mercedes.
What are you looking to do with this thing.
Why non-p car? If $20k was my budget and looking for a "fun RWD toy with 8 slugs", I'd seriously look into 944(w/S aero) w/ls conversion. The conversion kits on those things are so cheap and also the 944 market is pretty low now as well.
~500hp on 2800lb car = fun
A C5 Corvette, or one of the late-model C4 performance variants. You can buy a fairly nice 'Vette with that kind of money, and contrary to many German car enthusiasts, are tremendously fun to drive and for the most part dirt cheap to keep running.
I should've clarified that I would've bought the car/components separately and either paid or done the conversion myself.
I do agree that buying someone else's car could be a mess, if not done right or not "completed" and still in a "project" state.
How about a Camaro SS (2010, or thereabouts)? I assume they are pretty bulletproof, and would offer a rather different driving expense than a 911 (though still fun in its own way).
Agree on the C5, but also a Mustang, Camaro or Chalenger could fit the bill, no? You'd have Euro and NA muscle covered! Or a Cadillac CTS-V. Corvette performance with Cadillac luxury. My brother in law has one - nice cars!
E39 M5 FTW!
I bought an Imola red '01 a few months ago as a stablemate for my C4S and love the thing:
http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/the-ch...ide-1597567975
Yep, Vanos is a challenge but there are DIY fixes available which mitigates that issue. Amazingly solid car, and not called The Beast for nothing :-)
I guess the most honest advice I can give is to do what I did. The last time I was in your position I needed to buy a sporty 4-door sedan for my wife's dd. Always wanted a M3, affordable M3s have a straight 6, that I discovered sound like a sewing machine. I wanted something reliable & maintenance free! I bought a new 2007 Lexus IS350 310 hp, 6speed auto! Acceleration & engine/exhaust sound is fantastic! (oe sport exhaust) 95,k miles & all that's been needed is oilchange every 5,k miles & new sparkplugs @ 60,k. I just bought a 2015 Lexus GS-F with the same engine & zero warranty so the 2007 IS350 is for sale for $16,500.
Lol Bimmers and MB's always get your wallet more than others at some point.
I really like the GTO, a lot. It's just the styling I'm not sure about...coming from a Porsche that is. The front end looks aggressive and mean but the back is fat and I'm not sure about those lights either.
+1 for love/hate with the GTO
I love the S2K's. My brother has one, he's done a lot of work to it and the little thing is super fun to drive. I just want to stay away from 4 cylinders I guess.
Drive it. I intend to drive a car, because cars serve the purpose of being driven on the road. That's what I'm looking to do, hopefully that answers your question.
Trust me I agree with you, I had a red 944 N/A back in college. Had I had the funds to make it move a bit better I would probably still have it today.
Awesome car btw!
That should've been on the list. I've been looking at C5's and I found a nice FRC for around $27k with 43k miles on it. Still talking to the guy, just not sure it'll work out because he's pretty fixed on the price...not to say I blame him.
A good friend of mine has a GTO with the 6.0 engine. Fun car, fast and handles well for the size/weight of it. Nicely packaged car without the ostentatious looks of the Corvette. That said, I gave him the keys to the C2 for a long test drive and now he's looking at possibly switching over to Porsches...
I like E39 M5. Wolf in sheep's clothing and it's a comfortable grand tourer. Only problem is they are getting pretty dated, so I'd keep looking for one with a particularly healthy interior.
Why a non P-car? You can get great deals on Boxsters and Caymans - that would be my choice. If it HAS to be non P, then Corvette. If you want cheap (and tiny) fun, then Miata.
C6LS3 ('08+) or C6Z
e39M5 is a great option
CTSV
XKR/XKR
LSx swapped car
03/04 Cobra
Non V8
Gen2 Viper
NSX
FD RX7
Supra
M Coupe
E36M3/E46M3
Elise
Interior of a C5 is awful, lowered ride comfort is terrible and the electrical problems will leave you stranded. But for the price, nothing else can touch the performance and mpg. FRC is the best looking model. I was
low
and there's something about scraping long tube header collectors on the ground that makes the car better.
Don't spend over $20k on a C5. Ever.
I've always loved the E39 M5. Weren't really in my price range in 2004 so I opted for a 530i instead. This is at the top of my list, but with 120k+ miles are they going to be too much of a gamble to handle? I bought my first 996 sight unseen with 123k on it and the thing ran awesome until I sold it.
I know the front end can get fishy with them, but as far as engine components go, I'm utterly clueless
Okay my fellow Rennlisters- What's your thought's on this E39 M5?
Year 2000
Imola Red/Red interior
146k miles
Asking $10k
All stock
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/5242743923.html
If it's not too good to be true, I can always spend some money on a 944 project.
E92 is definitely out of my price range but I would LOVE the last N/A M car they made (forgive me if I'm wrong).
E46 M3 was tempting, but I've had many a straight six.
E39 M5 or C6 vette as suggested by many is the way to go.
-Found an Imola Red w/ 146k miles for $10k...Very tempting
My understanding is that the clutch typically needs to be replaced at around 125k miles and it is about a $4k cost.
Beautiful car. Assuming clear title and the usual due diligence on maintenance and major repairs already done, I'd love it.
M5s in my area are extremely overpriced or they are junk.
E39 M3 is one hell of a car. at 10K for the one posted above I would jump on it. Stock clutch? why not an aftermarket? My E36 M3 has a Spec Stage 2 and it is totally street able although chatters stitting at a light in neutral. No biggy. Takes hard launches no problem.
M5 has a 394 HP V8!!!!!!!!!! Damn it I need one of these.
Just went to the movies last night in my Mini S and what an enimic POS compared to the M3. M5 has got to be a hoot.
Bimmer interiors can be a challenge as they are getting old.
e38 and e39 v8s are cool. The 540 is a bit power-challenged (M5 has a lot more) and they don't have rack-and-pinion steering. Half of the cooling system will have to be refreshed every 2 years or so.
I really like the Audi C6 generation A6s with the 4.2 liter naturally aspirated v8. Hard to find in manual but the automatic transmission in there is reasonable and locks up nicely in manual mode. Can be had cheaply but they aren't very common and many have been beaten and received no attention.
You know what else can be a fun little car? 135i
Not a V8 but should be pretty fun. I've heard they give M3s a run for their money due to weight advantage.
Looks lowered so I'm dubious of the 'all stock' claim. Also rear headrest missing. The 2000 model is less desirable than later model years. This and the comparatively high miles might account for the low price. My identical looking '01 with 98k miles cost $17k a few months ago. BMW did a face-lift in 2001 with new lights, nav system, some interior changes and mods to the VANOS system which make it worth holding out for a later car, IMO. Needless to say, a thorough PPI essential.
absolutely hated my e39 M5. Most overrated car in existence.
Motor is flat and uninspiring, front end pushes like crazy, suspension is too soft, single piston floating caliper, mechanical issues.
good looking car inside and out, but I was happy to get rid of that car.
I found a SUPER clean C5 in Connecticut. Black on black, but the problem is, it's automatic. I know it's equally as fun, but it brings me to a standstill. Granted the clutches on the manual C5's are nothing like our 996's
I'll have to agree on this one.
The E39 M5 simply is far too overrated. Given the age of the E39 M5 on the market, I think it will spend more time being repaired and maintained than being driven. I simply cannot recommend this car aside from having it sit in your garage to look pretty.
That and you get into the issue of decision paralysis - pre or post face lift E39. And then you have to deal with BMW-owner syndrome who over-inflate their E39 M5s.
No thank you.
As much love I have for the E39 M5, realistically speaking I'd have to agree with you guys. Not worth it with all the high milage examples out there. Granted I did see one with 6,079 original miles for $69k...
This week I'll be checking out a less spoken of STS-V
Supercharged Northstar V8...though I'm not a fan of that motor, these things seem pretty cool.
Not the biggest fan of styling, though it's dated.
Don't laugh, but a late model Mustang GT - with the 6 speed stick is a lot of fun
with super reliability and very good handling.
If you are lucky enough, find a Boss 302. Very rare but superb handling.
I was on the fence between the cts-v or the c4s I purchased. I'd still like to own a cts-v but it's got to be the second generation one. The third generation coming out now also look amazing.
M5 guys, don't shoot me
Okay, this may be dumb, but I wanted to see what your guy's input was.
Found this E39 M5 in Virginia. Not an auction car, local trade, no problems as of now, catch is...168k miles. It's at a Ford dealership and the guys were forthcoming and honest about the car, I would be getting it at $10k plus a $585 dealer fee (love those).
Would this be a smart decision? Or would I be digging myself into a grave.
Let me know!
http://www.battlefieldfordculpeper.c...earchDepth=2:2
My other options are a C5 auto, or a 2004 GTO SSW edition.
Any service history? If not, plan to add about $5k to it at those miles. CAB, Vanos, Disa, RTA, RSM, PCV, Strut Mounts, Chain tensioners, paddles, chain guides, coolant hoses, radiator, etc.
Stay away from the e39 M5. Gorgeous looking car and fast BUT service service concerns that will eat your wallet. (BTW BMW stands for Bring My Wallet)
The engine overheats and even when you replace everything, it will happen again in 3-4 years.
Other little issues within the engine so please be warned. The prices are coming down for a reason. I've hard the e34 M5, e39 M3, I currently have the e36 M3 and f82 M4 so I know BMWs.
Now for what car to get, are you looking for modify it or just Daily Drive it?
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
