Bit of an off-topic but I'm interested to hear some opinions, especially from those who have owned either.
E46 M3 or E39 M5 -- which do you prefer and why?
They're obviosuly very different cars, but both have a long list of positive attributes. Both can be had in clean, (relatively) low-mileage form for low to mid 20s (granted a 2-3 year age difference), and as far as I've come to learn, the running costs aren't very different either. I'm in love with the e39's rear, but the e46 side profile is just as sexy. Then you've got that amazing V8 vs. sharper handling. So much to love in each car.
I'd like to think that owning either and keeping it properly maintained is a much more exciting way to spend $25k than on a 335. I almost bought an e36 m3 instead of my 330 and will definitely own a pre- E9X/E6X M car sometime in the future; hopefully sooner than later.
