A story of lust, regret and joy. (535, 330, M5) Pics too!

[Tcdoe]

I have to confess something, I got sidetracked last autumn. I started wanting something newer,
faster and more economical than the 535i. So I bought a 2001 330Ci Individual thinking that if it
costs 6 times more than my 535i, it's gotta be at least that much better.



Well, not exactly.. Sure, it was more sophisticated, a bit faster and a lot more economical. It was
even faster around the corners, but somehow it lacked character, it was actually quite boring.
We have always joked with a couple of friends that 300-series beemers are
inferior compared to 500 and 700, but I thought that wouldn't apply here, seeing as this e46 was
10 years newer and everything. Wrong again, it was actually quite squeaky
and had a few nasty plastic rattles that the e34 doesn't. Also it was nowhere near as quiet at
highway speeds as my 15-yo. e34.

Luckily I managed to sell the e46 for what it had cost me, so basically I got to experience a
newer BMW for three months for free, not bad.

After selling it I jumped back in my 535i and oh wow, was it fun as ever to drive. Even though it
has less power the stiff suspension, deep exhaust note and an idle that shakes the entire car
makes it feel like something truly special. It feels like raw power and the torque
wipes the floor with "the worlds best engine" 3.0 in the 330.

However, one thing I missed was the increased performance. This, and looking at my bank account
after selling the 330Ci made me quickly decide that now or never was the moment to get that
E34 M5 I had been wanting since a little kid.

I present to you: 1993 BMW M5 3.8 Nürburgring edition in Avus Blau/Silbergrau

Go to page 2 for pics.

[New Owner 95 E34]

Beautiful car! I can only imagine how stoked you must be to get out and find some fast, winding roads somewhere. Can't wait for more pix!

[jrobbo]

Nice! Well done. From the looks of it, it's running an aftermarket exhaust, probably an Eisenmann rear muffler I'm guessing.

Can't wait to see more pics

John

[Jon K]

Looks like triflo

[Dave M]

WOW, great story, even better ending.

Dave

[DanDombrowski]

Sounds like the same story as mine - I went up to a 2001 330Ci Coupe as well. I cant say I like the E34 more than the E46, but I definitely know what you mean when you say that you jump into the E34 and say "I miss how this thing handles".

I guess thats why Im putting so much cash into the car so that my sister can drive it and I don't have to get rid of it. Nice M5!

[Tcdoe]

Actually it's a Supersprint catback exhaust, surprisingly loud even at idle, but not disturbingly so at cruising speeds.

Those are just my winter rims, Styling 18, 8x17" in front and 9x17" in the rear. The tires are 225 wide front and back, way too narrow in the rear.

Summer wheels are sweet 18" Alpina Softline 2pc with polished lips.
Can't wait to get them on, it would be legally possible 1st of March, but I
think it's gonna take at least another month for the snow and ice to melt away.

[BillionPa]

yooouuuuu bastard!

[bigtisas]

Good story. Now I want a M5 e34.

[MTechnik540i]

Congratulations!

Looks like you got ahold of a nice piece, I'm definitely fond of Avusblau!

Now, just swap the wheels!

I have to confess something, I got sidetracked last autumn. I started wanting something newer,
faster and more economical than the 535i. So I bought a 2001 330Ci Individual thinking that if it
costs 6 times more than my 535i, it's gotta be at least that much better.



Well, not exactly.. Sure, it was more sophisticated, a bit faster and a lot more economical. It was
even faster around the corners, but somehow it lacked character, it was actually quite boring.
We have always joked with a couple of friends that 300-series beemers are
inferior compared to 500 and 700, but I thought that wouldn't apply here, seeing as this e46 was
10 years newer and everything. Wrong again, it was actually quite squeaky
and had a few nasty plastic rattles that the e34 doesn't. Also it was nowhere near as quiet at
highway speeds as my 15-yo. e34.

Luckily I managed to sell the e46 for what it had cost me, so basically I got to experience a
newer BMW for three months for free, not bad.

After selling it I jumped back in my 535i and oh wow, was it fun as ever to drive. Even though it
has less power the stiff suspension, deep exhaust note and an idle that shakes the entire car
makes it feel like something truly special. It feels like raw power and the torque
wipes the floor with "the worlds best engine" 3.0 in the 330.

However, one thing I missed was the increased performance. This, and looking at my bank account
after selling the 330Ci made me quickly decide that now or never was the moment to get that
E34 M5 I had been wanting since a little kid.

I present to you: 1993 BMW M5 3.8 Nürburgring edition in Avus Blau/Silbergrau

Unfortunately I only have a few lousy pics at the moment, I promise I'll take better ones very soon.