Cheap M5 Alternative

pres589 wrote: I keep walking past a not great but usable condition e28 (I don't know which motor, the rear badges are gone) but I wonder if a 535i e28 with a turbo of proper sizing and such with a Megasquirt and generally updated ignition and fuel systems and such wouldn't be a wonderful way to move about. I don't see such a thing munching up nearly new M5's but it shouldn't be too bad.

There are a number of people who have done just that. The big six engine in the e28 works pretty well with forced induction, some of them are making 400hp or more fairly reliably (I know one guy who built an e12 5 series that's putting out more like 700hp, but that was a pretty extreme build.) The go to guy is Todd at http://www.turbochargingdynamics.com/

I have a friend with a e28 535is with a turbo, 300whp/323 ft-lb @8.5 psi

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=38716&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

94-96 Impala SS

m4ff3w wrote: I have a friend with a e28 535is with a turbo, 300whp/323 ft-lb @8.5 psi http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=38716&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

I keep contemplating a Turbo 6 for my next E39.

How do maint./repair $ and difficulty compare between an E36 M3 and and a 97-00 540 sport? And I'm close to totally dropping the idea of an XJR because I hear of so many reliability problems, plus maybe a little to cushy for my taste...but they look SO nice!

upwardlymobilehome wrote: How do maint./repair $ and difficulty compare between an E36 M3 and and a 97-00 540 sport? And I'm close to totally dropping the idea of an XJR because I hear of so many reliability problems, plus maybe a little to cushy for my taste...but they look SO nice!

I suspect either bimmer will be better than the Jag, which is a shame as I agree that they are beautiful cars. The E36 M3 will probably be cheaper to maintain. It's a straight 6 vs. a V8, so fewer parts. It's was a cheaper car to begin with. It's probably also easier to work on, though both will make you think that the Germans still are trying to get back at us. I prefer the E39 (the 97-02 5 series) simply because it's a nicer, bigger cruiser. The E36 is too small inside for me. The whole car is basically the same size as a Civic, but when you throw in a big center tunnel and modern luxury doors, it ends up with a smaller driver compartment. The E39 let me stretch a bit. The E39 540i 6 speed is every bit as fast as the E36 M3 in a drag race. Probably a little faster. It won't handle as well, but it ain't too shabby for a two-tonner.

02-03 Maxima 6MT. That is if you don't mind FWD and you want something just as fast as anything that has been posted above, but with 1/5th the maintenance/repair costs....

265hp, 6MT, LSD, good stock handling, nice interior, bulletproof drivetrain....

irish44j wrote: 02-03 Maxima 6MT. That is if you don't mind FWD and you want something just as fast as anything that has been posted above, but with 1/5th the maintenance/repair costs.... 265hp, 6MT, LSD, good stock handling, nice interior, bulletproof drivetrain....

I like where you're going, and we had a 2000 Max for the wife. That said, for spirited driving I'm not a fan of two-ton FWD's.

I'd vote for an e36 M3 4door. I've got a 328i and I love it! The extra doors kick ass.

Also, if you've got to have a 5 series. Go with a 528 e39 with the sport package. Once you get bored, it's stupid easy to boost these cars...

particularly since you included 5 door as an option, volvo wagon. or sedan, whatever. 2.3 turbo cars i.e. 240, 740 etc.... see buyers guide article for complete workup of why old volvos kick major arse. budget racer friendly

A maxima would be great....but I just can not get excited about FWD. THe Volvo's are FWD too, right? The E36 M3 was the car I stayed awake dreaming about when I was younger....maybe that's the one, but the 528 with a possible boost in it's future IS INTRIGUING. Thanks for the great info!!!Really appreciate the help.

700 & 900 series Volvos are RWD.

Has anyone ever taken the 03-08 G35 seriously as a sporty sedan? My wifes aunt has one, and Ive always wanted to give it a thorough dust off.

DILYSI Dave wrote:

irish44j wrote: 02-03 Maxima 6MT. That is if you don't mind FWD and you want something just as fast as anything that has been posted above, but with 1/5th the maintenance/repair costs.... 265hp, 6MT, LSD, good stock handling, nice interior, bulletproof drivetrain....

I like where you're going, and we had a 2000 Max for the wife. That said, for spirited driving I'm not a fan of two-ton FWD's.

02-03 Maxima is a hair over 3200lbs in SE trim with lighter aftermarket wheels (mine was corner-weighed and had leather/heated seats/etc. That's the same weight as my WRX! Changing from stock to Eibach pro-kit + Tokico Illuminas (or Konis) and adding a rear sway really makes a huge difference in the car's handling compared to stock - moreso than in alot of other cars.

It's the 04+ where they really packed on the pounds and got up into the upper 3000s....

4cylndrfury wrote: Has anyone ever taken the 03-08 G35 seriously as a sporty sedan? My wifes aunt has one, and Ive always wanted to give it a thorough dust off.

Available with a 6-speed and RWD. sounds good to me!

My mom has an '07 G35S Sedan. I've never gotten to properly flog it on track or at an AutoX, but it's definitely got some good work going on. She got it with an automatic, which I wasn't too thrilled with, but I have to say for a mom car it's not bad. The paddle shifters will hold a gear in sport mode, and will rev match nicely on downshifts. Will snap off nice and aggressive upshifts near the redline at full throttle. I'd love to have some more quality time with it.

4cylndrfury wrote: Has anyone ever taken the 03-08 G35 seriously as a sporty sedan? My wifes aunt has one, and Ive always wanted to give it a thorough dust off.

Not that the OP said he wants to autocross or anything, but the G35 sedan (particularly earlier ones) is pretty soft and unimpressive (even the stock wheels are only 17x7!). A guy who I"ve autocrossed with for years (he's had miatas, audis, and an e36 m3) showed up a couple seasons ago with a G sedan (stock except Azenis) and I badly thrashed him even in my Maxima with minor suspension mods (at the time). He complained mightily about its handling on-course....

Not that the maxima is much of a track/autocross beast (it isn't), but the G sedan looked terrible compared to it even...

irish44j wrote:

DILYSI Dave wrote:

irish44j wrote: 02-03 Maxima 6MT. That is if you don't mind FWD and you want something just as fast as anything that has been posted above, but with 1/5th the maintenance/repair costs.... 265hp, 6MT, LSD, good stock handling, nice interior, bulletproof drivetrain....

I like where you're going, and we had a 2000 Max for the wife. That said, for spirited driving I'm not a fan of two-ton FWD's.

02-03 Maxima is a hair over 3200lbs in SE trim with lighter aftermarket wheels (mine was corner-weighed and had leather/heated seats/etc. That's the same weight as my WRX! Changing from stock to Eibach pro-kit + Tokico Illuminas (or Konis) and adding a rear sway really makes a huge difference in the car's handling compared to stock - moreso than in alot of other cars. It's the 04+ where they really packed on the pounds and got up into the upper 3000s....

WRX's are overweight turds too! They handle nearly as poorly as a damn Maxima! :)

The idea of an LSx Catera sounds pretty cool. It is essentially a Holden Commodore, after all. The parts are all there. And a quick scan through Craigslist will show several hundred for sale, some that need engines for only $600.

forzav12 wrote: Volvo S60R's are getting there. A Cop Hemi Charger would be the ticket. But, a true GRM ride would be a Dodge Spirit R/T.;)

My cousin just picked up a very clean and well cared for S60R for 15k, but I haven't seen them under 10k just yet.

I think it would make a good choice as a budget M5, though. Also, I thought about a Lexus GS300/400 with some Toyota Supra bits in place. Not a V8, but a potent and capable gentlemen's express with the right aftermarket attention.