I am new to this forum and to M5s in general. I owned an e36 M3 before and now I want little more room.
I came across an add that has listed an 1991 M5 with only 100K kilometers on it. The car is in Japan and apparently had one owner and I have the following questions:
Is there anything to watch for when buying cars from Japan?
With a milage of 100K could I still expect issues with the engine or is this reasonably low for that model of a car?
And finally if the car is at the state as advertised (no accidents, low milage, car was not abuses since apparently people in Japan don't have the room to drive fast), what would be a realistic buying price for the North American market?
Thanks for the post, the seller mentioned most of the positive things that were said on that thread. So overall I do feel good about it although I put a pre buy inspection as a condition just in case.
Thanks for the post, the seller mentioned most of the positive things that were said on that thread. So overall I do feel good about it although I put a pre buy inspection as a condition just in case.
I have imported 2 cars from Japan, a 91 850i (69K kms-since sold) and my 92 M5 (31k kms). Japan is the last remaining glory-hole of the little used sports car. My agent bought both cars at auction and I was very satisfied with their condition. My M5 is truly "like new" with only a throwing star cover requiring replacement due to a shipping mishap. So if you know what you are doing, it could work out for you. My suggestion would be to buy at auction. The Japanese are very strict and scrupulous about their auction grading system and you should only buy cars that are grade 4 condition or better (5 is best and very rare and I am not sure that a 100km car can reach a grade 4). Buying direct from a dealer/privately contains more uncertainty as the cars condition may be innaccurately represented. Also my agent has a brother-in-law in Tokyo who is a mechanic and he checked out the cars beforehand as well. Good luck in your search, I am in Toronto, where are you?
__________________
Terry in Toronto
92 e34 M5 J-Spec with E.A.T chip, Mauritius Blau
91 e31 850iA J-Spec, Conforti chips, Mauritius Blau (gone but not forgotten)
Two wrongs don't make a right. But three lefts do.
I have imported 2 cars from Japan, a 91 850i (69K kms-since sold) and my 92 M5 (31k kms). Japan is the last remaining glory-hole of the little used sports car. My agent bought both cars at auction and I was very satisfied with their condition. My M5 is truly "like new" with only a throwing star cover requiring replacement due to a shipping mishap. So if you know what you are doing, it could work out for you. My suggestion would be to buy at auction. The Japanese are very strict and scrupulous about their auction grading system and you should only buy cars that are grade 4 condition or better (5 is best and very rare and I am not sure that a 100km car can reach a grade 4). Buying direct from a dealer/privately contains more uncertainty as the cars condition may be innaccurately represented. Also my agent has a brother-in-law in Tokyo who is a mechanic and he checked out the cars beforehand as well. Good luck in your search, I am in Toronto, where are you?
Thanks very much, this information is very valuable. So how do you go about buying a car on at an auction? I saw a reference to an online auction in Japan, but I am not sure if those are reliable. Are there any credible ones you know or does one actually have to travel to Japan to get to the auction? You also mentioned an agent , if you could refer me to one that would be great.
I am actually in Vancouver so once the car comes by ship I can greet it right at the port .
If you are interested in using my agent his name is Mitch and can be contacted by his website: http://www.jdm-imports.com
As I said I have been very pleased with the results. Mention my name.
You can also check out: www.Willz.ca
for a couple of M5s and other models for sale that are already in the country. Will Zaraska is an BMW enthusiast and enjoys a good reputation for plain dealing.
Again good luck.
__________________
Terry in Toronto
92 e34 M5 J-Spec with E.A.T chip, Mauritius Blau
91 e31 850iA J-Spec, Conforti chips, Mauritius Blau (gone but not forgotten)
Two wrongs don't make a right. But three lefts do.
Last edited by Usual Suspect; 5th January 2008 at 19:06.
If you are interested in using my agent his name is Mitch and can be contacted by his website: http://www.jdm-imports.com
As I said I have been very pleased with the results. Mention my name.
You can also check out: www.Willz.ca
for a couple of M5s and other models for sale that are already in the country. Will Zaraska is an BMW enthusiast and enjoys a good reputation for plain dealing.
Again good luck.
Hi Rob
I have sent you a PM. I bring in cars from Japan all the time and may be able to help you out, just bought a 93 M5 in Dec will be here next month. keeping it though as my personal driver, only 60k Black on Black, with Maintenance docs . If you are going to buy one from Japan make sure it has Maintenance docs I have found vehicles with rolled back odometers
Last edited by brsteel; 14th January 2008 at 04:55.
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