JzM3

Hi Everyone,
Ive always been in love with the e34 M5's. Yesterday I stumbled across an m5 which was imported into the states a year and a half ago. Its a 1993 with the 3.8 litre and seems to be in excellent condition with 57k miles. I want to pull the trigger on it, but I question the feasibility of running a euro car in the states. Can anyone out tell me what to look for (documents to make sure the seller provides so I can register it, insurance, etc) Will I be in for a maitenance nightmare, can I run it as my daily driver? Currently I drive a 4-door e36 m3 with the Americanized S52, I dream of owning a TRUE euro m-motor. Please share your thoughts.

GDA

JzM3

I am a very proud owner of a 65k Euro 95 M5 here in the States. Here are some points I would recommend you look closely at before adding one of these cars to your stable:

1 - 3Ms, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. If you have no issues with servicing the car immediately when parts starts to show wear, then owning one of these cars will not be a moneypit. If you can pay the bill and then tell your friends with a smile on your face that you just spent 2 to 3 grand on "routine service" knowing another like bill within 20 to 30k miles is on its way.... then read on (full brakes, pads, sensors, fluid flush and full Mtune including valve adjustment with preventative waterpump, thermostat, hoses and belts ran me over 3k - OUCH!) and at my mileage I am facing EDC replacement in the next year or two and from what I hear that bill is going to be at least $2.5k in parts alone!

2 - Must have a second car; car can be idle for at least a week or more if certain parts are required to be special ordered from Germany (local BMW dealer sourced parts are 4 to 5 business days sourcing from Germany)

3 - Outside of those two items there are no issues with owning and driving one of these BEASTS in the States.... these are very fast and durable cars that can run thousands upon thousands of hard miles if cared for properly.

I can tell you from my experience already that I am very satisfied with the performance and looks of my M5. Very stealthy performance and it doesn't attract much attention here in Dallas. I did have some issues with registration, licensing, insurance etc but nothing that major that could not be resolved once I talked to a knowledgeable person.

PS - This weekend after renting a movie, I walked out and two guys in an E46 M3 seemed to be drooling at my handmade Euro 95 M5.

Good luck with you search, you will probably have to look at several cars before you find one that is not a $$$$ sinkhole because of maintenance required or upcoming. If you have more specific questions send me an email and I can try to help you out. Go for it if you can, since these are awesome cars!

Later,

__________________
GDA
1995 M5

sprnova

Would this happen to be a silver on black M5 in VA for sale by a guy named Randy? If so, I can tell you a great deal about the history of the car that may help you out a lot in making a decision to buy it or not. You can email me at sprnova@alltel.net if you want.

Regards,

JB

JzM3

GDA...thanks for you input, 3k for "routine maint" ouch. Man I love those cars though. As usual I guess you have to pay to play. Do you have any pics of yours you can post?


sprnova.... thats the exact car Im talking about. I dropped you an email, when you have time Im VERY interested in the cars history....thanks!