Well folks, the long and short of it, is my wife is having major problems driving the M5 in nose to tail traffic, the clutch is causing her major problems. I can't get the kids in the TVR unless I throw little one into the boot which isn't really an option. She also can't get on with the 'rawness' of it, and wants to return to an E39.
I'll return to one in the future but in the meantime I will have to sell it.
I'm very disappointed, will return to the fold in the future, but in the meantime I will get another E39 540 steptronic which is what we had prior to this. I can't really force her to keep it as she is the main driver.
I'm not after a profit, I bought it for £3900 and have spent £100 on tax and another £100 on various 'stuff' so if anyone knows someone who wants an absolutely spanking M5 please let me know. I shall hang around on here as I will get another at some stage.
Not sure if you know the spec, but it has had all major work done, new engine 50k or so ago, everything that has needed to be done has been done, and is wanting for nothing. I have a pile of receipts about 2" thick, the car is a credit to Styve who I bought it from. (He's on here as well) I can send photo's and detailed descriptions if anyone needs it.
If anyone can help find it a good home that would be appreciated - I love it, but unfortunately she can't drive it, it's too heavy on her left leg.
Is it just a case of it needs a new clutch??
Mine is not heavy at all and usually a heavy clutch is a sign that the clutch itself is tired.
Have you had the chance to drive another M5 back to back for comparison as i really dont think my clutch is alot heavier than her Fiat Coupe 20VT so if she can drive that she can drive the M5.
I guess alot of it depends on what your wife is used to and if she's come from a E39 540 auto then your possibly fighting a loosing battle - anythings is going to seem heavy after that!
Shame she cant get on with it but i reckon its the clutch on that specific car that is the problem and whilst im not advising you to go out and fit a new clutch it might be worth getting your wife to compare it to another example.
Good luck with whatever you decide
Pete.
__________________
97 Golf VR6 Supercharged - gone but not forgotten......
93 Lagoon Green M5 3.8 Hartge - gone but not forgotten....
Golf Gti Mk2 with a little bit of Audi 20V turbo under the bonnet - gone and left a lasting impression in my mind!
Audi S2 Avant - not quite normal
Last edited by lagoonM5; 17th November 2005 at 19:39.
Reason: sppppppppeeeeelling!
Is it just a case of it needs a new clutch??
Mine is not heavy at all and usually a heavy clutch is a sign that the clutch itself is tired.
Have you had the chance to drive another M5 back to back for comparison as i really dont think my clutch is alot heavier than her Fiat Coupe 20VT so if she can drive that she can drive the M5.
I guess alot of it depends on what your wife is used to and if she's come from a E39 540 auto then your possibly fighting a loosing battle - anythings is going to seem heavy after that!
Shame she cant get on with it but i reckn its the clutch on that specific car that is the problem and whilst im not advising you to go out and fit a new clutch it might be worth getting your wife to comapre it to another example.
Good luck with whatever you decide
Pete.
I see what you are saying Pete and is a good point, but the clutch on mine has recently been changed. She is pretty good normally as I have dallied about with a few cars in the last few years, prior to the 540 we had an E39 528i manual which she found absolutely fine. I think it's the type of car the M5 is which is the problem - she isn't unreasonable to be fair and is willing to try it for a bit longer but I know what the outcome is going to be.
I suppose I was a bit daft and bought it without consulting her. A bit of a heart over head moment. It wouldn't be so bad if I had a sensible car she could have instead.
Last edited by silverback mike; 17th November 2005 at 19:43.
Mike, can you post the URL of the original eBay advert so that I can see some pictures and a bit more detail?
The clutch in mine was a real killer if you had stop-start traffic for more than a few minutes, but I got used to it after a while. They're pretty hard work in traffic like that anyway- drivetrain shunt, heavy pedals etc.
Last edited by AndyE; 17th November 2005 at 19:47.
Mike, can you post the URL of the original eBay advert so that I can see some pictures and a bit more detail?
The clutch in mine was a real killer if you had stop-start traffic for more than a few minutes, but I got used to it after a while. I can imagine it's even harder work for a lady.
Here it is Andy. It is as good as it looks and drives perfectly.
Trouble is, is that Sonia has the school run for 10 mins, then off to work which is another 20 mins in Bristol rush hour, then the opposite in the return rush hour in the afternoon.
On the other side of the coin, I am on nights at the moment and have been taking it up and down the motorway, which has been a pleasure.
My mobile is 07780664693, feel free to call, I'm up all night.
Mike, can you post the URL of the original eBay advert so that I can see some pictures and a bit more detail?
The clutch in mine was a real killer if you had stop-start traffic for more than a few minutes, but I got used to it after a while. They're pretty hard work in traffic like that anyway- drivetrain shunt, heavy pedals etc.
Gor for it Andy
__________________
97 Golf VR6 Supercharged - gone but not forgotten......
93 Lagoon Green M5 3.8 Hartge - gone but not forgotten....
Golf Gti Mk2 with a little bit of Audi 20V turbo under the bonnet - gone and left a lasting impression in my mind!
Just a thought, and I maybe wrong? But ........... I've got a feeling the 3.8 has a lighter clutch than the 3.6? Can someone confirm. It thats the case then maybe you could go down that route. I certainly don't feel my clutch is heavy.
......
- gone but not forgotten....
- gone and left a lasting impression in my mind!
Linear Mode
