Hi all, newbie here looking for some advice on buying my first M5.
The one I'm looking at is a '91 in Calypso red, 127k miles on the clock with history to prove. Bodywork is immaculate apart from bubbling paint around the fuel filler cap. AC doesn't work, worn drivers seat, on sale at £3000. What should I be looking for? Does the ventilation/heating still work ok without AC? The exhaust and suspension are thought to be original, how much are they to replace? Should I do a compression check on the engine, what readings should I get? Is this a reasonable price?
Any advice gratefully recieved.
Alec
Is that the one in Inverness with the silver (half?) leather?
If so, it was the one I was going to see before I bought my current one from Hull. The owner seemed genuine enough and I'd already booked the non-refundable tickets before I'd arrange to see the black one I ended up buying.
I think £3k is about the cheapest you're going to see - and you'll still find £2k worth of stuff to do on it. Air-con might just need regassing or it could need new compressor, evaporator, pump, fan, etc. Heat & vent will still work though - just no cooling.
At this price & mileage I wouldn't have expected the suspension or engine to have had any work (the one I bought had, and that's the main reason I chose my black one over the Calypso one).
__________________ "If you're not producing skidmarks you're not trying hard enough"
Eck, hello and welcome. I wouldn't worry about the a/c, I didn't even use mine when it worked. In my opinion any M5 for 3k that starts stops and turns without any drama or nasty noises is worth it all day long. I haven't seen the ad for the car you are looking at so cant pass comment on it, has it got turbine covers ? - I would hope it does as thats how 3.6's should be.
Have you looked at - www.bmwe34m5.com ?? if not you can find some good info there. Also, have you seen the 1993 white 3.8 that is currently for sale from 'madm5' here??
Cheers.
Hi Alec and welcome to the board. As David has said, £3k is a very fair price if there is little wrong with it. Mine is a '90 and I wouldn't take less than £4k for it (and it would still take another £2k to make it mint!).
Check all the electrics. Most of these are an easy fix but if several things aren't working properly that could point to something more than just a dodgy connection or switch somewhere. Pay particular attention to the heater to ensure it blows hot and cold.
Listen to the engine. It should be (reasonably) smooth and quiet. Just because it's //M tuned doesn't mean it should sound like a bag of bolts. Does it sound like it has a blown exhaust when started from cold and does this noise cut out after two minutes? That's just the air pump doing its job properly. Is there any rattle from the timing chain indicating a worn tensioner? Is the water pump sounding a bit rumbly or is there any wetness around it indicating it's on the way out? Does the power steering groan under load and does the car sit properly on the level - check the position of the rear tyres to the arches on both sides? The SLS is expensive to repair and there's a good chance the pipes will be corroded.
Your location is a bit vague but if I can be of any help, please let me know.
Thanks for all the replys and advice guys. Mmm-Five, yes thats the one. Phil, no turbines, has Borbets I think, 6 spoke. Chas, I'm near Kintore, think I saw some of your fleet at Crathes?
Alec
Chas, I'm near Kintore, think I saw some of your fleet at Crathes?
Alec
Spot on Alec, you saw the B8 and B10 V8 at Crathes. It's not much of a show but it's on my doorstep so I had to go along for the hell of it.
The two E34s were kept at home but you will see both of them at Alford on the 22nd July. The M5 will be on the BMW stand and the BiTurbo and B8 will be on the supercar stand. The B8 is also entered into the supercar sprint, which should be quite an eye-opener for the Porsche/Ferrari/TVR it gets pitched against..
Alex, personaly I would want to buy a car as standard as possible, are the original wheels available? I don't like the sound of the Borbets, bit chavvy imo.
Chas, what's the alford event all about, sounds interesting.
Greg, don't mention it. There was me thinking you had no manners, as I dont recall a mention for the build sheets!!, hope you get a buyer soon.
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