Hey all, now ive done a little research just making sure i dont miss anything out.
Im considering getting a e39 m5, Im wondering whats a good year to get? What problems am i going to be considering or run into? Im looking for one with less than 60k miles on it with navi. Motor, tansmission, electrical? those type of problems i guess. This will be my next car before i get an e92, im just wondering if theres a lot of problems with this car? I dont want to be spending alot of money on it on and on agian. because im saving up for a e92 m3, So if you have a bit of knowledge towards this car, please help me out and let me know. Thanks in advance
thanks Kris
Last edited by SaiKoE36; 25th September 2007 at 20:14.
Lots of posts on this topic. A quick search should answer all your questions. 01 or 02 brought some minor cosmetic changes and a wider nav screen, I believe a vanos issue was addressed as well. Obviously the newer the better, as far as everything is concerned, including resale value. Im also pretty sure you can get a very nice used e60 M5 for less than what the new M3's gonna be going for. Expect a 10-15k mark up for at least the first 6 months.
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Omid
02 Sterling Gray/Black M5
Manhattan Beach, CA
My 2-cents for what it's worth. Pick up a nice, used, low priced Honda or Toyota and save for that M3 even faster. I think the M5 is a GREAT car but to purchase one as a short term car while saving for an M3 seems foolish.
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MINE: Garage Queen with way to many mods to list.
HERS: X5 4.4
GONE: 1985 318i
No year is immune to problems... all have navi and as you go up in years the navi is upgraded...pricey $$$ repair compared to other cars, PPI is highly recommended...best all around car IMHO...btw I have seen the E92 M3 (test mule) in person although it's nice looking but it can't beat the aura of the e39 M5 JMHO
__________________ Mods: 91 octane with occasional 100 octane
"Illegitimus non carborundum"
" Despite its supercar attributes, the M5 still doubles as a soberly practical, spacious saloon - only with the ability to scare four passengers in comfort all the way to the local coronary unit". Top Gear
Last edited by Laidback; 25th September 2007 at 21:18.
IMHO buy an e39 M5 because it's what you want, but not as an alternative to the bus, while you're saving for the M3.
Search through the threads on here re: buying a used e39 M5 and you shouldn't make too many mistakes. BUT, the first time you get a large ($2k) bill, you have to love the car to be "happy" to pay for it.
I bought an '02, with 67k, just out of warranty.
I didn't pay anyone to inspect it for me, I got dirty, and p'd off the seller with the time I took and the test drive(s) we went for. I tried to go through all the checks I found on this site. I didn't renew the BMW warranty because I figure £1800 p.a. is quite a lot of "gone wrong cushion".
Nearly all the "disposables" (incl clutch, brakes etc) can be replaced with upgraded aftermarket parts, so I wouldn't want warranty replacements bits.
If the engine or gearbox falls out, I'll replace them on a 0% credit card .
Hope the bus arrives on time - good luck.
A final word of caution if I may - if you get an e39 M5, you may never get the M3 - the e39 M5 is that good - see EVO magazine.
well i plan on keeping the m5 for quite a while, maybe hand it down to one of my little bros. I have done some research and just want to make sure i didnt miss anything out? I was considering an e46m3 since i already have a e36 s/c. but i can stop starring at the e39 m5..so nice. so please be helpful and dont tell me to search because i already have been.
Ok, so you've read up on how to check the clutch isn't going, how to do a WOT test, got a list of all the electricals to check, checked through the bills, contacted the service centres to verify, contacted the previous owner(s). So now it's subjective.....here's one view amongst many.......
You might not keep the car long so go for a LeMans blue, Bluewater or Silver because they're popular. Mine's Carbon Black, because I like it.
SatNav isn't the worlds best, but (according to some) makes the cars worth more / more saleable than nonNav cars. I don't like this argument, but my car has got SatNav.
I paid £6-7k less than similar Approved Used BMW prices by buying privately, which gives me a £6-7k cushion if its a bag o'nails.
Some people prefer the "security" of definitely paying more to a stealer than buying private, then potentially having to argue over whether any claim is covered under warranty - I don't. If it goes wrong, I'll "upgrade" it and pay, but until then, I keep my own money.
I bought a 67k car where a 30k - 40k one would have been more typical for an '02. That's because I'm happy that 15k per annum highway miles is less stress than 6-8k city miles. I'm also a lower mileage driver (until I got my beast at least! ) so when I come to sell in a few years, my car will be "normal" mileage.
Test drive a couple of forecourt cars to get a feel for what you're in for, before venturing into the private / independent market. If in doubt, walk away. If no doubts, then be prepared to pay up for a car you are happy with.
Saikoe36, You really need to think this over. All the replys already are valuable and worth some deeeep decision thinking. e39M5 are keepers. I just got mine a month ago and there is nothing compared to it. Yes it will cost you, parts are$$s, and mileage is like my SUV. But it's an M5. So Good Luck.
Ok, so you've read up on how to check the clutch isn't going, how to do a WOT test, got a list of all the electricals to check
Wow i never found any list on here for the electricals to check? And how to do the WOT test? What do you mean check the clutch isnt going? i dont understand that one? Will you kindly direct me to where i can get this stuff?? Ive been searching around and cant find nothing like these list and WOT test? THank you
I have been thinking about it alot and i really wanna go with a e39 m5 instead of the e46 m3. Im also wondering if there are things i need to change? for example the e36 96 have poor water pumps with plastic impellers? is there something like that i need to be doing?
W(ide) O(pen) T(hrottle) = "MAF's test".
There's also a thread on "Common problems", "Where to check for rust".
I'm not aware of any particular "must replace" parts from either my limited experience or what I've read on this board.
The clutch test was re: pulling at low revs. from stationary in high gears. Your car should stall if the clutch is ok (because it's not slipping). I'm sorry but I can't find this thread myself now!
Do a Search for "checklist", find "pre-purchase inspection for 03 M5 - what to look for". Also check out threads that DavidS has participated in.
to pay for it.
.
- see EVO magazine.
) so when I come to sell in a few years, my car will be "normal" mileage.
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