What do you think its worth? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ALPINE_M5 · 7th March 2009, 16:58

I have been looking for an Alpine White 2003 M5. Guess what no luck. The one in San Mateo doesn't look like a well sorted one and its been for sale for over 9 months now.

I found a silver one. Here are the things I have found so far. He wanted 35K but is willing to let it go for 31K. It is an 2003 M5 25K miles Tit/Blk. No warranty, OEM Clutch. 3 owner car. First two 5K per owner. Carfax shows a "minor" repair. Apparently the 2nd owner has an accident where someone backed into the drivers door. Broke the glass. The 2nd owner has a new door skin instead of repair. Wasn't happy with the color match so he asked for the whole side to be repainted. I do not see evidence of the rears being repainted but the front fender which apparently wasn't damage was removed and reassembled. Two bolts were not screwed down all the way. First sign of the fender being removed. Around the headlight on the drivers side there seems to be some repaint that wasn't done as good as it could have been and I could push it in some and it moved.

I more concerned with front end dmg and the repair for the side was not as good as it could have been. You can tell if you look closely.

I would still consider the car if the rest of the car checks out. What would you offer?

I was thinking 28-29K for the car being hit on the side and repainted.

Opinions welcomed.

Flyin-m5 · 7th March 2009, 19:01

Drove a 1 owner Black/Black Sport Interior Ti trim,Shades,M Audio with less than 31k on the clock that was in great shape. It sold for $27k. That was last October. It was the one that got away.

1day · 7th March 2009, 19:35

At these levels of money I'd want one that I felt 99.9% happy with.

You don't sound happy with it to me...

ALPINE_M5 · 7th March 2009, 20:00

1day - you are right. I am not 100% sure yet on it. I do not buy unless I am 100% sure of it. If I did a PPI and it came out solid except for the paint then I could perhaps accept it at 100% but at the moment not so sure. Also at 31K for the car its not what I would spend on that car. If it were 9/10 Alpine White perhaps at that price.

Michael_s · 8th March 2009, 01:13

Does not sound like the right car to me. Don't be hasty. Patience is your friend. The right car will come around and you will know.

ALPINE_M5 · 8th March 2009, 01:24

Michael S - you are right as well

I am no hurry which makes it much easier for me to say No

I wanted an 03 but I think I have to consider an 02 and just update the NAV to MK4.

Terabass · 8th March 2009, 01:38

If you decide to buy the car, take the car to a frame-shop and have them lift it up and run the laser test ( i dunno how it works but it works) and make sure the front/rear wheels are aligned withing 2-3 mm .. if they are dead on .. there's a chance the frame got twisted..since no car is dead-on except Lexus because Lexus factory holds a zero-tolerance. I think 4 mm off is considered frame damage as well. This is ultra important to make sure the car drives straight and right.

//Oto

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINE_M5

1day - you are right. I am not 100% sure yet on it. I do not buy unless I am 100% sure of it. If I did a PPI and it came out solid except for the paint then I could perhaps accept it at 100% but at the moment not so sure. Also at 31K for the car its not what I would spend on that car. If it were 9/10 Alpine White perhaps at that price.

IRISH M5 · 8th March 2009, 01:40

You will know it when you see it. I can tell from your posts that this is not the car for you.

You're right to be 100% sure. It's a buyers market, patience will pay off.

Good luck with your search.

ALPINE_M5 · 8th March 2009, 02:32

It's been a while since I have been back to this board. The people are still great and the input is much appreciated.

When I sold my E39 M5 Alpine/Caramel I knew I would get back into one about 3 days later. I have been thinking about it for some time now. Funny lots of people I speak to who have owned them have always said they regret selling it and would get back into another one. Like many of the previous owners it was about space. It is one of those cars that just has a mystic about it that hooks you when you have owned one.

I can pick up E60's M5 for a few bucks more but it doesn't have the soul that the E39's do. I love the power of the E60's don't get me wrong but the soul and lines of the car is not there for me.

bluefish · 8th March 2009, 03:39

I would wait as it seems you have reservations. In today's economy and you not "needing" to buy = advantage to you. I looked a long time and am glad I did. Found what I am happy with which means every time I get in it - that mystic you talk about starts...........you'll know when you find it, so take your time.