I currently own a 98 M3 sedan and do most of the work myself. Saves a good amount of money.
I've been browsing this site and bimmerdiy.com (if you knw of any other good sites to research, I'd love to know) to research what its like to work on these cars. Cooling system replacement and oil changes (although I'm not familair with a dry sump system so any insight there would be great) seem straight forward. Brakes seem to be like most/all cars. I know that the carbon build up issue is something that can't be DIY'ed (but also believe its pretty rare to have it happen). Clutches seem to go, but with a long weekend I should be able to replace it. Is there anything on the cars where you would NEED to bring it to a dealer/indy shop? I would also think, with enough looking around, you can find good prices on parts.
It's been my dream, for the last 6 years, to own an e39 M5. Prices seem to be good now. Just looking for some insight from the DIY'ers.
lots has been said on this topic. use search.
my opinion is, if you've experience, and you appear to have one, lots of stuff can be done DIY way.
M5 is just a car (a quote from a Bimmer commerical).
so, equipped with DIY skills and M5board you'll continue saving Cash
if you're familiar with working on bmw's (the m3) the m5 shouldn't be THAT much more difficult. I'd say pick up the bently manual and go to town. My only fear when I bought my 5, is the need for special tools. I haven't run into much, but stupid things like wheel bearings, or anythign else that need to be pressed out would be an indy job.
I haven't had my car for "that" long and haven't had many problems yet (knocks on wood) but i've had the car's interior taken apart, all bumpers / mirrors off, exhaust / wheels / brakes / shocks / springs off, headlights / tails off, door panels, seats, trunk stuff, and no snags yet. This summer I need to do intake mani and valve cover gaskets which should be pretty easy. Plugs will probably get replaced as well, which will leave me with more suspension stuff to replace.
After almost two months of ownership, so far so good. Haven't done much yet - changed oil, air filters, fuel filter, transmission fluid. I have a background of DIY on 80s/90s Audis and the e39 m5 doesn't seem too bad. In particular, the clutch looks like it'd be fairly easy to change - the exhaust isn't really in the way of the transmission. Accessibility and design are great from what i've seen so far too, with the exception of the rear of the engine. I think you'll be fine.
i just got mine a few weeks ago and it's a fixxer upper... i plan on doing as much of the work myself. All you need a is a torx kit and you're good. definitely get the service manual and read as many diys on the same topic as you can before going into something you're iffy about. I've also come to find that youtube of all places is a good source for step by step removals/replacements.
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