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What to ask for 2003 M5?

2K views 18 replies 14 participants last post by  Beemer Guy 
#1 ·
Hello:

I am considering selling my 2003 E39 M5 (kills me to do it but I am at a stage in my life with kids and baseball/camping where I need a bigger car w/4WD). I have the following Dinan additions: cold air intakes, exhaust, Stage 2 software and front strut tower brace. Also, I have a hi-end after market stereo system with Audison Bit1, Genesis amps and Hertz l/r speakers and sub.

It has 89k miles and is mechanically in outstanding condition. A few scratches and dings here and there but she is otherwise a beast.

I know people may not have thoughts as to the audio additions but any thoughts as to an asking price for the car itself?

Thx.
John
 
#2 · (Edited)
Hello:

I am considering selling my 2003 E39 M5 (kills me to do it but I am at a stage in my life with kids and baseball/camping where I need a bigger car w/4WD). I have the following Dinan additions: cold air intakes, exhaust, Stage 2 software and front strut tower brace. Also, I have a hi-end after market stereo system with Audison Bit1, Genesis amps and Hertz l/r speakers and sub.

It has 89k miles and is mechanically in outstanding condition. A few scratches and dings here and there but she is otherwise a beast.

I know people may not have thoughts as to the audio additions but any thoughts as to an asking price for the car itself?

Thx.
John

Without giving you a lengthy response about the different variables involved- I would say start at $22,000

Although these cars last over 300,000 (I am told, lol) with proper "care" when someone is looking to buy mileage is usually one of the deciding factors. Your car doesnt have "high" mileage but 89K is on the high-end of the buyer's search spectrum
 
#4 ·
Depends in part on how many owners and documentation of history since birth. A one-owner car with all records will demand a premium compared to the suggestions above. The other variable is how soon you want to sell it. If you have all the time in the world, price it high. If you need to sell it before you purchase your needed replacement, you'll likely accept a lower offer.

If your car is a one or two-owner car with complete documentation and you don't need to sell it quickly, I'd consider a thorough detail/paint correction and a $26K asking price. Good examples of our beloved E39 M5s are not becoming more common...of course, if I were you I'd keep it and pick up an SUV for family duty.
 
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#5 ·
Fair points, all. I'm in no hurry and frankly haven't decided whether to pull the trigger on a sale. Getting all of the scratches and little dings taken care of would be around $500. That in itself is worth it. I am the 2d owner and bought the car when it had roughly 11k miles on it. Serviced ever since by Portola Valley Garage, which is an awesome place. Thanks again for the thoughts.

JS
 
#6 ·
Consider this - rather than sell your M5 for $22K and then turn around and buy a GL450 for $35K - just keep your M5 and add a 10 year old Suburban for $12K or so as your weekend camping / ski trip / baseball team carrying rig? Same cost and then you are not stuck driving a SUV to work when you know you would much rather still be in that M5.

Am I wrong?
 
#7 ·
Where do you get a GL450 for $35k? Now seriously, part out the Dinan bits for $1500 (400 strut brace, 600 exhaust core change, 500 CAI core change), list the car for $20500.
 
#11 ·
Where do you get a GL450 for $35k? Now seriously, part out the Dinan bits for $1500 (400 strut brace, 600 exhaust core change, 500 CAI core change), list the car for $20500.
+1

If you're looking for a quick sale this is how I'd go about it. If you have future plans for audio, I would take the whole system out and return that to stock as well. It won't add anything to the resale value IMO.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I too had been debating selling my 2003 M5 with 60,000 miles.
( with Supersprint headers, Remus mufflers, Conforti chip, Dinan rear sway bar, 19" SSR GT3 )
However, it will cost me sooooo much more to get into a newer vehicle, and one that will never have the balls of the M5.

So I decided to spend a little money on it to make it more street friendly .
Just mounted new OEM wheels from fellow forum member, and new Continental DW tires.
Going back to 18" & the Conti DW tires have now eliminated my desire to replace the struts.
Next week will see a full tune-up with plugs, plug boots, usual fluids & filters, coolant flush, & belts replacement.
Then I will send my dash away for the LED pixel fix.
Then smiles on my face and no more complaints .... other than the crappy stock stereo !

Dont sell !

- Andy
 
#19 ·
I concur with the low twenties. You'll likely get little back on your investment in the Dinan upgrades and the stereo. Being a two owner with service records does help a lot. More so will be how you market it.

I decided this past go around (I just sold my car last week) that instead of pricing it high and negotiating down (like I usually do) I'd price it fairly and stick to it. I had a lot of calls with "what will you take for it?" and that quickly weeded out people who weren't serious buyers. The lower price generated more interest, which can be a PITA but in the end, I had it sold in 10 days from starting the ad.
 
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