High mileage M5 - dream or nightmare?

CSuchar · 11th September 2002, 17:16

I have a 2000 M5 with ~42,000 miles on it.

Few problems so far, just the usual oil consumption, a failed MAF sensor, a failed fan speed control and lately the flakey OBD display.

I would be happy to drive this for another 42,000 miles, but I am worried about what might happen when the warranty expires. The power train has so many highly engineered systems that were first-of-their-kind, I don't see much chance of 100,000 miles of trouble-free operation.

Am I just being paranoid? Does anyone have experience with higher mileaage E39 M5's? How about the boys in Europe, where this car has been around a while longer?

Chris

AJ · 11th September 2002, 17:26

nightmare- most likely. diagnosting those cars is hard. few people seem to know that art and as such it is an expensive proposition dolled out mostly by the dealerships.

mechanically i am not concerned. however, germans were never able to quite get the electical stuff right.

just my experience with german cars

alex
02 gts
few other cars

CSuchar · 11th September 2002, 17:33

All the problems with this M5 have been electrical, and all my problems with previous German cars have been electrical, except one: I had one of the very early 540i's, the ones with the cylinder walls that were corroded by US gasoline. Fortunately mine failed just before the warranty was up, but they replaced the block with another of the same type, and I sold it soon after.

I have known guys with earlier-generation BMW's that have lasted well into the 100,000+ mile area with relatively few problems, but the most recent generations have gotten a lot more complicated = many more points of failure.

MAVERICK · 11th September 2002, 18:45

Why not buy a 100,000 miles extended warranty?

CSuchar · 11th September 2002, 18:53

I have no experience with these. I always had the sense that they were overpriced and had lots of holes in the coverage.

What kind of price would I have to pay for an extended warranty at this point? Would it provide full powertrain coverage?

MAVERICK · 11th September 2002, 19:00

Yes, they have full powertrain damage. As for prices, do a search on "extended warranty" and you will find some previous threads that have been discussed.

khiroshima · 11th September 2002, 19:03

I have to agree, this issue scares me to death! I have had Hondas and Acuras that I have taken to 200k+ with no more than the normal wear and tear items. I sometimes think I need to get my head examined for getting an expensive BMW. Sure there is a warantee, BUT . . .

I have coverage to 100k, but limited, as opposed to the orginal. I am doing eveything I can to keep the miles off the M5, but sometimes it astounds me that I am thinking this way. BTW, I have just short of 30k. Kevin

xilly · 11th September 2002, 20:27

I had a 1988 325 IX with 235.000 kms and no problem at all.

always go to BMW dealers for maintenance

To bad that thieft stole it and destroy it.

william

khiroshima · 12th September 2002, 02:32

JMO, but two COMPLETELY different cars. Kevin

2ND2N01 · 12th September 2002, 05:38

My BEAST also has 40Kmi and I haven't had any electrical problems yet (crossing fingers). I would definately go with the extended warranty if you are planning on keeping it for some time.