NEW owner and a Newbeeee Question =) - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ShinYW · 12th December 2002, 15:36

First off, I am very happy that I got an M5, =), I was afraid of getting in the beginning with my friends telling me that Bimmers have alot of little stuff going wrong all the time, but so far (knock on wood) it's been treating me very well. I used to own a 98 Supra T78, and forums for the Supra told me everything that I needed to know, and I thought no other car forums offered such tips, but as more and more I surf around this forum, wow, you guys are just as informative =), THANKS!!!!

My main question would be, up here in Maryland it's kind of cold and my temp. gauge is reading exactly 175 f through my whole highway driving, i was wondering if that's normal? the booklet says it's ok but i thought it should be around 200f or so when I am going around 60-70. Please tell me that I am just paronoid =)

Another question is that I am installing the M audio subs, and I went through most of the steps and did pre-wiring to test out the subs, but they seem very quite. Either I am using a bad wires (stock to big wire back to stock) --------=======-------- <--looks somthing like that, I am going to go buy the same wires today and test it out. But besides, I have rear head and side airbags, and I am trying to open up the car in the rear to finish off the mounting, and I am afraid that I might mess around with the airbags, has anyone opened up the rear ones with airbags, if so is it ok as long as I am careful? Thanks

Sorry for any mis-spells and such =), any Maryland M5 owners???

Shin

ycchan · 20th December 2002, 12:33

Hi ShinYW! Welcome to the board!

since I do not own an M5 yet

I am unable to help you but I recommend you repost this thread onto the "E39 M5 and E52 Z8 discussion" forum. There you can get a lot of feedback from the current M5 owners!

ShinYW · 20th December 2002, 16:16

Thanks, I got the problem worked out if anyone needs help with "M-Audio Installation", let me know I will give step by step instructions

Trialguy · 24th December 2002, 21:05

Just got "Helga," 2000 M5, Royal Burg/Caramel/Bruye/ExtLeather, and she's great. BUT, she idles rough (almost missing) when cold, AND, I think the clutch "slips" when really getting on it. Is the rough run when cold typical, AND, can anyone diagnose the problem when under full throttle and engine noise indicates clutch still depressed when it isn't??

basil · 25th December 2002, 05:23

Trialguy:

I have a 2000 M5 with 28,000 miles on the engine. I never had a rough idle as you describe, though one time the engine computer put the engine in what was called on this board, "safe mode" for some reason - which has happened once or so to a few of us. It wasn't just at idle either. Anyway, it went away as soon as I pulled over and restarted the engine.

This doesn't appear to be your problem, though you do seem to have one. As for the clutch, you should try making sure it's fully engaged before applying full throttle. I'd tell you to upgrade the clutch but it may be that the car's beat and the present clutch is too far gone. I haven't put my uprated clutch in my beast yet so I can't sing its praises.

I'd bring the car in to be checked. It'll be a rolling Nikon when they tune it up. Nice color combo! - and rare.

VolcanoSS · 27th December 2002, 01:28

Ha! "Helga" is the name of my 1988 528e! And, the M5's name is "Inga"...

Regards and Welcome!

Tim

LSU1981 · 27th December 2002, 05:00

Trialguy,

Congrats on the beast!

You might want to search the board for "Vanos". Early M5's apparently didn't have a "vanos oil accumulator shutoff valve". This was added to my car under warranty and took care of the noise/rattle/rough idle on startup.

RE: the clutch, it seems to be a weak link for many. Some burn them up in 5-10k miles; others get 30k+ easily. Clutch replacement under warranty is hit or miss. Again, a search of the board should give you some pointers on what to say/do to help convince your SA to replace a clutch under warranty. I'm sure others who've had clutch issues will jump in with insight/details.

Mike

Quote:

Originally posted by Trialguy
Just got "Helga," 2000 M5, Royal Burg/Caramel/Bruye/ExtLeather, and she's great. BUT, she idles rough (almost missing) when cold, AND, I think the clutch "slips" when really getting on it. Is the rough run when cold typical, AND, can anyone diagnose the problem when under full throttle and engine noise indicates clutch still depressed when it isn't??

cblanch · 6th April 2003, 04:10

I'm another new owner of an older car (6/00, Le Mans blue). I'm finding that sometimes, crawling in traffic in first when the car has only just warmed up, the beast suddenly decides to do a series of "kangaroo hops" (only way I can describe it!). Friend of mine has a (new) E46 M3 which has the same problem. Declutching and re-engaging clears it, but I'm wondering whether any of you have experienced it and whether there's a fix? Great site, great car.
Chris

MT JTN · 6th April 2003, 04:44

Welcome Shin! Enjoy the Beast.

I was a bit surprised when you said that your friends told you that BMWs lately haven't been reliable. I think they're solid as rocks. I haven't had any problems with my Beast or my 540 before that.

Have fun, drive safely!
-Matthew

ftrmonk · 8th May 2003, 23:34

I haven't driven the beast in a while. I'll let you know if I notice the temp.
I live in St. Mary's County. It's in Southern Maryland, southeastsouth of DC.
Cheers.

kevinno · 9th May 2003, 21:36

My 2003 built M5 does the same thing (rough idle) until the variable tach's Yellow indicators unlight all by the last one.

Could this be a simple case of a sensor suppressing fresh air intake until the engine is warm?

Does anyone have more information on this? Maybe it's time to contact my BMW Service Manager to have them look at it.

Regards,
Kevin

---------------------------------------------------------
Current - 2003 M5 - CB/Blk Int/Aluminum Trim
Own (but barely drive) 2000 528i - Ti Silver/Grey Int/Walnut Trim
Graveyard - 2002 X5 - Ti Silver/Grey Int/Beechwood Trim

Marcus Frost · 10th May 2003, 00:07