Considering a purchase of the M5 , but.... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

mrwoz · 19th December 2002, 08:34

Hello to the board!

I am seriously considering a purchase of an M5. I currently drive a 2002 530 with sport and the auto trans. I constantly find myslf downshifting etc. with the Steptronic for fun and increased driver control. So I thought why not consider the M5? I love the performance of the 5 series sedans so why not get into this before they stop making them. But I had a few questions:

What do people do for a spare? If I am in the middle of Iowa etc. I know they have Roadside Help but being stuck in the middle of a corn field while waiting to have my car shipped back to civilization really would kill the experience for me. I deal with snow tires on my car now and that does not bother me. I relaize that is part of the performance deal. But being without a life preserver is a different acceptance.

How is the six speed in traffic?

I would be using the car for everyday use and I drive between 15000 to 20000 miles a year.

I have always held this car as the ultimate sedan but I don't want it to be a chore just to maintain it or worry about getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere.

I used to have a high performance modified sedan and it turned out to be too much of a headach with maintaining it. So I am asking for some realistic advice.

I know it is the ultimate. I know the relability is high. But be honest.

I had thought of waiting for the 745i Sport but I am not too hot on the idea of having no center shifter and also having to deal with the electrical gremlins and the software gliches. And to be honest, the 5 series drives like a dream.

So....
In summary, I would appreciate any advice on living with a car that is ultra performance but with no spare tire. I am very happy with the 530 but have the means to make the jump to the M5 but don't want to regret putting myself in a maintenance headache.

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

One more thing to add: I am not a race/gear head all the live long day. I have a business to manage, four kids under the age of 11 and a wife who tries to keep things in order despite my best efforts. Driving to me is a hobby and a vice, especially with the Valentine V1. I thouroghly enjoy finely engineered machines such as cars, bikes, tools, power kites, boats, etc. Can the M5 fit in without requiring the owner to sacrifce too much besides the money to buy it in the first place?

tfung · 19th December 2002, 09:09

Hi!
welcome to the board.... after reading through all your concerns, I think most of them are non-issues....

realibility on the car is pretty good, and if you're not really a gearhead, most of the little things that do happen probably won't annoy you too much.. like the car burning a quart of oil every 2000 miles, etc.. if you can keep your car in good shape and bring it in for regular service, you wouldn't have too much trouble with the car.. probably no more than your 530....

the 6 speed drivability is excellent, and definitely is not a chore to drive through traffic.. I do it everyday in Hong Kong, and it's fine.. the beauty of this car is that it's the perfect daily driver....

as for the spare, a few members here have bought an extra rim and tire and just throw it in the trunk... yes, it does take up luggage space, but a lot of people own a second SUV and do their hauling in that car...

again, welcome to the board...
tfung

mrwoz · 20th December 2002, 01:30

Just ordered the M5. Was told I have an end of January slot for a Feb March Delivery. You only live once I suppose. I have the next few days to finalize the color. Carbon Black, Jet Black, Sterling Gray

?? All would be with the black Lux interior.
Park dist, M audio, and fold down seats.

This is going to be interesting.........

DaveS · 20th December 2002, 01:58

Congratulations on the M5. Out of those 3 I would pick either Jet Black for its stealth looks or Sterling Grey for cleaning purposes.

hornsch · 20th December 2002, 02:41

Always bet on Black (Jet)!

Need4Spd · 20th December 2002, 03:23

I think you should go for it. I use mine ('01) as my daily driver and ended up putting 20k miles on it the first year. It's not a problem in heavy traffic as there is so much torque and so long as traffic is not absolutely stopped you can just creep along in 1st. It's very reliable so far. I had the same concern about the spare, but just figure that most flats can be overcome with the M inflation system. I know it'll ruin the tire and it's messy, but if you're in the middle of Iowa and get a flat, chances are you're on a highway and the tire will be destroyed anyway. As for color, I'd go with Sterling Grey among your choices, but will throw in a vote for Titanium Silver. Yes, it's common, but with all the bad weather you get in Chicago, you'll be glad, as it's very easy to maintain and looks good even when dirty. We've had non-stop rain for almost 2 weeks here and my car is filthy yet still looks decent. (Also I'll note that with DSC, the car is no problem to drive even when its pouring.) BTW, unless I'm mistaken, the 530 has rack and pinion steering. The M5 has recirculating ball. The feel is not as quite as good in the M5, but the handling is far superior, if that makes sense. The car will feel a bit tight and somewhat hesitant to freely rev for the first 5-10k miles or so, then oil consumption magically goes down and the engine revs much more freely. Be sure to post when you get your car so we can celebrate with you!

mrwoz · 20th December 2002, 03:48

i will keep you posted on the progress. I'm going to check out some colors tomorow to get a feel for the deal. I am going with a front wheel for the spare with a universal roatation pattern tire for the spare for those long trips to God's Country.

Tony Mack · 20th December 2002, 05:04

I would say go for the M5.

Its very stealth. I am seriously considering purchasing a used M5. As I am not going to do crazy Mods just Intake and Exhaust and the maintenace should not be ery much, considering i will be in college and working.

Color Titanium Silver of LMB

polvoronn · 20th December 2002, 06:14

Quote:

Originally posted by mrwoz
Just ordered the M5. Was told I have an end of January slot for a Feb March Delivery. You only live once I suppose. I have the next few days to finalize the color. Carbon Black, Jet Black, Sterling Gray?? All would be with the black Lux interior.
Park dist, M audio, and fold down seats.

This is going to be interesting.........

If I were in your shoes (going with the black lux interior) I'd go with the Sterling Grey exterior. It'd be nice to have that contrast instead of all black, inside and out. Plus, I personally think it's a really classy and elegant color and shouldn't be as difficult to keep clean as the Carbon ot Jet Black would.

mrwoz · 20th December 2002, 06:54

I like that idea of the contrast of silver and black. Good Quote too.

rprellwitz · 20th December 2002, 19:42

You should go for it. I have had mine for over a year and can't say enough good things about it.
As for the spare consideration - I live in the Milwaukee area and have a seperate set of rims with snow tires mounted - In the summer on of those comes along and in the winter one of the standard fronts. I realize this is not a perfect solution due to rotational direction issues but with a catastrophic failure that the m-mobility won't fix in northern Wisconsin where my parents live (not many dealers up there) it will allow me to limp home.

As for your color choice I saw a Carbon Black sitting on the showroom floor last week at my local dealer when mine went in for inspection I service. It is beautiful. (not so much as my LeMans Blue w/ Caramel but still very nice) That one was Carbon Black with Black sport interior - still for sale as of a couple of days ago.

Regardless of which you pick it will be a treat everytime you drive it. Enjoy.