What are the M5 2001 models like?? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

jjamess · 29th December 2002, 17:08

I am new to this site and have a few questions.
I use to run a Subaru B4 RSK with was a very fast car but unrefined, I changed this for a new Audi A6 tdi avant in summer 2002, this is a fine motor car with great build quality and plenty of room. The problem is lack of driver involment, I have seen a black M5 year 2001 in our local BMW dealers 39000 miles on the clock. I can afford this car but what i want to know is
1. Can u live this car on a day to day basic?
2. Does it handle as well as the reveiws claim?
3.What else is there to consider?
4.Whats the biggest problem with them?
5. Whats it like over a good twisty british b roab with lots of potholes?(will i have any fillings left in my teeth)
Many Thanks James (possible M5 owner!!!!!)

TriflowM5+M3 · 30th December 2002, 00:47

James...

First off, you luck man...B4 RSK's are very capable and from what i have seen/heard they are wonderful. An M5 of any model year would be a great compliment to a S6. The M is going to be more powerful and be a great daily driver (i use mine as one) and the ride is not punishing at all and the handling is great (although some understeer: with a aftermarket suspension you can get rid of it)

Other cars to consider...Merc E-series Jag R-series Audi RS6 and thats really about it if you are talking about having luxury. Some of the problems with M5s can be found on this board but mostly the clutch giving and Vanos problems and the very weak sway bar brackets which can be remedied completely for $50.

Cant say what it would be like over a british road, but the ride is not punishing at all and you should not have to visit any type of oral care center afterwords.

triflowm5

JFB · 30th December 2002, 01:19

James

To echo what Triflow said in response to your questions...
1. Can u live this car on a day to day basic?
Absolutely. It's my daily driver. With four doors it easily can transport business clients, or haul the kids to the soccer pitch. Split, fold down rear seats allow plenty of room for the groceries or packages.

2. Does it handle as well as the reveiws claim?
The steering is not as crisp as the rack and pinion in the M3, for example. In the normal mode, the steering is a bit sluggish. Selecting the Sport mode, however, improves the steering responsiveness. The car's ability to hold the road, even during aggressive cornering, is one of the reasons I drive the M5. There is some understeer -- deliberately engineered -- that can be easily remedied. Many owners have modified the vehicle to stiffen the suspension, add negative camber, etc.

3.What else is there to consider?
Plenty of power at virtually any RPM setting. Packaged in a luxury "grocery getter," it truly is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

4.Whats the biggest problem with them?
Many owners have issues with some of the software or electronics in the vehicles -- phones, radios, etc. These are minor annoyances in my opinion.
The engine control electronics are quite sophisticated, so I've had some "check engine" (Service Engine Soon) indications that resulted in warranty service.
Although there are some vocal critics of the clutch, I have 23K miles on mine with no real problems whatsoever. The clutch will, however, slip if power is applied before the clutch plate has completely engaged.
Probably the biggest complaint I've heard is that some of the dealerships are not responsive to owner complaints, and BMW AG does not provide adequate information to owners.

5. Whats it like over a good twisty british b roab with lots of potholes?
See reponse 2 re the handling. The suspension will handle the bumps in the roads, but the car comes equipped with low profile tires. The rims can be damaged by large potholes, and it is practically impossible to have them restored to their original appearance. You'd have to ask British members on this board for their experience with that sort of damage.

On balance, after over a year of ownership, I am delighted with the car.

Nipper · 30th December 2002, 02:26

Hi James and really dont worry about anything on the car. The only thing to be sure of is a warranty - if things do go wrong then they will be expensive to put right.

The value of M5s' have taken a tumble recently - like the M3s' too - and they are great value for money. Make sure it has all the kit like comms and roof and you wont have any trouble selling it on.

I drive the car daily on those "B" roads and love it. There is absolutely nothing to compare it with for the money. If you want a four door, understated monster of a car that everyone has respect for then go for it.

CEC · 30th December 2002, 21:52

The M5’s handling and road feel are excellent. The suspension almost never gets flustered by the less than perfect roads in the northeast United States. The M5 dispatches potholes surprisingly well. My wife’s S-class is slightly better on rough roads but at the expense of road feel. The BMW engineers did an amazing job balancing road feel and comfort.