Help with M5 in Denver

CSBM5 · 14th February 2004, 01:47

I'm interested in a 2001 M5 located in Denver, and I'm trying to ascertain whether the Toyota dealer who has the car is up front with its condition, background, etc. The car was supposedly traded to that dealership. I have checked out Carfax (for what little good that is) which is clean, and I have the BMW service history from BMWNA which looks great by the way (i.e. extra oil service between intervals).

I'm considering contacting one of the Denver BMW dealers to see if they would go and drive the car back to their shop for a pre-purchase inspection. Does anyone know which dealer would be the best to contact?

If anyone has any other information regarding this car or John Elway Toyota that may be helpful, I sure would appreciate it. I would hate to fly all the way to Denver only to be disappointed and have to buy a ticket back home

LSU1981 · 14th February 2004, 16:38

Is that the Elway dealer on Arapahoe in Centennial? Don't have any specific info on the dealer but could go by today and take a look at it. Do you have a checklist/criteria you'd like me to work with? What salesperson?

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSB540i

I'm interested in a 2001 M5 located in Denver, and I'm trying to ascertain whether the Toyota dealer who has the car is up front with its condition, background, etc. The car was supposedly traded to that dealership. I have checked out Carfax (for what little good that is) which is clean, and I have the BMW service history from BMWNA which looks great by the way (i.e. extra oil service between intervals).

I'm considering contacting one of the Denver BMW dealers to see if they would go and drive the car back to their shop for a pre-purchase inspection. Does anyone know which dealer would be the best to contact?

If anyone has any other information regarding this car or John Elway Toyota that may be helpful, I sure would appreciate it. I would hate to fly all the way to Denver only to be disappointed and have to buy a ticket back home

CSBM5 · 14th February 2004, 17:35

Thanks Mike, I replied in a PM to you

1986gg · 14th February 2004, 18:47

There are three BMW dealers in metro Denver: Ralph Schomp (I'd avoid them - I bought an M5 there that turned out to need a fair bit of exterior repair and they refused to cover any of it even though the car was CPO), Murray Motors and Gebhardt (which is in Boulder). Your best bet is to fly in, schedule the inspection before hand and take it yourself. None of the dealers are likely to come and get it, but the Elway place might be persuaded to do it for you.

A key question is how much winter driving was done. Denver is a rough place on cars in the winter and the front of the hood and the windshield can take a beating. If the miles are relatively low, there's a good chance the car spent most winters in the garage.

Murray Motors has an '01 CPO listed for 54.9 in today's Denver Post; didn't say how many miles. An '01 should price between 50 and 55 k, depending on condition, CPO and miles. When I was looking I spent a lot of time on Autotrader.com, cars.com and ebay motors. Good luck.

LSU1981 · 14th February 2004, 20:58

Hi Chuck,

I did get by and look at the car. The sales guy, Mike M, is very knowledgeable and owns a 540. The car appears to be as advertised --

2001 LeMans Blue
12,6xx miles
Virtually new pilot sports
Sport Interior, gray inserts
Alum trim
Interior sunshades
Black gear shift and park brake (not alum)
No PDC
No fold down rear seat/ski pass thru
No extended leather on dash (not sure if was option 2001)
07/01 US build (so warranty should run until Aug or Sept of 2005)

It has the owner's manual, glove box flashlight, nav CD (2001.2), appropriate trunk tools, no instruction VHS tape. The sunroof, sunshades, windows, folding mirrors, and radio work. Didn't try the CD, cassette, or steering wheel controls. The interior is very clean; there was no apparent damage or unusual wear.

The cars runs nice, shifts smoothly, brakes straight. The handling is good/tight. Sunroof did rattle a little over a rough side road (mine does the same). The power seemed good and it pulled consistently all the way to redline, but, its hard for me to evaluate this as I'm accustomed to a modified car. That said, I think it performs typical of a stock car.

The paint is in very good shape. It does have some swirls but nothing a good detailing won't fix. I didn't see any door dings/dents. There are some minor exterior issues --

1. Scratch on hood to the lt (Drivers side) of the Roundel
2. Scuff on the right rear door. Looks like it did get bumped by a car door but not enough to leave a dent.

BOTH OF THESE SHOULD COME OUT WITH BUFFING.

3. The Right rear wheel has curb rash. The other wheels are all good -- no rash.

4. Lt front plastic panel under front bumper is broken. Contacted a curb. You cannot see it unless on your hands/knees.

That's it. Overall its in very nice shape. Here are a couple of pictures of the areas of concern. These are 800x600. If you want the originals they are 1600x1200 and about 800k each. I've got about 10-12 pics I could email you.

Good luck.

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSB540i

Thanks Mike, I replied in a PM to you

LSU1981 · 14th February 2004, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986gg

A key question is how much winter driving was done. Denver is a rough place on cars in the winter and the front of the hood and the windshield can take a beating. If the miles are relatively low, there's a good chance the car spent most winters in the garage.

Chuck,

A couple more things -

This car came out of Texas so never suffered a Colorado winter. It has the front lic plate holder -- if front plates aren't required in NC there will be some fill/paint work to be done.

Also, here are couple more pics (can only attach 5 per post).

Mike

CSBM5 · 15th February 2004, 00:22

Mike,

Wow, what can I say...thanks so much for your time and impressions of the car along with your detailed inspection of the condition! This M5 board is populated with some simply incredible people of which you personify. I can't say enough about your help and kindness in looking at this car. Great job!! It has given me a whole different perspective on the car and has been immensely helpful. I will follow up with an PM with my main e-mail address shortly.

You wouldn't know of anyone interested in a pristine, garaged 24hrs, 2002 540i/6 now would you

. Just joking...well, not really

Thanks again, and I will be in touch shortly,

Chuck

M5 Fever · 15th February 2004, 05:40

Mike,

Great job on the inspection and write-up.

Chuck,

This should be of great help for your decision.

Best of luck

Al