Was there an update to the '01 mid-stream? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

RemBrant · 26th May 2006, 21:34

Hello all...wow first actual post!

Question...I have read several posts on here over the course of the last year that hinted there might have been an engine update mid-stream during the 2001 model year. Several people have told me that it is better to buy a 2002 or or a later model 2001...NOT and early 2001, or 2000. Was this update significant? Any information would be extremely helpful.

Just curious...

JP

wilsodh · 26th May 2006, 21:45

Welcome to the board!

I think you are referring to the ring redesign that was implemented 2Q/00. The presumed reason was to address the fairly high oil consumption seen on many cars with the earlier design. Our data indicate that on average (ie, there is still a wide and overlapping range) the oil consumption of the later design is about one-half that of the earlier design; ie, from roughly 1L/1000mi to about 1L/2000 mi. There are no known practical implications with this other than you may have to add a L of oil a little more or less frequently.

You might also be referring to the vanos oil accumulator upgrade that came along in '01 I believe. This was to address oil leakdown upon sitting, which could cause vanos rattle at startup. Not a serious mechanical issue, just a bit embarrassing at times. Earlier MY's could request the upgrade and most '99-00's running around today are probably upgraded.

Dave

greg · 27th May 2006, 21:10

Dave - took the words right out of my mouth. Well, sort of. My answer would have covered the same two topics with much less clarity and a lot more words.

So instead I'll just say ...

Yeah, what he said

RemBrant · 28th May 2006, 07:01

Hey guys...thanks for the replies.

I had thought there was a more serious update than that.

Right now I'm considering a particular '01 built 03/01 w/ 50k or an '02 with similar miles on it. I'm weighing the advantages of buying the '01 over the '02 and saving the $5k-$7k difference.

Also with the exchange right now and how dealers/sellers in Canada have not adjusted for the stronger currency I'm crazy to try and buy one locally...even if there was one to buy! Gotta go south which makes it really hard to try and find one without being able to see it and drive it. Has anybody here bought an M5 off eBay? or Cars.com, or any of the other sites?

Just curious...

JP

gsfent · 28th May 2006, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by RemBrant

Hey guys...thanks for the replies.

I had thought there was a more serious update than that.

Right now I'm considering a particular '01 built 03/01 w/ 50k or an '02 with similar miles on it. I'm weighing the advantages of buying the '01 over the '02 and saving the $5k-$7k difference.

Just curious...

JP

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What changes were made to the E39 M5 during the time that it was produced?
Though there were no major mechanical alterations to the E39 M5 during its entire production run, there were a number of equipment alterations that appeared with the 2001 model-year M5 (from 9/00 production). These include:
-Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Angel Eye" rings
-"Jeweled" tallight design
-Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper (previously in rear only)
-Thicker three-spoke M steering wheel identical to the one fitted to the E46 M3
-Grey instrument faces
-Solar sensor for standard automatic climate control
-Revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor
-Rear head protection airbags added
-Second-generation M Mobility tire repair system in place of earlier version
-Available M Audio System with special tweeters, Kevlar/carbon coaxial speakers and two subwoofers behind the rear console
-Alcantara headliner included with Extended Leather interior (previously only included with Complete Leather)

For the subsequent two model years, changes were limited to the addition of new exterior colors and automatic headlights (from 9/01 production) and the upgrade to a DVD-based navigation system (from 9/02 production).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I went '01 for the same reason, since I didn't care about auto headlights. If you want a DVD nav, you can upgrade for under $1k.
Regards,
Jerry

speedemn · 6th June 2006, 06:08

Is it possible to upgrade an 01 to auto headlights or is that too involved and not worth the $?