Advice on buying an older E39 M5? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Brett_M5 · 21st June 2006, 15:37

This is my first post on this site so I would like to say hello to everyone.
I've migrated from another BMW forum which isn't a well informed on M5 issues as this one. I currently own an E36 M3 which is a fantastic car but unfortunately I'm gonna have to change it to a car with 5 doors (I've got a baby on the way), so as far as I'm concerned the only way to go is down the M5 route

With the baby on the way my budget is quite tight, I'm going to be looking at cars for about £13-14,000 which from my checks on Autotraders website will get me a 1999-2000 car.

I've done a search on this site and found some very useful information but a lot of the answers to buying questions are 'pay a little bit more and get a better one' but in my case this isn't an option so can anyone give me any buying advise for 1999-2000 cars with high(ish) milage.

Any input welcome,

Thanks
Brett

gbogh3 · 21st June 2006, 17:07

My typical advice is to take your time, because the way these cars have been taken care of can vary A LOT. With higher milage cars, I would think that getting the service records are a must and ideally you would like them to come from the dealer. This will give you an idea when and what was done, ie New Clutch and most important from you have seen from the board, is there a carbon build up on the car that might cost a small fortune to clean up, most likely forcing you to sell the car.
Heres a link to a few guys that have a 100k miles, they may be able to discuss specifics.
100,000 Mile Club

Congrats on becoming a Dad.

and Good Luck with the search for the beast.

Gustav · 21st June 2006, 17:13

Welcome!

tranck · 21st June 2006, 17:15

Hi Brett - welcome to this very informative board.

I have a 2000 M5 with over 100,000 miles but, to answer your question, I guess you just have to drive a couple of them.

I mean really go through it - get on it, a couple of WOT's etc.

The only difference between a 2000 and the subsequent years other than a few cosmetics are that the very early models before 3/00 had a different ring design that "supposedly" used more oil.

Now, mine is an 11/99 and other than the initial break-in period, it never used much oil - maybe 1 litre per 3000 miles - this strickly high-way driving and I never tracked the car and generally pampered it. (too much actually)

There is such a difference in how a car is cared for - to me, it boggles my mind.

If someone pays this much for a car and doesn't maintain or take care of it - is just crazy but, many do just that.

Don't think that just because it's an "M5" that it's been well cared for as it should - you just have to look at a few in your price range - look at EVERTHING - service records etc etc and just go with your gut but, long story short, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute on a 2000 vs later models - as another poster said, great value and if you want to do the cosmetic upgrades in the future -ie, angel eyes or CELIS tailights, you can.

SoCalJD · 21st June 2006, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett_M5

This is my first post on this site so I would like to say hello to everyone.
I've migrated from another BMW forum which isn't a well informed on M5 issues as this one. I currently own an E36 M3 which is a fantastic car but unfortunately I'm gonna have to change it to a car with 5 doors (I've got a baby on the way), so as far as I'm concerned the only way to go is down the M5 route

With the baby on the way my budget is quite tight, I'm going to be looking at cars for about £13-14,000 which from my checks on Autotraders website will get me a 1999-2000 car.

I've done a search on this site and found some very useful information but a lot of the answers to buying questions are 'pay a little bit more and get a better one' but in my case this isn't an option so can anyone give me any buying advise for 1999-2000 cars with high(ish) milage.

Any input welcome,

Thanks
Brett

>>>

Hate to say it, but you might want to consider a 540i-6.

Brett_M5 · 21st June 2006, 18:07

Thanks for the replies,

Are these the 2 main things to look for (clutch and carbon build-up) if so, how can you tell if a car has a carbon build up? Does it affect performance or can only a dealer find the fault?
Also, is there any issues with suspension because this was my biggest problem with the M3.

Cheers

Beamer_usa · 21st June 2006, 18:14

Congrats! and welcome, this board is the best place to find information on your beast!

Ashok Arora · 21st June 2006, 18:23

Welcome aboard Brett

NAT · 21st June 2006, 19:05

Wellcome...................jus a small point ....E36 M3 was availiable as a 4 door saloon. Not trying to put you off an M5....but if you like the 3 series there is an answer. perhaps an Alpina.....they did a B8 if memory serves me right........thats an E36 shell with a 4.5 litre V8 ..........and it was availiable as a touring ( estate ) . Absolute hoot....i drove one long time ago.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.

regards
Nat.

aaronmiles · 24th June 2006, 14:40

As long as you find a well cared for and maintained example then you should be fine. I bought a '99 from a boardmember who bought a new E60 and have had no problems (that I have not caused myself

).

Make sure the service records are up to date.

Check with BMW to see what (if any) warranty work has been done on the car. This may give you an idea of what the drivers style. For example if its had suspension, clutches, driveshafts etc replaced then it could be a sign of the drivers 'enthusiasm'. Dont worry about MAFS and VANOS replacements as these can be normal on any M5.

Drive as many as you can, as invariably they are all different in subtle ways.

Get a fellow M5board owner from the UK to perhaps come with you as he/she will notice things that you may not.

Get BMW to do a pre-purchase inspection on the car. They will no doubt list a load of things, but as long as there are no show stoppers you can fix them as you see fit.

Good luck... M ownership is indeed one of the 7 wonders in this world. I too have a little'un on the way (November).

Cheers,
Aaron