I've sold my E39 328 and I'm on a hunt for a pristine M5 (E39). I know that the 2000 M5 had some VANOS issues, but when did BMW "fix" that problem (if ever)?
Thanks - I'll stay looking for some '02s. Has anyone had to cough up the $$ to fix VANOS issues? Any advice for a guy like me looking to buy a used one? What should I look for (other than the engine ticking upon startup after sitting)?
You need to do some research here. The "02" is not the best year.
There is no 'best year".
There were fixes along the way- I suspect that besides the VANOS accumulator fix, there may have been 'unpublished' manufacturing/engineering changes within the vanos assembly. Latter years may SEEM more trouble free, but they are younger. A late 01, 02 or 03 should be equivalent in 'chance of failure per mile per month. Earlier cars will have more months so MAY have a higher risk. Hard to say. In general older cars are cheaper so the risk is reflected in price, isn't it?
Yeah good point. I'm also considering a '00 w/70K and a new clutch, for 24K. Best deal even though I'm not thrilled with the aspect of having a tape deck. Title is clean via CarFax and seems like good price.
Yeah good point. I'm also considering a '00 w/70K and a new clutch, for 24K. Best deal even though I'm not thrilled with the aspect of having a tape deck.
All M5's have the tape deck. It "complements" the CD changer in the trunk, which can be upgraded for MP3 or you can run an Ipod inside the car with an adapter.
Regards
Jerry
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'01 Black/caramel
Dinan Stage 3 suspension, SS jet coated headers, ESS SC kit, open brake ducts, Hamann front splitters, TEC cupholder, U.S.(Euro style) tilt/slide armrest, 6k HID fogs, 6k super white low beams, V1/Stealth1, dual head LI, 2.65 diff w/40% lockup/2x dynamic, compact spare, Euro trailer hitch, Mocal oil cooler, ACS type rear spoiler, Rogue custom SSK and tranny mounts, ST 355 BBK (fronts), BP sway bar brackets, Bluetooth retrofit
I thought that only the 00's had the tape deck with the small nav screen and charnger in the trunk, and the 01-03's had the larger screen with the changer. Either way I'm happy to hear and I put my IPod in it. Where do you plug the adapter for the IPods in the 00's?? I'm asking b/c I'm heading to CT right now to look at the '00 M5. If all goes well she's mine :-)
I've sold my E39 328 and I'm on a hunt for a pristine M5 (E39). I know that the 2000 M5 had some VANOS issues, but when did BMW "fix" that problem (if ever)?
If you are talking about the vanos rattle at startup the date is 11/30/00 and the "fix" was adding an oil accumulator valve. Mine was built before this date and I get the rattle occasionally (about once a month). It doesn't do any harm and since I know what it is it doesn't bother me so I haven't spent the $1,500 to have the retro kit installed.
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