in the market for an m5... previous e39 m5 owner

Finesta101 · 11th July 2012, 03:42

Hey fellow board members, It looks like I am once on this forum. I used to have an e39 M5 and now I am finally in the market for another M5. Currently I am driving a B8 S4 but It was recently sold and getting picked up tomorrow. I always remembered this board as the friendliest and most helpful forum I have been on so here come the questions.

I am looking to spend no more than 40k, preferably an 07 but I have seen 08's sell for a similar price. Most importantly to me is that the car was well taken care of and properly maintained. So if I have to purchase an older one that wouldn't be a problem as long as it meets my expectations. I would like to know how realistic it would be for me to pickup an IB, AW or SB with Black or Red Extended leather along with rear shades and HUD. Looking to purchase a more loaded M5 on manual unless an SMG I find comes along w/ extended warranty. Seen a few of those throughout the forums.

If purchasing an SMG w/o warranty it may be a little risky from what I have read so how would I know what I am buying? Any aftermarket warranty which would cover the SMG clutch without too many headaches? Best place to look for this type of vehicle other than on the forum? Best color combos for resale value?

PS. First mod is an Eisenmann Exhuast

sidemarker · 11th July 2012, 04:47

You should get either an 08 or 09. LCI and upgraded idrive for the 09. Also most of the bugs have been worked out already.

Quicksilv3r · 11th July 2012, 17:17

Best colors for resale are Alpine White & Interlagos Blue (and perhaps Silverstone). Indianapolis Red and Sepang Bronze are the odd balls you either love or hate. Black and silverstone interiors are both relatively popular, the red alternative not-so-much. Non-ventilated front seats are another plus as the seats have a sportier look/feel w/o the option.

For $40K, get an '08+, preferrably w/ a remaining warranty. Type of warranty is critical, most aftermarket warranties aren't worth the paper they're printed on so you'll need to analyze the fine print here.

Service history/records are vital. Look for SMG-related repair work, clutch replacement, brakes etc etc

koolkat1973 · 11th July 2012, 17:45

I have an 07 6spd Manual that I just listed today for $39,000. You can check out my ad here on craigslist. The car is BMW CPO until 2/2013. I am in the Northern Virginia area. Everything is bone stock except for the Matte Black kidney grill, black side grill, and upgrade LED smoked side lens. I also upgrade the angel eyes to the clear color and the license plate was also upgraded to LED as well. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions. Thanks.

2007 BMW M5 6spd - Flawless

Kiet

kmzizzle · 11th July 2012, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidemarker

You should get either an 08 or 09. LCI and upgraded idrive for the 09. Also most of the bugs have been worked out already.

i thought new idrive came out in 09 but not implemented until MY2010?

chakka · 11th July 2012, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmzizzle

i thought new idrive came out in 09 but not implemented until MY2010?

New idrive was installed in mid-year built 09''s. I think someone mentioned build date after June 09'?

Most 09's have the new "quick" buttons around the idrive selector knob, but it's the same as system that was in the 06-08's.

Finesta101 · 12th July 2012, 00:01

Thanks for the comments... So my car got picked up earlier today so I'm officially car less and will be stealing my fiance's car until I purchase one. It looks like it is possible to purchase an 08 w/ under 50k miles for about $36k-$40k so that is what I'm focused on.

Regarding the warranty... so there is basically no aftermarket warranty that anyone recommends? Also... I noticed some people have issues with the Vanos, now is this common and if so is there anything specific I can inspect to check that out?

By the way I also found a thread that you can retro-fit the new CIC into this body... So im probably going to do that

BMWDave · 12th July 2012, 01:01

BMWDAVE's Standard E60 M5 Buying Advice:

- Don't get Pre-LCI (2005-2007) - Retrofit is expensive and a pain. Plus LCI cars come with Heated Steering Wheel, Soft Close Doors, and DIRAC sound systems as options that the Pre-LCI cars don't get.
- If you bank or have car insurance through USAA, choose to finance your car through them and they will include an aftermarket warranty (Assurant Solutions is the name of the company) in your loan, which is one of the best warranties out there hands down. They haven't dealt with that many E60 M5's and are still unaware as to the kinds of problems they have, therefore they are still cheap compared to the others.
- If you don't have USAA. Then you might have to pay more for an aftermarket warranty. Call NAC, Fidelty, and, Zurich to name a few.
- If you get a 2005-2007 M5, your chances are high of having major problems. If you get a 2008 M5 your chances are 50/50 of having problems. If you get a 2009-2010, your chances of having major (Vanos, SMG, Clutch) problems are way less.
- Be prepared to spend 1 million dollars on gas alone.
- Be prepared to buy a lot of 10W-60 oil from the dealership.
- Put ATE Super Blue Brake fluid in your brake lines right away, standard BMW Brake Fluid for ///M cars is crap.
- Put money aside for repairs not covered by a warranty. When I had an E60 M5 I used to call it my $1,000 dollar car, cause anything that broke on it costs $1,000 dollars minimum.
- Only use Michelin PS2's if you want the best handling performance of the car (The E60 M5 was designed around the Michelin PS2), you will be able to easily take the M5 past 200mph with the Michelins. If you want cheap long lasting tires with loads of grip, then get the Hankook V12's or Hankook RS3's.
- Remove those Charcoal Filters for that extra 1.5 horsepower, every little bit counts.

If you want Mods, that's another thread.

Good luck!