New Here & Need Advice

The Duke · 14th February 2013, 10:49

Hello M5Board members,

I've been lurking on this forum for a few months, so I finally thought I should introduce myself.

My name is Duke and I currently reside in New Jersey. I am currently in the market for an E60 M5. Preferably a 2009 or 2010 Alpine White one with less than 20k miles and 1 owner. The options I'd like to have are the following: SMG, navigation, heated front & rear seats, heated steering wheel, HUD, comfort access and active ///M seats.

I would like to know which of these options are considered "must haves." And which of these options are nice to have, but not really something that should be a deal-breaker. And if I forgot an option that I should really consider, please feel free to mention it!

Also, I tried to do a search for popular options but couldn't find any threads which answered my questions. So I apologize in advance if there is a similar thread which already answers this.

Smoorebmw · 14th February 2013, 11:00

The only "must have" is the Navigation since it's a standard option

HUD - love it!
active seats - ehhhh....use it but whatever
heated seats - ehhhh I live in San Diego LOL
something to consider is the full leather option and more importantly EXTENDED warranty!!!

mdyaman · 14th February 2013, 13:02

HUD no doubt

Navigation should be standard with these cars for US models.

Fuddy · 14th February 2013, 13:06

must haves:

SMG
HUD
Active Seats
Rear sunshades
Comfort access

IMO if you're spending this much for a car, it better come LOADED

Fuddy · 14th February 2013, 13:07

I'm in central jersey

jcolley · 14th February 2013, 13:55

If you are serious about enjoying your car and not being frustrated with it, keep your option choices flexible and try to purchase from an enthusiast and not a dealer. These cars are incredible when they're on their game and extremely trying when they're not. It's sort of like dating (unless you plan on keeping it forever) a hypochondriac, schizoprenic supermodel. Sometimes she thinks something is wrong with nothing is. Sometimes she thinks everythings fine and it isn't. Sometimes she requires far more attention than you have time for. But when she's on...look out.

Pre-purchase inspection from an independant BMW repair shop is a must and if I were doing it again, I would choose the cleanest, most well maintained car regardless of colors and options. If you are a very patient person, you will find all of the above in one car.

In my mind, there are 3 kinds of people who have a lasting love affair with this car:
1) Those with incredible aftermarket warranties to take care of the car.
2) Those with enough money that a $10-15K repair bill doesn't make them flinch.
3) Those sick bastards who actually enjoy when something breaks and they have to learn everything about the car to fix it themselves.

Try and find one whose been maintained meticulously enough to have the oil changed at half the recommended intervals. That's a good sign everything else has been looked after as well.

Fiftytwoeighty · 14th February 2013, 15:54

For me, the only "must have" is a full service history from a private individual.

I bought two my m5s from two Board members. I had full service history and Board history for my e60.

Good luck!

AutoVation · 14th February 2013, 16:15

Warranty is a must have.

Graffm · 14th February 2013, 18:36

The M5 will make your Infinity seem like a golf cart. I took the advise of forum members here and last November purchased the most well maintained, cleanest M5 I could find for under $35K. I honestly did not care what color which helped. I did the PPI and they can tell a great deal from the key and vin obviously what has been done. I spoke at length with the owner about his ownership, knowledge etc.
Options that I now realize are must haves and do have are: comfort access, HUD, heated/cooled seats (live in TX).
I added the Eurocharged tune which has made a world of difference so maybe look into a board recommended tune after purchase. Best of luck. "Most men lead lives of quite desperation." "Until they own a M5!"

The Duke · 14th February 2013, 19:50

Thank you for all your input. So from what I've gathered from all of your posts is that it is better to buy an M5 from an enthusiast than it is to buy one from a BMW dealership? If this is the case, then does anyone know of a reputable enthusiast with a 2009-2010 Alpine White M5 for sale?