Opinions Wanted-Used '03 M5 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Flyin-m5 · 1st November 2008, 04:34

I just looked at an '03 e39 M5 Jet Black/Black sport interior/Aluminum trim. M audio, Fold down back seat. The car is a one owner/all stock with less than 31,000 miles. Production date 10/02.

Problems are:

Sunroof needs adjusting-works fine-the tail is below roof line by about 2mm.
Rearview mirror doing its thing
Rear shade broken
Both 1/4 window shades broken
Cup holder-nuff said
Driver seat-the cable thing needs work
Cabin filters dirty
Engine air filters dirty
Paint is really good under a neglected surface,I only found 2 small pecks on the hood.

The Test Drive

The test drive went well. I arranged an overnight drive and stay at my home. I drove it to work and did about 100+miles,freeways 60-80 mph cruising,stop and go traffic,a few trips around the block and to the store just like I would have to do if I owned it. This car drove great,no squeeks/rattles,no clutch slipping(more than a few WOT 2nd,3rd,4th shifts getting on the Freeway),smooth shifting,great brakes,good tires(after I corrected the pressures). I met the wife at her job and she drove it home from there,she loved it and did a great job of driving it. I think this could be a really nice car after a little work. The next step would be the PPI.

So heres my question,What is an '03 M5 with less than 31,000 in decent shape that needs $1500 worth of this and thats worth these days?

Any and all opinions valued. Flame suit clean and pressed near by.

jlusby · 1st November 2008, 05:31

I bought my '03 at the end of July. It was a 2 owner with 42k miles. Very clean and very minor things on the PPI. I paid very close to Blue Book. Probably not an amazing deal, but it does have a Dinan exhaust and more importantly it was what I was after and truthfully I just had a good feel about the owner and deal.

So, in my opinion start with Blue Book and subtract whatever items need fixed. If it has been for sale for a while, you may be able to do better, but one owner, low mile M5s aren't very common or they are usually what a premium for that reason.

E39 ///M Power · 2nd November 2008, 04:35

around here, i would ballpark it around $33k-$38k. low miles and single owner are very nice pluses. does he have the records on the car too?

havasusteve03Beast · 2nd November 2008, 05:50

I purchased my SoCal raised Beast in June for $30,000+ w/ a CPO still valid to Feb. 09. 65,000 miles on car w/ fresh Clutch. I thought it to be a great deal and havent looked back...03 is a great year IMHO

Good Luck

Steve

P.S. Even better luck trying to persuade yourself not to mod in some form/fashion