I went to the New York Auto Show last night and met a British (or Aussie) gentleman who was with a few of his friends. Apparently he blew his engine in his brand new E39 M5 when the car had only about 2,000 miles (he was still breaking it in). Said he was going through the Maryland Tunnel in 5th gear, didn't really mention speed (don't see why that would matter anyway since the speed/rev limiter is in effect), heard a bang, some smoke and pulled over. The diagnosis---his right side cams blew up and he lost 1 or 2 pistons as a result. I am finding it very difficult to understand how that could have happened as the car has a rev/speed limiter, so even if he was going too fast, it would have prevented the damage. He said his oil level was fine and just about everything else was in proper working order. He didn't chip the car, or at least he claimed he didn't, nor did he do any other modifications. What could he have done? The worst part of it is that he told me that Oyster Bay BMW (in New York) is trying to put the blame on him, that it was somehow his fault and they are trying very hard NOT to honor the warranty. What gives? What could possibly have happened and HOW? Faulty VANOS? Manufacturing flaw? I told him to log into this website to share his story or at least give everyone a heads up in case this may be something to look out for your cars.
By the way, the interior of the E55 was pretty sad like many have mentioned in the past. I think it might have been the avant garde leather look vinyl. Some German guys were trying out the E55 and one of them said "Ya, vee vud like to haff da M5 enterior vit dis kar".
By the way, the interior of the E55 was pretty sad like many have mentioned in the past. I think it might have been the avant garde leather look vinyl. Some German guys were trying out the E55 and one of them said "Ya, vee vud like to haff da M5 enterior vit dis kar".