BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums banner
Cancel

Buying an 01 E39 M5 - Throttle actuator problem?

5316 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Beemer Guy, 
M
Hi,

I've been a lurker here for a few years now, and I'm now hoping to join the M5 club. I've been actively looking for the last few weeks (currently own a 2001 540i), and a nice one just came up locally for a good price. However (like always), it's not perfect. The owner says it has an "intermittent problem with the throttle actuator", and that once the engine reaches operating temperature, it goes away. I'm going to check out the car in person this afternoon, but just wanted to ask the knowledgeable people around here:

- I've read a lot on the FAQ here and searching the forums, on what to look for, items that need special attention on E39 M5s, etc... no mention of a throttle actuator. Is it usually called something else?
- Could it be VANOS related noise? Besides the noise, when there is a VANOS issue, what else should I look for?

The car checks out in Carfax (not a guarantee, I know), so hopefully everything else checks out in person. I'll ask for service records, get the car through a PPI/CPO Certified list, all the usual stuff, and maybe post pics here later.

Thanks!

Marcos
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
O

· Registered
Joined
·
1,457 Posts
#2 ·
Save Share
Reply Quote
C

· Super Moderator
Joined
·
4,938 Posts
#3 ·
As part of your PPI, you should get a readout of stored error codes. That should shed more light on stale issues. Your PPI needs to identify which issues are current, and what real problem is "going away at operating temp". VANOS is a fairly overblown problem area; it doesn't sound like you have a reason to suspect it at this point.
 
M

· Registered
Joined
·
15 Posts
Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Looks like its not happening.

So, I got the pre-purchase inspection done at a local reputable shop (I do all the work on my 540i there), but it seems the car is way too beat-up, even at the price the guy is offering it for (he's asking $12K). Over the phone, it sounded like $3K worth of labor, and then add all the parts... that's too much. Leaking valve cover gasket, timing chain cover gaskets, repainted/repaired back bumper, etc. I think there's some suspension parts that need to be replaced too.

Overall, it was $200 well spent. I think I'll keep looking for a better specimen.

Thanks guys! I'll keep looking at For Sale posts in here.

Marcos
 
B

· Registered
Joined
·
1,508 Posts
#6 ·
Sorry to hear of the disappointment, but this is a perfect example of why a few hundred dollars spent upfront on a PPI is never money wasted.

At 12K, that car must have some high miles on it.
 
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums
M5Board is the best forum community for information on the BMW M5 E60 (V-10), E39 (V-8), E34 (straight 6), E28, F90 and F10. Discuss performance, specs, reviews and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
E39 M5 and E52 Z8 Discussion E60 M5 and E61 M5 Touring Discussion Parts / Other For Sale or Wanted E63/E64 M6 Discussion E34 M5 Discussion
Top