[SeeSure]

Hello Simbad,

First of all, it seems like your budget is very low for an E-39 M5. But perhaps if you look, you will find the right car at the right price.

Prices are dropping :- have a look on the UK board for an example in Scotland http://www.bm3w.co.uk/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=345136&an=0&page=0#345136

For servicing I use an Independent BMW Specialist Garage in Gloucester, personally I think they are better than the dealer when it comes to mechanicals as that is all they do. They don't touch bodywork etc. (They are also ex-main dealer mechanics so they have the full training). Typical oil service is £120 and that includes the oil. An Inspection 1 was £187, half main dealer price, but there again I don't get the choice of frothy coffees or Danish pastries, however those are things not at the top of my agenda.

 

[SeeSure]

My view is that there are ways to own these kind of cars without having to spend a fortune.

Spot on, it can be done, I took about 6-8 months finding the one for me, managed to get (May last year) a 2001 M5 for stupidly low money with 29k miles.

Why ? No Warranty and no Service History, but it was a least £10k under dealer price for similar spec, age and mileage. I did HPI, AA and also managed to get the Greater Manchester Police to look at the car for a day to ensure VIN, engine number etc was pukka. They gave it a full bill of health.

Problems ? Been lucky I guess, only the pre-cat Lamda Sensors, new brake discs/pads all round, and a door actuator which deadlocked the front passenger door (but that was pricey as the inner door trim had to be replaced as there was no other way in to the door without damaging it). The only other things I've done have been because I wanted to have them done.

I've done 31k miles since I've had the car and total cost of maintenance including the issues above and servicing has probably come to no more than £2,300-£2,500. Not too bad considering some of the scare stories others have experienced. :sad2:

So that equates to about 8p a mile plus fuel.....:thumbsup:

 

[SeeSure]

Wilsodh,

thanks- more reasons to keep considering.

I will go check out the likes of Warranty direct etc and see what the costs are like. i looked at these in the past but was convinced that if something went wrong they normaly find a way to wriggle out of it.

As an aside my fall back options if not going for an M5 were as follows..

1)S4- cheaper to buy
2)Lexus Arsito Twin Turbo, loads of power but an import and worries me about finding people that know them well.
3)C32 AMG- £20k plus but a very nice car.

M5 is still top of list though :flag:

When I looked at the likes of Warranty Direct and others the one thing that came up time and time again was that the VANOS wasn't covered, you must ask that question. I couldn't find a 3rd party Warranty that would do the M5 and the Vanos. So decided to save the money and see what happens.

If you can stand the pipe and slippers image, have a look at the XJRs. Super performance for slightly less than an M5 in price.