E39 M5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

kees · Jan 21, 2001

bluebmw · Sep 22, 2003

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I think thats a very good idea. :cheers:

wilsodh · Jul 7, 2005

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I agree... good concept. The challenge may be getting someone to write it. Perhaps it could be parsed out. For example individuals well-informed about certain topics might contribute a section.

Cheers,

DavidS · Dec 7, 2001

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

This is a very good idea, Kees!

I would suggest we get the FAQ off to a flying start by performing some board searches on each of the subjects suggested, and list links to some of the interesting threads.

Then we can add summary / consensus / conclusion text in the FAQ itself until it becomes a useful document in its own right.

I strongly suggest you make the FAQ thread "moderator post only" and that we keep all discussion about the FAQ content as such in separeate threads, and then as knowledge and consensus evolves the moderators move the most relevant parts of the texts into the FAQ.

Cheers!

David

greg · Mar 19, 2000

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

For all the DIYers, a list of

1) bolt/nut sizes needed for common services (oil drain, tranny drain, diff drain, brake caliper, underbody panel, etc.)

2) Proper torque for lug nuts, spark plugs, etc.

3) An index with URLs to all known DIY procedures

kees · Jan 21, 2001

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

DavidS said:
This is a very good idea, Kees!

I would suggest we get the FAQ off to a flying start by performing some board searches on each of the subjects suggested, and list links to some of the interesting threads.

Then we can add summary / consensus / conclusion text in the FAQ itself until it becomes a useful document in its own right.

Agreed - if people provide links to posts with clear information about particulair subjects, the information about each subject can be compiled into the dedicated FAQ thread.

Let's use this thread to compile usefull information, I will then copy/paste the finished text into the FAQ thread.

I strongly suggest you make the FAQ thread "moderator post only" and that we keep all discussion about the FAQ content as such in separeate threads, and then as knowledge and consensus evolves the moderators move the most relevant parts of the texts into the FAQ.

Created FAQ thread here:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=62487

Richard in NC · Sep 26, 2001

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

How about a link to this E39 M5 Facts thread to start?
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=39556

Hamann09 · Jun 7, 2005

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I think it would be very useful,

consider that we already have all the required info!

KRM · Jul 27, 2000

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

As a 'late-joiner' to M5 ownership, I had the benefit of this board to help answer many questions and concerns prior to my purchase since September. Having joined this board since '00, I got to learn a whole lot about the beast. The following are just some of the helpful bookmarks I collected regarding specific issues with the car.

Differential Leak
Vanos Issues
MAFs
NAV Hardware and Software Version
Oil Filter Housing Mount
NAV Status Screen providing gyro data
M5 Common Problems and Running Costs
Carbon Buildup FAQ

These are just bookmarks I thought were helpful at the time of my 'study' and there maybe better threads around. I have not posted threads relating to brakes, suspension, clutch, and many more subjects as I only bookmarked the ones with more relevance to me for the time being. So if I do find more good ones out there, I'd be sure to post them up.

All in all, it's great reading and learning about this special car from this board. Thanks to those such as DavidS who have contributed a lot of helpful info within many of those threads.

Regards,
Karman

swisschard · Sep 11, 2004

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I would be interested and even though I only know a little, I'll try to help.

:thumbsup: swisschard

jclyman · Jun 14, 2003

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I could help on the stuff I know about, which isn't a lot as my car (purchased new) hasn't had many problems, but I am a finatic about my cars (4 BMWs, 1 Porsche 911) ... but, I used to be a mechanic and know a little about mechanical things ... even rebuilt a 1963 Porsche transmission once and it worked perfectly afterwards ... but, with the computers (I worked for IBM for 17 years), and all the electricals, today's cars are much tougher to fix ... alas.

2003 M5, with 38,000 miles.

M-Fünf · Jan 17, 2003

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I don't know if it will work, but it's a great idea...but who's going to write the section on "oil" ouich

:cheers:

mfettara · Nov 26, 2002

Re: Writing FAQ for E39 M5?

I suggest to add tips & tricks :
Link to "BMW Tips"

EM5PWR · Jan 15, 2006

I've just got an 02 M5 any issues or quirks that i need to now about ?????
my 98 M3 was a dream .. i sure like the wolf in sheeps clothing though , just woundering if has any problem areas to watch out for ??

thanks jim

DavidS · Dec 7, 2001

fast4door said:
I've just got an 02 M5 any issues or quirks that i need to now about ?????
...

just woundering if has any problem areas to watch out for ??

Yes, watch out for BMW Dealer Bastards! ;-)

Seriously, if you have a good mechanic and a good SA working at a good dealership, take good care of them all. It will make ownig an M5 a lot easier.

For some things to check: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=62422

David

mottati · Oct 10, 2002

i think a 'realistic' maintanance schedule would be good too. For instance, i've found the car to run significantly better with fresh plugs, and have changed mine every 25k or so. Additionally, mafs every 30-40k miles is probably a good bet too, especially since we're finding cheap sources.
Mike

EM5PWR · Jan 15, 2006

yah i know about the dealers !!! if not in a freakin suit they treat like a piece of s***!

i into good maintanance already , have lots of friends highly skilled, so they say ! LOL

thanks for your info ...

02 M5 TI SILVER ; BLACK

DINAN COLD AIR INTAKES
DINAN EXHAUST
STAGE 3 SUSPENSION/KONI
LIGHTENED FLYWHEEL/HD CLUTCH
DINAN FRONT/REAR STRUT BARS

MarinM5 · Jan 18, 2005

Addition FAQ E39 M5s

Can you add a category relating to higher mileage E39 M5s?

By that I mean, what are the issues maintenance and repair related for the S62 engines after 100K?

To illustrate, older 911s--like 10-20 years old--have a number of practical mechanic experienced suggestions for the 911 engine.

As all of us E39 users (who like me want to keep it) get out of warranty and proceed into the 150-200K engine mileage area, what can we expect?

I would hope that others have share their experiences, and even including replacing the engine and transmission when it reaches its compression whatever end.

thanks
marinM5

mottati · Oct 10, 2002

I think a "how to do a search" thread would be handy based on some of the questions that are coming up on the board....

how do i get rid of the accept screen?
Can I run the same size tires front and rear...
etc...

Beamer_usa · Feb 9, 2005

mottati said:
i think a 'realistic' maintanance schedule would be good too. For instance, i've found the car to run significantly better with fresh plugs, and have changed mine every 25k or so. Additionally, mafs every 30-40k miles is probably a good bet too, especially since we're finding cheap sources.
Mike

Especially about the "LIFETIME" trans and diff oils

E39 M5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

kees

Attachments

bluebmw

wilsodh

DavidS

greg

kees

Richard in NC

Hamann09

KRM

swisschard

jclyman

M-Fünf

mfettara

EM5PWR

DavidS

mottati

EM5PWR

MarinM5

mottati

Beamer_usa

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