E39 M5, RS4 Avant B7, Nissan Skyline R32 GTR x2 (400 and 630hp), Lotus Elise S1 220hp, Nissan S15 R, Impreza WR1, Lotus Elise S1 std, Many Golfs Mk4 and Mk1 GTi with 2.0-litre 16V, Cupra R225 and more
Bigger brakes equal an even happier owner
"I wanted something that could do everything exceptionally well. My beloved old E39 M5 was racking the miles and was due for replacement. I needed a car that could be used for family transport, driving to customer meetings with work and not being too 'show' and still be able to keep with the best on the track. The M5 is, IMO, the perfect balance of everyday sleeper with supercar bite. And it's got that almighty V10... Why would you not buy one?
"I bought this car from a PistonHeads member. For me, knowing it was a cherished example and not run on a shoestring was such a plus point. I could talk in-depth the old owner before making my purchase, within a mile of driving this car, I knew it was 'the one' and handed over my deposit."
Clients think it's a 520d, those who care know better
"Bluetooth wasn't a standard item! I was gutted on the drive home to find out my car didn't have it fitted! Other than that I went into buying the car with my eyes wide open, and did a lot of research and so far it's not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them at every opportunity.
"It would be easy to buy into poor car, there are a lot about. Using the forums, magazine publications and existing owners gave me a massive list of what to look for, and seeing over 10 possible shortlisted cars over a period of time showed how bad some are compared to others."
Things I love:
"Everything! The most dominating part is the engine! I have had a full exhaust system fitted (standard manifolds still in place) to release its vocal range. The gearbox, yes, I love the SMG, the way it slams though the gears and kicks you in the back is addictive! Most of all I love its flexibility. How many other cars can you drive 200 miles to the race track with four adults, hit 185 down the straight (RAF Marham) then drive home the same day. All in perfect comfort and also giving almost every other car at the track a bloody nose.
"It's also little things I love, the speed the cabin heats up, the seats, the sound quality form the radio setup. It's just a great 'Jack-of-all' package."
For a barge the old M5 can still hustle
"How hard it is to add items like Bluetooth and TV afterwards! Everything needs coding. No plug and play anymore.
"The brakes are not up to 500hp and nearly two tonnes, the standard exhaust is way too quiet and the tiny 55-litre fuel tank is pathetic and it's therefore got limited range."
Costs:
"Have I been lucky? Not sure, but I have not had any serious issues with the car, the only niggle was an interior fan 'chirping' so I replaced that. Otherwise it's been maintenance and upgrades for me. I have had no big shocking bills, and touch wood, I won't.
"Running costs over the last year and 12K have been limited to basic service items - about £500. Then there's the 12-piston 380mm big brake kit currently being fitted. Tyres - one full set. Fuel - lots of £s. Don't want to think but anything from 16mpg in town to 28mpg on the motorway. Powerspeed exhaust system including secondary cat delete. Remap. RPi intake scoops, BMC filters, Fiscon Bluetooth.
Only the one set of tyres then?
"Insurance isn't too bad, it's well under £1K per annum including business use, sensible postcode, seven-year NCB and 30 yrs old.
""For non-service work, a good friend does it for me before he clocks on at the local BMW dealer, saves a few £. Other small items I do myself. It's not as scary as people think and there is a great community on BMW5 and M5Board.com.
"I have been using my local firm Powerspeed and they have done me cracking deals on items like the exhaust, and use of their ramps for general service work."
Where I've been:
"In the last year, I was lucky enough to get a few track days under its tyres, Mallory Park was its first outing, and it showed its abilities all day. For what the car can do it's understated and a sleeper, yet when you get on the track (baby seat still fitted) and drive past track focused and prepped cars, you know it's something special.
"I also attended an airfield day over at RAF Marham, again, the old family car was happy to fight with the fastest cars there and I managed a 185 down the back straight. Not bad for a straight that's under one mile. Again I just went round all day, nothing fell off, went wrong or gave any sign of wanting to.
"I have attended many club events and fun runs over the last few years, and intend to do the same this year and going forward."
Getting out and about with fellow M fans
"I keep getting drawn to a Gallardo or Murci. However, they are not practical for a family so I don't know how often I would use them. I keep visiting the old ESS and G-Power sites... Maybe a twin charger conversion may happen next year. Is there ever too much power?"
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