E39 M5 Buying advice
Discussion
Having read a lot of posts on the M power section - I wonder if any E39 M5 owners would be kind enough to help me on the following
I am looking to buy an E39 M5 - budget = below £20k
Can you please help and advise on the following:
1) Should I go for the face lift version - is that 2001 models onwards?
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Many thanks in advance - i may have other questions but thats enough for now
I am looking to buy an E39 M5 - budget = below £20k
Can you please help and advise on the following:
1) Should I go for the face lift version - is that 2001 models onwards?
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Many thanks in advance - i may have other questions but thats enough for now
jon b16 said:
I have done lots of searches - hence the questions
Well, all your questions are answered in recent threads. Just to get you started have a look at http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...jon b16 said:
Having read a lot of posts on the M power section - I wonder if any E39 M5 owners would be kind enough to help me on the following
I am looking to buy an E39 M5 - budget = below £20k
Can you please help and advise on the following:
1) Should I go for the face lift version - is that 2001 models onwards?
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Many thanks in advance - i may have other questions but thats enough for now
Hi, in response to the above -I am looking to buy an E39 M5 - budget = below £20k
Can you please help and advise on the following:
1) Should I go for the face lift version - is that 2001 models onwards?
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Many thanks in advance - i may have other questions but thats enough for now
1) Late 2000 models can be facelift, all 2001's will be.
2) Improvements include better front and rear lights, redesigned VANOS units,
improved piston rings (less oil useage), larger sat-nav screen (if fitted)
and the faces of the dials are a different colour.
3) Lots of info on here regarding buying, and plenty more on M5Board.com
4) Test drive a lot before buying one and get a feel not only for the car,
but how the previous owner has treated it.
5) Should drive straight, not shudder at 50mph or whilst braking, engine
should rev and pull hard, look for clutch slip, quick test of MAF's is to
drive at around 40mph in 3rd gear with steady throttle and depress "sport"
button - you should feel a definate shove.
6) As all e39's are registered before 23/03/2006 the car tax will remain
reasonable (see cartax website)
7) Are any dealers respectable ? Problem with buying from a dealer is you
cannot weigh-up the previous owner.
8) No history, no reciepts, mis-matched tyres, tired interior - the usual
Most of the cars are well specced, buy on condition rather than narrowing
your choice down.
9) Get some quotes
I have had my 2001 e39 ///M5 almost 12 months, and have loved every minute of it, a real wolf in sheeps clothing - the ultimate Q car ?
gav
You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
Edited by jon b16 on Thursday 4th December 19:13
jon b16 said:
gav
You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
Jon, I am over the border in Surrey.You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
jon b16 said:
gav
You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
Hi and thanks for the offer,You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
Edited by jon b16 on Thursday 4th December 19:13
I am in Kinver, South Staffordshire unfortunately, but if you want to travel for servicing/repair/fault code reading then keep me in mind !
oh, forgot to mention, you can give the last 7 digits of the chassis number to any bmw main dealer who can give you a breakdown of service history to confirm and also any warranty work the car has had done.
see if you can get the fault codes read too, as some faults do not trigger a warning light straight away but remain stored in the memory.
Good luck, any questions just ask
Gav
jon b16 said:
gav
You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
I was in your shoes once - learning absolutely everything you can on the model. You are an absolute star, such a fantastic response. Thankyou. I will take your advice and investigate a little further.
Don't suppose you're near Berkshire are you or is there anyone else on here? Would love to have a look around a car. for a beer
Many thanks
Jon
Edited by jon b16 on Thursday 4th December 19:13
Took me 3 years and over 20 viewings to find 'the one'
As previously mentioned going private was the only way for me, nice to evaluate machine and owner.
Without sounding like a tugger I reckon I have one of the finest E39 M5s in the UK and your more than welcome to come and have a gander if your ever up in my neck of the woods..Wales..
1) Should I go for the face lift version - is that 2001 models onwards?
Yes - for the various improvements therein, and come resale. They depreciate far slower.
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
Piston ring redesign, angel eyes, wide screen sat nav, updated dash
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
There was a buyers guide in 'Octane' magazine a couple of months ago - worth a look for a back issue. Either that or get the appropriate back issue of BMWCar magazine. Ideally you want a facelift car with heritige leather and as many toys as loaded (make sure they all work). Check for knackered wheels and scrubbed/low tyres, history is vital - nothing here should be missed - a VANOS replacement in the recent past and / or a BMW extended warranty would be massive +++. Don't go for a 'modified' one - except for maybe a sports exhaust as the V8 is a little hairdryered on the standard. Funnily enough, good polished tail pipes are a good indication of a fastidious owner. Check the leather in the back seats, the middle section tends to rumple / rip very easily.
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
I think you can just tell... drive a few and you will be able to tell the tight ones from the tired ones. Being able to spin up the rears on a 3rd gear overtake is a good thing!
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
On start up from cold, see if you can hear a slight grumbling/grinding from the engine head - might need a VANOS check at the dealer.
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
Meh...
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
Try 'Independent Motor Company' near Reading - they are a reasonable bunch. They are more M3 based, but certainly have a few M5s through the door.
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
Don't get a pre-facelift if you can afford not to, they are a bugger to resell - I know.
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Should be ok, just need to put it in perspective - it's a group 20, 400bhp super saloon.
Buy one and yo uwill not be disappointed. I'm considering buying my second.
Yes - for the various improvements therein, and come resale. They depreciate far slower.
2) what improvements were included in the face lift?
Piston ring redesign, angel eyes, wide screen sat nav, updated dash
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car - is there a "Buyers Guide" anywhere?
There was a buyers guide in 'Octane' magazine a couple of months ago - worth a look for a back issue. Either that or get the appropriate back issue of BMWCar magazine. Ideally you want a facelift car with heritige leather and as many toys as loaded (make sure they all work). Check for knackered wheels and scrubbed/low tyres, history is vital - nothing here should be missed - a VANOS replacement in the recent past and / or a BMW extended warranty would be massive +++. Don't go for a 'modified' one - except for maybe a sports exhaust as the V8 is a little hairdryered on the standard. Funnily enough, good polished tail pipes are a good indication of a fastidious owner. Check the leather in the back seats, the middle section tends to rumple / rip very easily.
4) How do you know if you've found a real gem?
I think you can just tell... drive a few and you will be able to tell the tight ones from the tired ones. Being able to spin up the rears on a 3rd gear overtake is a good thing!
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
On start up from cold, see if you can hear a slight grumbling/grinding from the engine head - might need a VANOS check at the dealer.
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
Meh...
7) Are there any respectable M5 dealers in the south east (berkshire)
Try 'Independent Motor Company' near Reading - they are a reasonable bunch. They are more M3 based, but certainly have a few M5s through the door.
8) what sort of car spec should I avoid at all costs
Don't get a pre-facelift if you can afford not to, they are a bugger to resell - I know.
9) I pay £400 per year car insurance for my X5 4.4i - is an M5 getting silly money or similar insurance to an X5?
Should be ok, just need to put it in perspective - it's a group 20, 400bhp super saloon.
Buy one and yo uwill not be disappointed. I'm considering buying my second.
3) What are the main areas to inspect when looking at a car
Have a look in the fuel filler area...Water collects as there is no run off and can cause rust.
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
1st and 2nd Gear can be a bit sticky from cold....But when fully warmed up they should be fine.
Have a look in the fuel filler area...Water collects as there is no run off and can cause rust.
5) Are there any know "characteristics" when test driving one?
1st and 2nd Gear can be a bit sticky from cold....But when fully warmed up they should be fine.
Edited by maddernj on Friday 5th December 10:01
G Rich - Nice detail there fella - very much appreciated
I will take into account all of what you have said.
Thats great re the buyers Guid in Octane (some how missed that and I subscribe to the great mag !) - understand there was a buyers guide in EVO issue 58 too (luckily i subscribe to Evo too so....
)
Thanks to everyone else for the offer of viewing your cars - I may well drop you a PM soon
I will take into account all of what you have said.
Thats great re the buyers Guid in Octane (some how missed that and I subscribe to the great mag !) - understand there was a buyers guide in EVO issue 58 too (luckily i subscribe to Evo too so....
)Thanks to everyone else for the offer of viewing your cars - I may well drop you a PM soon
If anyone on this forum has an IMMACULATE E39 M5 that fulfills all of the above criteria and was pondering on a sale at some point in the not too distant future - please let me know. I would be prepared to pay over "normal" prices for the right car.
I would also be seeking much appreciated, transparent advice from those helpful guys on here about any car I look at (which shouldn't be a problem for the right car) in return for a beer .
Cheers
Jon B
I would also be seeking much appreciated, transparent advice from those helpful guys on here about any car I look at (which shouldn't be a problem for the right car) in return for a beer
.Cheers
Jon B
Edited by jon b16 on Friday 5th December 10:07
For the money you are looking at I would have a look at the BMW approved used cars...I am sure they would be open to the right offer.
Failing that there is a peach in the classifieds @ £15k but in Aberdeenshire.
Also if you want to have a poke around mine i will be over at my Mums in Yateley next weekend (not that i am selling)
Failing that there is a peach in the classifieds @ £15k but in Aberdeenshire.
Also if you want to have a poke around mine i will be over at my Mums in Yateley next weekend (not that i am selling)
maddernj said:
For the money you are looking at I would have a look at the BMW approved used cars...I am sure they would be open to the right offer.
Failing that there is a peach in the classifieds @ £15k but in Aberdeenshire.
Also if you want to have a poke around mine i will be over at my Mums in Yateley next weekend (not that i am selling)
Cheers fellaFailing that there is a peach in the classifieds @ £15k but in Aberdeenshire.
Also if you want to have a poke around mine i will be over at my Mums in Yateley next weekend (not that i am selling)
Thanks for that - I will do
Does official dealers still have cars of this age and do they go through a 100 point etc check?
Yes that £15k car does look good but its a long, long way away for a first car look
Re Yateley - thats not far away - you're talking next weekend of 13/14th Dec? If so I may well give you a shout
Thx
They sure do, There are two under 20k (£19,995 & £16,995 on there books at present) They will also come with a 12month warranty etc etc etc... Both @ Highgate (North London)
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/about/intro/0,,1260...
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/about/intro/0,,1260...
How much over the odds do you think you're paying for these two cars vs Private?
£2-3k? or....
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/national_search_res...
Anyone know about the cars or how long they have advertised them?
£2-3k? or....
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/national_search_res...
Anyone know about the cars or how long they have advertised them?
jon b16 said:
6) What is going on with Car Tax - I own a few cars and don't want a £400 per year for this. It seems as if the £400 per year road tax applies to post march 2006 cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ?
As it stands at the moment for post 1st March 2001 cars:2009-2010 £215
2010-2011 £245
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