E60 / E61 M5 Buyers Guide
Discussion
I have enquired recently about an M5 which is up for sale.
It has 90k kms on the car and is a 2006.
The car is up for sale due to the death of the previous owner and is been sold off
to settle his estate. There seems to be very little history/receipts with the car.
He has forwarded on a copy of the service book which showed some maintenance carried out
but its not exactly extensive. Any other questions I ask I also cannot get an answer to given the situation.
There was 5 services in that time. Not even oil changed on each one.
Oil changed at 1400, 32k, 50k, 77k.
So there was no oil change for 30k kms when the car was new. Thats pathetic but its all I got to go with.
Whether there was oil changes in between the ones above or not there is no record.....
I have no record of whether the clutch has been changed or not.
The service book has the front and rear brakes done at 50k kms so if they have not been done since
I guess they would be badly needing a change. I actually can't see how they could have lasted that long so maybe they
have been changed but there is no paperwork to back it up.
What are the thoughts on approaching a car like this?
Bearing in mind I am a big distance from the car and its not really an option for me to
go and inspect it personally. I wouldn't even look twice at a car like this except that it is discounted compared
to other ones for sale here in Australia and I will be looking to getting it even more discounted given the patchy
history and nature of the sale.
It has 90k kms on the car and is a 2006.
The car is up for sale due to the death of the previous owner and is been sold off
to settle his estate. There seems to be very little history/receipts with the car.
He has forwarded on a copy of the service book which showed some maintenance carried out
but its not exactly extensive. Any other questions I ask I also cannot get an answer to given the situation.
There was 5 services in that time. Not even oil changed on each one.
Oil changed at 1400, 32k, 50k, 77k.
So there was no oil change for 30k kms when the car was new. Thats pathetic but its all I got to go with.
Whether there was oil changes in between the ones above or not there is no record.....
I have no record of whether the clutch has been changed or not.
The service book has the front and rear brakes done at 50k kms so if they have not been done since
I guess they would be badly needing a change. I actually can't see how they could have lasted that long so maybe they
have been changed but there is no paperwork to back it up.
What are the thoughts on approaching a car like this?
Bearing in mind I am a big distance from the car and its not really an option for me to
go and inspect it personally. I wouldn't even look twice at a car like this except that it is discounted compared
to other ones for sale here in Australia and I will be looking to getting it even more discounted given the patchy
history and nature of the sale.
japseye007 said:
Oil changed at 1400, 32k, 50k, 77k.
So there was no oil change for 30k kms when the car was new. Thats pathetic but its all I got to go with.
Whether there was oil changes in between the ones above or not there is no record.....
If following the CBS, that's probably about right. I just had an oil change and it's saying 18k miles (29k km) until the next one. So technically it could be classified as FSH So there was no oil change for 30k kms when the car was new. Thats pathetic but its all I got to go with.
Whether there was oil changes in between the ones above or not there is no record.....
However 3 oil changes over 10 years (first one was a running in service) doesn't make good reading, especially on a car like this. Depends how much of a discount it is really, if it's enough to cover the cost of a replacement engine then go for it
Has the warranty on one of these (M6) spiked up now, monthly costs more than annual?! Based on a 2005 30k example
Comprehensive Warranty with Emergency Service
Excess: £100
£1672.33 per year
Comprehensive Warranty with Emergency Service
Excess: £100
£157.52 each month (£1890.24 over 12 months!!)
Comprehensive Warranty with Emergency Service
Excess: £100
£1672.33 per year
Comprehensive Warranty with Emergency Service
Excess: £100
£157.52 each month (£1890.24 over 12 months!!)
Eddie, many thanks for writing this guide/thread, it's been invaluable whilst looking around at these.
I've found what seems to be a good E61; it's owned by someone in a driving club I belong to and he's had it since 2009 as the second owner, it's only ever seen BMW dealerships for servicing and is still under warranty, which is transferrable to me as part of a private sale at £76.51 PCM. It's a fifth car so hasn't had lots of use, currently on 78k, had a clutch at 62k in 2014, it's also had SMG pump, thermostat, ABS pump, rear window switch and some other bits in the last 2 years. It's been driven mainly by his wife around town (and the it feels like it give the response of the throttle and gearbox) which isn't great for the clutch however I'd like to think it would have at least another 30k in it before needing changing again?
The front and rear discs are both badly lipped so I'm fairly sure they'll need replacing soon, so a good bargaining point along with a few small honest parking dents and 4 curbed alloys, which are M6 style so I'm presuming will be more given their polished finish? Overall it seems to me like this is promising one however before taking the plunge I'd like a pre purchase inspection of some sort, does anyone have any suggesitons of who to use? Would a standard AA/RAC suffice or do I need to get a specialist? The car is located near Purley, Surrey.
Am I right to think that once the magic 100k ticks over the BMW warranty will cease to cover anything? Do I have any options of a warranty after 100k or am I on my own?
Cheers all,
Jon
EDITED TO ADD: The car is a 57 plate. I'm thinking the control arms and dampers may need replacing if they haven't already.
Also, I am looking to sell my 55 plate manual M3 coupe...on the off chance anyone is interested. I am the 3rd owner, it's had the subframe reinforced, the VANOS upgraded, and I really don't want to sell it, but can't keep both at this stage in the game of life.
I've found what seems to be a good E61; it's owned by someone in a driving club I belong to and he's had it since 2009 as the second owner, it's only ever seen BMW dealerships for servicing and is still under warranty, which is transferrable to me as part of a private sale at £76.51 PCM. It's a fifth car so hasn't had lots of use, currently on 78k, had a clutch at 62k in 2014, it's also had SMG pump, thermostat, ABS pump, rear window switch and some other bits in the last 2 years. It's been driven mainly by his wife around town (and the it feels like it give the response of the throttle and gearbox) which isn't great for the clutch however I'd like to think it would have at least another 30k in it before needing changing again?
The front and rear discs are both badly lipped so I'm fairly sure they'll need replacing soon, so a good bargaining point along with a few small honest parking dents and 4 curbed alloys, which are M6 style so I'm presuming will be more given their polished finish? Overall it seems to me like this is promising one however before taking the plunge I'd like a pre purchase inspection of some sort, does anyone have any suggesitons of who to use? Would a standard AA/RAC suffice or do I need to get a specialist? The car is located near Purley, Surrey.
Am I right to think that once the magic 100k ticks over the BMW warranty will cease to cover anything? Do I have any options of a warranty after 100k or am I on my own?
Cheers all,
Jon
EDITED TO ADD: The car is a 57 plate. I'm thinking the control arms and dampers may need replacing if they haven't already.
Also, I am looking to sell my 55 plate manual M3 coupe...on the off chance anyone is interested. I am the 3rd owner, it's had the subframe reinforced, the VANOS upgraded, and I really don't want to sell it, but can't keep both at this stage in the game of life.
Edited by djon on Wednesday 31st January 07:25
Edited by djon on Wednesday 31st January 07:29
djon said:
Eddie, many thanks for writing this guide/thread, it's been invaluable whilst looking around at these.
I've found what seems to be a good E61; it's owned by someone in a driving club I belong to and he's had it since 2009 as the second owner, it's only ever seen BMW dealerships for servicing and is still under warranty, which is transferrable to me as part of a private sale at £76.51 PCM. It's a fifth car so hasn't had lots of use, currently on 78k, had a clutch at 62k in 2014, it's also had SMG pump, thermostat, ABS pump, rear window switch and some other bits in the last 2 years. It's been driven mainly by his wife around town (and the it feels like it give the response of the throttle and gearbox) which isn't great for the clutch however I'd like to think it would have at least another 30k in it before needing changing again?
The front and rear discs are both badly lipped so I'm fairly sure they'll need replacing soon, so a good bargaining point along with a few small honest parking dents and 4 curbed alloys, which are M6 style so I'm presuming will be more given their polished finish? Overall it seems to me like this is promising one however before taking the plunge I'd like a pre purchase inspection of some sort, does anyone have any suggesitons of who to use? Would a standard AA/RAC suffice or do I need to get a specialist? The car is located near Purley, Surrey.
Am I right to think that once the magic 100k ticks over the BMW warranty will cease to cover anything? Do I have any options of a warranty after 100k or am I on my own?
Cheers all,
Jon
EDITED TO ADD: The car is a 57 plate. I'm thinking the control arms and dampers may need replacing if they haven't already.
Also, I am looking to sell my 55 plate manual M3 coupe...on the off chance anyone is interested. I am the 3rd owner, it's had the subframe reinforced, the VANOS upgraded, and I really don't want to sell it, but can't keep both at this stage in the game of life.
Ideally you want a specialist with the proper software - INPA/GT1/Rheingold to inspect it. Doubt the RAC/AA guy will be versed in the specifics - for example you could tell pretty well how much life is left in the clutch using the BMW specific software, you can also run VANOS diagnostics to determine if all is good, also it is always better to get the full description fault codes, rather than the industry generics.I've found what seems to be a good E61; it's owned by someone in a driving club I belong to and he's had it since 2009 as the second owner, it's only ever seen BMW dealerships for servicing and is still under warranty, which is transferrable to me as part of a private sale at £76.51 PCM. It's a fifth car so hasn't had lots of use, currently on 78k, had a clutch at 62k in 2014, it's also had SMG pump, thermostat, ABS pump, rear window switch and some other bits in the last 2 years. It's been driven mainly by his wife around town (and the it feels like it give the response of the throttle and gearbox) which isn't great for the clutch however I'd like to think it would have at least another 30k in it before needing changing again?
The front and rear discs are both badly lipped so I'm fairly sure they'll need replacing soon, so a good bargaining point along with a few small honest parking dents and 4 curbed alloys, which are M6 style so I'm presuming will be more given their polished finish? Overall it seems to me like this is promising one however before taking the plunge I'd like a pre purchase inspection of some sort, does anyone have any suggesitons of who to use? Would a standard AA/RAC suffice or do I need to get a specialist? The car is located near Purley, Surrey.
Am I right to think that once the magic 100k ticks over the BMW warranty will cease to cover anything? Do I have any options of a warranty after 100k or am I on my own?
Cheers all,
Jon
EDITED TO ADD: The car is a 57 plate. I'm thinking the control arms and dampers may need replacing if they haven't already.
Also, I am looking to sell my 55 plate manual M3 coupe...on the off chance anyone is interested. I am the 3rd owner, it's had the subframe reinforced, the VANOS upgraded, and I really don't want to sell it, but can't keep both at this stage in the game of life.
Edited by djon on Wednesday 31st January 07:25
Edited by djon on Wednesday 31st January 07:29
At this mileage it may also need throttle actuators. No longer the wallet draining exercise that it used to be, but still not cheap, even with refurbished units. Budget about £1000 for both and labour on top. If you are handy with the spanners it is not a massively complicated DIY job. Don't want to scare you, but it would probably need rod bearings within the next 20k miles - if it was rarely driven and the CBS schedule was followed, oil would have been changed at best every 18mths. Lots of town driving and cold starts only dilutes it, doing the bearings no good. May as well change the VANOS hose while in there - £1200 with a specialist including parts.
When mine was stolen it was on 52k miles and the drive train was as good as new. Thus I very much doubt that you will need new arms or shocks at 78k miles, particularly on a car, which has been driven gently.
Amazing car, which always put a smile on my face. 2yrs of ownership and 22k miles - one lambda sensor went wrong under warranty. Rest of the time was trouble free if somewhat thirsty
Thanks for the replies. I've got an inspection planned on Sat with BM Performance in Horley, so with any luck that will show up anything else required via their interrogation on INPA. I'll definitely be doing at least an oil change upon purchase, maybe plugs and filters etc as well.
Drew - thanks for the suggestion on the warranty confirmation, good shout. From what I've found the current owner has to call them and initiate the transfer at the time of sale so we'll definitely be doing that before anything else.
Thanks again,
Jon
Drew - thanks for the suggestion on the warranty confirmation, good shout. From what I've found the current owner has to call them and initiate the transfer at the time of sale so we'll definitely be doing that before anything else.
Thanks again,
Jon
djon said:
Thanks for the replies. I've got an inspection planned on Sat with BM Performance in Horley, so with any luck that will show up anything else required via their interrogation on INPA. I'll definitely be doing at least an oil change upon purchase, maybe plugs and filters etc as well.
Drew - thanks for the suggestion on the warranty confirmation, good shout. From what I've found the current owner has to call them and initiate the transfer at the time of sale so we'll definitely be doing that before anything else.
Thanks again,
Jon
Interesting, I didn't know these guy's existed. I'm in Horley and have an E61 M5. Are they any good?Drew - thanks for the suggestion on the warranty confirmation, good shout. From what I've found the current owner has to call them and initiate the transfer at the time of sale so we'll definitely be doing that before anything else.
Thanks again,
Jon
Echo the comments on the Mondial warranty, I'm on 70k with £100 excess and pay £120 per month. I have the top level of cover without recovery. Maybe that's the difference with the PO having it in place for a long time?
Do the M5 touring versions crop up through the main dealer network anymore?
I saw one or two but a couple of years back and speaking to the dealers they seemed to be a rarity even then.
I’d jump on the warranty and extend it which would give me peace of mind.
I recall the miles were pretty high on the examples that did appear, but that wouldn’t bother me with unbroken history and dealer warranty.
I saw one or two but a couple of years back and speaking to the dealers they seemed to be a rarity even then.
I’d jump on the warranty and extend it which would give me peace of mind.
I recall the miles were pretty high on the examples that did appear, but that wouldn’t bother me with unbroken history and dealer warranty.
Hi guys,
Long time lurker
I am in the middle of selling my F82 BMW M4, I really want to scratch the V10 itch and an E60 is what my heart is set on.
If I ensure I find a well looked after car that has full service history, what are the chances this car will totally destroy my wallet with repairs?
I am quite handy with a set of spanners and have a lift at home to work on the car.
The car would only be used as a fun car and not for a daily driver.
Am I mad thinking of an E60 or can they still be had without destroying their owners?
Long time lurker
I am in the middle of selling my F82 BMW M4, I really want to scratch the V10 itch and an E60 is what my heart is set on.
If I ensure I find a well looked after car that has full service history, what are the chances this car will totally destroy my wallet with repairs?
I am quite handy with a set of spanners and have a lift at home to work on the car.
The car would only be used as a fun car and not for a daily driver.
Am I mad thinking of an E60 or can they still be had without destroying their owners?
Incase anyone is interested I'll be putting my E61 M5 up for sale next week. I'm the 3rd owner, it's on 87k with a FBSH (bar the last oil change) and a transferable BMW Warranty. As of this week it has a brand new engine which will require running in for 1200 miles, and will include the running service FOC to the new owner. It's got all options expect for TV and extended leather. Drop me a line if you're interested. 
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