M5 (year 2000) running costs
Discussion
Hi all,
I've never posted in this forum before but I'm hoping to tap the knowledge in here
I'm really thinking of getting myself one of these but keep hearing the usual pub talk about the M series cars being very expensive to run.
Is this really the case or is this one of the motoring myths? I accept that fuel will be expensive (althoug I only see 20mpg in my current car) but is servicing, parts etc really that high?
Also, is the servicing on a routine basis or are the M5's using the usual BMW servicing gauge in the dash to derive when a service is needed?
I don't drive more than 10k miles per year and the vast majority of that is motorway miles when I need to travel with work.
I'm looking at this example:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/546405.htm
Finally, 4 doors isn't a must so if a newer M3 at around £15k is a safer and better bet, please let me know.
Thanks in advance gents,
Neil
I've never posted in this forum before but I'm hoping to tap the knowledge in here
I'm really thinking of getting myself one of these but keep hearing the usual pub talk about the M series cars being very expensive to run.
Is this really the case or is this one of the motoring myths? I accept that fuel will be expensive (althoug I only see 20mpg in my current car) but is servicing, parts etc really that high?
Also, is the servicing on a routine basis or are the M5's using the usual BMW servicing gauge in the dash to derive when a service is needed?
I don't drive more than 10k miles per year and the vast majority of that is motorway miles when I need to travel with work.
I'm looking at this example:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/546405.htm
Finally, 4 doors isn't a must so if a newer M3 at around £15k is a safer and better bet, please let me know.
Thanks in advance gents,
Neil
Edited by zhead on Monday 23 June 15:15
www.m5board.com....e39 section. The answer to all of your question.
Quite simply you cannot run a £50,000 car when new on £1,000 eight years later. You are still looking at heavy costs beyond oil, fuel and tyres whenever the car is serviced. Dig deep or get your hands dirty doing the work yourself.
Quite simply you cannot run a £50,000 car when new on £1,000 eight years later. You are still looking at heavy costs beyond oil, fuel and tyres whenever the car is serviced. Dig deep or get your hands dirty doing the work yourself.
You'd be better off paying a bit more and getting a 2001 onwards, lining problems sorted from then onwards. My 2001 M5 was the best car i ever owned, still keep in contact with the new owner now and despite the horror stories of how much oil (TWS) they "apparantely" use, he hasnt used a drop and i only used about 1/4 litre. Warranties & VANOs can be an issue but Warranty direct do a quite a favourable one for the M5 if you are worried about it.
Also worth looking on mtorque website as well, obvously under the e39 M5 section.
Buy wisely,with a fully stamped up 2001 onwards version, nice spec with full screen sat nav etc..you will love it i can guarantee you. A lot of previosu M5 owners will tell you this is the best car they have ever owned also.
If you wanna make it sound nice, buy a Tubi Rumore system as well..;)
(also bare in mind, in light of current crunch, sellers are having a hard time shifting cars..especially with 5.0L engines..a good time to barter)
Also worth looking on mtorque website as well, obvously under the e39 M5 section.
Buy wisely,with a fully stamped up 2001 onwards version, nice spec with full screen sat nav etc..you will love it i can guarantee you. A lot of previosu M5 owners will tell you this is the best car they have ever owned also.
If you wanna make it sound nice, buy a Tubi Rumore system as well..;)
(also bare in mind, in light of current crunch, sellers are having a hard time shifting cars..especially with 5.0L engines..a good time to barter)
Edited by Daggerpie on Friday 20th June 17:25
BOR said:
What kind of service costs do people typically pay ?
eg:
Inspection 1
Inspection 2
Pads + Discs ?
I'm aware that MAFs and Cam Sensors are consumables, but has anyone had any other "unpleasant surprises" ?
Servicing costs are slightly actually cheaper that an M3 whilst pads and discs are comparable with genuine BMW M3 items.eg:
Inspection 1
Inspection 2
Pads + Discs ?
I'm aware that MAFs and Cam Sensors are consumables, but has anyone had any other "unpleasant surprises" ?
Not sure about MAF's and cam sensors being consumables though - they will most likely only need changing once if at all depending on the mileage.
MPG aint great of course but insurance is very reasonable so just buy a good late used one.
Mileage should not really be as much of an issue as condition and history.
You wont regret it though.
Neil,
I owned an M5, 2000, 80k on clock for 8 months. I did about 3k miles, and it cost, on average, about 280-300 GBP per month all in. The first 2 months I spent over 200GBP per month on fuel. If you have an M5, it's very hard to drive frugally! With fuel costs at the current rate, costs must approach 300GBP per month. I do about 5-6k per year.
Tyres are at least 170 GBP each, but can last ages for normal road use. Tax is cheap, insurance for me was about 600 GBP. If it does use oil, that about 50 GBP per container.
I had intended to do some track days, but the cost of tyres and pads scared me off.
There is always the threat of the VANOS failing, however unlikely, and, if it does it will cost you many thousands either in repair or flogging the car.
I think the example you linked looks good as long as the history is full. BMW are usually very helpful in verifying that - I did with mine with just one phone call. There is however, a reason why they're so cheap for so much car - not many people want to risk ownership.
I absolutely loved my M5 and it was the greatest car I've owned. Not the most exciting to drive, but certainly the most accomplished overall. Having had Alfas and TVRs previously, I didn't get the uberwagen Germanic thing until I got used to the M5, which itself took about 3 months. The suspension and roadholding was truly unbelievable. Bumps, rises and undulations were absorbed without fuss and cornering could be undertaken at frankly stupid speeds, again without any noticable effects. Acceleration seemed blunted by the M5's weight and smoothness until you noticed your velocity. The behaviour of the car was impeccable and it was the most comfortable, confidence inspiring and easiest car I've driven. On top of that the finish, workmanship and specification was top - almost worth its list price.
The only two limits of the car I came close to were brakes and fuel left in tank.
My only advice would be that it is an awesome and unique experience to own one, but do not imagine it will be cheap.
Dr C
I owned an M5, 2000, 80k on clock for 8 months. I did about 3k miles, and it cost, on average, about 280-300 GBP per month all in. The first 2 months I spent over 200GBP per month on fuel. If you have an M5, it's very hard to drive frugally! With fuel costs at the current rate, costs must approach 300GBP per month. I do about 5-6k per year.
Tyres are at least 170 GBP each, but can last ages for normal road use. Tax is cheap, insurance for me was about 600 GBP. If it does use oil, that about 50 GBP per container.
I had intended to do some track days, but the cost of tyres and pads scared me off.
There is always the threat of the VANOS failing, however unlikely, and, if it does it will cost you many thousands either in repair or flogging the car.
I think the example you linked looks good as long as the history is full. BMW are usually very helpful in verifying that - I did with mine with just one phone call. There is however, a reason why they're so cheap for so much car - not many people want to risk ownership.
I absolutely loved my M5 and it was the greatest car I've owned. Not the most exciting to drive, but certainly the most accomplished overall. Having had Alfas and TVRs previously, I didn't get the uberwagen Germanic thing until I got used to the M5, which itself took about 3 months. The suspension and roadholding was truly unbelievable. Bumps, rises and undulations were absorbed without fuss and cornering could be undertaken at frankly stupid speeds, again without any noticable effects. Acceleration seemed blunted by the M5's weight and smoothness until you noticed your velocity. The behaviour of the car was impeccable and it was the most comfortable, confidence inspiring and easiest car I've driven. On top of that the finish, workmanship and specification was top - almost worth its list price.
The only two limits of the car I came close to were brakes and fuel left in tank.
My only advice would be that it is an awesome and unique experience to own one, but do not imagine it will be cheap.
Dr C
Thanks Dr C - that's a great overview. That seems about in line with what as I was expecting so no great issue.
One quick query on the VANOS issue - if this has already been done on the car, would it need redoing again? I'm not even that sure about the issue itself but I hear the term and the costs quite a bit when discussing this model.
The service history is very in depth and if I can find a receipt for the work being performed within the last 10-20k miles, I would have thought this would cover me to run the car for 2 years / about 18k miles.
Fuel costs are unavoidable - drive a fast car, pay the petrol prices. There's really no way around it anymore
One quick query on the VANOS issue - if this has already been done on the car, would it need redoing again? I'm not even that sure about the issue itself but I hear the term and the costs quite a bit when discussing this model.
The service history is very in depth and if I can find a receipt for the work being performed within the last 10-20k miles, I would have thought this would cover me to run the car for 2 years / about 18k miles.
Fuel costs are unavoidable - drive a fast car, pay the petrol prices. There's really no way around it anymore
Is the influence of fuel consumption/fuel costs exaggerated ?
10,000 miles @20mpg x GBP5 per gallon = GBP2500
Depreciation on a GBP20,000 M5 approx GBP2000
Financing on a GBP20,000 M5 approx GBP1000
Insurance+tax = GBP1000
Servicing/Tyres = GBP1000 ??
Total = GBP7500
A car with 50% less fuel consumption, and lower service costs would then cost about GBP5500. It just puts consumption into perspective in terms of the overall cost of ownership.
What scares me somewhat, is the unknown maintenance costs, if something does go bang - VANOS/Transmission/engine etc
10,000 miles @20mpg x GBP5 per gallon = GBP2500
Depreciation on a GBP20,000 M5 approx GBP2000
Financing on a GBP20,000 M5 approx GBP1000
Insurance+tax = GBP1000
Servicing/Tyres = GBP1000 ??
Total = GBP7500
A car with 50% less fuel consumption, and lower service costs would then cost about GBP5500. It just puts consumption into perspective in terms of the overall cost of ownership.
What scares me somewhat, is the unknown maintenance costs, if something does go bang - VANOS/Transmission/engine etc
With all the usual caveats, touching as much wood as possible, get the M5 - you won't regret it.
Had mine for 2 years now, put 70k+ miles on it (now at 130k and climbing) and apart from routine servicing, tyres, brakes and the odd splash of oil its been brilliant, and I do mean brilliant. Cruises all day long at 100+ (private land of course
) and only uses oil (5l/15k miles) if you cane it consistently, otherwise it'll hardly touch a drop (and I mean cane it - red-lining before every change etc...)
Tyres last for ages - well the fronts do, the rears last max 15k on mine, but the fronts have done something like 40k, the leather seats seem to be bomb proof, brakes are a bit of a weak point, but if you're not tracking it they do OK.
One thing I would say is keep the Sport button ON and traction OFF - it makes for a much better drive.
Had mine for 2 years now, put 70k+ miles on it (now at 130k and climbing) and apart from routine servicing, tyres, brakes and the odd splash of oil its been brilliant, and I do mean brilliant. Cruises all day long at 100+ (private land of course
) and only uses oil (5l/15k miles) if you cane it consistently, otherwise it'll hardly touch a drop (and I mean cane it - red-lining before every change etc...)Tyres last for ages - well the fronts do, the rears last max 15k on mine, but the fronts have done something like 40k, the leather seats seem to be bomb proof, brakes are a bit of a weak point, but if you're not tracking it they do OK.
One thing I would say is keep the Sport button ON and traction OFF - it makes for a much better drive.
mondeoman said:
One thing I would say is keep the Sport button ON and traction OFF - it makes for a much better drive.
Interesting, most e39 M5 owners i've spoken with (and forums etc) prefer to drive with the Sport button off, myself included. It makes the steering to dizzy and altho sharpens throttle response is useless around towns, pulling away from junctions etc as have to rev to much.Get it on a track tho and Sport is a must. I always drove with the tracion OFF mind..
Mine's a late 2000 car with all the facelifted bits and is knocking on the door of 100k miles.
I've just whacked on Pilot Sports all round and they have transformed the car to the feel of -50k miles... They aren't cheap but then again...
Currently getting 18.4 mpg but low 20s are achievable on runs: near 400 miles/tank range en France.
There's nothing to add, comment on or say about this car which hasn't been documented a thousand times: it exists as pretty much the gold standard no brainer.
Vanos? Vanos schmamos!
I've just whacked on Pilot Sports all round and they have transformed the car to the feel of -50k miles... They aren't cheap but then again...
Currently getting 18.4 mpg but low 20s are achievable on runs: near 400 miles/tank range en France.
There's nothing to add, comment on or say about this car which hasn't been documented a thousand times: it exists as pretty much the gold standard no brainer.
Vanos? Vanos schmamos!
My 02 Model runs brilliantly....brakes are very good for fast road use...not so good for track use (unless it is a low braking track such as the 'ring)
...however, after installing a tubi exhaust system, I notice my consumption is now under 15mpg...and the stereo never gets used anymore...incidentally the fuel consumption is low because I keep driving at much higher revs now than before to enjoy the great note...bear in mind if you get one with a sports exhaust...
...however, after installing a tubi exhaust system, I notice my consumption is now under 15mpg...and the stereo never gets used anymore...incidentally the fuel consumption is low because I keep driving at much higher revs now than before to enjoy the great note...bear in mind if you get one with a sports exhaust...
Daggerpie said:
mondeoman said:
One thing I would say is keep the Sport button ON and traction OFF - it makes for a much better drive.
Interesting, most e39 M5 owners i've spoken with (and forums etc) prefer to drive with the Sport button off, myself included. It makes the steering to dizzy and altho sharpens throttle response is useless around towns, pulling away from junctions etc as have to rev to much.Get it on a track tho and Sport is a must. I always drove with the tracion OFF mind..
Not my experience at all. Sport on, weightier steering, easy to control out of junctions. With Sport off I find it wallows into corners (too much lock too soon) and it just doesn't "go". Its all personal though.
Oh, and I manage an average of 20mpg with a fair amount of travel significantly in excess of her majesties limits, if you know what I mean.
You see, this is exactly the set of question's I'm asking myself at the moment. Namely, am I mad to be considering such a big (sexy) thirsty (throaty) car when I live in central smokesville with no off road parking and the economy's gone to pot?
I've dreamed of an E34 but also love the E39 having spent time driving my old man's example. The E34 was the one I lusted after as a kid but despite the lower entry price wise, it seems to be virtually the same on running costs.... Hmmmm.
Part of me says its irresponsible owning such a car when I don't even need the back seats, never mind a loan of around £12k plus the usual running costs on a £50k car. Part of me says "look, you work hard, do ok and have no mortgage or kids - do it!"). I've not sorted out which part of me is in control of the finances yet though
At least I'm not alone in my quandary!
I've dreamed of an E34 but also love the E39 having spent time driving my old man's example. The E34 was the one I lusted after as a kid but despite the lower entry price wise, it seems to be virtually the same on running costs.... Hmmmm.
Part of me says its irresponsible owning such a car when I don't even need the back seats, never mind a loan of around £12k plus the usual running costs on a £50k car. Part of me says "look, you work hard, do ok and have no mortgage or kids - do it!"). I've not sorted out which part of me is in control of the finances yet though
At least I'm not alone in my quandary!
puntograle said:
My 02 Model runs brilliantly....brakes are very good for fast road use...not so good for track use (unless it is a low braking track such as the 'ring)
...however, after installing a tubi exhaust system, I notice my consumption is now under 15mpg...and the stereo never gets used anymore...incidentally the fuel consumption is low because I keep driving at much higher revs now than before to enjoy the great note...bear in mind if you get one with a sports exhaust...
...but it does sound good though. ...however, after installing a tubi exhaust system, I notice my consumption is now under 15mpg...and the stereo never gets used anymore...incidentally the fuel consumption is low because I keep driving at much higher revs now than before to enjoy the great note...bear in mind if you get one with a sports exhaust...
Ohh yes, the Tubi Rumore is def the best sounding for the M5, heres my old one..
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WwaRehvvkIY
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WwaRehvvkIY
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