E60 M5 finally bought!

[zainster]

Hi All,

Been a long long wait for one of these and a few weeks ago it all came to fruition!

Owned a few M3's but never got round to getting the big brother until now.

I enjoyed the journey of searching and finding a car to replace my much loved Mini John Cooper Works.

The usual German suspects but for me during my search (E90 M3, B7 RS4, SLK55 and a 997 911 C2S) but in the end I plumbed for the E60 M5.

This was only the second E60 M5 I went to view but you just know when you come across the right one. No bodywork scrapes or small dinks, just an exterior in fantastic order and an unmarked immaculate interior to complement.

I then put it through a pre-purchase inspection with the local BMW main dealer and it came out clean with no mechanical or electrical issues (no fault codes reported).

So next thing was to buy it and then contact BMW Mondial and get a comprehensive warranty put on it.

The standard spec on an M5 is impressive - So I only really had two must haves on the options front (Active seats and full leather) but the options on this one was the icing on the cake after the colour combo.

Its 2007 07 model but not LCI but does have an options list that makes up for it for me anyway:
I bought it with 41,750 miles.

Alpine White (original and not a wrap)
Full Indianapolis Red leather interior (covers entire door trim and dashboard in leather)
Alcantara headlining
Adaptive Headlights
SAT NAV Professional
Freeview TV
DAB Tuner
6 CD Changer
Mobile Prep and Business Bluetooth
M Multifuncation Seats with electric headrests
Active Seats
Soft Closing Automatic System for Doors
LOGIC 7 Sound System
Electric Rear Blinds
Rear Side Window Blinds
Extended Voice Control
Integrated Universal Remote Control
19" 167 M Forged Alloys

This is on top of the standard stuff I guess like Heads Up Display, Puddle lights, Xenon's, Folding mirrors, Heated Seats, Electric Glass Sunroof to name a few.

The first thing I did after purchasing the car was to order some Conti Sport Contact 5P's fitted all round as the set on it were a mix of Bridgestone on the front and Federal 595's on the back and though there was about 4mm all round left I wanted to have some nice new quality boots on it. Must say the 5p's are excellent in comparison!

Also had the car 4 wheel aligned recently on a Hunter machine.

Cant make up my mind about the alloys though! I am not sure whether to stick with them? Get them refurbed and have black inserts instead of the standard anthracite inserts or go aftermarket?

Not sure the 166 M style alloys would suit a white M5? I do however aim to change the front kidney grilles to a high gloss black one.

However, the most important thing for me is this ... its living up to its billing as a truly epic car! I'm gobsmacked and truly enjoying the car!

The V10 is intoxicating and I love the space and luxury. Performance is on another level to anything I have ever owned.

Thanks for looking

Edited by zainster on Wednesday 4th February 12:10

Edited by zainster on Wednesday 4th February 22:02

[zainster]

Rick101 said:

Looks great but you seem to have a hairdryer stuck to your wall.

Haha! Almost! ... its a charging point for electric cars

[zainster]

Babw said:

While you have a V10 gas guzzler on the drive, oh the irony.

Enjoy, car looks great.

Haha! SWMBO attempts to balance things out

[zainster]

Thanks all for the nice comments, much appreciated!

I was really surprised at the condition, it really is in fabulous order througout. I just need to keep it this way!

The only real criticism is the rear wheels could do with a refurb but I am still thinking about what to do there.

I like the wheels not sure they are for this car though. I can't seem to find a picture of an M5 with these wheels but with black inserts to help give me an idea if I should keep them on.

[zainster]

longintheleg said:

Lovely car and nice spec. You don't see many in White.

The wheels definitely don't suit the car and you should sell them on....to me!!

Do you have any plans or mods for it?

Thank you sir!
Haha - if you're not joking, I'd be tempted to swap if you have the 166 M style alloys?
Although isn't the offset/sizes different on the Touring model?

The only mods that are tempting to me are:

Kidney Grilles
Alloys maybe
Spacers + Lowering springs (like Eibach/HR)

As I've put a BMW warranty on it, I'll stay with things that don't invalidate it and hopefully the things mentioned should be OK on that front.

[zainster]

johnfm said:

Well, what a fantastic thing that is.

Is that a full leather dash too? Nice.

Thank you sir!
Yep, it has the full leather option (£5.5k) which means door trim is covered in leather as is the dashboard and with the alcantara headlining it just adds that special feel to the interior.

[zainster]

Thank you gents for the nice comments.

Just to clarify that this is a genuine M5 that runs on petrol and not an electric car in disguise!

[zainster]

Jazzer said:

That is one stunning looking M5, congratulations on such a magnificent purchase.

The full leather really oozes quality and class, what an ambience it creates.

I still miss mine and have a feeling that I'll end up in another one.

Keep us all posted about life with your V10 beast!

Thanks Jazzer!

I do love the ambiance. Just wish I had done this earlier!

Definitely expecting an interesting ownership time ahead ... my God how do you live without that V10? You must get back in one!

[zainster]

longintheleg said:

Well if they're the 167's designed for the E60 (which I'm sure they are), then the offset would be too much as the inside of the wheel would rub on the suspension and then if I added spacers, I reckon I would then get scrubbing on the inside of the bumper.....gutted.

The mods sound tasteful and hopefully BMW will allow you to install those bits.

I've just fitted gloss black grills to mine and I think it looks far better. I've also just ordered some 15mm hubcentric spacers which will be fitted soon.

Where abouts do you live?

I'm in Iver which is in South Bucks.

Ah thought that might be the case .... Yep, the alloys are on the options list for the car. Was first registered by a BMW main dealer and they specked it with £12k of optional extras.

One mod in the back of mind - not sure if i will do but I could get tempted to have the interior dipped in carbon. It could really make the interior but I need to find some pics of an E60 with the red leather and carbon dipped interior to see.

Fun looking at all different options - Will stick to doing mods that don't effect the warranty.
Think exhausts aren't covered?

[zainster]

HanksBM said:

congratulations on your new purchase Zainster I'm sure you will enjoy all aspects of this truly incredible car.
Take no notice of the negative comments about reliability and costs, yes they occur but owning a car like this will clearly put a smile on your face every time you drive it, you need to own this car to understand, IMO its worth every penny, I hope it brings you much pleasure.

Be under no illusion you will be reminded you are no longer driving a Hybrid every time you hit the loud pedal and by the frequency of re charging. (the tank with V-power nitro+).....ENJOY

Thank you sir!

Appreciate the kind and positive words about ownership prospects.

I heartily agree .... only way to appreciate and understand why someone would own a car like this is through actual ownership and not on paper to use an old phrase (slightly modified )

Yes it likes a drink and no doubt is much more expensive to run than the average car but boy does it make you smile from ear to ear and giggle to yourself when you hear that V10! So worth it though!

My neighbour winced when I said it was a 5 ltr V10 and he winced even more when I said it's petrol in reply to his question "is it a diesel then"?

I hear many describe this car as 'epic' and I'm finally getting to find out for myself how true that really is!

[zainster]

Schermerhorn said:

Zain have you smacked up any boy racers yet?

Haha! Not yet... in my M3's they were always willing to have a go but so far they've been on their best behaviour!

I'll probably jinx myself but that's one thing I'm really loving is no one is wanting to race or sit on my rear bumper... so far

[zainster]

PGNCerbera said:

Gorgeous car. And the interior looks great. Wish I had had the balls to go Sakhir on my M5 when speccing.

Great options list too. Congrats and let us know how you get on. Do you think you will track it ?

Thanks for the kind words!

Very pleased with it and the spec was a bonus. I don't think I'll ever track it, I would like to take it on a long road trip mind but we'll see.

[zainster]

sshenton1975 said:

Congrats on your purchase OP! You have great taste
I purchased my Interlagos Blue model in May this year and have absolutely loved it


Mine is a 2005 and had 68K miles on the clock when I purchased it. The real clincher for me was that in Jan 2014, at 67,000 miles, it had a brand new engine, clutch and flywheel all paid for by BMW extended warranty! As soon as I knew this, I had to have it!

I agree with you - the car is EPIC! Every drive is an occasion. Prior to this I had a Merc CL600 twin turbo which was beautiful, but the M5 is another level.

Many criticise the SMG but I love it. As you long as you drive it on max. attack gear (level 5) and paddles, I think it is great. I never drive it in auto - it is horrible as a pure automatic.

I've done a few subtle mods:
Muffler delete is the main one - it involves removing the rear back boxes and replacing with straight pipes. Sounds AMAZING!
Carbon BMW badges
LED interior lights
Original M5 wheels refurbed in OEM shadow chrome (as per E39 M5)
Wheel spacers front and rear - really makes a difference to the stance
I have just purchased some BBS LM wheels in 20 inchs and they are beautiful - no pics as yet. I am also thinking about some Eibach springs as the front in particular sits really high

As far as issues are concerned, I have had a few but nothing serious. I think you have to expect some problems with a 507HP car!
Misfire problem on cold start - cured with some injector cleaner
Restraint system failure - cured with a new battery cable
HID bulb failure - an absolute headache to change
Snapped SMG paddle - epoxy resin sorted that out!

So far that's it!

Only other issue I had was when someone tried to steal it off the drive. Made real mess of the door locks and tried to recode a key - fortunately the alarm and locks didnthe trick. Still a £2000 insurance bill - new door, new locks etc

Enjoy your car!

Thank you kind sir! and thanks for the informative reply on potential issues.
I do have to say I love interlagos blue, my E46 M3 CS was in IB and when cleaned and polished it would come up absolutely fantastic!

Agreed, love SMG III. I've had a few E46 M3's that had SMG II and I really got on well with the gearbox and its continue on the M5 only it definitely feels a little smoother to me though from SMG II.

I've very interested to hear more on the mods front you are intending to do and see how they look!
I've been chatting to another fellow M guy and hes thinking Rohana RC7's in 20x9 and 20x10 and lowered on H&R's.

Exhaust wise, I could get tempted by a Supersprint F1 but I am going to focus on driving it and enjoying it and then might think later in the year or so to treat it to a mod! :-D

I think I would be tempted with those wheels on mine tbh.

What BBS ones did you go for and what size?

That is really bad, sorry to hear that. A friend of a friend had a similar experience to you with his C63 AMG but got off lightly compared to your unfortunate incident.

Well I have had my first issue today, washing the car and noticed a stone chip on the bonnet! I think I know when it happened too while on a dual carriage way yesterday when I heard a ping. its soooo blooming annoying! arrggh!

Enjoying the M5. What a car!

Look forward to seeing some pics of your M5 once you have those subtle mods done!

[zainster]

Sadface said:

nice motor u got there zainster, ive had mine exactly 3 years , and is the longest ive ever kept a car, ive wanted to sell it since i bought it haha but you just cant let go and they hold there value to, its been pretty hassle free other tgan cd shuttle replaced and gear selector position switch all under extended 2 year warr which ive since renewed on a rolling monthly with bmw mondial at a cost of £98 pcm transferable, which at the end of the say is a little over a tabk of fuel for complete peace of mind, ive also done a complete cat back supersprint straight pipe conversion wirh no resonator or back box's ( nothing else sounds like it on the road) and i also have an asbo warning against my vehicle so will be taken of me if pulled up again with exhaust on car, but only costs £120 to get car back if seized so fk em, also may i add that dont worry about relyability issues they aint that vad and the only reports you get are the few that have had problems not the thousands that havnt, i also have a reg M 10 CYL for sale if intrested

Thanks Sadface, thanks and appreciate the valued comments on ownership.

Yep, I almost let the few horror stories put me off but I am glad I decided to get one!
The car just keeps cementing its reputation as being epic! Still, I put a fully comp Mondial warranty on it for peace of mind and so far its not missed a beat and I've done roughly around 1200 miles so far.

I recently added my first mod, high gloss black kidney grilles I picked up form Cotswold BMW. I've kept the chrome ones but I really like the new ones on! Funnily enough, I've thought about a Supersprint exhaust. Think I prefer it to the Eisenmann.
I think the racing one but resonated. Still need to do some research as I want one with no drone, OEM when cruising and then all hell breaking loose when you want a bit of fun!

That number plate sounds good too!

[zainster]

Schermerhorn said:

Zain have you smacked up any boy racers yet?

Haha! It seems when the sun comes out people want to play! I'm not fussed most of the times but as it was nice and sunny... be rude not to myself!

Over the last two weekends I've had a 996 C4S and a 997 C4S plus an Audi S5 cab on a 13 plate ( assume its the 3lt V6 supercharged one?) ready to just a little fun! Only when you have a play against performance cars of this calibre do you realise how blooming fast this thing is!

[zainster]

Shaoxter said:

zainster said:

Funnily enough, I've thought about a Supersprint exhaust. Think I prefer it to the Eisenmann.
I think the racing one but resonated. Still need to do some research as I want one with no drone, OEM when cruising and then all hell breaking loose when you want a bit of fun!

Let me know if you find an exhaust that does this
At a reasonable price...

Hmm maybe this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=142...

Early days yet but it does sound like a good price at half the price of an Eisenmann. :-)

[zainster]

cosworth330 said:

zainster said:

Shaoxter said:

zainster said:

Funnily enough, I've thought about a Supersprint exhaust. Think I prefer it to the Eisenmann.
I think the racing one but resonated. Still need to do some research as I want one with no drone, OEM when cruising and then all hell breaking loose when you want a bit of fun!

Let me know if you find an exhaust that does this
At a reasonable price...

Hmm maybe this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=142...

Early days yet but it does sound like a good price at half the price of an Eisenmann. :-)

I've actually been for a ride in Prettybeast's M5 with the Supersprint exhaust. It was a little too loud for me. For me it had drone but the owner loved it.

The Eisenmann Race is just way too loud

Oh! reading that thread, I just assumed no drone as I don't think that was mentioned. That's a pity.

Has anyone had/have the evolve exhaust on their M5?

[zainster]

HanksBM said:

Hi Zainster,
Its good to know you are enjoing your M5, The Mondial warranty Is certainly the way to go. I'm also venturing down the Supersprint resonated route with my exhaust, I hope to have it complete by early april.
FYI Mondial are ok with a back box replacement I called them and apparently its a cosmetic change and ok to do. I'll let you know how it turns out later in the spring.

I have also found a winter wheel solution on the Bay



I have it on good authority, this will miraculously turn into a Bmw E60 M5 with refurbed wheels (shadow chrome) and Supersprint exaust by the spring, sorn removal pending

Edited by HanksBM on Thursday 26th February 12:36

Thanks HanksBM!

Good to know about the warranty on exhausts. I'm starting to lose my hearing listening to do many you tube clips of exhaust sounds on M5's!

Exhausts are as hard to find the right one as finding a wheel that suits a white e60 M5!

I recently did my first mod... High gloss black kidney grilles from bmw. I'm going to a bodyshop tomorrow to get a quote on getting the interior trim painted piano black.

Haha... that's a good solution. I've had one of those (2 infact) & you heard right, they can do as long as there's obligatory M5 badge on the back :-p

[zainster]

longintheleg said:

zainster said:

Thanks HanksBM!

Good to know about the warranty on exhausts. I'm starting to lose my hearing listening to do many you tube clips of exhaust sounds on M5's!

Exhausts are as hard to find the right one as finding a wheel that suits a white e60 M5!

I recently did my first mod... High gloss black kidney grilles from bmw. I'm going to a bodyshop tomorrow to get a quote on getting the interior trim painted piano black.

Haha... that's a good solution. I've had one of those (2 infact) & you heard right, they can do as long as there's obligatory M5 badge on the back :-p

If you wouldn't mind letting me know the cost for painting the trim Piano Black, I would be really grateful.

I think it would finish the interior off perfectly but the real deal is far too expensive.

Of course, no probs.
I went to CCR in Iver after hearing good recommendations on here.

He quoted me £360 to remove the trim, paint and refit. This was for 10 bits of trim btw. Includes 3 small bits of trim on the steering wheel and another small bit of trim on around the headlight switch area.

I'm going to look for more quotes to get an idea of cost but their quote sounds expensive considering they said 30 mins-60 mins to remove and refit the trim.