E39 M5 Service History Thoughts

[Griffit]

First time in this part of the forum. I'm considering the purchase of an E39 M5 that is still covered by BMW Warranty and that has been serviced as follows, all at BMW main agents to date:

Date first registered: Dec 2002
Running–in check: Feb 2003 / 4,591 miles
Oil service: Apr 2004 / 24,600 miles
Inspection I, microfilter & Brake fluid: Jan 2006 / 34,237 miles
Oil service, microfilter, coolant & brake fluid: Aug 2008 / 42,474 miles
Coolant & brake fluid: June 2011 / 47,707 miles
Inspection II, microfilter, brake fluid & bodywork Mar 2013 / 56,654 miles
Just about to have an Oil service @ 68,000 miles

What would you think of the above? I had a slight reservation about the length of time until the running-in oil was changed and the time between services, however if servicing based on the on board indicator I guess the time is not considered and it is mileage based?

Warranty expires in September but can be extended of course (£1,614/12m comprehensive)

Thoughts welcomed please!

[Griffit]

Hmmm, that's what I thought. I did the same tutting myself. Impact on resale/saleability?

[Griffit]

£17k - I may be that perfectionist...

Should mention duplicate service book as original lost too though with stamps.

Edited by Griffit on Tuesday 26th April 22:24

[Griffit]

As a reasonably long term TVR owner (9 years) I see the same thing happen. I have a wedge of receipts from a dealer used by previous owner (a surgeon) for everything from fuses and bulbs to more substantial works; mainly servicing with extras. In comparison I've barely had any work done but did start noting handling deterioration and with flaky powdercoat on the chassis went the whole hog with body-off chassis refurb and new bushes, dampers, drop links etc throughout. The transformation was very noticeable and I wish I had replaced more suspension parts sooner and had the benefit for longer.

Sometimes about personal preference than outright need perhaps...

[Griffit]

PH XKR said:

But e39 >>>> e60


I get what's posted above and will be replacing shocks with oe at some point for similar reasons. If I had extended the warranty for 4 years I would be 7k down... That's four discs, shocks, bushes and a glass out respray!

Agreed - Bork factor and manual/smg differences make them rather apples and pears for now at least - watch E60 values soar as the last NA M5 in future...!

[Griffit]

PH XKR said:

I don't think they have the potential of a 39. I can sell mine today and cover all my expenses.

Great - what do you want for it!

[Griffit]

PH XKR said:

Hmmm, £17k was manageable, I may struggle to raise that kind of capital for a while but I'll let you know...

[Griffit]

ds666 said:

If the car has an auc warranty then it cannot have missed its first service - so I suspect the duplicate hasn't been stamped up fully .You may be able to fill in the gaps ...

Is your griff ex-surgeon car from Hereford ?

First service was the one stated, have spoken to BMW to check out all of the visits and they are still happy to warrant despite duration.

Griff came from North East when I bought it - remember the registration of previous owner as B16 OPS...