RE: BMW M5 (E39): PH Carpool
Monday 11th May 2015
Name: Matt Peters
Car: BMW M5 (E39)
Owned since: "November 2014."
Previously owned: "Audi B5 S4, Ford Focus RS Mk1."
E39 M5 and part share in an RS? Nice fleet!Why I bought it:
"I wanted a practical daily drive to replace the Audi B5 S4 I had owned for 18 months - great car but I wanted a change. I use the car daily, except when driving a jointly owned MK1 Focus RS, and the car is a pleasure to drive and covers all ends of the spectrum. It handles it all, from a good beasting to a pootle about town in third so I can hear that off-beat grumble, General Lee style. And, yes, I like to drive with the window down through tunnels. Who the hell doesn't?"
Big step up from previously owned S4"I properly love my cars and enjoy the process of replacing parts and enjoying the most minuscule differences in the drive, Sad I know! I'm known as the 'auto refinisher' by my mates and anyone buying a car I've owned will be getting a good 'un and with OE bits on it! I've got decent local dealer in Newcastle and M parts aren't cheap but it's an older car now so the parts aren't always rip-off money."
From engine to options spec our man loves his M5Things I hate:
"I can think of very little really that I hate or even dislike. I'd have loved an estate in the same model but it wasn't an option. The only niggle is cold mornings and stiff gear changes really - reverse selection is common problem but is sorted by selecting first before reflecting reverse."
BMW M5 (E39): PH Carpool
It's not hard to love the E39 M5, as this week's enthusiastic Carpooler testifies
Car: BMW M5 (E39)
Owned since: "November 2014."
Previously owned: "Audi B5 S4, Ford Focus RS Mk1."
E39 M5 and part share in an RS? Nice fleet!
"I wanted a practical daily drive to replace the Audi B5 S4 I had owned for 18 months - great car but I wanted a change. I use the car daily, except when driving a jointly owned MK1 Focus RS, and the car is a pleasure to drive and covers all ends of the spectrum. It handles it all, from a good beasting to a pootle about town in third so I can hear that off-beat grumble, General Lee style. And, yes, I like to drive with the window down through tunnels. Who the hell doesn't?"
What I wish I'd known:
"How much fun it was to drive in the wet! I'd have bought one sooner. No issues so to speak. Mine is a tidy and original 2001 facelift car with stacks of history, wider screen, front sensors and a load of nice upgrades without rubbish like double glazing. Everything in my cars works, I make a point of it. With 112K on the clock it's no spring chick but it's bloody tidy with only minor paint defects (soon to be sorted).
Big step up from previously owned S4
Things I love:
Big step up in interior finish and quality from the basic B5 S4. Three-stage heated seats are great as I don't have them on the Audi. The noise clearly is a big pull with these, as is the effortless power! It's like driving a lazy dinosaur. It's a sluggish as you want it to be but grab its nuts and twist and it's off!
"It's a great daily drive and mine has split folding seats, rear and side blinds and the single tone black leather so is a practical car. If you want a cheap car to fuel this is not it. But it's no worse than a bi-turbo V6 either - I'd guess 18-20mpg and fuel being cheap is great at present!"
From engine to options spec our man loves his M5
"I can think of very little really that I hate or even dislike. I'd have loved an estate in the same model but it wasn't an option. The only niggle is cold mornings and stiff gear changes really - reverse selection is common problem but is sorted by selecting first before reflecting reverse."
Costs:
"Running costs aren't crazy for V8, at least I don't think so. Prevention is always better than cure with these older performance cars though. So they do need some cash spent on them, but with values on the rise I'm sure I'll see most of it back. And if I don't I've still enjoyed it.
"I haven't suffered at the hands of VANOS, rust in certain places or some of the other common issues like pixel fade or MAF sensors failing so can only report it to be a great reliable daily drive."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Discussion
StarmistBlue400 said:
Needs a decent exhaust or baffles removed to hear that great engine.
I disagree in part; yes it's not very vocal with the stock exhaust, but wind it up to 5000 rpm (especially in a tunnel) and it's more than loud enough, yet it remains refined for long-distance cruising, something it truly excels at. For the exhaust, like everything else, the E39 balances opposing characteristics perfectly. Glad I'm not alone with stiff gear selection/hit-and-miss reverse when cold.I will have to part with mine shortly and I'm going to miss it loads.
Ahhh very nice! I do miss mine it was a superb car, I had an 02 also in Titanium Silver but with two tone leather.
Again to confirm what you already know, gearbox not a strong point especially in later life. Mine had done nearly 130k when I sold it last year but she still pulled and sounded a treat! Although dare I say it, stock for stock exhaust my 650i sounds better!
Again to confirm what you already know, gearbox not a strong point especially in later life. Mine had done nearly 130k when I sold it last year but she still pulled and sounded a treat! Although dare I say it, stock for stock exhaust my 650i sounds better!
I'm starting to miss my old one a little. Don't get me wrong I am glad I sold the car as it needed so much doing to it and I can't ever see me having another due to the parts costs and some parts being not available / hard to find, but i do miss the torque and laziness that my mps 6 just doesn't have.
The noise was awesome but i did always feel that mine lacked some performance. I think I should have bought a better car to start with.
The noise was awesome but i did always feel that mine lacked some performance. I think I should have bought a better car to start with.
Duffman83 said:
Looks like you bought yours from Neil going by the pics, I bought mine in Sept, black 03 plate
The Vicar is Back! Lovely Car, Neil and my bro co-owned the VKR, what a machine!Duffman did you buy the black one with the double glazing and silencer delete? That was always my Favourite of Neils M's, they all sound great but that one was straight out of Nascar!
Matt, good to hear your enjoying the VKR and that its gone to a car mad loving home, all the best!
I know one of these will cost ££££ a year to run over a hot hatch, but everyone seems to love the E39 M5.
The only bad test I've seen or read, was a 'Best Motoring' episode. I think they said it was too heavy and it understeered excessively. Perhaps the 'Tsukuba' circuit is a bit tight to let a heavier and larger car shine.
The only bad test I've seen or read, was a 'Best Motoring' episode. I think they said it was too heavy and it understeered excessively. Perhaps the 'Tsukuba' circuit is a bit tight to let a heavier and larger car shine.
Understeer shouldn't be a problem if the car is set up right and sits on decent tyres. Unfortunately there are lots of leggy cars out there on original suspension and cheap tyres. The biggest obstacle to rapid progress that I found was seats that were a bit too slidey! Definitely the best big manual saloon I've owned.
No criticism of the guy covered in this, but it'd be nice to have more of these that talk to someone who's owned the car for more than 6 to 12 months. Long term ownership experiences are much more useful and interesting than the new owner love-in we all get with a new toy. Some poor sod who's owned it for 5 years and been kicked in the balls over and over again with big bills, or some lucky sod who's owned something for 5 years and only had to replace bulbs. That sort of thing.
Otherwise it's a bit "Bloke loves car he's just chosen to buy shocker".
Otherwise it's a bit "Bloke loves car he's just chosen to buy shocker".
dme123 said:
No criticism of the guy covered in this, but it'd be nice to have more of these that talk to someone who's owned the car for more than 6 to 12 months. Long term ownership experiences are much more useful and interesting than the new owner love-in we all get with a new toy. Some poor sod who's owned it for 5 years and been kicked in the balls over and over again with big bills, or some lucky sod who's owned something for 5 years and only had to replace bulbs. That sort of thing.
Otherwise it's a bit "Bloke loves car he's just chosen to buy shocker".
OK. I owned a 2002 facelift for over four years and 40,000 miles 2006-2010. It replaced a 348 spider. Paid £22K for it it 2006 at four years old and sold in 2010 for just under £11K. In the interim it had over £20K spent on it, of which about £5K was servicing, consumables, best part of £1K for a clutch and a £1K bodywork refresh. The rest was on a whole variety of things from sensors to loom section replacement to most of the front steering and suspension. BMW picked up the bulk under warranty. Nothing went wrong with the engine, gearbox or rear suspension. Just as well really. Build quality was excellent and all equipment and toys worked perfectly until the day of sale.Probably averaged 19mpg over 40,0000 miles. Never failed to start. Only one completely forgivable breakdown which was a snapped drivebelt.Otherwise it's a bit "Bloke loves car he's just chosen to buy shocker".
My advice is only buy one at 70K miles or above with a vast service history, bills and a good warranty. Lots of things start failing at around 70K miles and the M tax is heavy. Independents are only about 30% cheaper than main dealers and the croissants and M loaners are worth it imo.
These cars can kill you financially if they start going bad.
HTH.
Another long-term owner checking in. Owned since Oct 2010, bought at 113k miles, now showing 138k. Still tight as a drum. It's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned (bearing in mind I prefer cars 10+ years old). Total cost of ownership has been much lower than the depreciation or lease charges of a new car over the same period.
Major items replaced include one VANOS bank (£850 from CPC), various suspension bits refreshed including Koni Yellows, control arms and ball joints, and that's about it. There have been lots of little bits along the way as I like to keep the car spot-on, but the M5's reputation for fearsome running costs has not been my experience (again bearing in mind I'm used to spending to keep older cars fettled; if you're coming from new cars under warranty of course it will he a different ownership experience).
Oh, and I'd much rather use a knowledgeable specialist like CPC than a BMW dealer who might only see one or two of these a month and is geared up for more modern stuff not to mention incentivised to turn around as many cars in as little time as possible.
Best car I've owned by far, and owned for longest. Even after 4.5 years it never fails to provide a feelgood factor and to attract an admiring backward glance after parking. As someone who loves a manual 'box and finds most modern stuff too loaded with technology and complexity, there is literally nothing else I can think of regardless of price to replace it.
Major items replaced include one VANOS bank (£850 from CPC), various suspension bits refreshed including Koni Yellows, control arms and ball joints, and that's about it. There have been lots of little bits along the way as I like to keep the car spot-on, but the M5's reputation for fearsome running costs has not been my experience (again bearing in mind I'm used to spending to keep older cars fettled; if you're coming from new cars under warranty of course it will he a different ownership experience).
Oh, and I'd much rather use a knowledgeable specialist like CPC than a BMW dealer who might only see one or two of these a month and is geared up for more modern stuff not to mention incentivised to turn around as many cars in as little time as possible.
Best car I've owned by far, and owned for longest. Even after 4.5 years it never fails to provide a feelgood factor and to attract an admiring backward glance after parking. As someone who loves a manual 'box and finds most modern stuff too loaded with technology and complexity, there is literally nothing else I can think of regardless of price to replace it.
plenty said:
Another long-term owner checking in. Owned since Oct 2010, bought at 113k miles, now showing 138k. Still tight as a drum. It's been one of the most reliable cars I've owned (bearing in mind I prefer cars 10+ years old). Total cost of ownership has been much lower than the depreciation or lease charges of a new car over the same period.
Major items replaced include one VANOS bank (£850 from CPC), various suspension bits refreshed including Koni Yellows, control arms and ball joints, and that's about it. There have been lots of little bits along the way as I like to keep the car spot-on, but the M5's reputation for fearsome running costs has not been my experience (again bearing in mind I'm used to spending to keep older cars fettled; if you're coming from new cars under warranty of course it will he a different ownership experience).
Oh, and I'd much rather use a knowledgeable specialist like CPC than a BMW dealer who might only see one or two of these a month and is geared up for more modern stuff not to mention incentivised to turn around as many cars in as little time as possible.
Best car I've owned by far, and owned for longest. Even after 4.5 years it never fails to provide a feelgood factor and to attract an admiring backward glance after parking. As someone who loves a manual 'box and finds most modern stuff too loaded with technology and complexity, there is literally nothing else I can think of regardless of price to replace it.
You'll struggle to replace it with a manual car. Had a very expensive Maserati Granturismo but it attracted a lot of jealousy, couldn't be left anywhere and I was nervous of the depreciation. I moved it on really quickly. AMG Merc saloons were either stupid money and they're not particularly distinctive, in fact I'd say they've dated badly. I settled on a late Jag STR (I have half a dozen toys as well) as a daily driver and despite being auto I love it. It's just as quick as the M5, probably quicker off the line with no clutch control required, slightly more economical and has a better ride and steering. It has also been easy to DIY fettle and spares are mostly cheap and easy to obtain. The M5 has better handling but I've ticked that box.Major items replaced include one VANOS bank (£850 from CPC), various suspension bits refreshed including Koni Yellows, control arms and ball joints, and that's about it. There have been lots of little bits along the way as I like to keep the car spot-on, but the M5's reputation for fearsome running costs has not been my experience (again bearing in mind I'm used to spending to keep older cars fettled; if you're coming from new cars under warranty of course it will he a different ownership experience).
Oh, and I'd much rather use a knowledgeable specialist like CPC than a BMW dealer who might only see one or two of these a month and is geared up for more modern stuff not to mention incentivised to turn around as many cars in as little time as possible.
Best car I've owned by far, and owned for longest. Even after 4.5 years it never fails to provide a feelgood factor and to attract an admiring backward glance after parking. As someone who loves a manual 'box and finds most modern stuff too loaded with technology and complexity, there is literally nothing else I can think of regardless of price to replace it.
Had my 2002 facelift M5 for three years and it's demanded a fair bit of wedge to keep in good fettle. £2400 most recently to sort some rusty bits and flaky rear jacking points (plus other odds and sods) and over the past three years I've done the Conrod bearings (£1200), dashboard blower fans, FSU, control arms, alarm sensor, brake discs and pads to cure wobble, some sensors, wheel refurb, tyres, battery.... and the list goes on. I still love it though and often have the urge to head outside and just gawp at it. Handsome car and I've no idea what'd replace it. Have had AMG Mercs and they're nothing like as captivating IMO.
That's right Duffman this is the car I bought from Neil and your bro. It's a fantastic car!! I have further improved the car. Small touches but I'm not afraid to spend on a car. I like doing the stuff to be honest and having half a second car means I can get stuf done and it can take as long as it takes.
I have done a few tarty things like M wheel and door trim badges, gear stick and gaitor, aftermarket matt set with deep pile in a proper black (not s
tty bmw charcoal ones) drivers window glass as it was scratched some of the shadow chrome trim as it was bubbled, later OE bluetooth kit and it's due some paintwork soon to further tidy it up and a new windscreen.
I have also had a some suspension bits done, front discs, new rad temp sensors and thermostats, secondary air system refreshed and cleaned out inc manifold pipes (rather than a remap) full set of Michelin PS3 and a Full set of Michelin winters too, full fluids swap inc gearbox and diff oils and a new folding mirror as I broke one, only £170 from dealer not inc. glass though!!
So I've spent some cash and it's all receipted up but I dare not add it all up and I don't tell the wife!!
I love cleaning it and I also often take a look to make sure it's they but also just to look why the hell not.
I have done a few tarty things like M wheel and door trim badges, gear stick and gaitor, aftermarket matt set with deep pile in a proper black (not s
tty bmw charcoal ones) drivers window glass as it was scratched some of the shadow chrome trim as it was bubbled, later OE bluetooth kit and it's due some paintwork soon to further tidy it up and a new windscreen. I have also had a some suspension bits done, front discs, new rad temp sensors and thermostats, secondary air system refreshed and cleaned out inc manifold pipes (rather than a remap) full set of Michelin PS3 and a Full set of Michelin winters too, full fluids swap inc gearbox and diff oils and a new folding mirror as I broke one, only £170 from dealer not inc. glass though!!
So I've spent some cash and it's all receipted up but I dare not add it all up and I don't tell the wife!!
I love cleaning it and I also often take a look to make sure it's they but also just to look why the hell not.
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