An M5... can/should I?
Discussion
Vladman, Think of it this way, your 34ish so your virtually half way thru your life
sorry but its true! You've probably spent a good half of your life thinking/dreaming (17 is when it all really starts)of cool/fast cars.Do you want to spend the last say quarter of your life regretting not buying some of your dream cars.Nobody ever died from owing a few quid .JUST DO IT MATE!!!!
sorry but its true! You've probably spent a good half of your life thinking/dreaming (17 is when it all really starts)of cool/fast cars.Do you want to spend the last say quarter of your life regretting not buying some of your dream cars.Nobody ever died from owing a few quid .JUST DO IT MATE!!!!
squeeze and jm, must say your posts made me smile. 
yes, my heart wants and M5, and to hell with everything else... but, i'm trying to find a balance between keeping both the heart and the head happy... whilst keeping the wallet somewhere in the picture too.
and the balance is somewhere in between the overexagerrated paranoia that something expensive WILL break, and a false sense of optimism that it won't... difficult!
i do get the feeling that the things that go wrong with this car are over-emphasised on the internet a little bit generally, helping create this hightened feeling of paranoia that something (expensive) will almost certainly break. sure, it may, but i don't think it's any different than with any other car... and of course, just like with anything else, we hear much more from people who have had problems, than from those who don't have any... they simply don't have the need post about their trouble-free experiences, as much as those of us with problems do.
i'm generalising here obviously, although it's possible i'm clouding my own objective judgement a little bit by my strong desire to buy one, and probably trying to justify it to myself in whichever ways possible...
ah... keep it coming guys.
yes, my heart wants and M5, and to hell with everything else... but, i'm trying to find a balance between keeping both the heart and the head happy... whilst keeping the wallet somewhere in the picture too.
and the balance is somewhere in between the overexagerrated paranoia that something expensive WILL break, and a false sense of optimism that it won't... difficult!
i do get the feeling that the things that go wrong with this car are over-emphasised on the internet a little bit generally, helping create this hightened feeling of paranoia that something (expensive) will almost certainly break. sure, it may, but i don't think it's any different than with any other car... and of course, just like with anything else, we hear much more from people who have had problems, than from those who don't have any... they simply don't have the need post about their trouble-free experiences, as much as those of us with problems do.
i'm generalising here obviously, although it's possible i'm clouding my own objective judgement a little bit by my strong desire to buy one, and probably trying to justify it to myself in whichever ways possible...
ah... keep it coming guys.
Vlad, go for it mate!!
I really wanted one but my budget was only enough to get a E36 M3 - although I must say I am as pleased with that and was a dream car of mine. But I would say if you want it and can afford to buy one do it. As you said, its more likley you will have no major problems then the everyday problems. I was really wary of the Vanos issue on mine, however I recently had it serviced and they said its fine!!
do it, you will kick urselve if you dont!
jase
I really wanted one but my budget was only enough to get a E36 M3 - although I must say I am as pleased with that and was a dream car of mine. But I would say if you want it and can afford to buy one do it. As you said, its more likley you will have no major problems then the everyday problems. I was really wary of the Vanos issue on mine, however I recently had it serviced and they said its fine!!
do it, you will kick urselve if you dont!
jase
Cautionary word.
Mine is suddenly quite poorly.
85k miles, FMBMWSH.
I've not had anything outrageous go wrong but I suddenly find myself with major wear issues possibly involving the main seal, crank issues (excessive wear due to shot crank thrusters), a contaminated clutch and therefore gearbox out and possibly engine out work.
Not expecting Vanos like expense but major Ferrari service costs? Highly likely.
These ARE reliable, robust, practical cars but at the same time, high revving, Ferrari/911-baiting panzerviggens - things DO and WILL wear so expect bills every couple of years commensurate with a £60k if not £100-£130k car.
They are £12k to buy for a reason...
I'd still wholeheartedly recommend it as great value but not, repeat NOT on a budget.
You have been warned, DeR.
Mine is suddenly quite poorly.
85k miles, FMBMWSH.
I've not had anything outrageous go wrong but I suddenly find myself with major wear issues possibly involving the main seal, crank issues (excessive wear due to shot crank thrusters), a contaminated clutch and therefore gearbox out and possibly engine out work.
Not expecting Vanos like expense but major Ferrari service costs? Highly likely.
These ARE reliable, robust, practical cars but at the same time, high revving, Ferrari/911-baiting panzerviggens - things DO and WILL wear so expect bills every couple of years commensurate with a £60k if not £100-£130k car.
They are £12k to buy for a reason...
I'd still wholeheartedly recommend it as great value but not, repeat NOT on a budget.
You have been warned, DeR.
I'll probably never be able to afford one on my income (an E34 is a more practical thing for me) But I have the privilege of regularly driving an E39 M5 . In the last 2 weeks i've driven one twice on trips of over 150 miles. The first in what can only be described as awfull very heavy rain and viscious crosswinds on motorways , and I can state as a fact that there probably isn't another car available today with the combination grip torquey engine and sure footed handling this car rocks!!.
The second trip was in almost perfect conditions over the same trip, and once again It can cruise like an old Jag in almost total silence upto 130mph
but then can headbutt the horizon at over 170mph (it's been de-limited)its ride can only be described as perfect, the noise from the V8 intoxicating (especially with the Tubi on it) and when it gets twisty it just shrinks around you.
Now it's not without flaws the brakes in standard trim are marginal when used in anger but AP make a superb sixpot brake kit for it that really works
and in standard trim the exhaust is a little quiet but the Tubi really brings out the V8 rumble without it being too offensive.
But here's a thought if your budget is 12-15K then try to find one at about 12k and put the balance away in a high interest account then if the infamous vanos issue rears its ugly head its sorted
I've driven many supposed "supercars" over the years and nothing comes close to the total package this car provides and I envy anyone who owns one it is the most complete car i've ever driven
Just go for it you're only young once
Regards Rob.
The second trip was in almost perfect conditions over the same trip, and once again It can cruise like an old Jag in almost total silence upto 130mph
but then can headbutt the horizon at over 170mph (it's been de-limited)its ride can only be described as perfect, the noise from the V8 intoxicating (especially with the Tubi on it) and when it gets twisty it just shrinks around you.
Now it's not without flaws the brakes in standard trim are marginal when used in anger but AP make a superb sixpot brake kit for it that really works
and in standard trim the exhaust is a little quiet but the Tubi really brings out the V8 rumble without it being too offensive.
But here's a thought if your budget is 12-15K then try to find one at about 12k and put the balance away in a high interest account then if the infamous vanos issue rears its ugly head its sorted
I've driven many supposed "supercars" over the years and nothing comes close to the total package this car provides and I envy anyone who owns one it is the most complete car i've ever driven
Just go for it you're only young once
Regards Rob.
Hey guys... Glad to see this thread still going.
Ah, this is SO hard... I think I dreamt of an M5 one night this week. This is serious.
Ok,
Budget: the hardest bit. the less the better! but seriously, I could stretch to £12-£13k MAXIMUM, because I also have to think about insurance, and that so far looks like it's going to be at least another thou...
Colour: less important, but darker preferred, black, maybe maroon, darg green, something like that. White would be cool too, I think - think Ringtaxi.
Spec: whatever I can find for my money
Mileage: see above, the less the better, goes without saying
Yes, I'm only young once, and that's why I want "the beast" now!!!
I'm sure if anyone can understand that, it's you guys.
But listen, for the last couple of days, I've come up with an alternative... And... uh, I'm scared to say... Don't kill me...
A Jaguar XJR!
Yes, I know, it's automatic! But, everything I read about it is positive, it seems it's a real performance bargain. I was never even that keen on Jags, but this thing has 370bhp, 4 litre supercharged V8, more torque than the M5, and even a tiny bit less weight, despite its gargantuan size. Of course I'm not saying it's BETTER than an M5, but it seems to be very close in performance, and crucially for me, it's significantly cheaper. Also, it's insurance group 19, as opposed to group 20 for the M5, which again, makes a big difference for me. A couple of quick internet quotes come up as £500-ish TPFT, and £800-ish fully comp.
Am I no longer welcome here for thinking of anything other than an M5?? (hope not, you guys are very helpful with your advice.
Ah, this is SO hard... I think I dreamt of an M5 one night this week. This is serious.
squeezebm said:
tdm,nice one i think if we keep at him we'll crack im by the w/end!
kentmotorcompany said:
Vladman,
If you were to buy one, what would you go for?
Budget?
Colour?
Spec?
Mileage?
Any other requirement?
If you were to buy one, what would you go for?
Budget?
Colour?
Spec?
Mileage?
Any other requirement?
Ok,
Budget: the hardest bit. the less the better!
but seriously, I could stretch to £12-£13k MAXIMUM, because I also have to think about insurance, and that so far looks like it's going to be at least another thou... Colour: less important, but darker preferred, black, maybe maroon, darg green, something like that. White would be cool too, I think - think Ringtaxi.
Spec: whatever I can find for my money
Mileage: see above, the less the better, goes without saying
Yes, I'm only young once, and that's why I want "the beast" now!!!
I'm sure if anyone can understand that, it's you guys. But listen, for the last couple of days, I've come up with an alternative... And... uh, I'm scared to say... Don't kill me...
A Jaguar XJR! Yes, I know, it's automatic! But, everything I read about it is positive, it seems it's a real performance bargain. I was never even that keen on Jags, but this thing has 370bhp, 4 litre supercharged V8, more torque than the M5, and even a tiny bit less weight, despite its gargantuan size. Of course I'm not saying it's BETTER than an M5, but it seems to be very close in performance, and crucially for me, it's significantly cheaper. Also, it's insurance group 19, as opposed to group 20 for the M5, which again, makes a big difference for me. A couple of quick internet quotes come up as £500-ish TPFT, and £800-ish fully comp.
Am I no longer welcome here for thinking of anything other than an M5??
(hope not, you guys are very helpful with your advice. Any car will seem expensive to run if you base the expected costs on the fact that it may suffer a major mechanical meltdown.
The only real issue with the M5 is the vanos thing, which is probably over hyped. They are all noisy to a greater or lesser degree, and BMW acknowledge this stating it has no effect on the performance or longevity of the engine.
I think many of the so called failures are down to dealers creating work for themselves by replacing the vanos units when it wasn't really necessary, simply because the car was under warranty.
As for the rest of the running costs, this car is not the money pit some people would have you believe. It will go 15,000 miles between services and the most expensive one, the inspection 2, is about £500 at the main dealer.
This year I paid £570 for fully comp insurance(38 years old, full no claims, protected bonus, 10k miles pa and business use), 20-22mpg is realistic and it will also go 20,000+ miles on a set of tyres and 80,000 on a clutch if driven reasonably. Early cars suffer from quite heavy oil consumption, but this was cured on the facelifted cars from October 2000.
All in all, if you do plenty of research(try bm5w website), look at, and drive a lot of cars, thoroughly check out any prospective purchase(local BMW dealer will confirm service history and what warranty work has been done) then you won't go far wrong and will have a car that puts a smile on your face every time you start it up.
Like others have said, you're only here once, don't end up 80 years old regretting not having done the things you wanted to do.
As for the Jag XJR, beautiful, particularly in black with black leather, but not as fast, focussed or reliable as an M5 and more expensive to run.
The only real issue with the M5 is the vanos thing, which is probably over hyped. They are all noisy to a greater or lesser degree, and BMW acknowledge this stating it has no effect on the performance or longevity of the engine.
I think many of the so called failures are down to dealers creating work for themselves by replacing the vanos units when it wasn't really necessary, simply because the car was under warranty.
As for the rest of the running costs, this car is not the money pit some people would have you believe. It will go 15,000 miles between services and the most expensive one, the inspection 2, is about £500 at the main dealer.
This year I paid £570 for fully comp insurance(38 years old, full no claims, protected bonus, 10k miles pa and business use), 20-22mpg is realistic and it will also go 20,000+ miles on a set of tyres and 80,000 on a clutch if driven reasonably. Early cars suffer from quite heavy oil consumption, but this was cured on the facelifted cars from October 2000.
All in all, if you do plenty of research(try bm5w website), look at, and drive a lot of cars, thoroughly check out any prospective purchase(local BMW dealer will confirm service history and what warranty work has been done) then you won't go far wrong and will have a car that puts a smile on your face every time you start it up.
Like others have said, you're only here once, don't end up 80 years old regretting not having done the things you wanted to do.
As for the Jag XJR, beautiful, particularly in black with black leather, but not as fast, focussed or reliable as an M5 and more expensive to run.
M5Dave said:
Like others have said, you're only here once, don't end up 80 years old regretting not having done the things you wanted to do.
Damn you M5Dave, just read your post and now I'm really considering one again, just thrown all my M Coupe stuff away!
My thinking now is that I'll only average about 6-7k miles in it a year, plus I never seem to have a car longer than 2 years so how much could it cost? I mean, I could actually own an M5 for a couple of years then sell it for something sensible, like a newer M5!
My head hurts
kramer78 said:
My head hurts
ditto!
btw, dave, you say the jag wouldn't be as reliable, and would be more expensive to run. that's contrary to most of what i read... pre-2000 models had a few issues, but most (or all) have been ironed out in 2000... and the fuel economy seems very similar to the M5...
vladman said:
kramer78 said:
My head hurts
ditto!
btw, dave, you say the jag wouldn't be as reliable, and would be more expensive to run. that's contrary to most of what i read... pre-2000 models had a few issues, but most (or all) have been ironed out in 2000... and the fuel economy seems very similar to the M5...
I was just speaking from personal experience with the Jag, although a 1995 4 litre six cylinder model, not an XJR. I had the car two years and it had quite a few problems including
a failed steering rack, lambda sensors, wheel bearings and front shock absorbers, amongst other things, fortunately the warranty covered most of it.
It also had quite a short service interval, and the Jag dealers are seriously expensive. During my time with the car it returned about 18-19 mpg.
I accept though that the later V8 engined cars will probably have moved on a great deal in terms of build qualiy and reliability, but I still think that overall it will be more expensive than an M5.
vladman said:
But listen, for the last couple of days, I've come up with an alternative... And... uh, I'm scared to say... Don't kill me...
A Jaguar XJR! 
when I was shopping around 3-4 years ago I spent a huge amount of time looking for an XJR, really fancied the 4.2 motor with supercharger, but happened to stumble across some M5 ads on Autotrader and it didn't take long for me to decide which was the more desirable car.... 
70k miles on and I haven't regretted the decision once. Just rang Adrian Flux insurance who I'm insured with at the moment, being fairly sure they'd offer the best quotes on insurance on an M5 (and the Jag)... Having previously, without much trying, found on the Internet quotes of around £1300 for the M5, and £800 for the Jag... Adrian Flux kept me on hold over 10 minutes, then came back and offered me a £2000 quote for the M5, and £1600 for the Jag... Ridiculous! 
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