Advice on this M5

[dkatwa]

Not had an M5 before...wondering if this is on the road to financial ruin....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-M5-E39-IMOLA-RED-X-R...

[Johnboy Mac]

Like the colour, don't like the quoted 440BHP (at the wheels no less) & I don't like the mileage.

[duff]

A brave move buying that - High miles which in itself is not a particular issue, but with less than comprehensive history and lots of previous owners I'd not chance it, regardless of price. Love the colour though. I think I'd only buy one of these from an enthusiast owner or reputable specialist.

[_Neal_]

Dyno is nonsense, clearly - these cars can do BIG mileages if looked after, the engines are very strong, but you have to get them checked out properly otherwise you'd potentially be buying a money pit. Suspect this car will have some rust too (not a major issue, just common).

[Johnboy Mac]

duff said:

I think I'd only buy one of these from an enthusiast owner or reputable specialist.

+1.

[_Neal_]

Agreed - worth a look if it's near you though (if only as part of your research into buying M5s) as the condition does look very good from the pics.

[cosworth330]

I was watching this a few days ago the auction finished up at about £4300 ish, thought it had sold but just read the relisting info.

It looks tidy from the pic's but they can be very deceiving, i suppose its quite cheap if it goes for £4300 ish again but you would need to check it over before bidding as it would be easy to sink £2000 into it straight away,tyres,mafs,discs,clutch,shocks,bushes you name it. I wouldn't bother if its hundreds of miles away as its not that special. If i was selling my M5 i wouldn't trade it in at a used car sales, you would think maybe it needs money spending on it if it was traded in ? You never know though.

[Pig Skill]

Sounds like a wallet opener to me.

Details aside, the dealer is virtually spelling it out that its a risk and they want rid asap at any cost.

Avoid as a couple of serious faults would double the purchase price in a heartbeat. Forget it.

Plus you will struggle to sell it on when you do decide to cut it loose

[dkatwa]

thanks for the advice guys...you have saved me a bundle of cash already....!
I have only really started to look and was wondering where is the best place to buy such a car...are the any enthusiast sites?

[_Neal_]

M5board.com has tons of knowledge on it, but it's mostly American cars that get advertised for sale (although I did find mine on there).

Here is probably best for UK M5s to be honest - lots of M5 enthusiasts and plenty of very decent cars advertised for sale.

ETA - Just noticed you're in London dkatwa - happy for you to look over my M5 (which is a good one!) if you like - feel free to message me.

Edited by _Neal_ on Monday 16th April 11:56

[feanor75]

Agree with everything said, 1 or 2 two big jobs doubles the price of the car.

If the seller had confidence they would offer a warrantee, or free repairs etc for 6 months or so post purchase, they must suspect there are 1 or 2 issues about to go pop.

Personally I would spend 7-9k on a good one and keep 1-2k aside for running repairs. Always see them in person too.

Lovely colour though

[anonymous-user]

Back to the colour for a minute, its a strange one Imola Red. Sometimes in bright sunlight it looks like a really bright, fire engine red, but when its more cloudy or at night, it seems to transform in to a much darker, matt-looking red which looks stunning.

[Pig Skill]

cosmokmike said:

Back to the colour for a minute, its a strange one Imola Red. Sometimes in bright sunlight it looks like a really bright, fire engine red, but when its more cloudy or at night, it seems to transform in to a much darker, matt-looking red which looks stunning.

So you are saying it looks lighter in the light and darker in the dark?

[anonymous-user]

It does kind of look like that..... Will try again with two example pics

[Pig Skill]

It's OK mike, only pulling your leg!

Ive owned a few Imola Red M cars and know exactly whet you mean.

My current car is in laguna Seca Blue and that is similar in the way lighting can dramatically affect its hue