seriously considering e39 M5 - am I losing my mind?
Discussion
After a year or so with my 2009 mini JCW, I've got an itch to change. I'm approaching the change with a fairly open mind, my only real criteria is that I don't want to add money to a car, so think £13k budget max.
There are a few cars that are now a generation or two old that I've always hankered after (but could never afford when they were current). One of these is the e39 M5, which in my eyes (cosmetically unmodified) is uber cool - a modern classic. I can't help but gawp when I see them.
On paper it would seem to fit the bill nicely - my mileage is mainly motorway/a-road. I can live with the mpg (I think) - 25mpg on a motorway run at sensible speeds is fine. I accept it'll drop below this when you choose to push on. But in terms of other costs, what would I be looking at? I'm assuming it's unlikely to stop at routine servicing/tyres. I guess what I'm ultimately getting at is what are the "expected" (ex fuel) running costs on a facelift e39 M5 are now that they're 10yrs old... and are there any really nasty ones that crop up regularly (per 97-07 Porsche 911 IMS). Cheers, Mat.
There are a few cars that are now a generation or two old that I've always hankered after (but could never afford when they were current). One of these is the e39 M5, which in my eyes (cosmetically unmodified) is uber cool - a modern classic. I can't help but gawp when I see them.
On paper it would seem to fit the bill nicely - my mileage is mainly motorway/a-road. I can live with the mpg (I think) - 25mpg on a motorway run at sensible speeds is fine. I accept it'll drop below this when you choose to push on. But in terms of other costs, what would I be looking at? I'm assuming it's unlikely to stop at routine servicing/tyres. I guess what I'm ultimately getting at is what are the "expected" (ex fuel) running costs on a facelift e39 M5 are now that they're 10yrs old... and are there any really nasty ones that crop up regularly (per 97-07 Porsche 911 IMS). Cheers, Mat.
Also my posts on the first page of http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... before DaveEssex tries to wheel out his regular Jaguar engines for the win speech.
More than happy to answer any questions you have!
More than happy to answer any questions you have!
Chris: thanks. long read, but very interesting thread.
Hair Flick: two things, (i) thanks for the link, v useful. (ii) how on earth did you find an AUC e39 m5 so recently? I know these pass through Hexagon quite regularly, but they're always at silly money. You appear to have got a fantastic deal. Are you able to give any further details on how you managed to get such a big discount vs sticker price, and which dealer was it at?
Broster: I've been looking at m5board. Lots in the classifieds there, but seems to be a predominantly US based forum. I could be wrong...
Thanks for your help.
Hair Flick: two things, (i) thanks for the link, v useful. (ii) how on earth did you find an AUC e39 m5 so recently? I know these pass through Hexagon quite regularly, but they're always at silly money. You appear to have got a fantastic deal. Are you able to give any further details on how you managed to get such a big discount vs sticker price, and which dealer was it at?
Broster: I've been looking at m5board. Lots in the classifieds there, but seems to be a predominantly US based forum. I could be wrong...
Thanks for your help.
The car was up for 16.5 back in the summer at Dick Lovetts. It was then bought as a short term gap for someone whilst their f10 was delivered. It then went back into the same Dealership, they did the work on it to get it approved for AUC but then this was late October. Many buyers tried to buy but were refused finance so just before Christmas eve I saw it, it was fantastic and I think they were now just happy to shift. I had a good car to part ex with and cash so no worries on finance, we discussed my cost to change figure so they knew where I was at and where they were at. This was at 6pm, they knew I was going to buy it and I left thinking I will accept their offer the next day as the car was so perfect it was worth it. They surprised me the next day offering the figure I wanted so I snapped their arm off.
They made nothing on the car really and I ended up with an AUC M5 that had recently been sold only a few months earlier for 16k but for a lot less.
They were happy as the car had gone to a real enthusiast, I was happy and now my baby girl is again happy as she was conceived in a v8 (well driven to the Dusseldorf truck stop in one then conceived), did the ring in one aged 4 months, and now is back in a v8 where she keeps telling me to "big wheeeeeeeeee daddy". That therefore keeps the other half happy!
They made nothing on the car really and I ended up with an AUC M5 that had recently been sold only a few months earlier for 16k but for a lot less.
They were happy as the car had gone to a real enthusiast, I was happy and now my baby girl is again happy as she was conceived in a v8 (well driven to the Dusseldorf truck stop in one then conceived), did the ring in one aged 4 months, and now is back in a v8 where she keeps telling me to "big wheeeeeeeeee daddy". That therefore keeps the other half happy!
I love my m5, it's not expensive but not cheap either. Very practical fast and fun. I almost always have dsc off when I'm on my own, its fun to step on out of the corner. Very chuck able for such a big car. I think the only thing that will replace it is another m5 tbh it's great having a car that takes the family with ease but is still fun when you want to go for a blast.
I've had an M5 2001 car for 2 years now, it's had one service when the indicator came on, new tyres and a water pump. Other than that no major expenses. I guess there's always the chance something more expensive could be a risk, but apart from VANOS which is less of a risk on a facelift car, there are no major weak spots.
in terms of MPG, I tend to average 22, which is a mix of commute and motorway. When you get onto a decent road with little traffic, it's around 18 / 19mpg. All in all though, I still think there's little to touch it for the money.
If you're looking for one, my advice would be to be picky on history and condition. I looked at quite a few before buying mine and was surprised at how some had been neglected / skimped on. Mine was spot on history and condition wise and has hence been a good experience.
in terms of MPG, I tend to average 22, which is a mix of commute and motorway. When you get onto a decent road with little traffic, it's around 18 / 19mpg. All in all though, I still think there's little to touch it for the money.
If you're looking for one, my advice would be to be picky on history and condition. I looked at quite a few before buying mine and was surprised at how some had been neglected / skimped on. Mine was spot on history and condition wise and has hence been a good experience.
I have just agreed to hand over more than 3k for a full respray on mine, that must say something.
It's probably not worth much more than that but I can't really think of anything else I would have in that price range.
I have had it around 3 years and in that time it has had service items, front discs, pads and calipers rebuilt and a fuel pump.
I wouldn't hesitate on buying another one as long as it has had plenty of oil changes with the correct TWS oil.
Everything else that can go wrong is easily fixed although as everyone knows, parts are expensive.
It's probably not worth much more than that but I can't really think of anything else I would have in that price range.
I have had it around 3 years and in that time it has had service items, front discs, pads and calipers rebuilt and a fuel pump.
I wouldn't hesitate on buying another one as long as it has had plenty of oil changes with the correct TWS oil.
Everything else that can go wrong is easily fixed although as everyone knows, parts are expensive.
jgy6000 said:
whats the main advantage of the facelift over the earlier cars?
Im tempted by a 1999 modle in the clasified currently with 105,000 miles
Looks to be in decent condition and if all stacks up is there anything else to consider at this age?
Facelift cars reportedly have modified VANOS and piston rings, I think... So owners report less oil usage for facelift cars - can be quite heavy on earlier cars. Not a problem in itself but they like 10w 60 which gets pricey if they swallow enough of it on a regular basis.Im tempted by a 1999 modle in the clasified currently with 105,000 miles
Looks to be in decent condition and if all stacks up is there anything else to consider at this age?
Cosmetically, post facelift cars have 'angel eye' headlights which look more modern - as well as different rear light clusters. There's also widescreen satnav, light grey dials on the instrument binnacle and a three-spoke steering wheel a-la E46 M3.
A well maintained pre-facelift should make a good buy though - it's all about condition with these. Look for plenty of receipts to prove it's been cared for.
Great thread. I've looked at it slightly too late as I've just bought mine but it has been a long journey to gettng one for me as I loved the e34, heard all the good things about the e39 being potentially thr best M car ever, did all the research and then got totally put off by seeing two dog rough examples that felt like fat lazy old men who'd smoked 40 a day for the past 40 years.
I ended up with yet another m3 until finally years later (only a few weeks ago in fact) a chanced across a beautiful looking example as I drove past a forecourt and fell in love just with the condition.
This one just feels so much more savage than the two I drove previously. Razer sharp on the throttle, really puts you in the seat and really crisp handling. I'm surprised at just how different it feels to the nails I drove? What can cause the engines to become so lethargic without maintenance? Is it the vanos failing to opperate? I guess the slop in the controls comes from the weight. I'll have to keep on top of that if I start driving it as M intended.
Mines an early car but 1st owner kept for 11years, only 2 previous in total and lots of new parts suggests he took the brunt of some bits that needed doing :/ (hopefully) as far as I can check; zero play in the gearstick, unmarked interior and exterior, immaculate engine bay, felt and sounded tight, no drips or leaks from anything (even the diff) and absolutely no slack or play in the drivechain if you move quickly from reverse to forward or dip the clutch.
The sound of the car starting from cold nearly put me right off as it sounds like horrible piston slap but I was convinced by a specialist that 'they all do that sir' and it sounds tight as a drum warm so I took the risk.
I'm finding it very hard not to fall in love with deeply at the moment. Hope it doesn't bite my wallet too hard for the privilege.
Good luck with yours and keep informed with how you get on
p.s. I also came from a JCW interestingly enough. I think you crave something big and comfortable after that motorway experience.
I ended up with yet another m3 until finally years later (only a few weeks ago in fact) a chanced across a beautiful looking example as I drove past a forecourt and fell in love just with the condition.
This one just feels so much more savage than the two I drove previously. Razer sharp on the throttle, really puts you in the seat and really crisp handling. I'm surprised at just how different it feels to the nails I drove? What can cause the engines to become so lethargic without maintenance? Is it the vanos failing to opperate? I guess the slop in the controls comes from the weight. I'll have to keep on top of that if I start driving it as M intended.
Mines an early car but 1st owner kept for 11years, only 2 previous in total and lots of new parts suggests he took the brunt of some bits that needed doing :/ (hopefully) as far as I can check; zero play in the gearstick, unmarked interior and exterior, immaculate engine bay, felt and sounded tight, no drips or leaks from anything (even the diff) and absolutely no slack or play in the drivechain if you move quickly from reverse to forward or dip the clutch.
The sound of the car starting from cold nearly put me right off as it sounds like horrible piston slap but I was convinced by a specialist that 'they all do that sir' and it sounds tight as a drum warm so I took the risk.
I'm finding it very hard not to fall in love with deeply at the moment. Hope it doesn't bite my wallet too hard for the privilege.
Good luck with yours and keep informed with how you get on
p.s. I also came from a JCW interestingly enough. I think you crave something big and comfortable after that motorway experience. Niffty951 said:
Great thread. I've looked at it slightly too late as I've just bought mine but it has been a long journey to gettng one for me as I loved the e34, heard all the good things about the e39 being potentially thr best M car ever, did all the research and then got totally put off by seeing two dog rough examples that felt like fat lazy old men who'd smoked 40 a day for the past 40 years.
I ended up with yet another m3 until finally years later (only a few weeks ago in fact) a chanced across a beautiful looking example as I drove past a forecourt and fell in love just with the condition.
This one just feels so much more savage than the two I drove previously. Razer sharp on the throttle, really puts you in the seat and really crisp handling. I'm surprised at just how different it feels to the nails I drove? What can cause the engines to become so lethargic without maintenance? Is it the vanos failing to opperate? I guess the slop in the controls comes from the weight. I'll have to keep on top of that if I start driving it as M intended.
Mines an early car but 1st owner kept for 11years, only 2 previous in total and lots of new parts suggests he took the brunt of some bits that needed doing :/ (hopefully) as far as I can check; zero play in the gearstick, unmarked interior and exterior, immaculate engine bay, felt and sounded tight, no drips or leaks from anything (even the diff) and absolutely no slack or play in the drivechain if you move quickly from reverse to forward or dip the clutch.
The sound of the car starting from cold nearly put me right off as it sounds like horrible piston slap but I was convinced by a specialist that 'they all do that sir' and it sounds tight as a drum warm so I took the risk.
I'm finding it very hard not to fall in love with deeply at the moment. Hope it doesn't bite my wallet too hard for the privilege.
Good luck with yours and keep informed with how you get on p.s. I also came from a JCW interestingly enough. I think you crave something big and comfortable after that motorway experience.
Lazy performance of the others is likely to be the MAFS or the CPS sensors which are consumables. Sounds like yours you have no such problems.I ended up with yet another m3 until finally years later (only a few weeks ago in fact) a chanced across a beautiful looking example as I drove past a forecourt and fell in love just with the condition.
This one just feels so much more savage than the two I drove previously. Razer sharp on the throttle, really puts you in the seat and really crisp handling. I'm surprised at just how different it feels to the nails I drove? What can cause the engines to become so lethargic without maintenance? Is it the vanos failing to opperate? I guess the slop in the controls comes from the weight. I'll have to keep on top of that if I start driving it as M intended.
Mines an early car but 1st owner kept for 11years, only 2 previous in total and lots of new parts suggests he took the brunt of some bits that needed doing :/ (hopefully) as far as I can check; zero play in the gearstick, unmarked interior and exterior, immaculate engine bay, felt and sounded tight, no drips or leaks from anything (even the diff) and absolutely no slack or play in the drivechain if you move quickly from reverse to forward or dip the clutch.
The sound of the car starting from cold nearly put me right off as it sounds like horrible piston slap but I was convinced by a specialist that 'they all do that sir' and it sounds tight as a drum warm so I took the risk.
I'm finding it very hard not to fall in love with deeply at the moment. Hope it doesn't bite my wallet too hard for the privilege.
Good luck with yours and keep informed with how you get on
p.s. I also came from a JCW interestingly enough. I think you crave something big and comfortable after that motorway experience. That piston slap noise is the vanos. Post face lift they got fitted with a vanos oil pressure accumulator which stops that.
Welcome to the club!
EddieFelson said:
Lazy performance of the others is likely to be the MAFS or the CPS sensors which are consumables. Sounds like yours you have no such problems.
That piston slap noise is the vanos. Post face lift they got fitted with a vanos oil pressure accumulator which stops that.
Welcome to the club!
Thank you, this one certainly doesn't feel lacking. In fact when overtaking a slow moving obstacle in a tight gap (full throttle in 2nd and a quick flick into third) I found myself bemused how a 'mere 400hp' in such a big car could pick it up so weightlessly and hurl it forwards with such energy?! Can the vanos update be retrofitted? If so is it ludicrously expensive to do so?That piston slap noise is the vanos. Post face lift they got fitted with a vanos oil pressure accumulator which stops that.
Welcome to the club!
Also does anyone know how to get the car to show you which service it needs next? My old bmws used to have a little indicator for service 1 or service 2 but can't seem to see anything on this one?
I don't think the display can show you the next service due - you are just supposed to see what type of service it had last time from your documentation/dealer service records. If the last service was an inspection I or II then it will just need an oil service. If the last service was an oil service then it will be due an Inspection - if the last inspection was a I it's time for a II, and vice versa.
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