E60 M5? Ruinous?
Discussion
Ok bear with me here!
I'm looking to replace my trusty old E39 530d, and have been looking at a few E60 535d's, but it seems they have a bit of a reputation for being very finicky with turbo problems, torque converter woes etc.. The man maths has kicked in, and I wondering if I could get away with an M5 instead of a 535d, as to get an LCi model with sensible miles almost puts it into M5 territory price wise.
Now I don't really need a diesel any more, but I like having an auto for a daily drive, is the box in the M5 comparable to a good auto or is it jerky from a standing start etc?
Would you run one without a BMW warranty?
Finally, how horrific is the fuel consumption doing mixed driving, is 15-20mpg about right or can you get slightly better on a motorway run?
I'm looking to replace my trusty old E39 530d, and have been looking at a few E60 535d's, but it seems they have a bit of a reputation for being very finicky with turbo problems, torque converter woes etc.. The man maths has kicked in, and I wondering if I could get away with an M5 instead of a 535d, as to get an LCi model with sensible miles almost puts it into M5 territory price wise.
Now I don't really need a diesel any more, but I like having an auto for a daily drive, is the box in the M5 comparable to a good auto or is it jerky from a standing start etc?
Would you run one without a BMW warranty?
Finally, how horrific is the fuel consumption doing mixed driving, is 15-20mpg about right or can you get slightly better on a motorway run?
The SMG cannot be compared to an auto, it is an automated manual, and should never ever, repeat NEVER EVER be used in automatic mode, it is utter crap. Driven with the paddles it is very good, and the smoothness can even be improved with experience so makes for an engaging drive.
Fuel: 15-20 mpg is not unrealistic, but less is entirely possible if driven enthusiastically.
The engine is a master piece but would recommend getting an AUC one, or with a current Mondial warranty as they can be costly beasts if anything breaks.
Fuel: 15-20 mpg is not unrealistic, but less is entirely possible if driven enthusiastically.
The engine is a master piece but would recommend getting an AUC one, or with a current Mondial warranty as they can be costly beasts if anything breaks.
Dont buy without warranty
There are no AUC cars at the moment
Any used ones with warranty will have an excess of £250 per claim.
Over 60,000 miles and the monthly payment is £200+ as well as the £250 excess
Under 60,000 miles and its around £105 per month but still with a £250 excess.
Make sure car has had
Clutch and flywheel done
Throttle actuators done
Discs and pads have plenty of life left
Service is a while away and has been done regularly
VANOS problems have been rectified
Do your homework on these.
There are no AUC cars at the moment
Any used ones with warranty will have an excess of £250 per claim.
Over 60,000 miles and the monthly payment is £200+ as well as the £250 excess
Under 60,000 miles and its around £105 per month but still with a £250 excess.
Make sure car has had
Clutch and flywheel done
Throttle actuators done
Discs and pads have plenty of life left
Service is a while away and has been done regularly
VANOS problems have been rectified
Do your homework on these.
It still had 5 months BMWAUCWARRANTY to run when I bought it in October 2013. I rang Mondial at the end of Feb 2014 and purchased the most comprehensive package they offered me at the time which was NIL excess £102 a month. Included recovery from my home, UK and Europe. Car was on 51K when I bought it and 52,900 when I bought the Mondial warranty.. In hindsight I would have been better off with a £250 excess and it was about £70 a month.
It's now on 58,732 miles and I'm wondering whether to sell it before 60K or hold onto it for another 2 years max.
It's now on 58,732 miles and I'm wondering whether to sell it before 60K or hold onto it for another 2 years max.
23mpg on a run
Going up in value
V10 200mph super saloon
What's not to like?
Most parts cheap if necessary . Lots of scare stories but no major problems.
The smg is a good gearbox so disagree with fhe other poster.
Main issue is clutch or throttle actuators. But a clutch at say 70k is wear and tear and no big deal. Throttle actuators are £600 or so to have repaired at BMW themselves.
Buy one whilst you can!
Going up in value
V10 200mph super saloon
What's not to like?
Most parts cheap if necessary . Lots of scare stories but no major problems.
The smg is a good gearbox so disagree with fhe other poster.
Main issue is clutch or throttle actuators. But a clutch at say 70k is wear and tear and no big deal. Throttle actuators are £600 or so to have repaired at BMW themselves.
Buy one whilst you can!
Schermerhorn said:
Wow you're very lucky. Over 60,000 miles these things cost serious bucks under warranty.
I think I was quite lucky to find such a nice car, it had the clutch and flywheel replaced at 39k and was the 1st and only E60 M5 I viewed, knew it was a good one as soon as I viewed it. It's got the full leather dash,active seats,rear blind,TV,logic 7. Paid 17.5K 2 years ago so can't complain.Owned my M5 for over 30 months, had 86k bought private "no warranty", now has 98k and "no issues" and still "no warranty" in my ownership, just tyres and oil service, another service due soon plus brakes will need doing ! Clutch was done at 40k under warranty by previous owner, that's all that has been done on a nearly 10 year old car. Oh and I've change a side light bulb which isn't easy !lol
But some owners have had bad experiences, and post on here or various M5 internet sites, but I bet there are a lot more owners that have not had issues who like me think I'm lucky I guess or is it the others who are unlucky !
So like all cars whether a M5 or Vauxhall they will need a clutch at some point, or various other items. Don't be put off by what you read take note obviously, but auc warranty at £3200 a year for a car over 60k, for me that would be in my 3rd year of ownership £9600, all for a side light bulb which isn't covered !!
But some owners have had bad experiences, and post on here or various M5 internet sites, but I bet there are a lot more owners that have not had issues who like me think I'm lucky I guess or is it the others who are unlucky !
So like all cars whether a M5 or Vauxhall they will need a clutch at some point, or various other items. Don't be put off by what you read take note obviously, but auc warranty at £3200 a year for a car over 60k, for me that would be in my 3rd year of ownership £9600, all for a side light bulb which isn't covered !!
I loved my M5, was just in outstanding order inside and out in a very rare colour combo and great spec that had almost every extra bar ventilated seats I think.
It only had 41k miles when I bought it but I got a pre-purchase inspection done on it by a BMW main dealer before buying who gave it the all clear.
Warranty was £92 per month as it had lapsed with £250 excess otherwise it would have been cheaper. I had the warranty pay out over £6k in 2 claims which also included a new clutch and flywheel! I sold it right after that was replaced due to a change of personal circumstances.
I miss the car so much! racked up 7k miles in 7 months all of which were social miles and I loved every mile! That V10 imho is the best n/a engine the BMW M division has ever created. A 100bhp per litre 500hp V10 that revs to 8250rpm!
It was a pleasure to drive and incredibly fast.
I got around 16/17 mpg on average and I did drive it enthusiastically especially through tunnels! I did a mpg test on one rare occasion when I wanted to see what I could get, I managed 27mpg on a 30 mile trip that was 80% motorway.
The space, comfort, luxury, sound and performance make it a formidable all round package. If you can you got to do it, fantastic car!
It only had 41k miles when I bought it but I got a pre-purchase inspection done on it by a BMW main dealer before buying who gave it the all clear.
Warranty was £92 per month as it had lapsed with £250 excess otherwise it would have been cheaper. I had the warranty pay out over £6k in 2 claims which also included a new clutch and flywheel! I sold it right after that was replaced due to a change of personal circumstances.
I miss the car so much! racked up 7k miles in 7 months all of which were social miles and I loved every mile! That V10 imho is the best n/a engine the BMW M division has ever created. A 100bhp per litre 500hp V10 that revs to 8250rpm!
It was a pleasure to drive and incredibly fast.
I got around 16/17 mpg on average and I did drive it enthusiastically especially through tunnels! I did a mpg test on one rare occasion when I wanted to see what I could get, I managed 27mpg on a 30 mile trip that was 80% motorway.
The space, comfort, luxury, sound and performance make it a formidable all round package. If you can you got to do it, fantastic car!
Also bought one without warranty - higher risk but lower purchase price. I'll bank the difference for the inevitable rainy day.
2k miles so far without incident. Box is fine in auto mode most of the time, but is better if used in manual mode. 23mpg on long runs fully laden.
Like you OP, I'd been toying with a 5 series diesel before buying an M5. Man-logic got the better of me too....
2k miles so far without incident. Box is fine in auto mode most of the time, but is better if used in manual mode. 23mpg on long runs fully laden.
Like you OP, I'd been toying with a 5 series diesel before buying an M5. Man-logic got the better of me too....
cosworth330 said:
It's now on 58,732 miles and I'm wondering whether to sell it before 60K or hold onto it for another 2 years max.
It is a bit of a disconcerting experience as it ticks up to 60k miles. But once you're over it you never think about it again, mine's over 70k miles and now I never feel guilty for putting miles on it! 
I've run my M5T for about a year now.
Put new brakes on it and did the other throttle actuator under warranty but otherwise its been fine and reliable.
SMG you can make your own mind up on. I like it.
Mines on 89k now with full mondial warranty which I wonder is worthwhile as the car's been pretty bomb proof.
Its also on its original clutch which shows no signs of any issue, so don't believe scare stories, plus all manual cars need a clutch at some point so its not really a particular concern with the car at all. Budget £1k at a decent indy and Bob's your uncle.
Oddly, I'm still undecided about the car. It does everything I ask, is plenty fast, practical, sounds good, reliable. Takes me and the family on holiday regularly. Goes to the tip and B&Q etc.
And yet I keep hankering after an M3 CS or CSL.
Not quite sure what to do really.
Put new brakes on it and did the other throttle actuator under warranty but otherwise its been fine and reliable.
SMG you can make your own mind up on. I like it.
Mines on 89k now with full mondial warranty which I wonder is worthwhile as the car's been pretty bomb proof.
Its also on its original clutch which shows no signs of any issue, so don't believe scare stories, plus all manual cars need a clutch at some point so its not really a particular concern with the car at all. Budget £1k at a decent indy and Bob's your uncle.
Oddly, I'm still undecided about the car. It does everything I ask, is plenty fast, practical, sounds good, reliable. Takes me and the family on holiday regularly. Goes to the tip and B&Q etc.
And yet I keep hankering after an M3 CS or CSL.
Not quite sure what to do really.
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