F10 M5 advice and questions
Discussion
I’m starting to consider one of these and hence doing some research. A few questions for those familiar with them please.
Any key options to look out for, they all see to be pretty well equipped ?
Seats. I think there are different front seat options. I looked at one with the ‘wing’ style front seats, but whilst they look great, I wasn’t convinced about the comfort of the headrest ?
Purchase. I’m leaning towards either BMW AUC for the warranty or private with the official warranty I can extend. I am noticing though that there are a lot for sale at independent dealers, some of which are nicely specified. Have others on here gone down this route and if so, what did you do re warranty. Having been stung on some complex issues with recent cars, I’m not going to run one unless it’s with a good warranty.
Value. Is it me, or are these now looking very good value ? My other option is an RS6 Avant, as an estate is useful. However, for similar age, mileage cars, the RS6 is around £15k more. I can only assume that they are more sought after. The theft issue does bother me on the Audi as well.
Facelift. I think there was a facelift around 2014, any key advantages to the face lifted cars ?
And if anyone can direct towards a good buying guide. Please do so.
Thanks.
Any key options to look out for, they all see to be pretty well equipped ?
Seats. I think there are different front seat options. I looked at one with the ‘wing’ style front seats, but whilst they look great, I wasn’t convinced about the comfort of the headrest ?
Purchase. I’m leaning towards either BMW AUC for the warranty or private with the official warranty I can extend. I am noticing though that there are a lot for sale at independent dealers, some of which are nicely specified. Have others on here gone down this route and if so, what did you do re warranty. Having been stung on some complex issues with recent cars, I’m not going to run one unless it’s with a good warranty.
Value. Is it me, or are these now looking very good value ? My other option is an RS6 Avant, as an estate is useful. However, for similar age, mileage cars, the RS6 is around £15k more. I can only assume that they are more sought after. The theft issue does bother me on the Audi as well.
Facelift. I think there was a facelift around 2014, any key advantages to the face lifted cars ?
And if anyone can direct towards a good buying guide. Please do so.
Thanks.
I think the main option would be the competition pack. Other than that I don't think there are many "must have" options. Having had experience of polycarbonate brakes in a previous car I wouldn't go near them again, only ever any use on the track i suspect, and quite hopeless at speed on a wet motorway
The folding rear seats are an absolute must imo. Completely change the practicality of the car, and don't know why they're not standard.
Mine also has:
auto high beam (useful, although can be annoying if you're really pressing on and it's not reacting fast enough)
speed limit display (a lot more useful that I thought it would be)
M Comfort Seats (very good)
soft close doors (I like them but definitely not necessary)
comfort access (a bit flakey - one of the door handles has malfunctioned twice, but something I would be looking for)
They do come as standard with a high level of equipment so it can be a bit tricky to determine which are "poverty spec" if there is such a thing with an M5.
Mine also has:
auto high beam (useful, although can be annoying if you're really pressing on and it's not reacting fast enough)
speed limit display (a lot more useful that I thought it would be)
M Comfort Seats (very good)
soft close doors (I like them but definitely not necessary)
comfort access (a bit flakey - one of the door handles has malfunctioned twice, but something I would be looking for)
They do come as standard with a high level of equipment so it can be a bit tricky to determine which are "poverty spec" if there is such a thing with an M5.
Having just purchased a 66 plate M5, here is my thoughts on options/specification on my car,
• Monte Carlo Blue colour and black leather- 1st on my must have list, have kids so a black interior a must, although the grey looks awesome.
• BMW Manufacturers or BMW AUC warranty (haggle for 2 years as the dealer gets it around 1/2 price of retail)
• LCI/Facelift - Yes, prefer the steering wheel, grill and other subtle tweeks. (63 plates onwards)
• Competition Pack - I test drive a few without CP, but thought that I liked the enhancements of exhaust, steering, 10mm drop in the suspension, diff, although not a fan of the 601 wheels (they are growing on me), still prefer the 343.
• Surround View - The F10 is a big car, so yes from me.
• M Seats - Very comfortable, look the part again a yes from me, although the standard M5 seats are meant to be very good.
• Harmon Kardon Speakers - Yes for me (B & O better)
• Comfort Access - Not essential for me, keys live in a RFID bag as a theft precaution.
• LED headlights - I can't compare to Xenons, but do like that the halos are squared off like the current M3/M4's.
• Lane Departure - Don't use it, capable of driving betweeen then white lines, have done for years.
• Speed Limit display - Not essential, capable of reading and ignoring speed limits, but a nice to have.
• Folding rear Seats - Haven't/Don't intend to use them, but you would think that they would be standard on a BMW M5.
Options I would have liked
• Alcantara roof lining, add a feel of luxury to the cabin.
• Full Leather - Again for the same reason as above, but an expensive 5.5 k option when new.
• Active Blind Spot Detection - Test drove a car with this option and an amber traingle appears on the wing mirros when there is a car in your blind spot. Again a nice to have, but not essential.
Things I love about the car
• Engine, great torque, pulls like a train and before you know it your hitting 140+
• Heads up Display (Standard on M5)
• Exhaust note, on cold start, in M1/M2 mode.
Things I am not so keen on
• Petrol consumption (but I knew it was going to bad!)
• Power impossible to put down in the wet
Even in stock form with no options the car is an amazing machine.
Good luck with the search!
• Monte Carlo Blue colour and black leather- 1st on my must have list, have kids so a black interior a must, although the grey looks awesome.
• BMW Manufacturers or BMW AUC warranty (haggle for 2 years as the dealer gets it around 1/2 price of retail)
• LCI/Facelift - Yes, prefer the steering wheel, grill and other subtle tweeks. (63 plates onwards)
• Competition Pack - I test drive a few without CP, but thought that I liked the enhancements of exhaust, steering, 10mm drop in the suspension, diff, although not a fan of the 601 wheels (they are growing on me), still prefer the 343.
• Surround View - The F10 is a big car, so yes from me.
• M Seats - Very comfortable, look the part again a yes from me, although the standard M5 seats are meant to be very good.
• Harmon Kardon Speakers - Yes for me (B & O better)
• Comfort Access - Not essential for me, keys live in a RFID bag as a theft precaution.
• LED headlights - I can't compare to Xenons, but do like that the halos are squared off like the current M3/M4's.
• Lane Departure - Don't use it, capable of driving betweeen then white lines, have done for years.
• Speed Limit display - Not essential, capable of reading and ignoring speed limits, but a nice to have.
• Folding rear Seats - Haven't/Don't intend to use them, but you would think that they would be standard on a BMW M5.
Options I would have liked
• Alcantara roof lining, add a feel of luxury to the cabin.
• Full Leather - Again for the same reason as above, but an expensive 5.5 k option when new.
• Active Blind Spot Detection - Test drove a car with this option and an amber traingle appears on the wing mirros when there is a car in your blind spot. Again a nice to have, but not essential.
Things I love about the car
• Engine, great torque, pulls like a train and before you know it your hitting 140+
• Heads up Display (Standard on M5)
• Exhaust note, on cold start, in M1/M2 mode.
Things I am not so keen on
• Petrol consumption (but I knew it was going to bad!)
• Power impossible to put down in the wet
Even in stock form with no options the car is an amazing machine.
Good luck with the search!
Edited by Jixes on Monday 27th November 12:38
Edited by Jixes on Monday 27th November 12:51
Love my F10 M5 and agree with most of the above (Black is better 😉)
Things I like that I didn’t think I’d be bothered about - head up, birds eye cameras and adaptive headlights.
Things mine has I’m not really bothered about - collapsible rear seats...useful I guess but not used them yet!
Things like - power! Just incredible to think it’s a nigh on 2 tonne, 5 seat luxury car at times. I love the jekyl and Hyde nature of it - comfortable cruiser one minute and at the press of a M sport button (or two!) and it transforms! Ok, it’s heavy and it’s not scalpel sharp but it’s does a great job of disguising the bulk most of the time.
I agree about the post LCI comments, possibly personnal preference but most will prefer the later cars? Mpg isn’t good but I would suggest better than could be expected given the performance and yes, if it’s wet, cold, frosty, icy...we’ll you get the picture, traction is err patchy!
Just get one!!!
Things I like that I didn’t think I’d be bothered about - head up, birds eye cameras and adaptive headlights.
Things mine has I’m not really bothered about - collapsible rear seats...useful I guess but not used them yet!
Things like - power! Just incredible to think it’s a nigh on 2 tonne, 5 seat luxury car at times. I love the jekyl and Hyde nature of it - comfortable cruiser one minute and at the press of a M sport button (or two!) and it transforms! Ok, it’s heavy and it’s not scalpel sharp but it’s does a great job of disguising the bulk most of the time.
I agree about the post LCI comments, possibly personnal preference but most will prefer the later cars? Mpg isn’t good but I would suggest better than could be expected given the performance and yes, if it’s wet, cold, frosty, icy...we’ll you get the picture, traction is err patchy!
Just get one!!!
Thanks all, appreciate the replies. I used to have an E39 M5, in carbon black and really want another black one (love the black, silver leather combo Pete).
Agree on folding seats, had these on the E39 and they were great and I do like the LCI touches like the revised steering wheel, but shall look for best combo of condition and value.
Thanks all, really useful and agree on trying to get two yr warranty thrown in.
Agree on folding seats, had these on the E39 and they were great and I do like the LCI touches like the revised steering wheel, but shall look for best combo of condition and value.
Thanks all, really useful and agree on trying to get two yr warranty thrown in.
When I was looking for mine (for 9 months) I thought the following was
non negotiable
Facelift (63 plate+) pre-facelift steering wheel looks like in belongs in a 1980s 750i
multifunction seats (i think lots of ppl look for these; might help resale and they look awesome)
non-black leather (personal choice; but 80% of the cars out there had black leather which I feel really darkens the interior)
343 20" wheels
HK or better stereo
nice to have
split rear seats
surround view
rear heater seats
heated steering wheel
waste of time options (sadly i have these)
lane control
non negotiable
Facelift (63 plate+) pre-facelift steering wheel looks like in belongs in a 1980s 750i
multifunction seats (i think lots of ppl look for these; might help resale and they look awesome)
non-black leather (personal choice; but 80% of the cars out there had black leather which I feel really darkens the interior)
343 20" wheels
HK or better stereo
nice to have
split rear seats
surround view
rear heater seats
heated steering wheel
waste of time options (sadly i have these)
lane control
Mine was an LCI car and was registered in August 2013 so was a 13 plate.
Anyway, in my opinion 20” wheels are a must. They change the look of an otherwise mundane car. Stereo upgrade is certainly preferable. I didn’t have split rear seats but wished that I had a few times. Other than that, the CP sounds like a good idea but it wasn’t available in August 2013.
I wish I was driving away for the first time in mine again!
Anyway, in my opinion 20” wheels are a must. They change the look of an otherwise mundane car. Stereo upgrade is certainly preferable. I didn’t have split rear seats but wished that I had a few times. Other than that, the CP sounds like a good idea but it wasn’t available in August 2013.
I wish I was driving away for the first time in mine again!
Seems either F10M5 come either pretty standard (base) spec ... with things like sport seats ... but hang on in there... good few are fully optioned... with the things listed above - if you are keeping it for a while the options bring it up and make it good place to be.
Mine was ... AUC, full leather, alcantara headlining, piano black dash, heated f/r seats and steering wheel, surround view, comfort access, soft close doors, comfort M seats, split fold rears, HUD and speed limit. Adaptive LEDs, HK sound, 5 year service. Bonus was rather than 20" wheels owner had bought OEM winter wheel set which he sold on to me for 1/3 new price - personally where I am/drive I valued that rather than the 20"s.
Mine was ... AUC, full leather, alcantara headlining, piano black dash, heated f/r seats and steering wheel, surround view, comfort access, soft close doors, comfort M seats, split fold rears, HUD and speed limit. Adaptive LEDs, HK sound, 5 year service. Bonus was rather than 20" wheels owner had bought OEM winter wheel set which he sold on to me for 1/3 new price - personally where I am/drive I valued that rather than the 20"s.
JMBMWM5 said:
rassi said:
For me:
Must haves: M seats, surround view, H&K sound, adaptive LED and rear folding seats
Nice to have: full leather, B&O sound
Competition pack may fall between the two, depending on your perspective
Sorry they all come with Comfort Seats from memory.Must haves: M seats, surround view, H&K sound, adaptive LED and rear folding seats
Nice to have: full leather, B&O sound
Competition pack may fall between the two, depending on your perspective
R33FAL said:
When I was looking for mine (for 9 months) I thought the following was
non negotiable
Facelift (63 plate+) pre-facelift steering wheel looks like in belongs in a 1980s 750i
multifunction seats (i think lots of ppl look for these; might help resale and they look awesome)
non-black leather (personal choice; but 80% of the cars out there had black leather which I feel really darkens the interior)
343 20" wheels
HK or better stereo
nice to have
split rear seats
surround view
rear heater seats
heated steering wheel
waste of time options (sadly i have these)
lane control
Couldn't agree more with all this... apart from the folding rear seats. If nothing else, getting two M5 tyres in an M5 without folding seats is not fun (especially if you have a pale interior!). non negotiable
Facelift (63 plate+) pre-facelift steering wheel looks like in belongs in a 1980s 750i
multifunction seats (i think lots of ppl look for these; might help resale and they look awesome)
non-black leather (personal choice; but 80% of the cars out there had black leather which I feel really darkens the interior)
343 20" wheels
HK or better stereo
nice to have
split rear seats
surround view
rear heater seats
heated steering wheel
waste of time options (sadly i have these)
lane control
If you can't stretch to a Facelift, you can swap the steering wheel for about £1k (used) or £1.3k (new) if it bothers you that much. You can sell the old one for around £350 too.
Would love one of these and am watching private and AUC prices. Currently have a 530i f10 and don't find the car big at all (now) and is very chuckable, an m5 must be amazing. Personally I think the f10 shape is much nicer than the g30 though so angles are far more flattering than others.
The F10 M5 LCI BMW brochure is useful for looking at the options list. http://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/0114/BMW_M5_F10M_LCI...
You can see that the M Sport multi-function seats, front - 4MA with 488 was a £1150 option. (retail)
You can see that the M Sport multi-function seats, front - 4MA with 488 was a £1150 option. (retail)
Edited by Jixes on Wednesday 29th November 15:33
Jixes said:
The F10 M5 LCI BMW brochure is useful for looking at the options list. http://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/0114/BMW_M5_F10M_LCI...
You can see that the M Sport multi-function seats, front - 4MA with 488 was a £1150 option. (retail)
Brilliant link, thanks. I was looking for such a brochure on eBay so I could get info on options. No need though now !You can see that the M Sport multi-function seats, front - 4MA with 488 was a £1150 option. (retail)
Edited by Jixes on Wednesday 29th November 15:33
edo said:
My F10 might be for sale shortly.
Facelift 2016 car with BMW Warranty until mid 2019.
M-Multi-Function Adaptive Seats (a must in my view)
Individual Tanzanite Blue.
20" Alloys, Harmon Kardon, Sunroof (Standard?)
Spotless, done 8k.
Thanks for this, though may be a little too soon for me, I’m aiming for March, April as I’ve a merc converible which I’ll sell prior to the M5 purchase. Sounds a great car though so if by any chance you do still have it in spring feel free to PM me. Facelift 2016 car with BMW Warranty until mid 2019.
M-Multi-Function Adaptive Seats (a must in my view)
Individual Tanzanite Blue.
20" Alloys, Harmon Kardon, Sunroof (Standard?)
Spotless, done 8k.
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