E39 M5 Best Year To Get?

[After_Shock]

Currently have a E39 525 M Sport and have always fancied getting an E39 M5 however noticed theirs been the odd issues with vanos or piston rings but some years avoid these issues.

Whats the best year to get or when did the cars start coming through that avoid these problems and how do you know which has which engine in?

They have became very cheap recently and dont think can resist changing for much loger!

[belleair302]

The latest cars are always the better ones to get, ie after the 01 facelift. However look for history (bills) over mileage and check the bodywork for accident damage and the disks / tyres for braking and alignment.

[richard90]

I'd get the very first face lifted model to save road tax. I have a march 2000 car so the road tax is £200 ish but it's pre face lift.
There are no issues with it which could be credited to manafacture but there is a value in the facelifted cars.
Some bargains around at present. Take advantage of this and you could pick up a low mileage example for very little.
Mine has done 102k now and it's still like a new car. Just make sure you buy well cared for one and keep it that way.
Enjoy!

[M5GT]

I got the 2000 model facelift so tax is low plus the bonus of facelift reliability, only 76k like new and trying to sell take a look at the classifieds. cheap price alot less than its cost me and a lot less than i want!!!