E60 M5: Buying Advice re Late Running In Service

[132]

All,

I am new to these cars, but aware that the first service is crucial. I have been offered a 2006 44K car with a full BMW history. However, the first service was done at 2500 miles. The car was sold to the current owner as an approved used car. My view (simplistic?) is that if there were going to be any mechanical consequences, they would have happened. That said, what does it do to the resale value of the car? I was told that the trade knock off several thousands at trade in time. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated, as aside from this, it is a very nice car...

[Rags]

I would look at it another way.

If you do have engine issues in the future, there is a chance BMW may say that the running in service was late.

Yes, it shouldnt have been sold as an AUC as it doesnt meet their allegedly strict criteria but I don't think you would have much comeback.

There are plenty of M5's around, I would avoid.

[Keithp]

Have a letter some where from BMW stating the max millage allownce was 1700 miles, i have a cas which was done at 1450 and the dealer was not sure so i called BMW.

Keith

[Rags]

You may have a letter but it seems to vary. My CSL which was also an AUC had it's running in service at 1800 miles ans there were no issues with warranty cover- that theory is out the window!

[Neil.D]

I thought it was between 800 + 1800 miles. Ah well.

Personally - I would keep looking.

If the first owner wasn't conscientious enough to bother with the first service on time, that says enough for me.

[Great Pretender]

2500 miles is hardly the end of the world is it?

If BMW GB will give you written conformation that the warranty is protected then I see no issue. Assuming the car is the ideal spec you are looking for then I wouldn't let this put you off.

Consider it this way: the car is 700 miles over what is an unquantified 'maximum'; that's a day's travel on the motorway.

Christ, if Porsche GB will knowingly warrant (and re-sell) cars that it knows are near write-offs, then I imagine BMW won't have a problem warranting a car that missed its running-in service by a day or two.