E39 M5 temptation needed.

[blindswelledrat]

I need some encouragement or honest discouragement please.
Looking at how cheap you can get these for now I've suddenly got the urge to buy one on impulse. They seem like extraordinary value.
I do limited mileage and a car is for my daily 2 mile round trip station run plus weekend family use-currently minimal but probably more significant if I got an M5.
Anyway I've repeatedly read how good these are and I just wondered whether they are the money-pits which I imagine them to be.
Any advice on general reliability and cost of parts etc?

Thanks in advance.

[blindswelledrat]

Almost sold. WHat do the oil-leaks signify? What will new bushes/new clutch cost?

Edited by blindswelledrat on Tuesday 28th November 16:14

[blindswelledrat]

I completely agree with that statement Derestrictor, and Ive got a feeling that in the not-too-distant past your comments on this car has sowed this urge (i.e. this is your fault)
I do,however, need to differentiate between predictable high general costs and catastrophic streams of monthly bills which can take the joy out of ownership.
For example I could live with one off bills of £1k or £2k every six months but would hate a consistent stream of £500 monthly bills and time at the garage.
Hope this makes sense.

Edited by blindswelledrat on Tuesday 28th November 16:42

[blindswelledrat]

playerone said:

I think the warranty situation on these cars has hit the value. .

What does this mean?

[blindswelledrat]

Exactly what I wanted to hear!. For the mileage I do , I consider petrol to be pretty much free.
Off to count my change jars and sell a child and a kidney if I still need to.

[blindswelledrat]

Thanks for that. I'm struggling to find an excuse not to
What does a vanos box do? When you say it tends to get noisy over time what would happen to make it actually need to be changed?
In return for taking the time to impart your knowledge I will give you a little advice for free.
When talking to friends in the pub I would advise you against using phrases like 'internet induced vanos hysteria'. This kind of behaviour is commonly known as 'a TwinCam' and the long term results of this will be drinking alone with noone to say things like that to

[blindswelledrat]

Donut said:

blindswelledrat said:

Thanks for that. I'm struggling to find an excuse not to
What does a vanos box do? When you say it tends to get noisy over time what would happen to make it actually need to be changed?
In return for taking the time to impart your knowledge I will give you a little advice for free.
When talking to friends in the pub I would advise you against using phrases like 'internet induced vanos hysteria'. This kind of behaviour is commonly known as 'a TwinCam' and the long term results of this will be drinking alone with noone to say things like that to

PM me your budget and wants and I'll see what I can muster!

YHM

[blindswelledrat]

stain said:

My Vanos has been done. 02 car with 43k miles

Unlucky.
If I were you I'd cut my losses and sell it on for a fraction of its value to a fellow PHer

[blindswelledrat]

at that rant.
I agree with the majority of this.
I see the costs mentioned as not just reasonable but cheap for what you are getting.
Just can't seem to find the right one for my meagre budget!

[blindswelledrat]

_deano said:

I guess that would explain the high price jump from a 2000 car (around £12K) to 2002 (£18K +).
thanks

Well, that and two years depreciation on a previously 50 k car