How good/bad idea is this E39 M5?

[puntograle]

Hi - It appears that the prices of this car are heading kinda south....or atleast there is a wide range of prices available in the press. It could also be that this close to xmas many sellers are dropping prices to get buyers to come out....


...anyway, I am currently interested in a car of the following description and wondered whether it was an ok price, bad price, or absolutely horrendous price

The car is a Silverstone blue, 02 plate with 52K miles on the clock. Internal is black leather, has all the options such as comms pack, Sat Nav/TV, traffic master, etc. FBMWSH, has already been through the BMW used car check (which shows up clean), is now being sold by a local independent with his own 3 month warranty only (which does cover wear and tear items)
Physically the car is totally SPOTLESS....it looks like it could have done 15K miles (inside and out)

After a test drive I pointed out to the dealer that the clutch appeared dodgy to me - upon testing they have confirmed this and decided to put a new clutch on the car. The car itself felt very tight and well balanced

We've agreed a price of £21K (down from £22K) - which puts is firmly at the top end of non-BM dealer prices.

Does this sound ok?
Also, should I take out a non-BM warranty (motor plan) which is being suggested at £750 for 2 years?

Thanks for any second opinions...

[puntograle]

Thanks for the response.

Yes - I am hoping this is not going to end in tears, but in automotive bliss!

I have spoken to the previous BMW dealerships where it was serviced and so far they have said that they will give the back history only once I can prove I am in ownership of the car (data protection issues)...

...though from an informal discussion with one dealer I have learnt that the clutch was previously replaced under warranty at about £26K and that the Vanos units have not been replaced.....yet...

Is the clutch known to go that early? That is two clutches only lasting 26K miles....the car looks in very good condition as opposed to a thrashed example...

[puntograle]

Thanks.

In terms of warranty, I am being offered a motor plan product which is approx £500pa or £750 for two years. The claim limit appears to be up to the market value of the car. The warranty seems to cover all mechanical and electrical parts, cat converter, air con, belts, and casings.

I'm not sure if there is excess or how much it is...

I'll be confirming the warranty costs tomorrow - but seem like a good deal to me esp for two years - works out at £375pa. Of course, this warranty will probably not offer BMW Maindealer repairs, but probably Harry Farnbarns Inc.....

[puntograle]

Ooops - just re-read the earlier post. Warrenty Direct also cover wear and tear? Wow. That is different....

[puntograle]

Thanks. I'm hoping the 02 models are more robust - i suppose my main concerns will be vanos and anythings else (expensive) to do with the engine...

wow - so you've driven 43K miles in 15 months!
I take it you must be the other Nurburgring Taxi then....!

[puntograle]

Just called up warranty direct. They are offering their wear & tear policy for £1200 - apparently £800 was the M3 rate....


Seems a little steep to me. Any experience of this cover?