Help wanted on M5 F10 purchase

[Manchesterman]

Hi guys,

I have been reading pistonheads forum for years and decided to join up finally and contribute my knowledge (limited at best) and ask for advice from the vast knowlege pool in this forum.

I have had BMW's since 18 years old. Back then insurance was a killer but the drives from the humble 318i to E46 M3 cabriolet have brought me joy.

I needed some advice from experienced M5 F10 owners.

I have decided to treat myself to a used BMW Approved 2012 F10 M5 7552 miles on the clock in Saphire Black and Sakhir Orange interior with the m comfort seats. I have put the option list below if anyone is interested in seeing the profile of the car.



Here are some pictures of the car.



I managed to barter them down to £34,150 with 15 months AU warranty. I am planning to get the mondial comprehensive warranty before the AU warranty runs out.

I need some advice what to look out for as they are arranging the car to be brought to me in Manchester for a viewing and test drive midweek.

Further, I am activating all the conected drive subscriptions which they say is at a cost of approx £120 +VAT.

I have asked for the satnav to be updated to the latest version as the current nav is the 2014 version. Can someone help me with what the current version is?

My next question is that I am thinking of putting some carbon side skirts and carbon m exhaust tips to complete the look of the car? I been talking to a guy on e-bay who sources them from China as I am having real trouble finding them in UK. Can anyone help or point me in the right direction? I would also request any details of any garage or bodyshop that can fit them based in the notrhwest that can do a good clean job of fitting.

Lastly, I am thinking of having the car fully detailed and then the bonnet, side wings, bumper and splitter protected by a gtech type wrap to protect against stone chips etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction of a detailer based in or around Manchester.

Hopefully after I get these things done I would like to attend M5 meets or drives and possibly start taking the car to tracks. However that is a topic for the future.

Thank you in advance guys!

[Manchesterman]

By the way I am thinking of removing the m performance decal on the side doors if they are not factory fit option. Dealer is going to confirm. Although I might still remove them.

I am excited to test drive 'the beast' M5. The E46 M3 cabby was awesome. I really put that car through its paces. Loved every minute of it. I bet the M5 is just in another league.

I wanted to know if it is worth going to a guy that can code the vehicle for the little extra bits on HUD, boot closing etc. Will BMW notice if I have this done? Will it void warranty?

[Manchesterman]

This has got me a little worried after reading some threads on here. I am speaking to the dealership today regarding minimum AUBMW parameters for discs and pads.

This is what was e-mailed to me from them;

Inner & Outer Brake Pads are all 10mm,

Disc Thickness
Fronts is 32.6mm
Rears 26.7mm

Tyre Depths:

NSF 565
OSF 565
ORR 565
NSR 565

What do you think guys? How much more wear would I typically get as daily car, bearing in mind I will ocassionally have a heavy foot.

[CharlesElliott]

BMW brake disk wear limit is normally nominal minus 1.6mm.

I don't have the actual BMW info to hand, but I was pretty sure that fronts were 36mm, replace at 34.4mm and rears are 24mm, replace at 22.4mm. But I could be completely wrong as your thicknesses would make no sense.

Edited by CharlesElliott on Monday 24th July 07:24

[st33ly]

If the car has only done 7552 miles then it will be nothing to worry about. I would have pushed for 2years AUC warranty also.

[Smuler]

I was lucky that my M3 had all new discs and pads when bought from BMW, but the AU standards are good by my understanding. So you should be fine, but ask for a copy of the AU report and you'll see the status the car came in at.

My query, in your position, would be have all the required services been done and documented.

That's been my only issue with BMW Approved used, a few M cars I've encountered have had missing stamps, possibly the actual service.

I don't know the M5, but I'm assuming even with low miles there'd a couple of oil services at least, and brake fluid. And as it's 5 years a fuller service ?


The coding is probably just using something like the Carly ap, I've not heard how this could invalidate warranty.

Edited by Smuler on Monday 24th July 09:59

[Welshbeef]

Smuler said:

I was lucky that my M3 had all new discs and pads when bought from BMW, but the AU standards are good by my understanding. So you should be fine, but ask for a copy of the AU report and you'll see the status the car came in at.

My query, in your position, would be have all the required services been done and documented.

That's been my only issue with BMW Approved used, a few M cars I've encountered have had missing stamps, possibly the actual service.

I don't know the M5, but I'm assuming even with low miles there'd a couple of oil services at least, and brake fluid. And as it's 5 years a fuller service ?


The coding is probably just using something like the Carly ap, I've not heard how this could invalidate warranty.

Edited by Smuler on Monday 24th July 09:59

All Bmws are condition based servicing + the 1,200 run in oil change.

[Manchesterman]

Thank you guys for your insight and advice.

Charles, I read the same in a topic on here last night. However I have received the AUC inspection sheet. It is a full on 13 page document with an internal invoice attached.

I have already requested to change the front discs due to them being 1.8mm below their threshold
I have asked them to change the battery as this was running at 59%. I have also asked to explain the reason it was at 59%.

These guys are bending over backwards trying to accommodate me and I am dealing directly with the Regional Manager of the dealership and the General Manager. I made a massive complaint as I was infuriated by one of their sales staff. Maybe owning a law firm had something to do with it but I am dealing with them only.

St33ly - I haggled hard with them and got 15 months. They literally could offer more. they priced the car wrong and it went live. I responded immediately as coincidently I was online at that time. They are also offering me good money for a run down banger used at home for grocery shopping runs etc. It's on its last legs.

I can not upload the AUC report for some reason. It is very detailed and the car was in very good condition. They have done Engine oil service, Micro filter service, Vehicle check, Brake fluid service, rear axle differential service, Change baring in on of the wheels total cost in internal invoice 757.50 ex VAT.

Everything seems ok. I sent a final e-mail today asking them to confirm everything in writing. I have a good feeling about this vehicle. I think it is well looked after and they are being open and honest with me. Also it is all documented in writing.

Edited by Manchesterman on Monday 24th July 22:46

[jm doc]

Manchesterman said:

Thank you guys for your insight and advice.

Charles, I read the same in a topic on here last night. However I have received the AUC inspection sheet. It is a full on 13 page document with an internal invoice attached.

I have already requested to change the front discs due to them being 1.8mm below their threshold
I have asked them to change the battery as this was running at 59%. I have also asked to explain the reason it was at 59%.

These guys are bending over backwards trying to accommodate me and I am dealing directly with the Regional Manager of the dealership and the General Manager. I made a massive complaint as I was infuriated by one of their sales staff. Maybe owning a law firm had something to do with it but I am dealing with them only.

St33ly - I haggled hard with them and got 15 months. They literally could offer more. they priced the car wrong and it went live. I responded immediately as coincidently I was online at that time. They are also offering me good money for a run down banger used at home for grocery shopping runs etc. It's on its last legs.

I can not upload the AUC report for some reason. It is very detailed and the car was in very good condition. They have done Engine oil service, Micro filter service, Vehicle check, Brake fluid service, rear axle differential service, Change baring in on of the wheels total cost in internal invoice 757.50 ex VAT.

Everything seems ok. I sent a final e-mail today asking them to confirm everything in writing. I have a good feeling about this vehicle. I think it is well looked after and they are being open and honest with me. Also it is all documented in writing.

Edited by Manchesterman on Monday 24th July 22:46

It needed a new wheel bearing and front discs but the mileage is only 7552?? Or is that a typo and it's actually 75,520? If it's the former I would run a mile!

[ds666]

That car can't need discs at 7552 miles surely ? Also if the report says it needs new discs and a battery why were they not just done without you needing to ask ? Further as the car is 5 years old and must have had a few services , then the amount under minimum would surely have been picked up before . Suggest the measurements are wrong .
Regarding the battery , if the mileage is correct then it has sat around for a long time and probably gone flat many times ?

[jm doc]

So what is the actual mileage then?

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

So what is the actual mileage then?

The mileage was 7620 verified yesterday at test drive and viewing. I can't believe they brought the car up to Manchester on a trailer and advisor.

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

It needed a new wheel bearing and front discs but the mileage is only 7552?? Or is that a typo and it's actually 75,520? If it's the former I would run a mile!

The readings were wrong way round. Confirmed by dealer in writing. I thought they told me wheel baring was changed but it has not. Again confirmed in writing

In all honesty the car was in mint condition. Everything looked like brand new. Aparently the last owner was an old fellow who was an enthausiast and had it parked indoors.

Really pleased with it. Pushing the dealer to give the already immaculate body a machine polish and full wax and confirm it in writing. They are activating all the services such as internet, real time teaffic, concierge etc.

I am having the decal removed too.

I can't wait to collect the car this Saturday.

[Manchesterman]

Welshbeef said:

All Bmws are condition based servicing + the 1,200 run in oil change.

Run in service was done at 1050. Previous owner serviced the car 5 times.

[Manchesterman]

So an update guys.

Yesterday the car was brought up to Manchester on a trailer as I insisted that nobody drive the car and put milage on etc. This dealership is really bending over backwards to keep me happy. I will reveal who they are after Saturday and if they really show me the 'bells and whistles service' as I challenged them in my e-mail I will reveal all and write them a testimonial etc.

The advisor was absoluty brilliant that came up with the car. He explained every little detail. He even went through a comprehensive checklist I had created. He was patient and very friendly. I have to say a very pleasant experience.

After this we went for a 45 minute test drive of mixed traffic and side roads. Then I took it for a run on the M60!!

What a car!!! The way the engine burbled!! And the sound!!! I was worried about the sound after reading reviews etc... I have to say... i loved her singing on the downshifts and acceleration. I was literally devastated when I got back to the office and watched the car being loaded onto to the trailer and taken back down south.

The car's bodywork was absolutely stunning, interior was also equally stunning. In the flesh/metal the car looks, drives like brand new.

I have confirmed the purchase with the dealer pending some small confirmations in writing and am set to pick her up on Saturday. 3 days before my birthday!!

[Smuler]

Great Birthday gift!
It's pretty obvious who the dealer is , as it's easy to look up the car from your description of age , miles , colour
Got my M3 from them and found them great.
Enjoy the car.

[JMBMWM5]

Manchesterman said:

The readings were wrong way round. Confirmed by dealer in writing. I thought they told me wheel baring was changed but it has not. Again confirmed in writing

In all honesty the car was in mint condition. Everything looked like brand new. Aparently the last owner was an old fellow who was an enthausiast and had it parked indoors.

Really pleased with it. Pushing the dealer to give the already immaculate body a machine polish and full wax and confirm it in writing. They are activating all the services such as internet, real time teaffic, concierge etc.

I am having the decal removed too.

I can't wait to collect the car this Saturday.

It sounds really nice and a bargain buy for me, I have owned them and 7K miles is nothing on that car, just run-in. enjoy.

[TrickyTrevM5]

I've done 15k and overall 50k in mine now.... its ace

[jm doc]

So 7552 miles, no new wheel bearing but it needed new front discs?

[theboss]

jm doc said:

So 7552 miles, no new wheel bearing but it needed new front discs?

Does seem a bit odd... I know I'm at the opposite end of the usage spectrum but mine is still on factory front discs and pads at 65k miles