RE: BMW M5 (E34): PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
J4CKO said:
TheAngryDog said:
I really considered a 3.6 in 2008 / 2009. It was up for sale at £4k not too far away from me. At the time I wasn't taking my normal amount of brave pills so I bought an Octavia vRS instead 
I regret not getting one though!
Yes, think you have upped the dose since then to be fair I regret not getting one though!
Yeah I'm taking them every other hour. On the other hour I'm taking anti "what have you done"? pills I first looked at E34 M5s over 10 years ago, when even the best struggled to reach 10 grand.
I'd just missed out on one at Munich Legends, a red LE with 86k at 6995!
Reading others' ownership experiences threw up an unpredictable picture of running costs, so on the basis of buy the best you can afford at the time, I went for an AUC E39 M5 instead. Which was a great car. There remains something appealing about E34s though, they have more of the old school BMW feel about them.
I'd still love to own a good E34, but in terms of an ownership proposition now, my £25k would probably go on an F10 M5, ideally with a Mondial warranty. Different car for sure, with a different character. I'd find all the tech a bit unecessary. But it's still an M5 - a bespoke saloon that feels special, that can be used, every day, in all weathers. Without the constant upkeep of an older car. Unless you piled loads of miles onto it you'd probably get most of your money back in a few years.
Wish there was a manual option though.
I'd just missed out on one at Munich Legends, a red LE with 86k at 6995!
Reading others' ownership experiences threw up an unpredictable picture of running costs, so on the basis of buy the best you can afford at the time, I went for an AUC E39 M5 instead. Which was a great car. There remains something appealing about E34s though, they have more of the old school BMW feel about them.
I'd still love to own a good E34, but in terms of an ownership proposition now, my £25k would probably go on an F10 M5, ideally with a Mondial warranty. Different car for sure, with a different character. I'd find all the tech a bit unecessary. But it's still an M5 - a bespoke saloon that feels special, that can be used, every day, in all weathers. Without the constant upkeep of an older car. Unless you piled loads of miles onto it you'd probably get most of your money back in a few years.
Wish there was a manual option though.
TheAngryDog said:
J4CKO said:
TheAngryDog said:
I really considered a 3.6 in 2008 / 2009. It was up for sale at £4k not too far away from me. At the time I wasn't taking my normal amount of brave pills so I bought an Octavia vRS instead I regret not getting one though!
Yes, think you have upped the dose since then to be fair I regret not getting one though! Yeah I'm taking them every other hour. On the other hour I'm taking anti "what have you done"? pills It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
pSyCoSiS said:
Out of interest - how is the ownership proposition on the V10?
It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
I was going to ask the same question. about ownership of the V10 but more importantly about the E39. I fancy one but only LHD. It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
pSyCoSiS said:
TheAngryDog said:
J4CKO said:
TheAngryDog said:
I really considered a 3.6 in 2008 / 2009. It was up for sale at £4k not too far away from me. At the time I wasn't taking my normal amount of brave pills so I bought an Octavia vRS instead I regret not getting one though!
Yes, think you have upped the dose since then to be fair I regret not getting one though! Yeah I'm taking them every other hour. On the other hour I'm taking anti "what have you done"? pills It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
Joking aside, I think if you buy a good one then it will not be too bad. I've had the car a month and in that time I have done;Oil service / check over
New rear pads
Front thrust arm bushes
Front lower control arm inner bushes
Front drop links
New tyres (to fit)
The above alone stands me at around £900.
I have Rod bearings getting replaced weekend of the 15th June at over £1400. Also looking to get the Diff oil changed, both coolant temp sensors and possible SMG Pump oil replaced. Power Steering fluid will also be replaced.
I am going to replace the micro filter and the fuel filter at its next service, possibly earlier.
Previous owner had the throttle actuators rebuilt which are covered by a lifetime warranty.
I think it is a car that you need to be prepared to spend money on, you cannot run them on a shoe string budget and not expect issues. Go in with your eyes wide open.
Even the E39 M5 eats your wallet!
But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
pSyCoSiS said:
Even the E39 M5 eats your wallet!
But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
Both of my E39 M5's cost me a few quid to run. Aside from fuel I cannot really say that the E60 has cost me any more. The tyres (Goodyear Asymmetric 2) for the rear are cheaper then for my old E39 oddly.But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
I'd buy one from an enthusiast who has spent money on it, not just repairs as such but also preventative maintenance. Re the bearings, for around £1500 you get new uprated bearings with slightly bigger clearances and peace of mind for many many miles. worth doing.
Baddie said:
The bearings in the V10 are supposed to be a little below what engineers would have wanted
Yep, the clearances are too small. Regular servicing helps, but I am going for uprated bearings..E34-3.2 said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Out of interest - how is the ownership proposition on the V10?
It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
I was going to ask the same question. about ownership of the V10 but more importantly about the E39. I fancy one but only LHD. It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
But, I now use the car daily and it really is a car that does pretty much everything, very well. It's been reliable and never let me down so far (he touches wood, and not his own, either!).
The E39 was a well-built car to begin with, and the S62 is a gem of an engine that will take a battering all day long. the V10 just seems a little too fragile, with a big bill looming on the horizon.
I still want one though!
Edited by pSyCoSiS on Tuesday 5th June 16:54
TheAngryDog said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Even the E39 M5 eats your wallet!
But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
Both of my E39 M5's cost me a few quid to run. Aside from fuel I cannot really say that the E60 has cost me any more. The tyres (Goodyear Asymmetric 2) for the rear are cheaper then for my old E39 oddly.But, you are right - these are not your typical, everyday cars - if you want one of those, get a 320d!
I am tempted by the V10 - but it's difficult to know that you are getting a good one.
Two specialists I use say that every time they drop the oil in a V10, it has metal shavings in there! Which is kind of worrying!
I'd buy one from an enthusiast who has spent money on it, not just repairs as such but also preventative maintenance. Re the bearings, for around £1500 you get new uprated bearings with slightly bigger clearances and peace of mind for many many miles. worth doing.
Baddie said:
The bearings in the V10 are supposed to be a little below what engineers would have wanted
Yep, the clearances are too small. Regular servicing helps, but I am going for uprated bearings..I agree - buying it from an enthusiast is the way forward.
Getting one with an extended BMW warranty (very rare, I know) is also a good bet.
pSyCoSiS said:
I've spent around £7k on my M5 since I've had it, but it did have many parts replaced including New Discs and Pads all round, 4 x new Michelin Pilot Sports, Refurbished Diff, New Propshaft Bearing, New Alternator, New Thermostat, New Water Pump (£700 alone!), New Viscous Fan, Full Inspection II, Front Suspension Arms, Various Bushes, etc.
But, I now use the car daily and it really is a car that does pretty much everything, verywell. It's been reliable and never let me down so far (he touches wood, and not his own, either!).
The E39 was a well-built car to begin with, and the S62 is a gem of an engine that will take a battering all day long. the V10 just seems a little too fragile, with a big bill looming on the horizon.
I still want one though!
Thank you, how long have you had yours? But, I now use the car daily and it really is a car that does pretty much everything, verywell. It's been reliable and never let me down so far (he touches wood, and not his own, either!).
The E39 was a well-built car to begin with, and the S62 is a gem of an engine that will take a battering all day long. the V10 just seems a little too fragile, with a big bill looming on the horizon.
I still want one though!
I am close to 10k spent on my E34 3.8 in 3 years. I could have run it as it was (stunning) but for some reasons I fancied the car to be close to perfection... oh dear. I should sale it as we have move abroad but can't face it. I fancy a V8 as well but not sure how it will behave on icy mountain roads.
OK - just for some balance.
I owned one for a couple of years. I was really rather pleased with myself having finally managed to own such an iconic pedigree.
I did routine servicing myself (including valve shims), which was straight forwards, and nothing broke.
So the car was cheap to run.
I found the car rather dull, albeit quick.
So Dull, cheap motoring
- that should upset someone...
They say never meet your heroes.
I replaced it with a Holden - clearly inferior in probably every way measurable way, but I much preferred it.
I owned one for a couple of years. I was really rather pleased with myself having finally managed to own such an iconic pedigree.
I did routine servicing myself (including valve shims), which was straight forwards, and nothing broke.
So the car was cheap to run.
I found the car rather dull, albeit quick.
So Dull, cheap motoring
- that should upset someone...They say never meet your heroes.
I replaced it with a Holden - clearly inferior in probably every way measurable way, but I much preferred it.
JohnGoodridge said:
Loplop said:
E34-3.2 said:
Loplop said:
If a concourse LE, or Winkelhock is all you'd consider good, then maybe. These cars are of the type where they're either maintained well or they're non functional.
I've seen a few cars recently for £8-£10k and as previously stated, you'll only pay over £20k for a <100k mile car.
Anyway...
I'm a bit of an E34 fanboy but I'll argue til the end of time that these are the best iteration of M5. As with all E34s, rust is the main issue, however, the running costs are often exponentially overstated by too many.
My Dad owned a late 3.8 6spd with Nurburgring package and ran it almost every other day for a couple of years, he's a mechanic so yes he saved a bit on labour but the car never once left him with a shocking bill. Had the EDC gone bad or the floating brake discs needed changing in this time, they would've been rather large bills but everything else was great. It was even better on fuel than my 540i Auto.
PH for sale pages: 4 x e34M5. the cheapest one is 21k at 105K miles. none of them under the 100kMiles mark. I've seen a few cars recently for £8-£10k and as previously stated, you'll only pay over £20k for a <100k mile car.
Anyway...
I'm a bit of an E34 fanboy but I'll argue til the end of time that these are the best iteration of M5. As with all E34s, rust is the main issue, however, the running costs are often exponentially overstated by too many.
My Dad owned a late 3.8 6spd with Nurburgring package and ran it almost every other day for a couple of years, he's a mechanic so yes he saved a bit on labour but the car never once left him with a shocking bill. Had the EDC gone bad or the floating brake discs needed changing in this time, they would've been rather large bills but everything else was great. It was even better on fuel than my 540i Auto.
I know I was going to put Meyle HD E32 750il/850Ci front arms on my 540i because the 750il and E31 arms are supposedly reinforced and last far longer but I stuck with standard Meyle HD items as being at uni made the budget a bit tight.
My Dad's sold for £8k 2 years ago and it was a very good car, particularly enjoyed the extended white leather. Iirc by the time the chap my Dad had sold it to sold it for £8k there was the beginnings of the EDC issues and the diff was leaking.
Regularly had trips out in an E39 B10 V8 back to back against the M5 and the M5 felt infinitely more special and rewarding, though I still say that the B10 V8 creates overtaking gaps that should be impossible.
pSyCoSiS said:
E34-3.2 said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Out of interest - how is the ownership proposition on the V10?
It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
I was going to ask the same question. about ownership of the V10 but more importantly about the E39. I fancy one but only LHD. It's something I have considered selling my E39 M5 for, but horror stories keep putting me off.
However, that V10 howl - nothing like it!
But, I now use the car daily and it really is a car that does pretty much everything, very well. It's been reliable and never let me down so far (he touches wood, and not his own, either!).
The E39 was a well-built car to begin with, and the S62 is a gem of an engine that will take a battering all day long. the V10 just seems a little too fragile, with a big bill looming on the horizon.
I still want one though!
Edited by pSyCoSiS on Tuesday 5th June 16:54
The E39 was a great car and in many ways much better than the E60, but the V10 really is something else. The worry about a bill is always there, but tbh I had that with the E39 as well. My E55 AMG less so, but that was a one trick pony.
pSyCoSiS said:
You are the exact type of person I would want to buy a V10 from - someone who does things properly.
I agree - buying it from an enthusiast is the way forward.
Getting one with an extended BMW warranty (very rare, I know) is also a good bet.
Very kind of you to say so. I am looking forward to getting it back with new bearings etc, it'll just give me that extra peace of mind.I agree - buying it from an enthusiast is the way forward.
Getting one with an extended BMW warranty (very rare, I know) is also a good bet.
You can still warranty them if the service history is spotless. Under 60k is cheaper than over £60k when it doesn't really make that much sense. Also they will only pay out tot he value of the car, so if your car is under £17k for instance and your engine fails, then you'll probably have to pay some towards a new engine. I got my car cheap, I could probably sell it for £16k once the bearings are done just because it will be a pretty safe bet at that point.
pSyCoSiS said:
Sorry to all the PHers - we have turned this into an E39 / E60 M5 discussion, when the article is about the great E34 M5!
Yes, sorry about that 
Loplop said:
Precisely, the green one in particular looks good nice and I'd be tempted at the £6k project. Could have a very sorted - if not very original - E34 M5 for around £9/£10k at that money.
I know I was going to put Meyle HD E32 750il/850Ci front arms on my 540i because the 750il and E31 arms are supposedly reinforced and last far longer but I stuck with standard Meyle HD items as being at uni made the budget a bit tight.
My Dad's sold for £8k 2 years ago and it was a very good car, particularly enjoyed the extended white leather. Iirc by the time the chap my Dad had sold it to sold it for £8k there was the beginnings of the EDC issues and the diff was leaking.
Regularly had trips out in an E39 B10 V8 back to back against the M5 and the M5 felt infinitely more special and rewarding, though I still say that the B10 V8 creates overtaking gaps that should be impossible.
So, as I said on the first page. 15k is the lowest for something descent. still I reckon a 5k bill would be needed for that car to look ok from close range (not even looking underneath). the 6k project will be close to 18k to get something nice. perfection, add another 10k on top of that. I have seen so many E34 M5 and only one worth buying. I know I was going to put Meyle HD E32 750il/850Ci front arms on my 540i because the 750il and E31 arms are supposedly reinforced and last far longer but I stuck with standard Meyle HD items as being at uni made the budget a bit tight.
My Dad's sold for £8k 2 years ago and it was a very good car, particularly enjoyed the extended white leather. Iirc by the time the chap my Dad had sold it to sold it for £8k there was the beginnings of the EDC issues and the diff was leaking.
Regularly had trips out in an E39 B10 V8 back to back against the M5 and the M5 felt infinitely more special and rewarding, though I still say that the B10 V8 creates overtaking gaps that should be impossible.
Having owned and enjoyed a long list of 6 cylinder Bmw’s my E34 M5 was my favourite.
My car was an early car had done 130k miles with mixed service history and was a little bit scruffy but it was terrific fun to thrash, it felt much smaller that it looked when driven hard it almost shrunk around you and felt like a bit hot hatch - apart from the fact there was plenty of oversteer fun to be had! They are just such good fun to throw about.
If I was buying one again rust would be my biggest worry, followed by worn steering. my one seemed pretty bullet proof mechanically and interior wise. Can’t believe how prices have got up mine sold for less than £5k a few years ago.
My car was an early car had done 130k miles with mixed service history and was a little bit scruffy but it was terrific fun to thrash, it felt much smaller that it looked when driven hard it almost shrunk around you and felt like a bit hot hatch - apart from the fact there was plenty of oversteer fun to be had! They are just such good fun to throw about.
If I was buying one again rust would be my biggest worry, followed by worn steering. my one seemed pretty bullet proof mechanically and interior wise. Can’t believe how prices have got up mine sold for less than £5k a few years ago.
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