Tithe to the ///M Gods
Discussion
So drove from London to Chipping Campden over the weekend. I unintentionally took a weird route in and out of the area, but was lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic b roads as a result, especially on Sunday as it was a lovely clear day. Using the paddle shift, the car is in it's element and is superb, even n some of the tighter bends. The active seats help a great deal too. I'm really enjoying the car and the appeal of the engine note isn't fading.
Wedding next week then will be off to Belgium the following week, will give her a rinse before then.
Wedding next week then will be off to Belgium the following week, will give her a rinse before then.
So drove to Belgium last weekend in the car's first true test of grand touring.
We were 4 up + a 2 year old and it coped easily with all the associated luggage. Rather than stay with family like we usually do we airbnb'd a decent pad in Waterloo close to many of my relations.
I have some family in rural Belgium and so on the way out there found some decent country roads on a gloriously sunny day. This car is superb when pushing on on sweeping b roads. The car performed faultlessly and aside from topping up tyre pressure and a bit of oil i didn't need to attend to anything. I'm still addicted to the engine note despite it being on an OEM exhaust.
I'm starting to really appreciate some of the options on this car, soft door close (or what ever it's called) takes getting used to but is great. Slamming doors shut is so uncouth! I also discovered at night i no longer need to manually use main beam on unlit roads, the car will turn it on and off (when oncoming traffic appears) for me! Magnificent!
A friend with an S3 and i have now booked a trip out to the ring on the weekend of the 31st May which i'm looking forward to, will get it in for a service before then.
Some gratuitous pics from Belgium...
We were 4 up + a 2 year old and it coped easily with all the associated luggage. Rather than stay with family like we usually do we airbnb'd a decent pad in Waterloo close to many of my relations.
I have some family in rural Belgium and so on the way out there found some decent country roads on a gloriously sunny day. This car is superb when pushing on on sweeping b roads. The car performed faultlessly and aside from topping up tyre pressure and a bit of oil i didn't need to attend to anything. I'm still addicted to the engine note despite it being on an OEM exhaust.
I'm starting to really appreciate some of the options on this car, soft door close (or what ever it's called) takes getting used to but is great. Slamming doors shut is so uncouth! I also discovered at night i no longer need to manually use main beam on unlit roads, the car will turn it on and off (when oncoming traffic appears) for me! Magnificent!
A friend with an S3 and i have now booked a trip out to the ring on the weekend of the 31st May which i'm looking forward to, will get it in for a service before then.
Some gratuitous pics from Belgium...
So had a bit of a weekend to spend some time on fleet.
First up was a bit of attention on the E39, which has been my daily for the last 7 years. MOT was approaching, so gave it a wash and a hoover. Now that i'm using the E60 more regularly, i plan to sell the E39 so wanted it looking good for some snaps.
It failed on a few things i knew about and a few i didn't... Needed new wipers and rear brake pads... i knew about. The rust on the sill came up as an advisory, so that'll be for the new owner to sort.
Spend the weekend driving it about, still a fine car, even comparing back to back with the E60.
Next step is to remove the plate, then i'll get it up on the usual sites...
I then also managed to get the E34 M5 out for a spin. Had a really nice drive out in the sun before parking it up at home to check the levels, tyre pressures etc. Noticed for the first time the water level had dropped a centimeter or so. No biggie i thought. Then hear a hissing sound... yep the radiator must have literally sprung a leak as i parked up. It looks pretty old so no biggie, will source a replacement and get it changed. I've been recommended a Nissens one.
Managed to get a couple of snaps in the sun
Next thing on the horizon is a drive to the Nurburgring at the end of May which is very exciting. I'm going with a friend who has an S3 and we're planning the route, we're hearing recommendations to go via the B258? Recommendations or tips are welcome...
First up was a bit of attention on the E39, which has been my daily for the last 7 years. MOT was approaching, so gave it a wash and a hoover. Now that i'm using the E60 more regularly, i plan to sell the E39 so wanted it looking good for some snaps.
It failed on a few things i knew about and a few i didn't... Needed new wipers and rear brake pads... i knew about. The rust on the sill came up as an advisory, so that'll be for the new owner to sort.
Spend the weekend driving it about, still a fine car, even comparing back to back with the E60.
Next step is to remove the plate, then i'll get it up on the usual sites...
I then also managed to get the E34 M5 out for a spin. Had a really nice drive out in the sun before parking it up at home to check the levels, tyre pressures etc. Noticed for the first time the water level had dropped a centimeter or so. No biggie i thought. Then hear a hissing sound... yep the radiator must have literally sprung a leak as i parked up. It looks pretty old so no biggie, will source a replacement and get it changed. I've been recommended a Nissens one.
Managed to get a couple of snaps in the sun
Next thing on the horizon is a drive to the Nurburgring at the end of May which is very exciting. I'm going with a friend who has an S3 and we're planning the route, we're hearing recommendations to go via the B258? Recommendations or tips are welcome...
Khaki Suit said:
Got to ask, out of the three which is your fav? Most people say the 39.
I'm seriously contemplating selling my e60 to buy an e34. What thoughts do you have on that? How do you see the 34 moving forward investment wise? I think the 60 will about turn in the next few years and good ones will be worth holding on to.
So the gap between the E34 compared to E39 or E60 is huge in terms of sophistication. I find the E34 quite 'agricultural' which is part of it's appeal, no ASC, relatively narrow tyres, the gearbox is OK but not fantastic etc etc. The E39 is light years ahead in every respect although the V8 is totally different to drive than the I6 on the E34 and much more suited to cruising than screaming down B roads in the E34. I'm seriously contemplating selling my e60 to buy an e34. What thoughts do you have on that? How do you see the 34 moving forward investment wise? I think the 60 will about turn in the next few years and good ones will be worth holding on to.
The E60 is just phenomenal, i'm almost blazé about the spec etc like soft close doors which is an absurd option if you think about it. The V10 here is the trump card, and i'm convinced it's that that will bolster values and a cult following in the future.
When it comes to E34 values, by now they're either rusty or have been welded and will need considerable and regular attention so i don't think they make a good 'investment'. I think we're at a spot where values will start rising as the rough ones die out.
If i had £15k - £20k to spend on one of the three, it would be the E60 every day of the week. It just out classes the other two in everyway.
Khaki Suit said:
Can't say I disagree on your points. But I like the older, agricultural, generation of cars. Give me a Sierra Cosworth etc any day. Which is why the 34 is appealing. If the 34 is at the spot where values will start rising then surely they are a good investment? Especially if kept as a sunny day toy. Yes the E60 will come into it's own but not for some time IMHO. Far too many scare stories about currently so it's rise to cult classic is some way off.
I have an E60 M5 but I'm losing the love. Something more basic is appealing to me at the moment. I love an E36 too and an M3 would be great fun on B road blasts. The E60 is comfortable and fast, but it's also big and heavy. Great fun on the autobahn but not so much of a Sunday morning B road car. How nimble is the 34 in you opinion?
What i meant about the E34 as an investment is that by the time you've factored in attention to the rust + other upkeep these need you're in for £15k - £20k at least, so we need a few years more before it drifts into E28 M5 territory. I have an E60 M5 but I'm losing the love. Something more basic is appealing to me at the moment. I love an E36 too and an M3 would be great fun on B road blasts. The E60 is comfortable and fast, but it's also big and heavy. Great fun on the autobahn but not so much of a Sunday morning B road car. How nimble is the 34 in you opinion?
I find the E34 more nimble than the E60 but it's still not exactly light or agile, compared to say the MX5 i use on track. I used to have an E36 M3 evo and that was more fun on the smaller roads. I sold in the end because it didn't feel that 'special'.
In the long run, if i can afford it, i'll drift towards a two seater of some kind...
Khaki Suit said:
OK, so 15-20k in an e34 or 15-20k in an E60. Which one will appreciate first and the most? Do you think the 34 has seen the bulk of it's increase or has it still got a long way to go?
The E28 is already out of what I'm comfortable with, same as the previously mentioned Cosworth. When you get into the figures those are both worth some of the enjoyment goes for me due to the irreplaceability.
I see what you're driving at. I honestly don't know. The E28 is already out of what I'm comfortable with, same as the previously mentioned Cosworth. When you get into the figures those are both worth some of the enjoyment goes for me due to the irreplaceability.
So put the E39 up for sale on the 5 series forum, and the first person to come bought it. I've owned ALOT of cars over the years, but after 7 years with it, it was hard to say good bye.
Still, that frees up some budget for a decent tow car / 4x4, so trying to work out what's within budget etc.
With the Ring Trip in two weeks, will spend this Saturday getting the E60 ready and checked over, early signs show a dry weather forecast!
Still, that frees up some budget for a decent tow car / 4x4, so trying to work out what's within budget etc.
With the Ring Trip in two weeks, will spend this Saturday getting the E60 ready and checked over, early signs show a dry weather forecast!
Pig benis said:
What an epic car OP. I wish I had the brave pills to finally buy an M5, one day I might grow a pair.
Funnily enough I am also driving over to the Ring on the 31st May with a few mates. Give us a wave if you happen to see an Lotus Espirt, x2 BMW Z4s, Audi S2 and (my) BMW 330ci track car.
PB
Cheers! Carpe Diem and all that. Funnily enough I am also driving over to the Ring on the 31st May with a few mates. Give us a wave if you happen to see an Lotus Espirt, x2 BMW Z4s, Audi S2 and (my) BMW 330ci track car.
PB
Nice! We're on a 10h40 Eurostar on the Friday, i'm dropping my mum off at her cousins house near Liege for about 14h30 where we'll stop for lunch, then on to the Ring.
Will keep an eye out, been following your thread with interest, no doubt see you there.
So back from the ring... what a great weekend!
Left London Friday morning early doors with me in the 5 and my mate in his 16 plate S3. We cut across to my aunt's house in rural southern Belgium pretty rapidly, stopping there for lunch and then headed to the B258 to wend our way down to the ring. Tbh i wasn't blown away by the road, nice curves etc but not a huge amount to it.
We spent some time checking out the machinery, i'm so bored of looking at GT3 RS's now, they're 2 a penny here (Naaaaat. Love them). Lot's of E9x M3's also. Petrol station reminded me of the one back in Fulham, just fewer salmon coloured trousers...
Stopping for dinner+ beers on Friday eve at the Pistenklaus, spent MORE time looking at 911's...
Then come Saturday, bought a few credits and headed out. My first impressions are that i'm not exactly a quick driver, highlighted when a Renault Twingo burned past me. After 2 laps i realised i was on the least aggressive SMG setting, so upping that helped quite a bit but still lot's of work to do.
The purpose of this trip was to dip my toe in and have fun, which i did, but also was driving quite prudently. After a few laps i felt like i was really getting to grips with the car.
That said, there were a few sobering incidents...
Back safely now in London and we're already planning our next trip. Main thoughts are that this car is an incredible grand tourer other than the horrendous fuel consumption, it drinks down the juice like my wife at an open bar!
I've got the M5 booked in for an Inspection 2 this week and will get them to take a look at a rear suspension rattle that developed just as i got back into London, sounds like a top mount to me... Then looking forwards, i've got a drive to the south of France in July which i'm looking forward to, will try to get over to the Route Napoleon if i get the chance.
Thx!
Left London Friday morning early doors with me in the 5 and my mate in his 16 plate S3. We cut across to my aunt's house in rural southern Belgium pretty rapidly, stopping there for lunch and then headed to the B258 to wend our way down to the ring. Tbh i wasn't blown away by the road, nice curves etc but not a huge amount to it.
We spent some time checking out the machinery, i'm so bored of looking at GT3 RS's now, they're 2 a penny here (Naaaaat. Love them). Lot's of E9x M3's also. Petrol station reminded me of the one back in Fulham, just fewer salmon coloured trousers...
Stopping for dinner+ beers on Friday eve at the Pistenklaus, spent MORE time looking at 911's...
Then come Saturday, bought a few credits and headed out. My first impressions are that i'm not exactly a quick driver, highlighted when a Renault Twingo burned past me. After 2 laps i realised i was on the least aggressive SMG setting, so upping that helped quite a bit but still lot's of work to do.
The purpose of this trip was to dip my toe in and have fun, which i did, but also was driving quite prudently. After a few laps i felt like i was really getting to grips with the car.
That said, there were a few sobering incidents...
Back safely now in London and we're already planning our next trip. Main thoughts are that this car is an incredible grand tourer other than the horrendous fuel consumption, it drinks down the juice like my wife at an open bar!
I've got the M5 booked in for an Inspection 2 this week and will get them to take a look at a rear suspension rattle that developed just as i got back into London, sounds like a top mount to me... Then looking forwards, i've got a drive to the south of France in July which i'm looking forward to, will try to get over to the Route Napoleon if i get the chance.
Thx!
Edited by mumbojumbo1 on Monday 3rd June 14:13
Court_S said:
Sounds like a good trip.
How did the M5 fare on track?
A friend and I were talking about trying to get to the ring next summer. It won’t happen but it’d be fun to say that I’ve done it.
You should do it, i really wish i had come sooner. The M5 was superb on track, tight round corners, felt light(ish) and of course lot's of power out of corners. How did the M5 fare on track?
A friend and I were talking about trying to get to the ring next summer. It won’t happen but it’d be fun to say that I’ve done it.
My friends 4wd S3 was a little quicker tbh, a lot more planted round corners although the brakes got a little spongy after a few laps apparently.
Update with the E60 M5. Dropped it off at the independant garage i use for an inspection II and to investigate the rattle that had started on my drive back from the ring. I had guessed a top mount.
Unfortunately, it's a leaking front shock absorber, priced at a reasonable £720 + VAT from the dealer. Total bill for it's séjour at the garage is a whisker under £2k. I'm looking forward to getting it back this eve, it's next 'big' outing will be heading down to Goodwood onJuly 5th.
Next on my list of things to do is to get the E34 over to my lock up and attend to the leaking radiator and if i'm lucky, replace the squealing blower motor. I've also got my Dad's old Peugeot 406 that i need to do something with. He stopped driving in Jan so i parked it up at the garage and SORN'd it, i'd like the space back but it's just not worth anything, despite only having 75k on it.
Finally, after the Ring trip, i'm keen to get back on a track, so want to pull the MX5 out of the mud patch it's been sat in for a year and look at how bad the rust is.
Lot's to do!
Unfortunately, it's a leaking front shock absorber, priced at a reasonable £720 + VAT from the dealer. Total bill for it's séjour at the garage is a whisker under £2k. I'm looking forward to getting it back this eve, it's next 'big' outing will be heading down to Goodwood onJuly 5th.
Next on my list of things to do is to get the E34 over to my lock up and attend to the leaking radiator and if i'm lucky, replace the squealing blower motor. I've also got my Dad's old Peugeot 406 that i need to do something with. He stopped driving in Jan so i parked it up at the garage and SORN'd it, i'd like the space back but it's just not worth anything, despite only having 75k on it.
Finally, after the Ring trip, i'm keen to get back on a track, so want to pull the MX5 out of the mud patch it's been sat in for a year and look at how bad the rust is.
Lot's to do!
Just got back from 10 days in France with the M5.
Had a villa with 16 friends & a few kids down near Avignon, so drove down to Lyon for a night. Love staying in the old town, it's really a beautiful place.
We then had a week in the villa, some of the local roads are really good for a drive, any of them around Vacqueras are highly recommended, lovely tarmac, camber in the corners and light traffic.
The car performed faultlessly, even in temps of up to 40 degrees (thank god for the ventilated seats). I've done the drive a few times in my previous cars (E39's etc) i have to say doing this kind of mileage in the M5 has been an absolute pleasure, even my wife found it comfortable and the long stints felt less tiring.
On the way back, which coincided with my wife and i's 2 year wedding anniversary, we stoppped a night at Chateau de Bagnols near Lyon. It's a beautful 11th Century castle, beautiful rooms and really good michelin starred restaurant, so highly recommend!
In local news, i've got the E34's MOT due next week, its rad remains a little leaky. I called BMW and they'd like £530 + VAT for one, which stings a little. Considering doing the water pump while i'm at it, Thermostat i did just after i bought the car. It will also need a proper service and the valves adjusting so will book that in post MOT, provided it passes of course, had a little trouble with high emissions last year...
Had a villa with 16 friends & a few kids down near Avignon, so drove down to Lyon for a night. Love staying in the old town, it's really a beautiful place.
We then had a week in the villa, some of the local roads are really good for a drive, any of them around Vacqueras are highly recommended, lovely tarmac, camber in the corners and light traffic.
The car performed faultlessly, even in temps of up to 40 degrees (thank god for the ventilated seats). I've done the drive a few times in my previous cars (E39's etc) i have to say doing this kind of mileage in the M5 has been an absolute pleasure, even my wife found it comfortable and the long stints felt less tiring.
On the way back, which coincided with my wife and i's 2 year wedding anniversary, we stoppped a night at Chateau de Bagnols near Lyon. It's a beautful 11th Century castle, beautiful rooms and really good michelin starred restaurant, so highly recommend!
In local news, i've got the E34's MOT due next week, its rad remains a little leaky. I called BMW and they'd like £530 + VAT for one, which stings a little. Considering doing the water pump while i'm at it, Thermostat i did just after i bought the car. It will also need a proper service and the valves adjusting so will book that in post MOT, provided it passes of course, had a little trouble with high emissions last year...
Edited by mumbojumbo1 on Wednesday 31st July 08:43
Put the E34 in for an MOT on Monday. Slightly dubious as every year it fails on emissions, and every year i put some Redex in it, take it for a spin and it passes... However it passed with an advisory for the suspension arm ball joint arm dust cover perished.
Really glad it's got through and i've got a fresh burst of energy to continue tidying it up, although the emissions issue is enough of a concern that i'll look at changing or refurbing the injectors or buying some new ones. Not sure who would refurb them so open to any idea's. Regardless of this, the car still runs fine, starts on the button etc
I've also been in touch with Chris from the Polishing Company East Anglia about cleaning the silver leather as it has 30 years of grime built up that needs a little professional attention. Plus of course i've now got the headlining draped over my head when driving so will have that taken care of too.
I drove it back to its lock up from Brentford yesterday evening and really enjoyed the drive, i've only put around 500miles on it since last year so intend to try and use it more.
It's also due a service so will get that done in September sometime.
Finally with a rejig of the cars at the lock up, for the first time in 2 years i was finally able to get our shared track car into the garage for a well needed inspection, it's really really rusty so need to make a group decision about what to do. It's been a fantastic car and taken many a thrashing but need to make a decision on if it's still safe to use. More updates to come.
Really glad it's got through and i've got a fresh burst of energy to continue tidying it up, although the emissions issue is enough of a concern that i'll look at changing or refurbing the injectors or buying some new ones. Not sure who would refurb them so open to any idea's. Regardless of this, the car still runs fine, starts on the button etc
I've also been in touch with Chris from the Polishing Company East Anglia about cleaning the silver leather as it has 30 years of grime built up that needs a little professional attention. Plus of course i've now got the headlining draped over my head when driving so will have that taken care of too.
I drove it back to its lock up from Brentford yesterday evening and really enjoyed the drive, i've only put around 500miles on it since last year so intend to try and use it more.
It's also due a service so will get that done in September sometime.
Finally with a rejig of the cars at the lock up, for the first time in 2 years i was finally able to get our shared track car into the garage for a well needed inspection, it's really really rusty so need to make a group decision about what to do. It's been a fantastic car and taken many a thrashing but need to make a decision on if it's still safe to use. More updates to come.
lancer778544 said:
I recently used Mr Injector to refurb the injectors on my Alfa. One injector was too far gone to salvage but he had one suitable in stock and that was matched to the other three. Cost about £110 to refurb the three original injectors and to supply and match the replacement. Turnaround was about 3 days IIRC.
Cheers, will give them a call, BMW seem to want £150 per injector so this should be a better first step. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff