M5 questions

M5 questions

Author
Discussion

targarama

Original Poster:

14,636 posts

284 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
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Currently toying with alternatives to my current TVR T350/Audi A6 combo. One bossipility is a 2002 ish M5. However, can you get a towbar for this car? I'd want a trailer to drag a track car around with you see ...

Also, what changes did the facelift on this model around 2001 bring about?

Andrew D

968 posts

241 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
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My brother was assessing the mental-performance-towcar market a while back, with a view to towing a boat, but there are surprisingly few cars available.

IIRC the M5 can't have a towbar. Nor can an E46 M3, RS4, or RS6. The most sporty vehicle he could find was the previous shape Audi S6. I also know a guy with an E36 M3 (Cab!!) that tows a caravan.

Apparently it's a combination of two factors that limits availability. The larger exhaust systems generally mean there's no space under to boot to attach the towbar (as is the case of the E46 M3). Cooling is also a lot more critical in performance cars, and apparently the systems are generally on the edge and can't cope with the additional load (and thus heat) generated by towing.

I don't know if AMG's can, because they're generally less wrung-out for power, so the cooling and exhaust systems might be less extensive. C32 might be worth a look, they're a bit of an animal and a total bargain nowadays.

The M5 also likes a drink in a fairly major way, so I'd bear that in mind if you're buying. Towing can also shag the rear suspension.

Ashok

601 posts

260 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
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Of course the M5 can have a towbar - it can also be retrofitted by any dealer:



The facelift models have widescreen satnav screen, led lights and some other cosmetic changes (dials, steering wheel etc.).

I loved my E39 M5 and would recommend one highly - superb car in all respects.

aasc

358 posts

234 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
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An M5 towbar is about £1.5k from your friendly local dealer...

m3john

5,974 posts

220 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
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aasc said:
An M5 towbar is about £1.5k from your friendly local dealer...




OUCH !!!!!!

Why do they always bump the price up so much wit the M cars?. Ok i appreciate that they are a high performance motor car but its not the case anymore that BMW are making them in limited numbers. Whenever i make enquires about my e36 M3 Evo the price seems to go up by at least £200 when you mention the magic `M`