Help with chosing the right E39 M5 please
Discussion
Forgive my lurking but this itch just has to be scratched.
I am now overwhelmed with "knowledge" on the M5 having trawled through the PH libraries so much so, I am now like the proverbial "rabbit in the headlights" with no less than 4 cracking examples to chose from. I have always shied away from 100,000 milers in the past for the usual reasons so it would take a great leap of faith to go for one even though many of the big part replacements may have been done. The drivetrain is still subject to wear & tear so even though the clutch might have been replaced, the drive shafts or diffs might be "strained"?
So, great ""M5 Beardies", in what order would you rate these selections so that I can plan my attack and hopefully end up with a cracking car which will be used as a daily driver? Pictures of resultant acquistion will be posted in accordance with protocol.
Thank you.
JB
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3634711.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3476075.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3617019.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3622790.htm
I am now overwhelmed with "knowledge" on the M5 having trawled through the PH libraries so much so, I am now like the proverbial "rabbit in the headlights" with no less than 4 cracking examples to chose from. I have always shied away from 100,000 milers in the past for the usual reasons so it would take a great leap of faith to go for one even though many of the big part replacements may have been done. The drivetrain is still subject to wear & tear so even though the clutch might have been replaced, the drive shafts or diffs might be "strained"?
So, great ""M5 Beardies", in what order would you rate these selections so that I can plan my attack and hopefully end up with a cracking car which will be used as a daily driver? Pictures of resultant acquistion will be posted in accordance with protocol.
Thank you.
JB
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3634711.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3476075.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3617019.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3622790.htm
I would say either of the last 2 would be my choice out of them four, I would defo go for a 01 reg onwards given the choice.
This would be right at the top of my list http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3536768.htm
It is a gorgeous colour with the pretty rare and very desirable all black leather, Also a 1 owner car, (Looks so much better than the 2 tone seats, Particularly the blue /black.
Get a good one and it will spoil you for any other car in the future they really are Fantastic cars.
This would be right at the top of my list http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3536768.htm
It is a gorgeous colour with the pretty rare and very desirable all black leather, Also a 1 owner car, (Looks so much better than the 2 tone seats, Particularly the blue /black.
Get a good one and it will spoil you for any other car in the future they really are Fantastic cars.
That is a tough decision. Two low miler immaculate versions vs. two later higher mileage immaculate versions. I like the 4th car, and the first car. Oh dear mate I don't envy you.
Nothing left for it.... print all the ad's off put them on the table in front of you, close your eyes and "ibby dibby" them. Ibby dibby never fails.
Nothing left for it.... print all the ad's off put them on the table in front of you, close your eyes and "ibby dibby" them. Ibby dibby never fails.
Of that list no 1 appeals to me most.
For me personally I'd be looking at far lower budget, I'm no M5 knowledge at all, so discount me as any sort of font of any learning on them, but do know of decnet cars that have gone for less & all 100k ish decent barges, not fooked old heaps.
Tell you what does warm the cockels of my old heart tho, all are really good adverts, well written & by folks that don't JUST USE CAPITALS ALL THE TIME, or spk in txt tlk innit, Or Use A Capital At The Start Of Each Word, or have photos taken in the dark, or on a petrol station forecourt, or that in general the vendor appears to be just barking mad.
For me personally I'd be looking at far lower budget, I'm no M5 knowledge at all, so discount me as any sort of font of any learning on them, but do know of decnet cars that have gone for less & all 100k ish decent barges, not fooked old heaps.
Tell you what does warm the cockels of my old heart tho, all are really good adverts, well written & by folks that don't JUST USE CAPITALS ALL THE TIME, or spk in txt tlk innit, Or Use A Capital At The Start Of Each Word, or have photos taken in the dark, or on a petrol station forecourt, or that in general the vendor appears to be just barking mad.
You know, possibly the best idea - although not the simplest solution - is to see as many of those four cars as you can and drive them.
This will really make the choice for you, they may all drive completely differently.
It will allow you to make an informed decision, seeing the colours in the flesh or a particular optional extra (M5s are well spec'd to begin with) might swing it fot you.
You can only tell so much from a picture - no# 3 doesn't have enough decent pics for me even to commit to buying it in my mind.
I'd like to know what cars the owners of the private adds are moving on to. I've thought about it long and hard and I can't think what I'll move to when (if?) the time comes to move on.
This will really make the choice for you, they may all drive completely differently.
It will allow you to make an informed decision, seeing the colours in the flesh or a particular optional extra (M5s are well spec'd to begin with) might swing it fot you.
You can only tell so much from a picture - no# 3 doesn't have enough decent pics for me even to commit to buying it in my mind.
I'd like to know what cars the owners of the private adds are moving on to. I've thought about it long and hard and I can't think what I'll move to when (if?) the time comes to move on.
Personally I would rule out #1, being a non facelift and IMO a Silverstone/wood interior is the worst possible combination. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with non facelifts, but if you want to spend top money and retain most of it then a facelift is probably the way to go.
Car #2 is in the best colour and the low mileage will help with residuals, but the advert doesn't tell me very much at all.
Car #3 is on the Isle of Wight - has it been subjected to lots of short stop/start journeys?
Based on the adverts alone, and the fact that #4 is owned by a known enthusiast, I'd give that car a slight edge even despite its higher mileage. Personally I never understand why people put generic text in adverts that applies to every example of this model. IMO this screams "non enthusiast". An advert should focus on detailed history, parts replaced, and so on.
For all of these cars I'd buying on the history: MAFs, sensors, bushes and so on.
Car #2 is in the best colour
and the low mileage will help with residuals, but the advert doesn't tell me very much at all.Car #3 is on the Isle of Wight - has it been subjected to lots of short stop/start journeys?
Based on the adverts alone, and the fact that #4 is owned by a known enthusiast, I'd give that car a slight edge even despite its higher mileage. Personally I never understand why people put generic text in adverts that applies to every example of this model. IMO this screams "non enthusiast". An advert should focus on detailed history, parts replaced, and so on.
For all of these cars I'd buying on the history: MAFs, sensors, bushes and so on.
Hi,
Firstly, and responding directly to the main point you mention - the psychological '100,000 mile' thing in reality means absolutely nothing, yet still has an effect on car values and perceptions of value. The low miler examples in my mind mean 'why have they got low mileage on them?' and 'means they must've sat around for extended periods so have the perishable items been replaced?'. I'd personally take a higher mile car, knowing its been regularly used, maintained and driven over a low miler which most likely hasn't had so much maintenence done as it's most likely been deemed not necessary as it's just been standing around doing nothing!
I'm sure you've seen the M5board where this discussion has taken place many times with each angle covered. Everyone's different, but the single underlying common factor is everyone wants as best M5 as they can. The reality is there's very few examples left which really are the best, so as per above, if you can, go to drive these cars you see for sale and see what you think.
Only the very best, average mileage, evidenced to have been extremely well looked after E39 M5's will actually sell at above £10,000, plenty of higher than that asking prices, but it's the reality of selling prices which counts.
Good luck! I'm envious and later on, I do hope to have one as well !
Cheers, Dennis!
Firstly, and responding directly to the main point you mention - the psychological '100,000 mile' thing in reality means absolutely nothing, yet still has an effect on car values and perceptions of value. The low miler examples in my mind mean 'why have they got low mileage on them?' and 'means they must've sat around for extended periods so have the perishable items been replaced?'. I'd personally take a higher mile car, knowing its been regularly used, maintained and driven over a low miler which most likely hasn't had so much maintenence done as it's most likely been deemed not necessary as it's just been standing around doing nothing!
I'm sure you've seen the M5board where this discussion has taken place many times with each angle covered. Everyone's different, but the single underlying common factor is everyone wants as best M5 as they can. The reality is there's very few examples left which really are the best, so as per above, if you can, go to drive these cars you see for sale and see what you think.
Only the very best, average mileage, evidenced to have been extremely well looked after E39 M5's will actually sell at above £10,000, plenty of higher than that asking prices, but it's the reality of selling prices which counts.
Good luck! I'm envious and later on, I do hope to have one as well !
Cheers, Dennis!
jb
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3430353.htm
just took a look at the classifieds...... that above would be my first choice, followed by your number 1 on your list....
facelift is not essential..... most cars have had the angel eyes upgrade.... other than that, grey dials on dash and large tv screen means you miss out on the cars that if registered before march 01 you pay <200£ road tax...... the vanos issue will have been dealt with by now....
i had a 99 T plate m5... loved it to bits.... the one i have chosen lacks a sat nav, but they are rubbish anyway, use a nokia phone and ovi maps, that what i do in my alpina at present.... silverstone is a nice colour, this car looks clean and has a piano black trim ... nice....
the first car i in your list i choose because look how clean the engine compartment is... that tells a lot to me, i used to clean under the hood regularly, but mine didn;t look that clean.... truly kept well then... the other cars have dirty engine bays... when you are trying to sell, that to me doesn;t say much... alloys do not look refurb either....and the wood trim can always be changed....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3430353.htm
just took a look at the classifieds...... that above would be my first choice, followed by your number 1 on your list....
facelift is not essential..... most cars have had the angel eyes upgrade.... other than that, grey dials on dash and large tv screen means you miss out on the cars that if registered before march 01 you pay <200£ road tax...... the vanos issue will have been dealt with by now....
i had a 99 T plate m5... loved it to bits.... the one i have chosen lacks a sat nav, but they are rubbish anyway, use a nokia phone and ovi maps, that what i do in my alpina at present.... silverstone is a nice colour, this car looks clean and has a piano black trim ... nice....
the first car i in your list i choose because look how clean the engine compartment is... that tells a lot to me, i used to clean under the hood regularly, but mine didn;t look that clean.... truly kept well then... the other cars have dirty engine bays... when you are trying to sell, that to me doesn;t say much... alloys do not look refurb either....and the wood trim can always be changed....
Edited by 70proof on Saturday 11th February 15:41
JB,
Number 4 is my old car and it's an absolute belter. Both Neil and I have cherished the car and I'd almost guarantee you won't find a healthier E39 M5. Yes, the mileage is higher than some, but it's a cracker. Neil is also in Bristol. It's meant to be.
Matt
Number 4 is my old car and it's an absolute belter. Both Neil and I have cherished the car and I'd almost guarantee you won't find a healthier E39 M5. Yes, the mileage is higher than some, but it's a cracker. Neil is also in Bristol. It's meant to be.
Matt
Edited by MattOz on Saturday 11th February 15:47
Patrick Bateman said:
First one has awful trim (with the grey seats at least) and cheaper tyres on it.
you'll find a lot of m and alpina owners opt for the cheaper falken or vredestein nowadays...and IMHO, the light grey black seat combo is the best, and seems to wear better too...
deep blue and black combo looks bad, as does red/black, and all black is too dull....
70proof said:
my recollection of facelift....
xenons
rear view mirror
larger tv screen
grey dial inserts
vanos pump/issue resolved
NIL ELSE.... no engine/suspension/steering/exhaust mods... NADDA..... so facelift is nolonger essential, once upon a time yes, but 10 years on, i don;t think so....
All M5's have had Xenons from day 1. xenons
rear view mirror
larger tv screen
grey dial inserts
vanos pump/issue resolved
NIL ELSE.... no engine/suspension/steering/exhaust mods... NADDA..... so facelift is nolonger essential, once upon a time yes, but 10 years on, i don;t think so....
Personally PH classifieds are always a little over price, its a place to sell not to buy.
IMO
Im now on my second M5 E39, and its very hard to tell from pictures. Firstly before you do anything ask for the V5 number and go to the dvla site which will list all previous mot's for free with notes. It will make sure the mileage makes sense through time, IE its not doing 15k miles one year then 500 miles the following. These cars are or were bought by high end exec. doing miles (just look at the E60 Mileages)
Also avoid wood look dashes, and mixed coloured leathers.....black, blue or silverstone blue are the best colours for paint.
I paid £8,400 6 months ago for a very tidy 2001 with 69k on the clock. Steering wheel showed signs that it had done those miles.....this should give you a guide, best to see them in the flesh really. But no.4 at £9k would be good, but plenty out there ... i think..
IMO
Im now on my second M5 E39, and its very hard to tell from pictures. Firstly before you do anything ask for the V5 number and go to the dvla site which will list all previous mot's for free with notes. It will make sure the mileage makes sense through time, IE its not doing 15k miles one year then 500 miles the following. These cars are or were bought by high end exec. doing miles (just look at the E60 Mileages)
Also avoid wood look dashes, and mixed coloured leathers.....black, blue or silverstone blue are the best colours for paint.
I paid £8,400 6 months ago for a very tidy 2001 with 69k on the clock. Steering wheel showed signs that it had done those miles.....this should give you a guide, best to see them in the flesh really. But no.4 at £9k would be good, but plenty out there ... i think..
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