Should one modify a now prisitine E39 M5?

[humpbackmaniac]

As so many have done before I looked to sell her, then couldnt bring myself to.

I have just spent a not inconsiderable sum restoring my 2000 Model M5, complete rust check and repaint £2800 at reduced rates, Almost every panel had some small damage or rust coming through. All new shocks, full engine going over luckily with very little to report, all new bushes everywhere. It now drives like new, or as close as ive ever known her to new.

Its still in the paint shop currently, day 7 of 18, and I am torn between a new exhaust for more V8 Thunder, an ESS supercharger kit for almost F10 levels of heft or just leaving the old lady with her dignity and enjoying another 145k miles in an increasingly rare unmolested future classic.


It will now never be sold so recoup on investment for modifications is not a consideration. She is increasingly a weekend car due to 100 mile commute for which I use the bike, so again fuel/tyres not a real concern.
Somedays I feel Hooligan and chase bikes, porkers etc and could use more wallop, most days I feel more sedate and love her the way she is, the views of peers are most welcome.

Also can anyone advise on how to change the rear shelf behind the seats, its fading in the sun and is now her only blemish. I havent looked hard to be honest but it doesnt look an easy job, due to non folding rear seats.

[TotalZ4]

The mafless tune is a good idea also having sport button memory,another good idea is a stop tech brake kit which you will wonder how you did without.

Supercharging is a bit OTT,a solid 400BHP is handy enough really.

[ady702]

Get yourself down to Evolve Automotive and check out their E39 M5, get a ride in there see how you feel. Its doesnt have forced induction but still goes some!

Evolve E39 M5:
Matt Black 2000
RHD Evolve Equal length headers
Evolve Stage 1 Cylinder Heads
Evolve High Flow 100-Cell CATS
Evolve Centre H Pipes
Evolve GT Rear Exhausts
Evolve AlphaN Tune
Evolve Cold Air Intakes
AP Racing Brakes
Bilstein PSS9's
Rogue Octane SSK
450hp / 420 lb.ft

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/m5-e39-group-buy-...

[broster]

I was in the same boat, now have quite a lot of modifications and it's improved the car no end IMO!

[tjlazer]

If I had the readies and no baby/wife I'd be splashing my cash on the same tricks. Do it. Do it now. Too many e39s to be classic for some time and with those miles what do you have to lose?

[Aizle]

I would make it louder and put on a big brake kit, evolve alpha N if you want to.

Apart from that I would leave it.

[humpbackmaniac]

Brakes are the best option actually mine are shocking. Hadnt considered that slightly sensible option..

[sumo69]

If you are interested I have for sale a AP big brake kit (6 pot calipers, uprated discs and pads) that I had on my E39 M5 until I sold her to get my GTR.

PM me if you want to talk.

David

[Aizle]

You have mail.

[andygtt]

mileage is too high to be deemed a valuable classic in the future.... I say enjoy the car, choice mods can improve a car a huge amount.

[Stinkfoot]

Suspension, brake and exhaust upgrade. It will transform your M5