Looking for an E39 M5
Discussion
Hi - I've been about here for a while, but not recently...
I've had an E39 & E60 M5 a few years ago and am now looking for another E39.
Is anyone thinking of selling?
There aren't a great deal about in the usual places, especially when you filter out the ones that have been messed around with or have fantasy prices based on their 'investment potential.
I'm happy with higher mileages or any mechanical work needed, but don't do bodywork. Facelifted preferred, but not essential.
There is a cheap one listed in Barnstaple, but the seller doesn't respond to questions.
Has anyone been to see this one?
TIA - Simon
PS - I'm selling a nice 130i if anyone fancies a fun 1-series..
I've had an E39 & E60 M5 a few years ago and am now looking for another E39.
Is anyone thinking of selling?
There aren't a great deal about in the usual places, especially when you filter out the ones that have been messed around with or have fantasy prices based on their 'investment potential.
I'm happy with higher mileages or any mechanical work needed, but don't do bodywork. Facelifted preferred, but not essential.
There is a cheap one listed in Barnstaple, but the seller doesn't respond to questions.
Has anyone been to see this one?
TIA - Simon
PS - I'm selling a nice 130i if anyone fancies a fun 1-series..
The pre-facelift one on Autotrader?
Seems cheap enough and looks to have not done much mileage over the last 5 years.
I'd guess the sills have been sorted as they were mentioned in the 2018 MOT but nothing in either of the 2 MOTs in 2019.
Things to call out... after market head unit, wheels, front grill, front and rear badges. Carbon effect wrap on the interior trim. Also looks like it's had the CAI modification done as well or air intakes to the brakes. Drivers door seal looks as though it could with replacing.
Aftermarket exhaust looks a bit wonky in the pictures. The top of the ashtray looks a bit odd as well. I can't see any parking sensors either front or rear, pretty sure as standard rear were available, it would be worth checking the build date versus the registration date as well.
Body work looks good in the pictures although they really don't give any close ups.
I think this car has had a fair bit of cosmetic tinkering....
OCD warning .... the oil cap is facing the wrong way !!!
Certainly worth a peep at as long as you have both eyes wide open as it's a 20 year old car.
Found this old topic which might be of interest... https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/63461-low-light-sho...
Scroll down to about half way on this post... http://forum.autogespot.com/index.php?action=profi... obviously before the front lights were replaced...
Although if you want to spend more this one may be worth looking at... https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/133982-my-e39-m5-fo...
Seems cheap enough and looks to have not done much mileage over the last 5 years.
I'd guess the sills have been sorted as they were mentioned in the 2018 MOT but nothing in either of the 2 MOTs in 2019.
Things to call out... after market head unit, wheels, front grill, front and rear badges. Carbon effect wrap on the interior trim. Also looks like it's had the CAI modification done as well or air intakes to the brakes. Drivers door seal looks as though it could with replacing.
Aftermarket exhaust looks a bit wonky in the pictures. The top of the ashtray looks a bit odd as well. I can't see any parking sensors either front or rear, pretty sure as standard rear were available, it would be worth checking the build date versus the registration date as well.
Body work looks good in the pictures although they really don't give any close ups.
I think this car has had a fair bit of cosmetic tinkering....
OCD warning .... the oil cap is facing the wrong way !!!

Certainly worth a peep at as long as you have both eyes wide open as it's a 20 year old car.
Found this old topic which might be of interest... https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/63461-low-light-sho...
Scroll down to about half way on this post... http://forum.autogespot.com/index.php?action=profi... obviously before the front lights were replaced...
Although if you want to spend more this one may be worth looking at... https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/133982-my-e39-m5-fo...
Edited by Seesure on Wednesday 22 January 17:51
Wow - good spot of the lack of sensors - I'd never have seen that!
Also, the alternative pics. Was that just from a google search of the reg number?
The Dark blue car does look nice - however, I don't think respraying the sills is worth the £1500 price increase.
Many thanks for the info. I'd go look, but it's 4 hours each way for both!
Also, the alternative pics. Was that just from a google search of the reg number?
The Dark blue car does look nice - however, I don't think respraying the sills is worth the £1500 price increase.
Many thanks for the info. I'd go look, but it's 4 hours each way for both!
[quote=simonpa
The Dark blue car does look nice - however, I don't think respraying the sills is worth the £1500 price increase.
The LMB car is mine, it wasn't just a respray they replaced the sills at a cost of more than the increase I put it up by. It's not a cheap job I've had done either as the car deserves better than that being so nice. If you search the internet each sill is usually 1K to sort out by the time you uncover other things too behind it.
The Dark blue car does look nice - however, I don't think respraying the sills is worth the £1500 price increase.
The LMB car is mine, it wasn't just a respray they replaced the sills at a cost of more than the increase I put it up by. It's not a cheap job I've had done either as the car deserves better than that being so nice. If you search the internet each sill is usually 1K to sort out by the time you uncover other things too behind it.
Absolute pleasure meeting you on Saturday Simon, thank you for the lovely 130i! Good luck on your M5 hunt.
If you've ever got some spare time to write up your progress on your Vixen and your Seven, I'm sure many would enjoy a Readers' Car thread or two from you
If you've ever got some spare time to write up your progress on your Vixen and your Seven, I'm sure many would enjoy a Readers' Car thread or two from you

Seesure said:
I can't see any parking sensors either front or rear, pretty sure as standard rear were available, it would be worth checking the build date versus the registration date as well.
[/footnote]
Rear parking sensors were an option on pre-facelift cars. My 1999 V reg one didn't have them (it also had the rectangular rear view mirror).[/footnote]
Front and rear PDC was standard on the facelift IIRC.
Not sure where values on these are sitting just now. Have noticed quite a few spending a long time for sale, think there's a lot of optimistic pricing on the go.
Examples like this are at the lower end but still not shifting- https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Has also been on ebay twice, originally at almost £10k. Moans about only 1 person having come to see it in that time, probably speaks for itself then as it looks to be in good condition.
For some perspective I sold mine in 2016 for under £7k at similar miles and that was with an immense amount of maintenance.
Examples like this are at the lower end but still not shifting- https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Has also been on ebay twice, originally at almost £10k. Moans about only 1 person having come to see it in that time, probably speaks for itself then as it looks to be in good condition.
For some perspective I sold mine in 2016 for under £7k at similar miles and that was with an immense amount of maintenance.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff