E39 M5 - advice on what to check / look for

E39 M5 - advice on what to check / look for

Author
Discussion

BenB91

Original Poster:

265 posts

72 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
Hi all

I'm viewing a 2000 E39 M5 this weekend and would appreicate your advice on what to check / look for.

It has circa 101k miles with a full service history.

It has a clean MOT, with no advisories.

My only concern so far is it's only done a few hundred miles each year for the past few weeks. Only 2k miles since 2018, and only 7k miles since 2013! I prefer cars that have been used, rather than sat around for a long time.

Owner seems a nice guy, with a interesting collection of performance cars.

TheAngryDog

12,409 posts

210 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
Rust!

Check the jacking points and sills, fuel filler cap, bonnet leading edges, boot lid, especially between the number plate lights, rear quarters too.

Timing chain slap when cold - could be guides or tensioners.

Brake judder.

Engine oil burning.

Usual other car stuff.

BenB91

Original Poster:

265 posts

72 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
TheAngryDog said:
Rust!

Check the jacking points and sills, fuel filler cap, bonnet leading edges, boot lid, especially between the number plate lights, rear quarters too.

Timing chain slap when cold - could be guides or tensioners.

Brake judder.

Engine oil burning.

Usual other car stuff.
Thank you

helix402

7,872 posts

183 months

Friday 12th April
quotequote all
Have a look at Redish Motorsport’s YouTube channel to see the joy of E39 rust.

BenB91

Original Poster:

265 posts

72 months

Friday 12th April
quotequote all
Seller has decided to keep the car. Was fully expecting to buy the car tomorrow so quite annoyed.

The search continues.