Buying advice for M5

[mpg]

Hope someone can give me some ideas as to what to look for in buying a late 90's M5. My brother is considering this or the XJR as an option for forthcoming parenthood(the Audi TT is no good).I have an XJR and I know about some of this cars pitfalls such as Nikasil lining on cylinders and timing chain tensioners but are their similar type problems to look for in M5's of this age.Any advice is most welcome. Personally I would like him to get an M5 as I've never driven one

[Hereward]

Do you mean the old shape (E39), or the old, old shape (E34)?!

[stuh]

The earliest e39's were '99 i believe?

So if it's this model, obvious problem to check for is VANOS. Well documented on other threads here and at BM5W.com - Other than that it's stonking

[mpg]

Yes sorry its the E39 I was after info on I'll do a search about the VANOS if thats the only concern. Cheers

[DoctorD]

My brother's E39 M5 is for sale. All Vanos work carried out under warranty, plus a new clutch in the last few thousand miles and it has a full 12 months BMW warranty recently renewed.

[m3john]

I own an M3 (1999 e36) and before buying the car i two did know about the bore where problems. On speaking to my local BMW deeler Sytner City in London, they told me that the Mototsport models wasn't affected by this issue as the engine blocks were specially machined. Tell your brother that he wont be dissapointed, they are a STONKING motor car. I find the problem now is what do i replace it with, latest generation M5 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......

If you'd like any more info i'd suggest contacting the BMW car club. They'll be more than willing to help you with any questions.

Happy motoring and happy shopping !!!

[Egbert Nobacon]

One piece of advice I would strongly recommend heeding is that of obtaining one with an existing BMW warranty.

The M5 and M3 can chuck up expensive problems from time to time and having a current warranty would allow you to get repaired/replaced any components that need it allowing you the luxury of then knowing that its as good as its ever going to be. When the warranty is then up for renewal(and BMW have just changed/weakened the cover on M3/M5 warranty that takes effect from next renewal) you can make a good judgement as to whether the cost is justified.

My E46 M3 has is currently having a new gearbox, prop, rear trailing arms and oil leak repaired under warranty - the gearbox alone is £2500. It has previously had 6 new coils and new bottom end - its done 23k miles ! all problems that are common on some M3's.

My E39 528 is looked after by an ex BMW mechanic who has his own E39 M5 and he has kept the warranty running because the warranty bills this year alone are circa £15k !

If it helps, I was talking to the M technician at my local stealer just yesterday about M5's and he advised getting a 52 plate onwards, if the budget can stretch that far, as in his opinion the spec was better and a number of the earlier issues had been ironed out

Have a good read of www.bm3w.co.uk - it should give you an idea of what to look out for on the M5 - having driven one again recently I actually prefer them to the M3.....

Good luck - they are great cars .

[xm5er]

Quite serious when I say this but, make sure the pram fits in the boot. I went to buy an e39 and found that our £500 pram wouldn't go near the fooking aperture and ended up with a 330 touring instead.

(Moral, buy the car, then buy the pram)