Reasons not to buy an E39 M5
Discussion
Apart from the high insurance and general running costs (fuel, tyres etc), can anyone give me any reason why not to buy an E39 M5?
Presumably, I'd be looking for something that's had a clutch change and the rear suspension bushes replaced but other than that, what else to look out for?
thanks
Presumably, I'd be looking for something that's had a clutch change and the rear suspension bushes replaced but other than that, what else to look out for?
thanks
Angel eyes.
Modified Vanos system, so you wont have any issues.
Widescreen Nav (if has nav)
Multifunction M steering wheel.
Rev counter/speedo have aluminum trim around them
There are a couple of other's, it's been a while since I have been asked this question.
Just buy one - It's the best thing I have even done. I generally get bored of cars, but I can say hand on heart after 3 and a bit years in the M5 I still love it. It ticks all the boxes for me, especially with 2 young children! What else could I have that has 400bhp, 5 doors, can be driven with comfort around town, not draw too much attention and do 0-60 in 4.8 sec's?
The main point is look around and drive a few, I looked at half a dozen over 3-6 months before buying mine. There are some dog's out there that haven't been looked after, or have wood trim (awaiting backlash!).
Steve
Modified Vanos system, so you wont have any issues.
Widescreen Nav (if has nav)
Multifunction M steering wheel.
Rev counter/speedo have aluminum trim around them
There are a couple of other's, it's been a while since I have been asked this question.
Just buy one - It's the best thing I have even done. I generally get bored of cars, but I can say hand on heart after 3 and a bit years in the M5 I still love it. It ticks all the boxes for me, especially with 2 young children! What else could I have that has 400bhp, 5 doors, can be driven with comfort around town, not draw too much attention and do 0-60 in 4.8 sec's?
The main point is look around and drive a few, I looked at half a dozen over 3-6 months before buying mine. There are some dog's out there that haven't been looked after, or have wood trim (awaiting backlash!).
Steve
Ok, the modified VANOS is clearly the major point, I'm not really bothered by the aesthetics of trim and headlights nor especially fussed whether it has sat-nav or otherwise.
If I was to find a tidy pre-facelift, can I fit a modified VANOS to it? Is the VANOS issue a costly one to repair?
Anything else major to look out for other than what's already been mentioned?
I expect mid 20s on fuel with Mrs t_t driving and something in the teens when it's being used properly: sound about right?
My thought is that the better half could use it day to day in place of her Alfa 156 (I have a company car) as, to her, it's a four door saloon.
This then gives me the choice of Elise 135 balance or 400horse of grunt at weekends: along with a car capable (in terms of space, pace and, if you will, grace) of my planned Scottish and European tours. Job's, as they say, a good 'un!
If I was to find a tidy pre-facelift, can I fit a modified VANOS to it? Is the VANOS issue a costly one to repair?
Anything else major to look out for other than what's already been mentioned?
I expect mid 20s on fuel with Mrs t_t driving and something in the teens when it's being used properly: sound about right?
My thought is that the better half could use it day to day in place of her Alfa 156 (I have a company car) as, to her, it's a four door saloon.
This then gives me the choice of Elise 135 balance or 400horse of grunt at weekends: along with a car capable (in terms of space, pace and, if you will, grace) of my planned Scottish and European tours. Job's, as they say, a good 'un!
I picked mine up on friday and to be honest just cant believe how fantastic the car is, The acceleration in sport mode is staggering for such a large car! The handling is just incredible, Be picky as there are a few dogs out there, choose a goodun and you will probably never want to sell it as they are simply awesome.
belleair302 said:
Because by November 2009 the E60 M5, with the V10 engine and over 500bhp will be worth less than an E39 today!!!
Or
Buy an Alpina B5, more speed, more unusual, a better all round car and better value.
Doubtful and, er, doubtful!Or
Buy an Alpina B5, more speed, more unusual, a better all round car and better value.
The B5 seems unlikley to drop below B10 V8S prices any time soon and let's be honest, that car may have many, many virtues but it's typical Alpina fetishist denial to suggest the E39 car is really better than it's contemporary M stablemate.
Whilst there's no bigger advocate of Buchloe's finest than I, it is disingenuous to suggest the B5 is a 'better' all rounder than the older M5: completely different design briefs and both devastating but the price diff will always keep the B5 in a different bracket, even now/today.
The B5S is several years away from contention - now that would be a hog roaster for the chin scratching contemplations...
The B5 may well be a slightly different beast to own, but driven side by side to an M5 you can see where Herr Alpina is going! A rare beast but well worth the money and always going to be much admired.
It does also depend upon where one lives and drives. In central London the Alpina is marvellous, in Gloucestershire the M5 may well be a sharper tool.
The new B5S.....one day I will have one in the garage and when prices fall to below 30K the dusty chequebook will be shaken off and the fountain pen will get ink dipped!!!
E60's are falling below 30K and by November will be much cheaper as punters flee the UK and head for Switzerland with bags of ca$h!!!
It does also depend upon where one lives and drives. In central London the Alpina is marvellous, in Gloucestershire the M5 may well be a sharper tool.
The new B5S.....one day I will have one in the garage and when prices fall to below 30K the dusty chequebook will be shaken off and the fountain pen will get ink dipped!!!
E60's are falling below 30K and by November will be much cheaper as punters flee the UK and head for Switzerland with bags of ca$h!!!
Ricardo - I honestly believe the B5S has it all.
I'm confident it's tweaks will render the questions asked of the B5 (not that their were many, tbh) fully answered and knowing the full extent of Bovensiepian under the hood naglunge, suspect that 530 bhp is a real world deliverer of saloon thrust rarely found hitherto.
To have experienced it's 'cottage buzzing' credentials in the B5 is to store automotive memories of simply biblical impression.
It's too easy to dismiss pure power until you've lived with a something so heavy hitting - some 30bhp/tonne more than an S65 AMG, for heaven's sake!
Also, the physical appearance of the B5(S) in the metal is/was a real joy.
Yes, Wibbletown cannot be long away...
I'm confident it's tweaks will render the questions asked of the B5 (not that their were many, tbh) fully answered and knowing the full extent of Bovensiepian under the hood naglunge, suspect that 530 bhp is a real world deliverer of saloon thrust rarely found hitherto.
To have experienced it's 'cottage buzzing' credentials in the B5 is to store automotive memories of simply biblical impression.
It's too easy to dismiss pure power until you've lived with a something so heavy hitting - some 30bhp/tonne more than an S65 AMG, for heaven's sake!
Also, the physical appearance of the B5(S) in the metal is/was a real joy.
Yes, Wibbletown cannot be long away...
Edited by derestrictor on Tuesday 27th January 09:30
Some excellent thread drift there!
Not sure about the assumption the V10 will come down to current V8 price levels but I don't think I could live with the V10 due to that gearbox plus, I do think it's ugly (just my view!).
Alpina doesn't really do it for me. I appreciate the history, the 70s stuff, but they've never really excited me. I'm not an auto fan and living just outside a wee village in the North east of Scotland, sitting in traffic's not overly high on our daily duties.
So far, you have all, basically, failed in giving me reasons not to buy an E39 M5. Excellent work!
Not sure about the assumption the V10 will come down to current V8 price levels but I don't think I could live with the V10 due to that gearbox plus, I do think it's ugly (just my view!).
Alpina doesn't really do it for me. I appreciate the history, the 70s stuff, but they've never really excited me. I'm not an auto fan and living just outside a wee village in the North east of Scotland, sitting in traffic's not overly high on our daily duties.
So far, you have all, basically, failed in giving me reasons not to buy an E39 M5. Excellent work!
Who is the local M specialist in your area....do they work on E39's and how far are you willing to travel to get specialist engine and electronic work undertaken?
The Alpina will more than surprise you, if you ever get the chance to drive on, be ready to eat humble pie. You can change gear using the steptronic buttons on the wheel, its not autobox all of the time and the response times when driving hard are amazing.
Finding a decent E39 could take a few weeks especially if you want a decent interior / exterior combination.
The Alpina will more than surprise you, if you ever get the chance to drive on, be ready to eat humble pie. You can change gear using the steptronic buttons on the wheel, its not autobox all of the time and the response times when driving hard are amazing.
Finding a decent E39 could take a few weeks especially if you want a decent interior / exterior combination.
Thing is with the E39 M5 you can forget it's genetic sequencing when used for commuto duties.
Sure, I give it a damn good raddishing most days but only ito a brief autobahn sprint.
Occasionally, however, you may find yourself in an environment devoid of potential witnesses and someone possessing less self restraint than I, might be inclined to deselect DSC and swing from a T and make like an arc.
It is scintillatingly //M-diffulatious and smoother than a cunnilingual lezfest in shiffon twixt Kyles and Lady Locklear but I have it on good authority that such easily provoked (and controllable) shenanigans are always a great reminder of what Mr T Noodles proclaimed back in 1999.
If you have the inclination there is only viable recommendation: pork away, pal!
Sure, I give it a damn good raddishing most days but only ito a brief autobahn sprint.
Occasionally, however, you may find yourself in an environment devoid of potential witnesses and someone possessing less self restraint than I, might be inclined to deselect DSC and swing from a T and make like an arc.
It is scintillatingly //M-diffulatious and smoother than a cunnilingual lezfest in shiffon twixt Kyles and Lady Locklear but I have it on good authority that such easily provoked (and controllable) shenanigans are always a great reminder of what Mr T Noodles proclaimed back in 1999.
If you have the inclination there is only viable recommendation: pork away, pal!
belleair302 said:
Who is the local M specialist in your area....do they work on E39's and how far are you willing to travel to get specialist engine and electronic work undertaken?
The Alpina will more than surprise you, if you ever get the chance to drive on, be ready to eat humble pie. You can change gear using the steptronic buttons on the wheel, its not autobox all of the time and the response times when driving hard are amazing.
Finding a decent E39 could take a few weeks especially if you want a decent interior / exterior combination.
The Alpina is a completely different car amined at a completely different customer. The Alpina will more than surprise you, if you ever get the chance to drive on, be ready to eat humble pie. You can change gear using the steptronic buttons on the wheel, its not autobox all of the time and the response times when driving hard are amazing.
Finding a decent E39 could take a few weeks especially if you want a decent interior / exterior combination.
Although I would take a B5s Touring over the E61 M5, to suggest someone wanting an M car should look at the Alpina version is ridiculous, they are worlds apart.
One is a manic, brutal sports car and the other is a seriously quick, refined mile muncher.
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