Time to buy the M5 (E39)! Help needed please
Discussion
Firstly, Hello All!
I've been an avid reader of the forum for last 3 yrs, however never got round to signing up, so I thought its about time!
I was wondering about some advice from any E39 M5 owners, past or present.
Having taken the last 4 months to find a good example, I think I may have found something, but what should i look for mechanically? I've seen alot of recommends for getting a PPI or Indy check, but not sure what i should be expecting from them.
I've always admired the M5, I like the all-round appeal; keeping my lead foot happy whilst the misses is comfy in heated seats! However the "real" costs of running this beast are still a mystery to me. I've trawled the forums and abused the search facility at will, however I cant find a real-world guide to living with it.
My questions are:
1/ Service intervals for Insp I and II?
2/ Mechanical considerations dependant on mileage (80k-100k for example) and any cost associated?
3/ Range of fuel tank, when driven realistically and not with the pope next to you! Also average mpg's would help.
4/ Finally, am I totally bonkers getting one!
In short, i have to get one now or its kids and re-mortgage in a few years and i'll be doooomed to an estate (misses has no licence, no intention of getting one and uttered the word practical to me recently!)
Please help me out, as i want to make sure i've not left any stone unturned before i am blinkered by ownership!
Sorry for long post, but thanks for reading it!
I've been an avid reader of the forum for last 3 yrs, however never got round to signing up, so I thought its about time!
I was wondering about some advice from any E39 M5 owners, past or present.
Having taken the last 4 months to find a good example, I think I may have found something, but what should i look for mechanically? I've seen alot of recommends for getting a PPI or Indy check, but not sure what i should be expecting from them.
I've always admired the M5, I like the all-round appeal; keeping my lead foot happy whilst the misses is comfy in heated seats! However the "real" costs of running this beast are still a mystery to me. I've trawled the forums and abused the search facility at will, however I cant find a real-world guide to living with it.
My questions are:
1/ Service intervals for Insp I and II?
2/ Mechanical considerations dependant on mileage (80k-100k for example) and any cost associated?
3/ Range of fuel tank, when driven realistically and not with the pope next to you! Also average mpg's would help.
4/ Finally, am I totally bonkers getting one!
In short, i have to get one now or its kids and re-mortgage in a few years and i'll be doooomed to an estate (misses has no licence, no intention of getting one and uttered the word practical to me recently!)
Please help me out, as i want to make sure i've not left any stone unturned before i am blinkered by ownership!
Sorry for long post, but thanks for reading it!
I am a "new" owner, well six months. Bought at £8k 108k miles Lemans Blue. Coming from a Golf Mk4Gti (remaped) it is a huge step up the chain as you would expect and I genuinely can never see it being replaced in my family. It will stay even if I buy a newer car in addition.
I changed all the bushes I could afford to, circa £400 plus borrowing of a ramp. Changed the gear shift to the 545 E60 unit, full bloody good service and what a wonderful car. 12k miles in six months and I still genuinely look forward to driving it everyday. My days are usually 4am 60 miles of A and B roads to Stansted airport but even so, and even when late she returns 21mpg average. And often the last few mile home are done with all the windows down the sunroof back to allow me to listen to the NOISE beautiful! I even got a thumbs up from some poor bland lifed middle aged guy in a focus at 11pm while pushing on around the last few roundabouts near my home.
A ten year old car that I still ask my other half to wipe her shoes before getting in, dont park anywhere near another car and love like a high end girlfriend, beautiful and elegant but takes a damn good thrashing every now and again!
So yeah go ahead!
Oh and service two just cost me £550 but including a new Gearbox mount and diff seals.
Anything and I mean anything else can be found on M5Board, " A lovely set of guys!"
Below just cos I love her and both toys cost less than the E60 I went out to buy that day! Editted to add, I have many friends who ask how I can afford to run a 187mph car and a Ducati! Well thats because they combined cost alot less than their new Mondeo. And hand them an issue of Octane for educational purposes.
Dont fear the running costs, its worth it and really not that bad if you have a local Indy. I keep a 1k War Chest just in case and was worried about Vanos noice etc but worrying about that sort of thing spoils the fun of ownership. Just go ahead and
Not mine but motivational none the less. The Great Mr Roys work.
I changed all the bushes I could afford to, circa £400 plus borrowing of a ramp. Changed the gear shift to the 545 E60 unit, full bloody good service and what a wonderful car. 12k miles in six months and I still genuinely look forward to driving it everyday. My days are usually 4am 60 miles of A and B roads to Stansted airport but even so, and even when late she returns 21mpg average. And often the last few mile home are done with all the windows down the sunroof back to allow me to listen to the NOISE beautiful! I even got a thumbs up from some poor bland lifed middle aged guy in a focus at 11pm while pushing on around the last few roundabouts near my home.
A ten year old car that I still ask my other half to wipe her shoes before getting in, dont park anywhere near another car and love like a high end girlfriend, beautiful and elegant but takes a damn good thrashing every now and again!
So yeah go ahead!
Oh and service two just cost me £550 but including a new Gearbox mount and diff seals.
Anything and I mean anything else can be found on M5Board, " A lovely set of guys!"
Below just cos I love her and both toys cost less than the E60 I went out to buy that day! Editted to add, I have many friends who ask how I can afford to run a 187mph car and a Ducati! Well thats because they combined cost alot less than their new Mondeo. And hand them an issue of Octane for educational purposes.
Dont fear the running costs, its worth it and really not that bad if you have a local Indy. I keep a 1k War Chest just in case and was worried about Vanos noice etc but worrying about that sort of thing spoils the fun of ownership. Just go ahead and
Not mine but motivational none the less. The Great Mr Roys work.
Edited by humpbackmaniac on Tuesday 24th November 15:35
humpbackmaniac said:
Not mine but motivational none the less. The Great Mr Roys work.
Not fast enough 
http://www.rngtoy.com/thordur/almennt/Eurotour2007...
Get a good one and you won't regret it - I guarantee...!
I was hesitant to begin with despite wanting one for years but evenutally chucked in a E90 320d for my E39 2001 M5 - and never regretted it once. You will feel special driving it and enjoy the sense of having a car beneath you which is just about quicker than anything else if you wanted it to be yet is so refined, civilised and understated. You'll enjoy that those who know - will know and give you thumbs ups.
You'll even look down on an M3 driver.
in terms of oownership - i use mine for business, personal (have a 6 month old baby), and even the odd track day - and it's never missed a beat and even running it isn't too bad in terms of cost. yes things are a little bit more, but it's so worth it.
A few key points of my ownership you might find useful to know;
- I serviced mine slightly before it was required but it was approaching 15,000 miles since the last one so intervals are reasonable.
- I have driven from Bournemouth to brandon in Suffolk and back again in one day, in rush hour traffic and completed the 400 miles round trip on one tank of fuel (I enclose below a picture of the trip computer. You try AVERAGING 62 mph on a 400 mile trip and you'll see I wasn;t hanging around either!)
- I get 28 MPG on the motorway at 70-80MPH
- a rear tyre can cost as little as £115
- brake discs are pricey, but that won't be too often
- I did need to get the rear diff seals done because they developed a leak. that cost £350 and was the only non-maintenance expense and I think plenty of sideways abuse is probably to blame.
the only problem you'll get is that there is only one other car you will be able to buy afterwards - and that's a new shape M5..!!! Nothing else will do any more.
I have been saving and might even be selling mine soon to do just that. Any offers of £11k will be considered....
I was hesitant to begin with despite wanting one for years but evenutally chucked in a E90 320d for my E39 2001 M5 - and never regretted it once. You will feel special driving it and enjoy the sense of having a car beneath you which is just about quicker than anything else if you wanted it to be yet is so refined, civilised and understated. You'll enjoy that those who know - will know and give you thumbs ups.
You'll even look down on an M3 driver.
in terms of oownership - i use mine for business, personal (have a 6 month old baby), and even the odd track day - and it's never missed a beat and even running it isn't too bad in terms of cost. yes things are a little bit more, but it's so worth it.
A few key points of my ownership you might find useful to know;
- I serviced mine slightly before it was required but it was approaching 15,000 miles since the last one so intervals are reasonable.
- I have driven from Bournemouth to brandon in Suffolk and back again in one day, in rush hour traffic and completed the 400 miles round trip on one tank of fuel (I enclose below a picture of the trip computer. You try AVERAGING 62 mph on a 400 mile trip and you'll see I wasn;t hanging around either!)
- I get 28 MPG on the motorway at 70-80MPH
- a rear tyre can cost as little as £115
- brake discs are pricey, but that won't be too often
- I did need to get the rear diff seals done because they developed a leak. that cost £350 and was the only non-maintenance expense and I think plenty of sideways abuse is probably to blame.
the only problem you'll get is that there is only one other car you will be able to buy afterwards - and that's a new shape M5..!!! Nothing else will do any more.
I have been saving and might even be selling mine soon to do just that. Any offers of £11k will be considered....
Thanks Guys!It's interesting to see a tank range of 225-400, thats quite a difference!
I average about 12k a year, 60/40 split to fast aroad/town driving. Rarely in traffic, unless i'm late for work
(not common in case the boss reads the forum!).Current car gets 280/330 depending on rapidity and journey time, so i'm not a million miles away now. Guess it'll just be £15 extra per top up, quitting the fags has a new incentive!!!
Back to the car, any things you recommend changing when you start ownership? (belts/plugs/filters etc)Apparantly the car i'm looking at is getting a service and MOT done, oil service interval. Is it worth me asking them to do anything else at same time, as part of the deal? And yes, the one i'm after is from a stealer!
Thanks for your help so far guys!
Whilst they are doing the service get them to run a diagnostics check to see if it throws out any fault codes - this should highlight any major problems.
Also, check the inside edge of the front tyres for wear incase alignment is out.
Check to make sure the Sport button works. Drive at a steady 40 in 3rd then press it, you should feel a slight kick in the back and the steering get noticably heavier.
As previously said, you won't regret it. When I'm driving mine it really doesn't feel/perform/look like a 9 year old car - they are truly amazing machines!
When you get one just keep an eye on the oil level - they do use a bit and I wouldn't rely on the "oil level low" light to appear before adding oil. I think somewhere between a litre every 1000-1500 miles is about the average consumption. Oh, and read the manual regarding checking oil... you should do it with the engine at normal operating temperature.
Also, check the inside edge of the front tyres for wear incase alignment is out.
Check to make sure the Sport button works. Drive at a steady 40 in 3rd then press it, you should feel a slight kick in the back and the steering get noticably heavier.
As previously said, you won't regret it. When I'm driving mine it really doesn't feel/perform/look like a 9 year old car - they are truly amazing machines!
When you get one just keep an eye on the oil level - they do use a bit and I wouldn't rely on the "oil level low" light to appear before adding oil. I think somewhere between a litre every 1000-1500 miles is about the average consumption. Oh, and read the manual regarding checking oil... you should do it with the engine at normal operating temperature.
Some misleading info and some very helpful info there.
I have owned mine for 5 years and about 45k miles, very rarely do i get under 300 miles to a tank, as others have said 400 is possible but only on a long run and then only really on the m/way.
As for oil usage its only the pre late 2000 ones you really need to worry about (if i remember) ie before the nikasil problem was sorted and then i think some of the early ones had it sorted under warranty (i think).
Mine is mid 2001 and i probably top mine up once maybe twice between services which are usually between 15k-16k but i do do an interim oil service, as for servicing if its being done by an indie i would imagine a oil service will cost 140-180, a service 1 180-250 and a service 2 300-400ish all imo of course.
If you go to the stealer add at least a 100 quid to all of those if not more, oh and when you get it the first thing i would do is change the exhaust and then you will never listen to the radio ever again
Tim
I have owned mine for 5 years and about 45k miles, very rarely do i get under 300 miles to a tank, as others have said 400 is possible but only on a long run and then only really on the m/way.
As for oil usage its only the pre late 2000 ones you really need to worry about (if i remember) ie before the nikasil problem was sorted and then i think some of the early ones had it sorted under warranty (i think).
Mine is mid 2001 and i probably top mine up once maybe twice between services which are usually between 15k-16k but i do do an interim oil service, as for servicing if its being done by an indie i would imagine a oil service will cost 140-180, a service 1 180-250 and a service 2 300-400ish all imo of course.
If you go to the stealer add at least a 100 quid to all of those if not more, oh and when you get it the first thing i would do is change the exhaust and then you will never listen to the radio ever again
Tim
humpbackmaniac said:
Did you get hold of Hemmingstone Mikey?
Not yet.... I've got a couple of green lights left before the Insp 2 is due, however, I'll be ringing them soon as the 330d also needs an Inspec 2 in about 1500 miles. Perhaps I've been quoted special Essex prices... I mean, we're all millionaires here! Thanks for the info Mike - really appreciate it.Yep, I meant to say they don't all use lots of oil - but most do. Even BMW state that 1 litre per 800 miles is acceptable. Mine is a March '01 - and has used half a litre in the last 1500 miles I think. Just check regularly.
Also, over a few tank fulls on my old 25 miles each way commute down the A12 and into Brentwood the best I got was 27 MPG. Since I bought it I think I've done over 3000 miles and the computer says an average of just under 22 MPG. IMO very acceptable for what's on tap!
Oh, and try to get one with Satnav etc. You may not need/use it but it will certainly help if you want to sell.
M5 Board is your friend. It's mostly Yanks but they really know their stuff and are passionate about the cars and are very helpful. I'd be very surprised if you ever have anything go wrong that hasn't been covered on there!
Edited by mikey-r on Wednesday 25th November 20:50
I have an early 2000 which uses about 1 litre every 1500, so approx what's been said already. The early cars also have a distinct 'clatter' when first started which should only last 2-3 seconds, any more could indicate a vanos problem. It is normal as long as it dissapears. Later cars had a pressure value which maintains the high pressure to the Vanos to stop this. see www.drvanos.com for more info. Also check internal blower motor works, broken resistor pack is common fault on all E39's. I replaced mine myself cost about £60 but budget more if garage does it. The car is fantastic, I moved from a Chimaera as I now have kids to take out at the weekends. The M5 fits the bill perfectly, not many cars can carry 4 as quick or more quickly than many sports cars.
Timbo2 said:
As for oil usage its only the pre late 2000 ones you really need to worry about (if i remember) ie before the nikasil problem was sorted and then i think some of the early ones had it sorted under warranty (i think).
Correct with the dates, incorrect with the facts.The S62 block which is used in the E39 and E52 was manufactured exclusively using Alusil liners. The problems with the Nikasil liners relating the the V8 engines of the day (M60 and M62 on which the S62 is based) were rectified during the March 1997 production when they changed to Alusil liners instead of Nikasil ones. As the S62 was designed and built after this date, they have never been affected by the Nikasil liner issue. The reason for the increased oil consumption on the early cars is the design of the piston rings which was later modified (in late 2000 as you say), a couple of months before the facelift.
Having said that, not all early production cars use alot of oil. Mine is an early 2000 production model and it uses maybe half a liter between changes (every 5000 miles in this case). Its just a case of getting a good one.
Owner mine 6 years and done over 150k in it. Average around 22mpg. Service outside of BMW is cheap - last one £200 all in and no I don't bother with the myth of the 'BMW specialist'. Good points - on a good day it's fantastic drivers car on a bad day (which I hasten to add it hasn't had for a long time now X fingers.... it is an utter PITA)
All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
OllyBlox said:
Timbo2 said:
As for oil usage its only the pre late 2000 ones you really need to worry about (if i remember) ie before the nikasil problem was sorted and then i think some of the early ones had it sorted under warranty (i think).
Correct with the dates, incorrect with the facts.The S62 block which is used in the E39 and E52 was manufactured exclusively using Alusil liners. The problems with the Nikasil liners relating the the V8 engines of the day (M60 and M62 on which the S62 is based) were rectified during the March 1997 production when they changed to Alusil liners instead of Nikasil ones. As the S62 was designed and built after this date, they have never been affected by the Nikasil liner issue. The reason for the increased oil consumption on the early cars is the design of the piston rings which was later modified (in late 2000 as you say), a couple of months before the facelift.
Having said that, not all early production cars use alot of oil. Mine is an early 2000 production model and it uses maybe half a liter between changes (every 5000 miles in this case). Its just a case of getting a good one.
Thanks for all the advice guys! Really builds the confidence. I'd rather have all the bases covered so i have no suprises! Found an indy to look it over too, cheaper than the rac/aa standard check too!
Any thoughts about local indys for servicing, particularly etech motorsport in havant, hants? Inspection 1 will be due next time round, so i want to make sure it maintains its "healthcare"!
Mpg isnt a massive concern in the scheme of things, but things like suspension etc are... if the engine goes, it goes, but anything i can spot or prevent would be good to know!
So, my final question, what weak points/ failure points should ring alarm bells and esue a walkaway? i.e calcification area, rust spots, failure points, electric gremlin areas. All cars have their weak points after all, and a 7 yr old will be due tlc!
Any thoughts about local indys for servicing, particularly etech motorsport in havant, hants? Inspection 1 will be due next time round, so i want to make sure it maintains its "healthcare"!
Mpg isnt a massive concern in the scheme of things, but things like suspension etc are... if the engine goes, it goes, but anything i can spot or prevent would be good to know!
So, my final question, what weak points/ failure points should ring alarm bells and esue a walkaway? i.e calcification area, rust spots, failure points, electric gremlin areas. All cars have their weak points after all, and a 7 yr old will be due tlc!
drivin_me_nuts said:
Owner mine 6 years and done over 150k in it. Average around 22mpg. Service outside of BMW is cheap - last one £200 all in and no I don't bother with the myth of the 'BMW specialist'. Good points - on a good day it's fantastic drivers car on a bad day (which I hasten to add it hasn't had for a long time now X fingers.... it is an utter PITA)
All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
I'll give you a couple of k for yours if you want to bin it .....All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
Just adding my bit. Oil consumption depends on how it's driven,work it hard and it does like a drink.
Mine is very fussy about what fuel I put in it, I get around 22-24 mpg on Esso,Shell and some BP but struggle to get over 20mpg on supermarket dogp**s and don't run it for too long with the fuel warning light on as it can trigger the EML light on the dash.Sounds weird I know but it does register as a fault code when interrogated even after its cleared itself!?
As someone else posted 27mpg while averaging 60+mph is quite feasable, I've done it myself!
Mine is very fussy about what fuel I put in it, I get around 22-24 mpg on Esso,Shell and some BP but struggle to get over 20mpg on supermarket dogp**s and don't run it for too long with the fuel warning light on as it can trigger the EML light on the dash.Sounds weird I know but it does register as a fault code when interrogated even after its cleared itself!?
As someone else posted 27mpg while averaging 60+mph is quite feasable, I've done it myself!
mondeoman said:
drivin_me_nuts said:
Owner mine 6 years and done over 150k in it. Average around 22mpg. Service outside of BMW is cheap - last one £200 all in and no I don't bother with the myth of the 'BMW specialist'. Good points - on a good day it's fantastic drivers car on a bad day (which I hasten to add it hasn't had for a long time now X fingers.... it is an utter PITA)
All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
I'll give you a couple of k for yours if you want to bin it .....All the usual stuff about service history etc, but also check other things like the door mirrors working properly, all the electrics and rust just inside the fuel flap (if there was ever a daft place to put a seam it must be here).
As for oil consumption, mine likes a drink. It will easily consume around a litre every 800 miles (early 1999 model). Opie is your friend and I buy oil in cases ever now and then. Tyres depend very much on what you plan to do with it. On mine I uses SP9000's - mainly because I do lots of Mway driving and they last, really really last (current set on 50k, rears not much longer to go as the wear ridge is now very close)
Tbe way I look at is I think of the E39 M5 as a throw away car in so far as the costs of repair of big items are prohibitive and If it breaks big time, bin it and start again.
Mine is now somewhere not shy of 200k. I don't use it very much anymore. Maybe 3k a year but on the days I get to use it as it was meant to be, it is still an absolute thrill. There are very few pleasures in life as lovely as a bigish V8 on full throttle. M5's are a strangely compelliny addiction.
One last thing to be aware of, I have known at least 3 now that have had cylinder cracks between 7 and 8. Big bill time... Those were warranty jobs a few years ago, but I suspect that most of not all E39's will be out of warranty now.
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