Anyone thinking of selling their E39 M5?

[Quinten]

Just like the PH-er who's title I unashamedly copied, I'm looking for an E39 M5, and I rather buy from someone who cares and is an enthousiast than from an uncaring trader.

That said, I am looking for an E39 M5, first registered before 01/03/2001 (anything on an X plate and less) and with less than 100K miles. Full (and documented) service history (BMW/indy) a must, and so is the 1200 mile running in service.

Am really looking for a black or blue one, but if the car is right, I'm not gonna turn down any other colour. Black or black/grey interior only though. Bonus points for folding rear bench and even better if it has the detachable tow bar (but that's just wishful thinking).

Budget is up to £10K but for that I expect it to be immaculate.

Here's hoping...

Q.

[POORCARDEALER]

1200 miles service??


What is the relevance of that when the car is potentially 6 years out of warranty?

[4340BB]

It is possibly the most important service in the service book.

[POORCARDEALER]

I would think any problem with not having the 1200 mile service done would have shown itself long ago on a 10 year old car

[Andyt25]

POORCARDEALER said:

1200 miles service??


What is the relevance of that when the car is potentially 6 years out of warranty?

I suppose it goes some way to showing that the car has been cared for from the start...

[Hedgetrimmer]

POORCARDEALER said:

I would think any problem with not having the 1200 mile service done would have shown itself long ago on a 10 year old car

No necessarily. The car may be down on power (lower compression due to bore wear) or have more internal wear than normal due to having run mineral oils within diff, gearbox and engine for too long a period during the running in process. These oils will not necessarily cause failure but will increase wear under heavy use.

The problems may still be due to manifest. Also its a sign of neglect and may be reflected in the condition of the rest of the car.

[Quinten]

It's been widely documented why the 1200 mile service is important, and although the effect may be neglectable on a 10 year old car, it's important to me, the buyer

[M5Dave]

Just curious, but why don't you want anything newer than an 'X' plate.

[Quinten]

M5Dave said:

Just curious, but why don't you want anything newer than an 'X' plate.

Tax

I know it's only a small difference (£190 vs £215), but this difference will grow bigger over the years (from next week it will be already £205 vs £245). And I wouldn't put it past the government that they'll continue with their plan to abandon the special arrangement of band K.

Parkers Website said:

Please note: All cars registered between March 2001 and March 2006 that produce more than 225g/km CO2, will temporarily join Band K in 2009 and 2010.[1]

And that would mean a whopping £435 tax for the M5

[1] http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/Road-tax/Guide-to-ta...

[Great Pretender]

POORCARDEALER said:

I would think any problem with not having the 1200 mile service done would have shown itself long ago on a 10 year old car

On the contrary, I'd expect problems relating to such only to manifest themselves later on in the car's life.

[Neil.D]

Great Pretender said:

POORCARDEALER said:

I would think any problem with not having the 1200 mile service done would have shown itself long ago on a 10 year old car

On the contrary, I'd expect problems relating to such only to manifest themselves later on in the car's life.

Agreed.

[ferrisbueller]

Quinten said:

M5Dave said:

Just curious, but why don't you want anything newer than an 'X' plate.

Tax

I know it's only a small difference (£190 vs £215), but this difference will grow bigger over the years (from next week it will be already £205 vs £245). And I wouldn't put it past the government that they'll continue with their plan to abandon the special arrangement of band K.

Parkers Website said:

Please note: All cars registered between March 2001 and March 2006 that produce more than 225g/km CO2, will temporarily join Band K in 2009 and 2010.[1]

And that would mean a whopping £435 tax for the M5

[1] http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/Road-tax/Guide-to-ta...

I don't get that number when I use their online tax calculator. I get £245. You sure the numbers are right?

[Neil.D]

Y reg onwards will be £245 PM as of April '10

X reg and before will be £205 PM. Joy.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/road-tax/?deriv=1609...

[Hedgetrimmer]

Quinten said:

M5Dave said:

Just curious, but why don't you want anything newer than an 'X' plate.

Tax

I know it's only a small difference (£190 vs £215), but this difference will grow bigger over the years (from next week it will be already £205 vs £245). And I wouldn't put it past the government that they'll continue with their plan to abandon the special arrangement of band K.

Parkers Website said:

Please note: All cars registered between March 2001 and March 2006 that produce more than 225g/km CO2, will temporarily join Band K in 2009 and 2010.[1]

And that would mean a whopping £435 tax for the M5

[1] http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/Road-tax/Guide-to-ta...

Have you factored in the cost of around 1 ltr of oil per 1000 miles at a cost of £12 per litre as a result of the older pre facelift piston ring design or even the cost of a vanos rebuild (£2k +). I think the difference in tax represents only a very small part of the overall cost equation!

[Quinten]

Hedgetrimmer said:

Have you factored in the cost of around 1 ltr of oil per 1000 miles at a cost of £12 per litre as a result of the older pre facelift piston ring design or even the cost of a vanos rebuild (£2k +). I think the difference in tax represents only a very small part of the overall cost equation!

No, I haven't, and am not too ashamed to admit not realising that there was an upgrade in engine bits with the facelift model? Are you saying the facelift model doesn't run 1 liter oil on 1000 miles? I thought Vanos is a potential issue on both pre and post facelift? Anything else I should be looking at to possibly adjust my buying requirements?

[968CSReading]

Im looking for one too but I dont have 10K to spend. Have you looked at any yet because I dont think you will find a perfect one for under £10K. These cars are around 10yrs old now so they are going to be showing signs of age.

As per my thread today the 99 plate with 56K went for £10700 at an auction and that would have needed paint work to the bonnet, bumper and a full detail with several dints removed.

I think you will be needing to spend more than £10K for a perfect one. Im happy to find one that is well looked after mechanically but just needs a little TLC (detailing, some paint work, wheel refurb etc).

[Quinten]

I am fairly confident that my budget is enough for a decent one, but time will tell... My car isn't going back to the lease company until November, so I've left myself plenty of time to find one.

[zip929]

I have just bought a 2002 E39 M5 and my wallet is getting a good hammering.

New front Control arm bushes and investigation into Brake judder £330 from Bexley Motor Works.

Still not resolved the brake judder.
There is an AP racing kit on the front and I got a £1200 quote from Demon Tweeks to replace the Discs, Bells and Pads.
I am reverting back to the original calipers which unfortunately have seized, so
I have had to buy 2 second hand from Ebay for £196.
New Discs, Pads and sensors from BMW £480.
The left side MAF also needs replacing so just spent £174 on this.

Swapping brakes and MAF tomorrow, just hope the bills slow down a bit. Quick car but likes a pound note being spent on it, £1,180 spent in a couple of weeks.

[POORCARDEALER]

makes the 1200 mile service missed 10 years ago not too relevant.


Buy on current condition

[ferrisbueller]

POORCARDEALER said:

makes the 1200 mile service missed 10 years ago not too relevant.

Based on what exactly?