Discussion
Hi all,
Just been reading a post on how reliable high mileage M3's could be. So was just wondering what sort of mileage people are getting out of their e39 M5's. Mine is a first edition 1999 e39 and has just rolled on to 192k, albeit having had a full engine rebuild update at 120k. Be interesting to see if people have got mega high miles without major engine work.
Andy
Just been reading a post on how reliable high mileage M3's could be. So was just wondering what sort of mileage people are getting out of their e39 M5's. Mine is a first edition 1999 e39 and has just rolled on to 192k, albeit having had a full engine rebuild update at 120k. Be interesting to see if people have got mega high miles without major engine work.
Andy
Mine is on 171k and still had its original clutch at 165k. I changed it for peace of mind. Mine has had its left Vanos replaced at 42K but no major engine work since and hopefully not for some time to come. There is a wine in 5th and 6th which is a testament to its life sat on motorways. I have over £13k of bills for it but a good proportion of that is warranty work but does include servicing and tyres. Did 330 miles today and it just flies. The pull in 5th gear at 70+ is astounding 
CarbonBlackM5 said:
Mine is on 171k and still had its original clutch at 165k. I changed it for peace of mind. Mine has had its left Vanos replaced at 42K but no major engine work since and hopefully not for some time to come. There is a wine in 5th and 6th which is a testament to its life sat on motorways. I have over £13k of bills for it but a good proportion of that is warranty work but does include servicing and tyres. Did 330 miles today and it just flies. The pull in 5th gear at 70+ is astounding
I sold mine at 103k miles and it still felt great. How is yours at 171k? Anything feel tired?
And I note your clutch life. It annoys me when people say the clutch is poor. Its their throttle and clutch control that are at fault. Idiots who are either scared of stalling or think their cars need 2k RPM to pull away each time.
The M5 engine is a bruser and doesnt tolerate clutch slip well. A good driver will get big milage out of the plates.
If you put a manual in the 550i you would have the same issue with some.
Sorry to go OT.
carlgrz said:
135k here and going strong. Things obviously wear out but it doesn't cost the earth to keep it in good nick. There are plenty of examples on M5board of 200k plus. Built like a flippin tank.
Yes Im aware of them. Some over there do crazy mileage. My only thing was to allow the engine and gearbox oil to warm thrououghly before loading. Personally I think the Vanos will thank you for it.
The big end bearings seem to be an issue regardless of care and seemed quite a random attacker.
Neil.D said:
CarbonBlackM5 said:
Mine is on 171k and still had its original clutch at 165k. I changed it for peace of mind. Mine has had its left Vanos replaced at 42K but no major engine work since and hopefully not for some time to come. There is a wine in 5th and 6th which is a testament to its life sat on motorways. I have over £13k of bills for it but a good proportion of that is warranty work but does include servicing and tyres. Did 330 miles today and it just flies. The pull in 5th gear at 70+ is astounding
I sold mine at 103k miles and it still felt great. How is yours at 171k? Anything feel tired?
And I note your clutch life. It annoys me when people say the clutch is poor. Its their throttle and clutch control that are at fault. Idiots who are either scared of stalling or think their cars need 2k RPM to pull away each time.
The M5 engine is a bruser and doesnt tolerate clutch slip well. A good driver will get big milage out of the plates.
If you put a manual in the 550i you would have the same issue with some.
Sorry to go OT.
CarbonBlackM5 said:
The chap I brought it from had it for 9yrs, was an older chap and spent his life on motorways so he treated the clutch well. Overall the car is great. The flywheel has some slack but not bad enough to warrant a change when we did the clutch. The widows are slow but in fairness you wouldn't know it had done 171k buy looking or driving it. Even the drivers seat has worn well. Its a example of how well these cars were engineered. I wonder if the E60 will age as well?
sorry OT, but CarbonBlack - are you "EON" ? 
131k here, bushes and E60 Gear change "upgrade" made all the difference. Shocks next and prop bearing Monday. On the second clutch, changed at 75k by previous owner, he blames his wife.
Wheel bearings all went in sequence, and slight trim rattle from drivers door, cured with an elbow nudge after every shut are the only probs thus far.
Wheel bearings all went in sequence, and slight trim rattle from drivers door, cured with an elbow nudge after every shut are the only probs thus far.
spareparts said:
CarbonBlackM5 said:
The chap I brought it from had it for 9yrs, was an older chap and spent his life on motorways so he treated the clutch well. Overall the car is great. The flywheel has some slack but not bad enough to warrant a change when we did the clutch. The widows are slow but in fairness you wouldn't know it had done 171k buy looking or driving it. Even the drivers seat has worn well. Its a example of how well these cars were engineered. I wonder if the E60 will age as well?
sorry OT, but CarbonBlack - are you "EON" ? 
Just saw a lovely carbonblack E39 M5 this morning along embankment with caramel interior this am. Not many of them around!Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff