Help wanted on M5 F10 purchase

[Manchesterman]

Hi guys,

I have been reading pistonheads forum for years and decided to join up finally and contribute my knowledge (limited at best) and ask for advice from the vast knowlege pool in this forum.

I have had BMW's since 18 years old. Back then insurance was a killer but the drives from the humble 318i to E46 M3 cabriolet have brought me joy.

I needed some advice from experienced M5 F10 owners.

I have decided to treat myself to a used BMW Approved 2012 F10 M5 7552 miles on the clock in Saphire Black and Sakhir Orange interior with the m comfort seats. I have put the option list below if anyone is interested in seeing the profile of the car.



Here are some pictures of the car.



I managed to barter them down to £34,150 with 15 months AU warranty. I am planning to get the mondial comprehensive warranty before the AU warranty runs out.

I need some advice what to look out for as they are arranging the car to be brought to me in Manchester for a viewing and test drive midweek.

Further, I am activating all the conected drive subscriptions which they say is at a cost of approx £120 +VAT.

I have asked for the satnav to be updated to the latest version as the current nav is the 2014 version. Can someone help me with what the current version is?

My next question is that I am thinking of putting some carbon side skirts and carbon m exhaust tips to complete the look of the car? I been talking to a guy on e-bay who sources them from China as I am having real trouble finding them in UK. Can anyone help or point me in the right direction? I would also request any details of any garage or bodyshop that can fit them based in the notrhwest that can do a good clean job of fitting.

Lastly, I am thinking of having the car fully detailed and then the bonnet, side wings, bumper and splitter protected by a gtech type wrap to protect against stone chips etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction of a detailer based in or around Manchester.

Hopefully after I get these things done I would like to attend M5 meets or drives and possibly start taking the car to tracks. However that is a topic for the future.

Thank you in advance guys!

[Manchesterman]

By the way I am thinking of removing the m performance decal on the side doors if they are not factory fit option. Dealer is going to confirm. Although I might still remove them.

I am excited to test drive 'the beast' M5. The E46 M3 cabby was awesome. I really put that car through its paces. Loved every minute of it. I bet the M5 is just in another league.

I wanted to know if it is worth going to a guy that can code the vehicle for the little extra bits on HUD, boot closing etc. Will BMW notice if I have this done? Will it void warranty?

[Manchesterman]

This has got me a little worried after reading some threads on here. I am speaking to the dealership today regarding minimum AUBMW parameters for discs and pads.

This is what was e-mailed to me from them;

Inner & Outer Brake Pads are all 10mm,

Disc Thickness
Fronts is 32.6mm
Rears 26.7mm

Tyre Depths:

NSF 565
OSF 565
ORR 565
NSR 565

What do you think guys? How much more wear would I typically get as daily car, bearing in mind I will ocassionally have a heavy foot.

[Manchesterman]

Thank you guys for your insight and advice.

Charles, I read the same in a topic on here last night. However I have received the AUC inspection sheet. It is a full on 13 page document with an internal invoice attached.

I have already requested to change the front discs due to them being 1.8mm below their threshold
I have asked them to change the battery as this was running at 59%. I have also asked to explain the reason it was at 59%.

These guys are bending over backwards trying to accommodate me and I am dealing directly with the Regional Manager of the dealership and the General Manager. I made a massive complaint as I was infuriated by one of their sales staff. Maybe owning a law firm had something to do with it but I am dealing with them only.

St33ly - I haggled hard with them and got 15 months. They literally could offer more. they priced the car wrong and it went live. I responded immediately as coincidently I was online at that time. They are also offering me good money for a run down banger used at home for grocery shopping runs etc. It's on its last legs.

I can not upload the AUC report for some reason. It is very detailed and the car was in very good condition. They have done Engine oil service, Micro filter service, Vehicle check, Brake fluid service, rear axle differential service, Change baring in on of the wheels total cost in internal invoice 757.50 ex VAT.

Everything seems ok. I sent a final e-mail today asking them to confirm everything in writing. I have a good feeling about this vehicle. I think it is well looked after and they are being open and honest with me. Also it is all documented in writing.

Edited by Manchesterman on Monday 24th July 22:46

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

So what is the actual mileage then?

The mileage was 7620 verified yesterday at test drive and viewing. I can't believe they brought the car up to Manchester on a trailer and advisor.

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

It needed a new wheel bearing and front discs but the mileage is only 7552?? Or is that a typo and it's actually 75,520? If it's the former I would run a mile!

The readings were wrong way round. Confirmed by dealer in writing. I thought they told me wheel baring was changed but it has not. Again confirmed in writing

In all honesty the car was in mint condition. Everything looked like brand new. Aparently the last owner was an old fellow who was an enthausiast and had it parked indoors.

Really pleased with it. Pushing the dealer to give the already immaculate body a machine polish and full wax and confirm it in writing. They are activating all the services such as internet, real time teaffic, concierge etc.

I am having the decal removed too.

I can't wait to collect the car this Saturday.

[Manchesterman]

Welshbeef said:

All Bmws are condition based servicing + the 1,200 run in oil change.

Run in service was done at 1050. Previous owner serviced the car 5 times.

[Manchesterman]

So an update guys.

Yesterday the car was brought up to Manchester on a trailer as I insisted that nobody drive the car and put milage on etc. This dealership is really bending over backwards to keep me happy. I will reveal who they are after Saturday and if they really show me the 'bells and whistles service' as I challenged them in my e-mail I will reveal all and write them a testimonial etc.

The advisor was absoluty brilliant that came up with the car. He explained every little detail. He even went through a comprehensive checklist I had created. He was patient and very friendly. I have to say a very pleasant experience.

After this we went for a 45 minute test drive of mixed traffic and side roads. Then I took it for a run on the M60!!

What a car!!! The way the engine burbled!! And the sound!!! I was worried about the sound after reading reviews etc... I have to say... i loved her singing on the downshifts and acceleration. I was literally devastated when I got back to the office and watched the car being loaded onto to the trailer and taken back down south.

The car's bodywork was absolutely stunning, interior was also equally stunning. In the flesh/metal the car looks, drives like brand new.

I have confirmed the purchase with the dealer pending some small confirmations in writing and am set to pick her up on Saturday. 3 days before my birthday!!

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

So 7552 miles, no new wheel bearing but it needed new front discs?

No the readings were recorded the wrong way round. The front disc have plenty of life left in them.

[Manchesterman]

London GT3 said:

There are some odd things going on here apart from all the issues raised by others.

The car is a 2011 (see VIN check) but the OP says 2012.
Original owner was an older gentleman but has a boy racer side sticker and non standard front splitter
OP is the owner of a commercial law firm but can't spell.

Vin check is correct, car was registered in Jan 2012.

For the spelling I must apologise. But why would there be something odd going on?

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

Not trying to put the OP off what is obviously a dream car for him, but I've recently had a really bad experience buying an F10 M5 through a BMW main dealer network.

I bought what I believed was a one owner late plate car with 3500 miles. The dealer was almost 300 miles away so no chance to properly inspect car, went down and picked it up. On way back thought the car wasn't right, in particular it was making a noise. Took it straight to my local dealer when I got home and found that it needed two new wheel bearings. This didn't sort it completely, it was still making a noise, probably from the differential, pulled to the left and had quite a heavy vibration at speed. My dealer noted that the service record showed it had needed a full set of brake pads, brake fluid change, a new rear tyre and battery charging at it's pre-sale check!

I rejected the car and eventually got my money back, but I also discovered the car had belonged to a small car hire company, not BMW "management" as was claimed, and that someone else had bought it and rejected it before me. This from a large main dealer network, who clearly couldn't give a monkeys about what they sold, so long they could get it off their forecourt no questions asked.

BMW "Approved Used Cars", what a joke. (BMW weren't in the slightest bit interested when it was drawn to their attention)

So be very careful what you're doing with that car because the one I bought had clearly just spent it's entire 3500 miles on the track.



Edited to add: It was also a YJ plate. I think that's where BMW register a lot of their "management" cars

Edited by jm doc on Thursday 27th July 19:54

I appreciate the heads up. That must have been stressful. Glad you resolved it.

I have everything confirmed in writing. I had a long test drive on Wednesday. The car was immaculate.

The dealership in question did not provide good customer service initially. I made a massive complaint and got the regional manager involved. However since his involvement the service has been impeccable.

They have done everything to accommodate my requests and I have been a very picky customer believe me.

[Manchesterman]

Smuler said:

Great Birthday gift!
It's pretty obvious who the dealer is , as it's easy to look up the car from your description of age , miles , colour
Got my M3 from them and found them great.
Enjoy the car.

Lol.

They are doing minor cosmetic touches and they agreed to machine buff the car and apply a full coat of wax as per my request. I am very impressed. Effectively it is a minor detail!!

Thank you for your kind words my friend. You have any pics of your m3? I had an e46 individual cabby.

Edited by Manchesterman on Friday 28th July 00:17

Edited by Manchesterman on Friday 28th July 02:24

[Manchesterman]

London GT3 said:

There are some odd things going on here apart from all the issues raised by others.

The car is a 2011 (see VIN check) but the OP says 2012.
Original owner was an older gentleman but has a boy racer side sticker and non standard front splitter
OP is the owner of a commercial law firm but can't spell.

The front splitter and rear diffuser were fitted by bmw. The decal was on as it was a showroom display car. This again was confirmed by dealership in writing.

Can I ask? Why the scepticism?

[Manchesterman]

JMBMWM5 said:

t sounds really nice and a bargain buy for me, I have owned them and 7K miles is nothing on that car, just run-in. enjoy.

Thanks. I thought the same. I had my eye on a 2014 model but it had three times the miles over this one. The mileage could not be ignored. I feel that it has been a good decision.

I can't wait to put the car through it's paces.

[Manchesterman]

jm doc said:

Oops too late, just seen his new post. Oh well, fingers crossed!

Lol. You got me worried now. However after driving the vehicle it was in very good condition. You never know though.

I hope that is not the case as I will make sure I put all my energy and resources into ripping them a brand new one!!

Edited by Manchesterman on Friday 28th July 00:33

[Manchesterman]

Welshbeef said:

Clearly he thinks you are the salesman of said dealer OR a fantasy car buyer with a highly unbelievable scenario.
Plus it's the internet people type anything they like with no comeback which they would never say in person.
Or maybe he was after this specific car for himself and you nipped it.
Or maybe ? Who knows bad day in the office.

Let's go with bad day at the office.

I must say I did get slightly embarrased when he put up personal info. My bad for mentioning it.

If he did miss it then I can point him in the direction of the ones I had in my short list.

I suppose you get all sorts on the internet. I just genuinely wanted advice and joined up. It is a great place to share ideas, get advice and meet other like minded M fans.

[Manchesterman]

Smuler said:

Taken on one of my favourite Welsh Roads, which is popular with motoring journos too.

These were the best. The sound on the engine!!! Music to the ears.

I managed to dig out a couple of pics of my old cabby



The ebay add when I first seen it.



The picture is not great here as the interior does not look that nice imho.



After a quick wash at my favourite Supermarket carpark!!

[Manchesterman]

Smuler said:

Yeah, great sound.
I got a dascham in mine, so I replay the footage of my favourite drives.
You should do that for the M5

I was thinking that. Any suggestions? I don't want it to be noticeable but very discreet to the point that you can't notice it.

Do they help bring down insurance?

Also have you ever used one of those speed camera detectors? I was thinking of maybe getting one. However I am in two minds. I never really needed one before and I always been ok. Are they any good first of all?

I have never really driven fast in an urban setting. Too scared of hitting a child/adult or cyclist etc. Not worth it for some cheap thrills. Don't get me wrong, I have been 'swift' on A and B roads and motorway on occasion.

[Manchesterman]

JMBMWM5 said:

ou wont be disappointed just go easy till you get used to it.

I definately will get to know the vehicle first. No point in putting your head in your hands and crying after the event.

[Manchesterman]

Today is the big day fellas.

Breakfast first! No point in rushing things. Then off to train station with my brother heading down south to pick up the beast.

Insurance - done! Bank transfer - ready! Road tax - pending! Driver - ecstatic! Brother - woke up late!! Typical....

I feel like a kid at Christmas!! Wish me luck guys. Pics to follow.