My E39 M5 Christmas Present
Discussion
Hello All,
If you aren't familiar with the petrolveins car history, a quick overview:
At 19 I bought my beloved BMW E46 330i Sport, at 21 I replaced it with a Saab 9-5 Aero Estate, replaced that with a Lotus Elise S2 111S this year, and added a BMW E39 540i Sport Auto to the fleet when I turned 22 this summer. After much debate the Elise was sold last month, I decided I would find one car to replace both the Elise and the 540i, I've still got the 540i but it will be sold in the New Year. The search took me through many different options, but in the end the heart ruled over the head and on Christmas Eve I bought myself my long-standing dream car.....an E39 M5.
Without further a do here it is...
E39 M5 by tlynchie, on Flickr
E39 M5 by tlynchie, on Flickr
E39 M5 by tlynchie, on Flickr
E39 M5 by tlynchie, on Flickr
It's a December 2000 car, which makes it a facelift 2001 model year. Finished in LeMans Blue with Black Heritage Leather inside with Walnut trim. It has covered 119k with full BMW and Specialist history.
I looked at several M5s and struggled to find a good one, so many have fallen into the wrong hands, others aren't advertised accurately. But I soon realised I wasn't going to find a perfect car. Most disappointing was some of the "immaculate" cars listed for over £12k were far from it. I was made aware of this car through a friend of a friend, and while not perfect was by far the most honest car I'd seen. I got a good deal, because I knew it needed some attention in the brake department, and also a new thermostat along with some more minor issues such as parking sensors, wheel refurb etc. I'm not going to lie I hesitated hugely when I began looking at M5s, especially after seeing some of the higher priced ones, the tales of huge bills ringing in my ears but the honesty of this car and a very genuine seller along with a good deal meant I knew I had plenty of budget to get things right on this car. If I had spent top money I'd have nothing left when it breaks. So with my spare change I'll probably get the suspension overhauled if I can too, and get a silencer delete sorted to unleash some noise! Bonus is the interior in this one is almost unmarked, beside some stonchips and the odd scuff the bodywork is free of corrosion, and it came with some very new conti rear tyres and some good Pirellis on the front. No nav, but I've got it on the 540i and even with the latest discs never ever use it. Oh and the plate was included, I wasn't sure what FUM could mean, but after some googling I've discovered 'fum' is romanian for smoke. That'll do nicely.
If I'm honest I'm not quite sure it has sunk in yet that it's mine. I've wanted one of these since the day they came out, and now I own one! With the brakes not at their best I haven't explored anywhere near its limits yet, but my God it is stonkingly fast! On paper I think the Elise is quicker to 60, but the way this thing pulls from low revs so hard is incredible. It comes alive at higher speed where the Elise was running out of puff. When doing my research I discovered the S62 engine develops 75% of peak torque from just 1,000 rpm. How did they do that!!? When you accelerate up through the gears the way it pushes you back into seat after each change is fantastic! It's also incredibly comfortable, just wafting along beautifully when asked to. The sport button is also a revelation. With it pressed the throttle is so much more responsive and the steering much better weighted, then when you've had your fun and trundle into the next village you depress the sport button and the whole car just seems to exhale deeply and just relax down. Amazing. The first time I drove one of these last year I didn't know about that button and came away bitterly disappointed, so glad I went back to look again. This one could be a keeper. It's far too quiet though so those silencers are in for the chop. I'm sure it will cost me a fortune in the long term but it will be so worth it! With a dicky thermostat I can't rely on my mpg figures but my 17mpg average at the moment is tolerable. Insurance isn't great either, but it'll get less the closer I get to 25.
I'll do by best to keep this updated with photos and costs. Merry Christmas folks, I'm off go to sink another bottle of rum now and stare at my M5, (and 540i for that matter).
If you aren't familiar with the petrolveins car history, a quick overview:
At 19 I bought my beloved BMW E46 330i Sport, at 21 I replaced it with a Saab 9-5 Aero Estate, replaced that with a Lotus Elise S2 111S this year, and added a BMW E39 540i Sport Auto to the fleet when I turned 22 this summer. After much debate the Elise was sold last month, I decided I would find one car to replace both the Elise and the 540i, I've still got the 540i but it will be sold in the New Year. The search took me through many different options, but in the end the heart ruled over the head and on Christmas Eve I bought myself my long-standing dream car.....an E39 M5.
Without further a do here it is...
E39 M5 by tlynchie, on FlickrE39 M5 by tlynchie, on FlickrE39 M5 by tlynchie, on FlickrE39 M5 by tlynchie, on FlickrIt's a December 2000 car, which makes it a facelift 2001 model year. Finished in LeMans Blue with Black Heritage Leather inside with Walnut trim. It has covered 119k with full BMW and Specialist history.
I looked at several M5s and struggled to find a good one, so many have fallen into the wrong hands, others aren't advertised accurately. But I soon realised I wasn't going to find a perfect car. Most disappointing was some of the "immaculate" cars listed for over £12k were far from it. I was made aware of this car through a friend of a friend, and while not perfect was by far the most honest car I'd seen. I got a good deal, because I knew it needed some attention in the brake department, and also a new thermostat along with some more minor issues such as parking sensors, wheel refurb etc. I'm not going to lie I hesitated hugely when I began looking at M5s, especially after seeing some of the higher priced ones, the tales of huge bills ringing in my ears but the honesty of this car and a very genuine seller along with a good deal meant I knew I had plenty of budget to get things right on this car. If I had spent top money I'd have nothing left when it breaks. So with my spare change I'll probably get the suspension overhauled if I can too, and get a silencer delete sorted to unleash some noise! Bonus is the interior in this one is almost unmarked, beside some stonchips and the odd scuff the bodywork is free of corrosion, and it came with some very new conti rear tyres and some good Pirellis on the front. No nav, but I've got it on the 540i and even with the latest discs never ever use it. Oh and the plate was included, I wasn't sure what FUM could mean, but after some googling I've discovered 'fum' is romanian for smoke. That'll do nicely.
If I'm honest I'm not quite sure it has sunk in yet that it's mine. I've wanted one of these since the day they came out, and now I own one! With the brakes not at their best I haven't explored anywhere near its limits yet, but my God it is stonkingly fast! On paper I think the Elise is quicker to 60, but the way this thing pulls from low revs so hard is incredible. It comes alive at higher speed where the Elise was running out of puff. When doing my research I discovered the S62 engine develops 75% of peak torque from just 1,000 rpm. How did they do that!!? When you accelerate up through the gears the way it pushes you back into seat after each change is fantastic! It's also incredibly comfortable, just wafting along beautifully when asked to. The sport button is also a revelation. With it pressed the throttle is so much more responsive and the steering much better weighted, then when you've had your fun and trundle into the next village you depress the sport button and the whole car just seems to exhale deeply and just relax down. Amazing. The first time I drove one of these last year I didn't know about that button and came away bitterly disappointed, so glad I went back to look again. This one could be a keeper. It's far too quiet though so those silencers are in for the chop. I'm sure it will cost me a fortune in the long term but it will be so worth it! With a dicky thermostat I can't rely on my mpg figures but my 17mpg average at the moment is tolerable. Insurance isn't great either, but it'll get less the closer I get to 25.
I'll do by best to keep this updated with photos and costs. Merry Christmas folks, I'm off go to sink another bottle of rum now and stare at my M5, (and 540i for that matter).
Edited by petrolveins on Saturday 14th February 15:20
TheAngryDog said:
Well done, its a nice looking car. Not so keen on the wood trim though!
What are the jacking points like? Pixels on the clocks?
I aren't a fan of the sport button, kinda makes the car feel a little artificial to me, but everyone has their preferences!
Get signed up to the M5Board and BMW5 Forums!
Jacking points seem fine, ahhh yeah pixels have gone walkies off the dash, but its on my list of little things to sort out. What I like about it most, is its a good honest car, that needs some work and then it can be enjoyed and driven like it was meant to be and I won't feel one bit guilty about it! Neeeeeed to get it booked in for the brakes soon as though.What are the jacking points like? Pixels on the clocks?
I aren't a fan of the sport button, kinda makes the car feel a little artificial to me, but everyone has their preferences!
Get signed up to the M5Board and BMW5 Forums!
Jer_1974 said:
How much does that cost you to insure and curious at 22 what do you do for a living?
£1500 which isn't too bad I guess. Hard to explain what I do for a living, a few on here know, but I look after a collection of rather nice classic cars among some other things.Edited by Jer_1974 on Saturday 27th December 22:34
Janosh said:
Looks lovely 
What made you choose the M5 over a Monaro?
This was half the price of a nice Monaro, and a far better car in every respect. I loved the Monaro because it was different and sounded the nuts, but the high driving position and crap build quality would have annoyed me.What made you choose the M5 over a Monaro?
Refined Detail said:
Very nice, still have a softspot for these, and yours is one of the decent colour combinations.
Plate looks familar... were you behind me on the A272 around Cowfold - Haywards Heath on Christmas Eve (iirc) I was in an Phoenix Yellow E46 M3 convertible.
Thanks, and nope not me. It returned home to Surrey from Kent in the morning, and then I was too pissed to drive it again until yesterday.Plate looks familar... were you behind me on the A272 around Cowfold - Haywards Heath on Christmas Eve (iirc) I was in an Phoenix Yellow E46 M3 convertible.
CMYKguru said:
petrolveins said:
CMYKguru said:
Looks better than the current model imo.
Imagine insurance is a right wallet emptier.
I'll ignore the illegal numberplate as it looks so good
I agree, best looking M5 they made.Imagine insurance is a right wallet emptier.
I'll ignore the illegal numberplate as it looks so good
Do please explain why you think the numberplate is illegal?
Patrick Bateman said:
I would add to enjoy it and don't become obsessed over getting it mint.
I still can barely feel any difference in the steering with the sport button though.
I want to get the mechanicals solid, the stone chips and the wheels needing a refurb don't bother me, actually the opposite, it means I'm not afraid to use the car and drive it properly!I still can barely feel any difference in the steering with the sport button though.
I find the steering change most noticeable on a constant radius corner like a motorway off ramp or something, there is a lot more resistance and sense of the wheel trying to self-centre in sport mode.
On another note I can also confirm that the LSD is function correctly, first car I've had with one. It's ummmm... lively in this frosty weather. Me and this car are going to get along just great I can feel it.
lewisf182 said:
Fair play, your much braver than me! Would have loved to go E39 M5/E46 M3 but just couldn't stomach the potential for huge bills so ended up with the car I have. I'm guessing if you look after some classics you must be pretty decent with a spanner? in which case may help to offset any potential big costs.
Congrats anyway, if I were you I wouldn't bother with refurb etc as you'll only kerb it again at some point, enjoy it for what a bargain it is and save the money for petrol!
I was nervous, too but knew if I didn't do it now I never would! Getting for a good price means there is money in the bank. Agree with the wheel refurb, I've never kerbed a wheel yet but nor have I ever refurbed a set. Don't want to tempt fate.Congrats anyway, if I were you I wouldn't bother with refurb etc as you'll only kerb it again at some point, enjoy it for what a bargain it is and save the money for petrol!
I see you've got a 130i, that was a serious sensible contender on my list, but I knew I'd spend a shed load getting a Quaife in it, suspension bits etc, and also it's a bit small for when I've got 4 in the car. Jolly good fun to drive though, and in the current weather probably a lot quicker than the M5 too.
Pommygranite said:
The "walnut" trim is easily changed (mostly pops off) and you can buy complete "aluminium" or piano black trims for a few hundred quid. Bit of a leather treatment and you have what will feel like a new interior for under £300.
Nice car you have there.
But why would I replace my wonderful walnut interior for some dull silver or black plastic? I love my walnut trim, it was my first choice trim! Works very well with the heritage leather too. Nice car you have there.
Pommygranite said:
petrolveins said:
But why would I replace my wonderful walnut interior for some dull silver or black plastic? I love my walnut trim, it was my first choice trim! Works very well with the heritage leather too.
Because it looks erm, horrific? 
If you like it then that's all that matters.
Dropped the car off at my legend of a mechanic this evening with a list of issues that need sorting, brake judder, suspected broken thermostat, the fan that stays on while the car is warm and sounds like a jet engine, some slightly wandery front end handling characteristics and a new intermittant issue where it appears the battery is flat and it won't start but after 5 or so attempts it will burst into life fine. I spoke to him briefly in the week about exhausts, and silencer delete versus other systems as something I want to look at when these teething issues are sorted. When I dropped it off today, he just said "right I'll work through the list and get all these issues sorted for as little money as possible and leave you more money to make it as loud as possible". I actually love that man! Fingers crossed he can get to the bottom of these issues cheaply. I've left it with him for the next week or two so he can look it and around more important stuff, besides I've still got the 540i to bumble about it. Missing the M5 already! Will update you when it's back and I've got a substantial bill for the work needed.
Update time!
It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
It's been with my mechanic for what feels like forever but in reality was probably 2 or 3 weeks. While I still have the 540i not leaving him with tight time constraints seems to make things a bit cheaper. So the bill... Bit more than I was hoping but around what I thought, but a few additional items needed. Good news is I'm still not upto the initial asking price of the car with what I've spent so far.
So I went in with a list for thermostat related issues, horrible steering wobble when braking, slightly wander handling oh and the starting issue that came and went.
Thermostat was replaced and has rectified all those issues and mpg is now noticeably improved.
The brake judder unfortunately was the discs, where they had sat last year they had built up a large deposit where they met the pads and had to be binned, new set of front discs wasn't cheap! Sadly it hasn't fully rectified the problem, they used to judder all the time on the brakes, now though I still have a slight judder when braking firmly through about 80-60, not present below that so will need to get that looked at, least I have full confidence in the brakes now and can enjoy the car!
Unfortunately the starting issue required a new starter motor, but least that's sorted now.
It also needed a few bits like a track rod end etc, and 4 wheel alignment as there was a lot of toe in on one rear which explained the wandery handling.
It also needed some exhaust brackets and some random bits and bobs. It's also got it's M5 badge back, wasn't a fan of it being debadged when the number plate was a dead giveaway.
Engine and gearbox have been given a clean bill of health.
Only items to note are the diff is a bit leaky and the rear brake lines could do with attention. Since the exhaust would need to come off for the diff work I figured I would wait until I upgrade it and do it all then, hopefully around April after I get my bonus.
Have to say while it was gone I was really enjoying the 540i and wondering if I actually needed the M5 especially because at that point I did know know what else the M5 might need. Driving the M5 home soon changed that, it is just the most epic car. So much grip compared the 540i, and proper shove in the back poke. With the wheels all pointing the right way the handling is much better and with the brakes now working without vibrating my hands off the wheel I can actually push it, it rides so well even down bumpy b-roads. Absolute weapon.
It also ticked over 120k on the way home. Just about run in then I think.
Only plans now are to tidy it up a little more. It could do with a bonnet and front bumper respray, also the filler car has the signs of slight bubbling as most seem to. Part of me says leave the respray as I can use it and not worry about stone chips so it's low down the list. Besides that some minor bits of trim could do with replacing, got dead dash pixels too and two dead parking sensors to replace. Oh and that plate is certainly the wrong font, good spot whoever that was. I'll get a nice Sytner plate on it soon, can't get a supplying dealer one as the supplying dealer was in Hamburg! But Sytner did the first service so that seems appropriate.
Two areas i wanted to ask some advice on are the sound system, I believe its the basic cheap upgrade to "HIFI Loudspeaker System" and frankly its the worst system I've had in a car. No Bass, very trebly and adjusting the levels makes the slightest bit of difference. I am aware from googling of a US company called BavSound who for about $500 sell a system to just swap all the OEM speakers, leaving the head unit alone and the reviews are very positive and it looks easy to fit. I detest aftermarket systems so this appeals, I don't want a different head unit or speakers that look any different, an AUX in would be nice rather than my tape player adapter so any advice here would be great.
Next area I mentioned earlier is exhaust, and to be possibly the most important bit now, It's far far too quiet. My old Elise had a Larini Club Sport and decat and sounded insane! Too loud really but a fantastic characterful noise. Most people are recommending the Hayward and Scott system with others saying it's the same result as a muffler delete, I think the muffler delete looks chavvy tbh. But it's the only one I've experienced in the flesh and it did sound good, just a little shouty at low rpm, also drove a Milltek one and it was far too quiet. I have always lusted over an Eisenmann Race system, the best option seems to be to combine it with a Supersprint X-Pipe, It's a lot more money but is it worth it? The videos on YouTube seem to show off a far more unique characterful sound, but how loud is it? How do the noise levels compare to the muffler delete? Next question has anyone got an Eisenmann on their M5 that I could come see, or indeed a Hayward & Scott? I'd like it to be loud, there will of course be some drone, as long as it isn't headache inducing like it was in the Lotus.
Besides the above, I intend to enjoy it! 540i is now with mechanic getting prepped for sale. My plan is to use some of the proceeds to fund a road trip into Norway in the M5.
Long update, so well done for making it this far. I'll get some more photos up here soon enough, that is when I can stop driving it just long enough to get a camera out!
Thanks for the info re thrust arms folks.
Just back from my first proper hoon in it. DSC gets in the way of the fun too much, but switching off certainly makes you concentrate. This is the first car I've had where I've been able to experience steering on the throttle. It's utterly incredible, I am so glad I bought this, there isn't anything that could come close. Lotus was a very different experience, but the M5 for me blows it out of the water. Phenomenal! I'll never have a rear wheel drive car without a LSD again, it makes it so predictable when it starts to slide. These conditions are perfect too. Absolutely in love with it. The current brake issue you can drive around too, but the old juddering was constant when on the brakes.
Just back from my first proper hoon in it. DSC gets in the way of the fun too much, but switching off certainly makes you concentrate. This is the first car I've had where I've been able to experience steering on the throttle. It's utterly incredible, I am so glad I bought this, there isn't anything that could come close. Lotus was a very different experience, but the M5 for me blows it out of the water. Phenomenal! I'll never have a rear wheel drive car without a LSD again, it makes it so predictable when it starts to slide. These conditions are perfect too. Absolutely in love with it. The current brake issue you can drive around too, but the old juddering was constant when on the brakes.
Little update folks:
Brake shudder has totally disappeared by itself now I've put some miles into the new discs. Car is really well sorted now and an absolute pleasure to drive. Real Jekyll and Hyde personality. Also been returning quite decent fuel consumption of around 18 mpg on my short urban commute excellent for the performance. Despite the discreet looks it also gets much more admiration from people passing than I would have imagined.
Now this next bit I did not expect to be writing so soon....
Unfortunately due to a change in personal circumstances I will listing the M5 for sale this weekend. I will be moving into a new flat soon with one parking space and cannot justify having the M5 as my sole car, the 540i makes marginally more sense for the time being.
Please DM me if any of you are interested, it pains me to have to sell it so I'd rather see it go to an enthusiast rather than a random person off the back of an advert. I hope in the future to return back to M5 ownership, let's hope the prices don't rise too sharply in the meantime!
Brake shudder has totally disappeared by itself now I've put some miles into the new discs. Car is really well sorted now and an absolute pleasure to drive. Real Jekyll and Hyde personality. Also been returning quite decent fuel consumption of around 18 mpg on my short urban commute excellent for the performance. Despite the discreet looks it also gets much more admiration from people passing than I would have imagined.
Now this next bit I did not expect to be writing so soon....
Unfortunately due to a change in personal circumstances I will listing the M5 for sale this weekend. I will be moving into a new flat soon with one parking space and cannot justify having the M5 as my sole car, the 540i makes marginally more sense for the time being.
Please DM me if any of you are interested, it pains me to have to sell it so I'd rather see it go to an enthusiast rather than a random person off the back of an advert. I hope in the future to return back to M5 ownership, let's hope the prices don't rise too sharply in the meantime!
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