Bottom Dollar E39 M5's - £11k / 100k miles etc...
Discussion
...just how badly might a high miles, FSH but unwarrantied M5 hurt my wallet?
Not just yet, but I am finding it hard to resist - just too much car for the money. The miles don't put me off, but I've heard some whispers of running costs that to my mind make a 100k Cerbera look cheaper to run!!!
Other than consumables, what are the common foibles of a more tired M5?
Not just yet, but I am finding it hard to resist - just too much car for the money. The miles don't put me off, but I've heard some whispers of running costs that to my mind make a 100k Cerbera look cheaper to run!!!
Other than consumables, what are the common foibles of a more tired M5?
To be honest I wouldnt look at the cheapest M5's - they will be a little tired or wont have had the full care and attention needed. Though, thats not to say there are no bargains about; trade in values are poor and some owners find it easier to sell them privately rather than trade in...
But, whats the major problems? Not much really (I have researched this extensively). There are no real weak points. Engines are strong but do need specialist care and regular oil changes. So other than that its standard E39 faults. So make sure the bushes are in good nick, the electrics are all working and that the overall condition is excellent. I am a strong believer that the E39 will be a sure fire classic - they are actually very very good!
What about the mileage? Shouldnt be an issue - I have seen ones with 150k+ miles with a full history and they have been fine. But, its worth checking that the first few services were done on the button and if it has had any work on the head that its fully warrantied. I am not sure why but it does seem to be that "some" suffer VANOS issues, but its certainly NOT a big issue and does not affect all ones. Like I mentioned, service on the button and it should be fine.
On a subject of warranties - you can get third party ones and they are almost as good, but obviously not backed up by BMW UK. But they are good for piece of mind. However, a loud head on startup does not mean an engine on the way out - early ones do sound like that and now that they are passing into the hands of indies the prices are tumbling down. Do be aware that a brand new engine from BMW is £8000+ (and dont forget fitting!), but a decent specialist can rebuild the head and sort out the VANOS for less than £2000. You dont need to use a main dealer these days - but go with what you feel comfortable.
Personally when I get mine (at the end of the year) I will be using a mixture of indie and main dealer. Initial estimates are around £400 for an inspection 1 and about £800 for an inspection 2. But thats not just the service but a couple of extra things. Core prices are peanuts but you must expect a few extras to keep it in good shape.
They are really that good.....
But, whats the major problems? Not much really (I have researched this extensively). There are no real weak points. Engines are strong but do need specialist care and regular oil changes. So other than that its standard E39 faults. So make sure the bushes are in good nick, the electrics are all working and that the overall condition is excellent. I am a strong believer that the E39 will be a sure fire classic - they are actually very very good!
What about the mileage? Shouldnt be an issue - I have seen ones with 150k+ miles with a full history and they have been fine. But, its worth checking that the first few services were done on the button and if it has had any work on the head that its fully warrantied. I am not sure why but it does seem to be that "some" suffer VANOS issues, but its certainly NOT a big issue and does not affect all ones. Like I mentioned, service on the button and it should be fine.
On a subject of warranties - you can get third party ones and they are almost as good, but obviously not backed up by BMW UK. But they are good for piece of mind. However, a loud head on startup does not mean an engine on the way out - early ones do sound like that and now that they are passing into the hands of indies the prices are tumbling down. Do be aware that a brand new engine from BMW is £8000+ (and dont forget fitting!), but a decent specialist can rebuild the head and sort out the VANOS for less than £2000. You dont need to use a main dealer these days - but go with what you feel comfortable.
Personally when I get mine (at the end of the year) I will be using a mixture of indie and main dealer. Initial estimates are around £400 for an inspection 1 and about £800 for an inspection 2. But thats not just the service but a couple of extra things. Core prices are peanuts but you must expect a few extras to keep it in good shape.
They are really that good.....
I loved my E39 M5 - very reliable and a car for all seasons (except winter when you must fit snow tyres!).
Clutches can wear out if abused as will shocks etc. Get a thorough inspection done, get one with some kind of warranty and you've got a performance car bargain. I wouldn't recommend the really rough & early cars - there are lots on the market these days so hold out for the right car.
Clutches can wear out if abused as will shocks etc. Get a thorough inspection done, get one with some kind of warranty and you've got a performance car bargain. I wouldn't recommend the really rough & early cars - there are lots on the market these days so hold out for the right car.
Mine's going at 100k (currently 73k) and currently in for it's Inspection 2 at the local dealer.
I wouldn't dream of skimping because these are £60k cars but duff batteries (and dormant owner) aside, the car has been tip top since I took over at just over 30k miles.
Frankly, whowever gets it will be bagging a pure, unadulterated fBMWsh'd bargain.
Thing is, Ashok, will I being tarred and feathered if at that point the 535d touring (oh dear) gets in the way of a suitably run in - and depreciated - E60 M5?
I wouldn't dream of skimping because these are £60k cars but duff batteries (and dormant owner) aside, the car has been tip top since I took over at just over 30k miles.
Frankly, whowever gets it will be bagging a pure, unadulterated fBMWsh'd bargain.
Thing is, Ashok, will I being tarred and feathered if at that point the 535d touring (oh dear) gets in the way of a suitably run in - and depreciated - E60 M5?
derestrictor said:
Thing is, Ashok, will I being tarred and feathered if at that point the 535d touring (oh dear) gets in the way of a suitably run in - and depreciated - E60 M5?
Certainly at VMAX you will be pointed at and laughed at.
In all seriousness it's the simple case of which is best for the driving you'll be doing. If it's just commuting through traffic and lumbering all the kids bikes and stuff about then go for the 535d touring, although I'm sure the bookies will be taking bets on how long before DMS are called in.
DAZ
UpTheIron said:
...just how badly might a high miles, FSH but unwarrantied M5 hurt my wallet?
Not just yet, but I am finding it hard to resist - just too much car for the money. The miles don't put me off, but I've heard some whispers of running costs that to my mind make a 100k Cerbera look cheaper to run!!!
Other than consumables, what are the common foibles of a more tired M5?
Not just yet, but I am finding it hard to resist - just too much car for the money. The miles don't put me off, but I've heard some whispers of running costs that to my mind make a 100k Cerbera look cheaper to run!!!
Other than consumables, what are the common foibles of a more tired M5?
Since buying new in 2001 only a rear roll bar fastener, regular brakes & tyres etc... needed. My e39 M5 is still on the original clutch at 117,000 miles despite the occaisional track day. Plan to run the car up to 200,000 or so. Pity BMW will no longer warranty cars over 100k but this one doesn't owe me anything by now and perhaps I could even forgive it for a big bill. It is a wonderful mile eater.
Compared to a Cerbera, I took a 98 4.5 to 58,000 miles and that was far more per mile in tlc costs.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff