Getting an E39 M5 in good health...

[PeterNem]

All,

In around a week or so I hope to pick up my new E39 M5. It's a 2001 plate with 97,000 miles.

It's due a service (inspection) soon (has 1 service light left).

I'm going to Germany to the Nurburgring over Easter, so would like to get it serviced before I head over there to make sure it's all in good condition.

In addition to the service and for peace of mind while it's in, I've decided it's worth getting a few things done...

• Coolant change
• Brake fluid change
• Diff fluid
• Gearbox oil

Is there anything else that would be worth looking at?

Also, what is the concensus on oil? I know pre-facelift the TWS 10W-60 oil was recommended, but it seems that on facelift vehicles that 0W-40 BMW LL01 spec oil is fine? The previous owner used Mobil 1 0W-40 and has had no problems with this so I plan to continue doing the same. Any comments?

I expect I'll end up dropping a lot of money on this service, but I think it's wise to give it a good bill of health to be going on with...

Cheers,

Pete.

[belleair302]

All of your suspension parts including bushes, arms and rods, get the tracking done properly, brakes (pads and disks).

also spend some time reading m5board.com for further ideas.

Edited by belleair302 on Saturday 1st March 08:29

[Neil.D]

You could get the spark plugs changed but that would pretty much be an inspecton 2 if you did.
You could have the have the fuel filter changed which is not normally done.

Along with what you have already said I would just ask for a healthcheck. BMW dealers do this so I am guessing that your local specialist would do the same. (You haven't mentioned if you prefer MD or Specialist)

They will check the condition of the brakes, suspension bushes, rods for play etc etc. They may have been recently replaced anyway so dont get them done unnecessarily.
If all is well then have a KDS wheel alignment done. This did wonders for my M3 and transformed the handling. The problems I have was that it was tram lining over 100mph.

yes Mobil 1 is fine for the car, I have been reading a long discussion on the aforementioned M5board.com and the advice is, for fast road driving Mobil 1 0W 40 is ideal. The BMW TWS motorsport 10W 60 is too thick, especially for the UK's climate.

Plus, if you are doing some hard track driving you will need something like 0W 50.
Then change it back to Mobil 1 upon your return.

[PeterNem]

I'm open to suggestions with regards to Main Dealer vs specialist.

I live in St Albans, Herts, and don't mind traveling about an hour to get somewhere decent. I work in Reading so somewhere vaguely on route would be helpful.

I've had a friend recommend BMWorx in Aylesbury, but I know they tend to be busy and need lots of notice to get fitted in. I need mine all doing within 2 weeks really in time for my Europe trip. I'll give them a call and find out.

Wherever it goes to I'll definitely ask them to give it a thorough health-check, I don't mind spending a bit of money to get it in tip-top condition.

[Ashok]

Scotthall BMW service in Borehamwood are excellent for M car servicing.

[belleair302]

Phil Crouch at CPC in Uxbridge 01753639222 is the best locally. Gary @ Autobahn Services in Rickmansworth is very thorough too.

[PeterNem]

Got my car booked in at BMWorx in Aylesbury following a recommendation from a friend and also reading good things on here. They've managed to fit me in before my trip to Germany

I can't wait until the car arrives on Saturday