Buying a E60 M5?
Discussion
Been looking at 996 turbos, but thought I'd test drive an M5 as the "sensible" option 
being as I have small children and it might get used at the weekend then.
Found it very refined at the level the salesman was happy with me playing with it, and dead impressed with all the technology and gadgets to play with (btw loved the heads up display, works really well for an old codger like me who struggles with re-focussing close). Nothing like as tactile and fun as my current 996 though (but then neither is the 996tt).
Don't know much about them though - have gathered that depreciation has been huge, and presumably will continue that way for a bit, fuel bills massive, warranty essential - but most of that is also true to a degree of the 996tt. What else should I be aware of?
I do about 3 track days a year - have seen M5s going well on track - but it's not their natural playground, surely - despite the Ring taxi?
being as I have small children and it might get used at the weekend then.Found it very refined at the level the salesman was happy with me playing with it, and dead impressed with all the technology and gadgets to play with (btw loved the heads up display, works really well for an old codger like me who struggles with re-focussing close). Nothing like as tactile and fun as my current 996 though (but then neither is the 996tt).
Don't know much about them though - have gathered that depreciation has been huge, and presumably will continue that way for a bit, fuel bills massive, warranty essential - but most of that is also true to a degree of the 996tt. What else should I be aware of?
I do about 3 track days a year - have seen M5s going well on track - but it's not their natural playground, surely - despite the Ring taxi?
Edited by MikeO996 on Tuesday 19th August 08:50
MikeO996 said:
Been looking at 996 turbos, but thought I'd test drive an M5 as the "sensible" option being as I have small children and it migh get used at the weekend then.
Found it very refined at the level the salesman was happy with me playing with it, and dead impressed with all the technology and gadgets to play with (btw loved the heads up display, works really well for an old codger like me who struggles with re-focussing close). Nothing like as tactile and fun as my current 996 though (but then neither is the 996tt).
Don't know much about them though - have gathered that depreciation has been huge, and presumably will continue that way for a bit, fuel bills massive, warranty essential - but most of that is also true to a degree of the 996tt. What else should I be aware of?
I do about 3 track days a year - have seen M5s going well on tarck - but it's not their natural playground, surely - despite the Ring taxi?
Try to get an extended test drive. I feared it would bore me after the CSL, but it's exciting in a different way. It handles bloody well even before you allow for its size, just not as well as a 911 or a CSL. Once you get it flowing though, it will astonish you and if you can keep it in the 4000-8000 rpm band while driving a good road it will just keep rewarding you. being as I have small children and it migh get used at the weekend then.Found it very refined at the level the salesman was happy with me playing with it, and dead impressed with all the technology and gadgets to play with (btw loved the heads up display, works really well for an old codger like me who struggles with re-focussing close). Nothing like as tactile and fun as my current 996 though (but then neither is the 996tt).
Don't know much about them though - have gathered that depreciation has been huge, and presumably will continue that way for a bit, fuel bills massive, warranty essential - but most of that is also true to a degree of the 996tt. What else should I be aware of?
I do about 3 track days a year - have seen M5s going well on tarck - but it's not their natural playground, surely - despite the Ring taxi?
MikeO996 said:
Stuff about TT and E60 M5
I'm trying to make much the same choice. It's time to change my C4S and and 911 Turbo is an option (996 or 997) however concern is that I never get to use the 911 at weekends or for going away on holiday etc since it won't accommodate the family. I'm quite taken by the M5/M6 route - cars that can pretty much do the family car and the sports car role in one. I think a M5/M6 will probably depreciate more than a well depreciated 996 Turbo however the M5/6's power and that engine mean a few pounds in depreciation might be well worth it and that's before considering the practicality, comfort, toys and for the M5 at least the Q car factor. TeaVR said:
Are there any common problems with the current M5?
Another point I believe a Porsche yearly warranty is about £900 and the M Car warranty £1800!
That's about right for the Porsche warranty. Every year I've had more done on mine under the warranty than the warranty costs - by a long way. For me buying the warranty a no brainer it'd have been a loss to 'self insure' that risk. Another point I believe a Porsche yearly warranty is about £900 and the M Car warranty £1800!
TeaVR said:
Are there any common problems with the current M5?
Another point I believe a Porsche yearly warranty is about £900 and the M Car warranty £1800!
BMW have changed the warranties recently, and have introduced various different levels of cover and excesses.Another point I believe a Porsche yearly warranty is about £900 and the M Car warranty £1800!
Basically if the car has less than 60k miles, then the costs are expensive but probably worth it for peace of mind. If the car has more than 60k miles then the costs are a joke, and are probably designed to encourage people not to renew.
One years comprehensive cover, with no excess, on an M car with more than 60k miles is something like £2,300.
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