Discussion
Hi guys, Im thinking of getting a new car in a couple of months and like the look of the soon-to-be-old M5 (is it the E39?).
Is there anything I need to look out for in particular, how much should I need to pay for a good one? There dont seem to be many on PH for sale.
I currently own a pug 106 and a tvr cerbera. Would I still need a runaround or is the M5 a practical everyday alternative?:scratchchin:
I tried searching for similar subjects on forum, but no luck so apologies if you get these questions a lot - We seem to get them every other day on the cerb forum!:banghead:
Any help much appreciated, Cheers
Is there anything I need to look out for in particular, how much should I need to pay for a good one? There dont seem to be many on PH for sale.
I currently own a pug 106 and a tvr cerbera. Would I still need a runaround or is the M5 a practical everyday alternative?:scratchchin:
I tried searching for similar subjects on forum, but no luck so apologies if you get these questions a lot - We seem to get them every other day on the cerb forum!:banghead:
Any help much appreciated, Cheers
Very happy with my new 2001 M5.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=181027&f=72&h=0
Frankly I think it's one of the finest day to day cars you can buy. An excellent way to spend £20k. Just keep a pack of chill pills with you.
DAZ
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=181027&f=72&h=0
Frankly I think it's one of the finest day to day cars you can buy. An excellent way to spend £20k. Just keep a pack of chill pills with you.
DAZ
You won't be dissapointed - mine keeps getting better! From about 4k revs on it sounds like a fighter plane - in 1st/2nd at low speeds the induction raw is awesome (multi-storey carparks are a giggle to say the least).
I'm not sure you'd get a 2002 for 20k just yet, although you might prove me wrong. Mine ('99 - V) is pretty mileagy, but the interior is spotless (back seats and passenger seat actually look new) and everything else is as tight as a 20k mile car. I've never bought a high mileage car before but glad I did this time, as its a keeper and I paid accordingly - so don't be too put off.
The more I read around online, the more I am *very* glad I got the extendable BMW warranty - I'd say it is a must.
Final tip - order your Tubi well before Le Mans! Its 'touch and go' whether I'll get mine on in time!
I'm not sure you'd get a 2002 for 20k just yet, although you might prove me wrong. Mine ('99 - V) is pretty mileagy, but the interior is spotless (back seats and passenger seat actually look new) and everything else is as tight as a 20k mile car. I've never bought a high mileage car before but glad I did this time, as its a keeper and I paid accordingly - so don't be too put off.
The more I read around online, the more I am *very* glad I got the extendable BMW warranty - I'd say it is a must.
Final tip - order your Tubi well before Le Mans! Its 'touch and go' whether I'll get mine on in time!
and GET THE BRAKES UPGRADED!
Took one out on test last night, the brakes were SHITE!. Oh and watch out for the limiter - compared with an M3 you ned to be in one less gear for an overtake - bouncing on the limiter in 2nd with a car bearing down on you whil eyou're on the wrong side of the road, wondering why you've run out of revs and then having to snatch third isn't fun - or ist it?!
Took one out on test last night, the brakes were SHITE!. Oh and watch out for the limiter - compared with an M3 you ned to be in one less gear for an overtake - bouncing on the limiter in 2nd with a car bearing down on you whil eyou're on the wrong side of the road, wondering why you've run out of revs and then having to snatch third isn't fun - or ist it?!
vixpy1 said:
I'd wait a few months until more of the new ones get delivered to thier owners, then more will come onto the market and the prices will be lower.
If you are looking at an early one, try and get one thats had a new engine (lots have).
Nice thought but sadly not true IMHO
The amount of E60 M5's being delivered is tiny and with the interest that the E60 has generated in M5 product, enquires for E39 have increased ten fold but the car is rare so prices will rise.
It will more than likly only be short term so don't panic
mondeoman said:
...and GET THE BRAKES UPGRADED!
Took one out on test last night, the brakes were SHITE!.
Thank you, Dave! I've been saying this for aeons but nobody seemed to concur!
You need to adopt a 'Dazesque' 996 Turbo driving style to eek the best from the Bavantine Beastie: you can perform fairly emphatic blast orfs but ensure the strangulatory DSC traction system is deactivated: this usually results in a delightful 'chirrup' from the rear rollers as they bite home and then a frankly obsecene leap forward but the Daz-related bit (comme Brunters) is to lope forward in a genteel manner during 1st, calmly engage 2nd and once you're happy the clutch will be comfy, you can depress things to a level commensurate with what Arnie might describe as being "all f@cking hell braking loose!"
Then, in 3rd and 4th, absorb the wave of creamy NASCAR torrent which accompanies the addictive, wholly illicit compunction into serial, automotive lycanthropy and finally, slot into 5th (ignore 6th, it is not for this realm) and be mesmerised into glorious licence peril - it is utterly worthwhile.
At this moment you imagine the E60 variant...and weep.
Momentous stuff.
>> Edited by derestrictor on Thursday 26th May 11:17
Simon, the anchors on the M3 work, no question.. I had no faith in the brakes on the M5 at all at hauling it down from (slightly) illegal speeds safely.
Comparing them with the brakes on the new M5 - massive difference!
I feel the need for a longer test drive just to see how rapidly cross country progress can be made, getting used to the lower revving grunt, rather than the rev-happy nature of the M3 (which does make passing numpties a real breeze!)
Comparing them with the brakes on the new M5 - massive difference!
I feel the need for a longer test drive just to see how rapidly cross country progress can be made, getting used to the lower revving grunt, rather than the rev-happy nature of the M3 (which does make passing numpties a real breeze!)
mondeoman said:
I feel the need for a longer test drive just to see how rapidly cross country progress can be made, getting used to the lower revving grunt, rather than the rev-happy nature of the M3 (which does make passing numpties a real breeze!)
In the dry, the grip is immense, I recall a recent tussle with an EVO 8 as testament according: the balance of the car is so good that trackwork aside, it'll 'haul ass' with the very best of 'em!
Consequently, you find only bikes, the top 911s, Nobles (and latest TVRs, I would expect) have an accelerative edge over bad terrain. Against a standard M3, I'd back the M5 on a point-point dash.
(Come on, chief, you know it's inevitable!
) derestrictor said:
I feel the need for a longer test drive just to see how rapidly cross country progress can be made, getting used to the lower revving grunt, rather than the rev-happy nature of the M3 (which does make passing numpties a real breeze!)
In the dry, the grip is immense, I recall a recent tussle with an EVO 8 as testament according: the balance of the car is so good that trackwork aside, it'll 'haul ass' with the very best of 'em!
Consequently, you find only bikes, the top 911s, Nobles (and latest TVRs, I would expect) have an accelerative edge over bad terrain. Against a standard M3, I'd back the M5 on a point-point dash.
(Come on, chief, you know it's inevitable!
Bring it on!
Got to say though, the M3 does feel pretty much every lump, bump and grain of sand on the road but it'll grip when you think it wont.
I have just fitted a STOPTECH BBK to my car and it has made the brakes everything they should have been in the first place.
Hauling a 1.7tonne car down to reasonable speeds from unreasonable ones requires a special bit of kit- these are highly recommended.
Apart from that I thoroughly recommend making sure you have a warranty, check the VANOS (a weak spot esecially on early cars) and spec is everything- the cheaper cars have no satnav, TV etc etc.
Oh and dont buy anthracite cos thats what colour mine is and I have never seen another one- hope it stays that way!
Nick
Hauling a 1.7tonne car down to reasonable speeds from unreasonable ones requires a special bit of kit- these are highly recommended.
Apart from that I thoroughly recommend making sure you have a warranty, check the VANOS (a weak spot esecially on early cars) and spec is everything- the cheaper cars have no satnav, TV etc etc.
Oh and dont buy anthracite cos thats what colour mine is and I have never seen another one- hope it stays that way!
Nick
Great choice,
You won't get a 2002 for £20,000 if you do it would be mega milage low spec.I would say a decent low mileage 2002 would still be nr £30K.Look what BMW are trying to knock them out for.
With regard to the New M5 I think most expect it to knock the value, but they are in such short supply and there is so must hype about them, this will boost the image of the old M5 and it may even stop the depreciation for a while.(don't buy one of these cars if you want cheap motoring)
Just make sure whatever mileage and whatever you pay, get one with BMW warranty, this will give total peace of mind.
It may seem steep at £970 per year but, when the Vanos goes wrong you'll be glad.
It also means you can buy privately and not have to worry too much, buy on condition and buy a clean tidy example that has been looked after.
Some have been owned by Directors who don't give a s*it.
Best all round car and I'm yet to be beaten,
and yes get a Tubi.
Good Luck
You won't get a 2002 for £20,000 if you do it would be mega milage low spec.I would say a decent low mileage 2002 would still be nr £30K.Look what BMW are trying to knock them out for.
With regard to the New M5 I think most expect it to knock the value, but they are in such short supply and there is so must hype about them, this will boost the image of the old M5 and it may even stop the depreciation for a while.(don't buy one of these cars if you want cheap motoring)
Just make sure whatever mileage and whatever you pay, get one with BMW warranty, this will give total peace of mind.
It may seem steep at £970 per year but, when the Vanos goes wrong you'll be glad.
It also means you can buy privately and not have to worry too much, buy on condition and buy a clean tidy example that has been looked after.
Some have been owned by Directors who don't give a s*it.
Best all round car and I'm yet to be beaten,
and yes get a Tubi.
Good Luck
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