BMW E60 M5 problems and solutions

[PhethiK1]

I have been doing some reading on this S85 engine and the common related problems associated with this F1 inspired engine.
been contemplating on getting one as thet are now at reasoable price of R250k at reasonable mileage. I am not looking at putting mods but rather more efficient parts to make the car run more efficiently or realiably, if there's power gains its a bonus.

I would like to ask the Forum on who has had one, and experienced known problems?, then fixed them without them being too much of a headache.

also what permanent upgrade/replacement parts were replaced to get the car to become as close to reliable as can be?

eg. Bearing rods, were replaced with a better high performance surface hardened so they dont have completly unexpected breakdown.

lastly are there any pointers or alternative parts to use when taking it for service and or simple DIY that can be done?

From a BMW neewbie (still learning gents)

 

[F21GP]

I have been doing some reading on this S85 engine and the common related problems associated with this F1 inspired engine.
been contemplating on getting one as thet are now at reasoable price of R250k at reasonable mileage. I am not looking at putting mods but rather more efficient parts to make the car run more efficiently or realiably, if there's power gains its a bonus.

I would like to ask the Forum on who has had one, and experienced known problems?, then fixed them without them being too much of a headache.

also what permanent upgrade/replacement parts were replaced to get the car to become as close to reliable as can be?

eg. Bearing rods, were replaced with a better high performance surface hardened so they dont have completly unexpected breakdown.

lastly are there any pointers or alternative parts to use when taking it for service and or simple DIY that can be done?

From a BMW neewbie (still learning gents)

Hi

BMW M5 and efficiency :roflol: , that's a first!!! Jokes aside.

Very nice car in all aspects but here is a list of things that are problematic:

• Bearings
• Throttle Actuators
• Vanos Solenoids
• Vanos Pump
• Vanos Gears
• SMG Hydraulic pump

Bearings you must do, especially if you don't know the history of the car.

Throttle actuators can go anytime but they can be refurbished for around R8k I hear.

Vanos solenoids do go bad, a few years ago these were R5k a pop they are now R21k a pop and you need 4 of them.

Vanos high pressure pump on earlier models sometimes have issues and there is a upgraded pump with new teeth on the gears which is around R25-R30k.

SMG hydraulic Pump can be refurbished but is a problem and will leave you stuck if losing pressure or relay is stuffed.

Also note discs and pads on 4 corners will be around the R17-20k mark.

Though the price of purchasing these cars is reasonable, the cost of ownership is high.

Fuel costs is significant, I spent R5k in one month once using a M5 as a daily.

I enjoyed mine though ownership was expensive, but let me tell you its a exceptional car in terms of performance that can take 5 people.

Make sure you do your due diligence on the cars you look at, get a warranty and have a small kitty of cash around to cover any warranty shortfalls.

You will love it and then hate it at times. But regular oil changes etc will keep her happy.

 

[Nikhil]

Shaun Neuwehuis had the M6 counter part and did quite a bit of DIY on his car lets hope he sees this

 

[tc335tt]

hi,had my M5 around 2 years ,decat and exhaust ,awsome crazy fun ,speed and sound
problem was every time you floor the car its like you waiting for a check engine light , stories fill your mind,best to just be on top of maintainance. To Google probs will put the fear of God in u.

 

[Pho3niX90]

F21GP mentioned most of the items. That being said my M6 was the most reliable BMW I have ever owned, then again I tend to replace parts before they signs of any failure.

Regarding replacing the bearings. Yes there are coated bearings available, however you have to ask yourself. Do you want to replace bearings or crankshaft? When friction occurs the part that is the weakest will give in, in this case the bearings start to wear, which is way better and affordable than a new crankshaft.

Have the mindset of replacing bearings every 80-90K Kms at around 25K and you are good.

Proper oil needs to be used, and oil changes around 8K kms, proper warm up procedures etc.

Things I have replaced personally on the M6.
* Bearings - Cost was about 10K, however I did this myself, and would recommend it to noone, rather take it to tunetech
* Actuators - They wear quickly as they are plastic. Cannot remember pricing, but was around 8K mark
* Sparks - Got then at a highly discounted price of 3000 a set
* Indicator globes on pre faclift set you back R500 a pop, and each headlight takes 2
* Serpentine belt, around R700 and its a special order item.
* Clutches around 50K
* Fuel - A shit ton of that, but it's worth it.
* Tires, same as above
* Fuel filter - around 3K
* Radiator - 18K
* Smg pumps - 20K

These are the things that come to mind, my suggestion always is to do bearings as soon as you get it. Previous owners can lie, unless you know them personally and they have proof it was done. You do not want to chance it. Bearing failure has no symptoms. One minute you are cruising and next you see a piston flying through the block.

Still the best car and most fun one I have ever owned.

One thing that I live by, anyone can by a car, affording/maintaining it is another story. Remember maintenance will still be that of a 2Mil rand car, since new parts do not depreciate.

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