Buying Advice for E39 M5

[ForumLurker]

hi guys,

I would just like some info on the e39 M5's. what is the common issues on these cars? I am looking at some cars and i like the m5. There is a white 2000 m5 avaliable for R149 900, but the only thing is the mileage is quite high. 236 000km.

What is your views on these cars and is it risky to buy a M5 with that high mileage?

 

[P1000]

At anything between ~140kkm to ~250kkm driving style is more important than actual mileage in terms of wear. So that car could be better than one with 140kkm, depending on how it was drivin throughout its life. If you knew the previous owners, it might be worth it, otherwise it is always a big gamble...

 

[zaleonardz]

Well, its a simple question.

Are you prepared to do a bit of work on it yourself. I am not saying overhaul the motor, but general maint stuffies, and are you prepared to do a bit of reading, understand problem, and investigate possible fixes.

If the answer to any of the above is no, and you will be using BMW to look after the car, then you cannot afford it, as everything is really really expensive, its an enthusiast car, you need to be an enthusiast to be able to afford the maintance on the car..

And P1000 is right, it depends on driving style and care, I have seen many SUPER neat E39 M5's...

 

[M3SMG]

Agreed. Its always a gamble. I gambled on my ///M and was lucky in some respects but there are always issues.
get stuck in and do the maintenance you can.

Just do it and live with it. You will pull your hair out some point. But let me tell you, the feeling you have when its just you behind the wheel listening to your favorite song and knowing you own it is honestly better than any feeling in the world.

My ///M is the only place i truly feel happy and truly feel content with my life. Its a place where nothing else in the world matters... bit soppy but its true

 

[444YYY]

At anything between ~140kkm to ~250kkm driving style is more important than actual mileage in terms of wear. So that car could be better than one with 140kkm, depending on how it was drivin throughout its life. If you knew the previous owners, it might be worth it, otherwise it is always a big gamble...

+1 very very very well summed up :thumbsup:

 

[WerriesM5]

Price sounds a bit high for me, but depends on how it was looked after...

 

[veridico]

That price is too high, you can get one with less mileage for R150k. M5s arent cheap to maintain, but they arent exhorbitant either. Each cent is worth it though when you go for a drive.

 

[ForumLurker]

Thanks guys for all the advice with the reply's.

@zaleonardz - Yes I will do some work myself on the car, I like to do something properly, then I know its done the way I want. But is there no common poblem that most E39 M5's share?

The price is also a bit high for me, I will need to go and have a look at the vehicle.

 

[veridico]

Common problems on the e39 M5:

It drinks oil
It drinks petrol
It eats your rear tyres
Brakes dont last all that long and they are R3k a disk
Pads dont last much either
You will lose friends because your car rocks
You will drive much much more
Your wife will get irritated by how fast you drive
You will get wrinkles around your mouth and eyes from smiling and laughing more.

Hope this helps...

 

[ForumLurker]

Common problems on the e39 M5:

It drinks oil
It drinks petrol
It eats your rear tyres
Brakes dont last all that long and they are R3k a disk
Pads dont last much either
You will lose friends because your car rocks
You will drive much much more
Your wife will get irritated by how fast you drive
You will get wrinkles around your mouth and eyes from smiling and laughing more.

Hope this helps...

That explains it really good, but no Serious Mechanical Issues?

 

[veridico]

Not that I know of, try buy a year model after 2000, then you are less likely to have problems.

 

[ForumLurker]

Thanks,

Will have a look out for one...

Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated.

 

[biofreak]

My opinion.
It is the most well balanced M car bmw ever built. Because M division didn't build it

Common problems.

CPS sensors go bad
MAF sensors go bad
O2 sensors eventually die
Early models with the early engines used more oil than the newer engines.
Window relay is weak

These are really the only real niggly issues you have with it... None critical.

More wear and tear issues:
Rear subframe is weak so watch the drifting
Guibo tends to shear real easy.
I broke the rear diff mount
Clutch is not the greatest so respect it.
Brakes are damn expensive. R3k a side for discs, so do not abuse them
Rear tyres last 20k.
Some early models have cluster gremlins.
missing led's on the obc display.
the interior trim panels wear easily.
Curbed rims are difficult to get a paint match if you refurb.

But yeah. After wanting to sell my car for a little while, I pushed through and love it even more.

My beast is about to tick over to 150k but then again I was lucky with mine. Everything is pretty much 50k old so I am not too worried.

Best bet would be to go read up on www.M5BOARD.com and check the common issues thread.

 

[Stamper1]

Agreed ,all that Biofreak has said is true, also test drive the vehicle, gearshifts should be smooth, a messed up tranny will set you back plenty, there are no repair kits for this Getrag. Before you sign the deal, have the vehicle booked in to BMW to do a Pre-purchase inspection, also check the Vanos on the GT1 tester. Vanos units are around R60k to replace. Buying high mileage isn't much off a big deal provided the car has complete traceable service/maintainence history and comes from a good home.Earlier models had a problem with excessive oil consumption, this was corrected with change in piston ring design on later models.Try to get a late 2000 model or better yet a 2001, 2001 had the facelift, angel eyes, newer spec M-steering wheel, widescreen nav display etc.

Pre-emptive maintainence is the key with this vehicle. Possibly the most rewarding drive at the price.

Regards

Stamper1

Titan Silver M5 my2000
Custom Header Back Freeflow with X-Pipe.
Custom Software.

My opinion.
It is the most well balanced M car bmw ever built. Because M division didn't build it

Common problems.

CPS sensors go bad
MAF sensors go bad
O2 sensors eventually die
Early models with the early engines used more oil than the newer engines.
Window relay is weak

These are really the only real niggly issues you have with it... None critical.

More wear and tear issues:
Rear subframe is weak so watch the drifting
Guibo tends to shear real easy.
I broke the rear diff mount
Clutch is not the greatest so respect it.
Brakes are damn expensive. R3k a side for discs, so do not abuse them
Rear tyres last 20k.
Some early models have cluster gremlins.
missing led's on the obc display.
the interior trim panels wear easily.
Curbed rims are difficult to get a paint match if you refurb.

But yeah. After wanting to sell my car for a little while, I pushed through and love it even more.

My beast is about to tick over to 150k but then again I was lucky with mine. Everything is pretty much 50k old so I am not too worried.

Best bet would be to go read up on www.M5BOARD.com and check the common issues thread.

 

[Preston2711]

Awesome car from a newbie to the forum. fetching mine today after a long long hunt.. will post the pictures when i finally learn how too create a post hehehehttp://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/images/smilies/Top24/rollsmile.gif

 

[Jimbob]

:bravo: