e34 M5 crystal ball question

[Fordkoppie]

I would like to know what you guys think:
The longing for another e34 M5 just gets worse with each passing day.
I can get my hands on a pristine Alpine white ’91 e34 M5 3.6, but it has 350 000km on it. They also want a premium price and my finances are in a terrible state because of the white ///Money eater.
Although I won’t reveal the whereabouts of the car, I can say that the owner is well known in the BMW circles and the engine has never been opened for any repairs ever.
When I say pristine, I mean the body and even the seats including the driver’s looks like most cars with only 50 000km on it.
Gearbox whining is the only issue I could pick up that was wrong. The SLS has been replaced with Bilstein items but otherwise it is stock down to the Turbines.
The car has been meticulously maintained by the owner himself for all of these years. He had the car since its early days and did put almost all of those miles on the car himself.
Should I go for it, or did the bottomless money pit open when it passed the 300 000km mark?
Should one replace anything on the engine as preventative maintenance or is it still good for let’s say another 100 000 km?
The engine is the main thing I am concerned about at this mileage. Should I be?
This time round, if it should happen that I buy it, the M5 won’t be my daily drive but will get driven frequently.

 

[WyKiD]

and now Chris...what itch is the E46 not satisfying? Brief comparison between the 2, pros and cons of either?

Tough decision there, if the car is as neat as you say but then again the mileage is on the high side and as you well know these cars can become a bit of a moneypit when things go wrong.....

 

[DonovanPorter]

pics ?

 

[ClassicB]

With 350000km, one cant ask a high price even with the condition you say. If you one day need to re-sell this car it will be very difficult to get a premium for a car with that milleage.

Offer a fair price, I dont believe in low balling, neither do i think you should pay a premium.

 

[Fordkoppie]

and now Chris...what itch is the E46 not satisfying? Brief comparison between the 2, pros and cons of either?

Tough decision there, if the car is as neat as you say but then again the mileage is on the high side and as you well know these cars can become a bit of a moneypit when things go wrong.....

Now that is where the problem lies.
I want both next to each other.
You can’t really compare the 2.
e46 is modern where the e34 has classic BMW Motorsport character.
i prefer e34 handling characteristics over the e46. I just love how that huge e34 bodywork can feel so nimble and surefooted. Is suppose that is the biggest turn on for me.
e46 gives much better MPG.
e46 is much faster (actually not that much compared to AJM's) but the one in debate feels like a slouch.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

I'll trade my M for yours and I'll fix it up to your spec :rollsmile:Oh how I wish man.

 

[mr t]

Fordkoppie. It's clear to all the fanatics, that it's the e34 m5 that makes your heart skip a beat. You keep your ex in your signature, for crying out loud! Lol. Many okes have that one ol' skool bmw that just does it for them, but maybe due circumstances or common-sense it's just not a viable option, so they try and suppress the urge and drive "something more modern". Sound Familiar? Hehehe. Close your eyes and take the leap buddy.

 

[Raybimmer]

" one in debate feels like a slouch " ? Cost to redo engine , spares availability ?

 

[Sith]

What a nice toughie to be faced with, and from the chat we've had, and reading your previous posts, you are a pretty knowledgeable guy already. My take as follows: The majority of e34 M5's out there, from what I have seen, are not nearly as clean as the car you describe, and this is a big factor to consider. A pristine interior is like gold on these cars, as is a pristine exterior. Any car in this condition shows a fastidious owner, who will have a bills file as long as your arm. You should be able to easily work out when certain items will come up for replacement. Also, find out if those kms where mostly town or country. Have the car taken for a very thorough check-up, the money spent will be worth it. Thereafter, and if that motor is in excellent health, haggle a little, and take the plunge. A regular change of all oils is vital, and bear in mind, some wear and tear items on a car of this age you will not escape. But if the big things are all sorted, you should be fine. Walk away if anything seems not right. Do a fairly limited annual mileage, don't abuse her, and she will fill the void in your heart. Lastly, when buying this type of car, maintain, repair, and care (love) her, as you will almost certainly not recoup much when selling time comes. This purchase has to be emotional and passionate, with just a little logic chucked in for good measure. Good luck with the decision-making.

 

[444YYY]

Take it!!!!
Check if the motor consumes any oil?
Then probably replace the water pump and Thermstat, as a precaution.
Keep R10k for aside for a rainy day, and u should get many moments of great bliss

This is very general , as you can see , and not specific for the M5.....

 

[zaleonardz]

10k aside with an S designation engine....

That may buy you a radiator cap.. almost

There is nothing like an E34...

 

[P1000]

10k aside with an S designation engine....

That may buy you a radiator cap.. almost

There is nothing like an E34...

How much is in your disaster fund? I just have a FI motor with an auto box and I'm at R30k...

 

[Fordkoppie]

It has been kept cool and in proper oil throughout its life.
The history file of parts replaced is as thick as all harry potter's books stacked together.
I don’t consider my driving style as abusive, since I really pamper any car up to the point where everything is on operating temperature, but after that I really gun it most of the times without the hooligan antics.
I also know that these cars are bad investments. I don’t need it, but I really want it. That is why it has to be the right one to be kept since it is only pure lust motivating this insanity.

 

[Gizmo]

No need to hide the fact that its my dad's M5. The mileage put on this car has been purely long distance highway driving, my father is a consulting/mechanical engineer for the mining industry and he would use his M5 for long distance trips around SA. Been to CT a few times too in it, what an awesome cruiser! And man it comes alive at the coast!!!
My father is also one of those people who replaces before it breaks and has done alot of preventative maintenance over the years.
My brother works for my dad so they go together to work in the 525i touring every day.
As I said, he is VERY sentimental and pedantic about it, that's why the figure. He also put it into his will for me, so at least it will stay with a fanatic weather you take it or not.
I forgot to mention he has all the keys and service keys too.

 

[zaleonardz]

@ P1000.

Nothing in my disaster fund, she keeps eating it up

My car has been hectic on maintance the last few months, I probably spent 40k on it since I got it, but thats fine as it was all calculated in at the time I purchased the car.

I need some time to build up a reserve again, but the only MAJOR job I need to still do is the bearings.

But she has given me no surprises, or things I did not expect to go poof, except maybe that belt, that was somewhat annoying..

 

[Sith]

After reading today's posts, what you waiting for??? Go for it. Ok, I don't know the price but, what the hell, go for it anyway, sounds like a fantastic car!!!

 

[Andy1GP]

You still considering this chris?

 

[Legacy]

He bought this one remember:

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

 

[Andy1GP]

Aha I see the bigger picture now :bangdesk: Somehow I was thinking he wanted 2 E34 M5's. This one is absolute :drool:

 

[Legacy]

The E34 M5 is an accuired taste, if you don't like it please accuire some taste :inlove: