E60 M5 - whats your take please?

[M3_FTW]

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

Because it is not. The engine failures are related to an oil level sensor that goes faulty. These engines do not have a dip-stick and you need the oil level sensor to check the oil level. These sensors fail prematurely and do not let you know that you need to add oil. To top it off, these engines are known to use oil as they are high revving. So before you know it, you run the engine without oil and it runs bearings.

Second thing is that it eats the clutch. Every single one I had a look at, has a comment on M/P that the clutch has been replaced. I think it's due to the fact that it pulls away in 2nd gear when in fully automatic mode.

Thirdly, the SMG system can give you endless trouble. If that's the case, you probably going to have to replace the SMG hydraulic pump... :dropjaw: $$$$$$.

My 2 cents.

Use it, don't use it...

Still an amazing car!:inlove:

The clutch issue is a weak spot but proper understanding of the mechanics involved will eliminate it. Don't creep on the clutch, I know it's a bitch in slow traffic, but I leave a gap and then pull away so the clutch engages fully. In essence it would boil down to the same when people ride their clutches in slow traffic with manual gearboxes.

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Phone Jacques Hayes at Auto Bavaria Midrand. He will tell you some horror stories.

But, I still believe if you treat it with respect, it will look after you as well.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...ssion/173464-oil-level-indicator-problem.html
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...scussion/207337-oil-level-sensor-warning.html
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6.../65569-failed-oil-level-sensor-300-miles.html

The moral of the story is, if the oil level doesn't change, the sensor id probably faulty.

None of those references point to blown motors due to sensor issues.

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Go past JSN today, they have an E60 M5 in the workshop with a blown engine. Apparently it had an electrical problem, you know they type, when the rod comes through the block and takes out the alternator :=):

The clutch on my M5 was replaced at 71 000kms, after that I had endless shit with SMG pumps (replaced twice at 40k a pop), SMG electronics, Clutch chatter (clutch replaced again). Just checked my MP invoices, in 7 months it went through 2 SMG pumps and 2 clutches plus a few other things. 132k in 7 months Speak to George Smooth, I think his M5 had over R300 000 worth of MP work before he sold it.

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Don't you making me sad :nonono:
If you miss the M5 you welcome to come for a drive in mine. Just no LC from every stop street and traffic lights please ::rollsmile:

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Thanks for the offer but I get more enjoyment out of my E92 :=):

At least I can abuse it and not worry about it breaking down on the side of the road

 

[abmi0000]

Abuse can last a lifetime. Not so sure about the car :=):

In all fairness, the M5 is older technology. Whatever mistakes BMW possibly made here, would've been remediated going forward.

 

[Clownshoe]

Because it is not. The engine failures are related to an oil level sensor that goes faulty.

And that is what turned me off them... engine is literally a time bomb... no matter how much care you take, unless you drain the oil every month to make sure there is enough... or risk over topping if you add a bit every now and then...

I was very keen on an e60 M5 at one stage. I did a lot of research on reliability and running costs and came to the conclusion that out of MP they are not worth the trouble.

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What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

I appreciate your input but can you list some references.

Here you go: Quick Automart search reveals a re-engined M5.
http://www.automart.co.za/cars/for-sale/bmw-5-series-2006-id-726628

 

[Whacko]

Because it is not. The engine failures are related to an oil level sensor that goes faulty.

And that is what turned me off them... engine is literally a time bomb... no matter how much care you take, unless you drain the oil every month to make sure there is enough... or risk over topping if you add a bit every now and then...

I was very keen on an e60 M5 at one stage. I did a lot of research on reliability and running costs and came to the conclusion that out of MP they are not worth the trouble.

---

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

I appreciate your input but can you list some references.

Here you go: Quick Automart search reveals a re-engined M5.
http://www.automart.co.za/cars/for-sale/bmw-5-series-2006-id-726628

Where does it say the engine was replaced due to oil sensor failure? There are many cars, different makes and models that have engines replaced. One I would stay clear of if I can give anyone advise is Porsche :nono: . Ask me I know :rollsmile:

 

[SP33DYV]

opcorn:

 

[Whacko]

:fencelook:

 

[Clownshoe]

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

I appreciate your input but can you list some references.

Here you go: Quick Automart search reveals a re-engined M5.
http://www.automart.co.za/cars/for-sale/bmw-5-series-2006-id-726628

Where does it say the engine was replaced due to oil sensor failure? There are many cars, different makes and models that have engines replaced. One I would stay clear of if I can give anyone advise is Porsche :nono: . Ask me I know :rollsmile:

Let me use the quote thing again so as to remind you what i said:

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

As you can see, no mention of an oil level sensor there.
So I did a quick search and hey presto an M5 E60 with a new engine. I will call the guy now and severely reprimand him for not listing the exact reason for a new engine.

One I would stay clear of if I can give anyone advise is Porsche :nono: . Ask me I know :rollsmile:

So ALL BMW M5 E90s have no issues because you have not had issues. And ALL Porsche have issues because you did?

 

[Whacko]

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

I appreciate your input but can you list some references.

Here you go: Quick Automart search reveals a re-engined M5.
http://www.automart.co.za/cars/for-sale/bmw-5-series-2006-id-726628

Where does it say the engine was replaced due to oil sensor failure? There are many cars, different makes and models that have engines replaced. One I would stay clear of if I can give anyone advise is Porsche :nono: . Ask me I know :rollsmile:

Let me use the quote thing again so as to remind you what i said:

What strikes me is the number of e60 M5s for sale that list having had a new engine under motorplan. Where there is smoke there is fire and I doubt that all the fuss is not based on some fact. The fact being that the gearboxes and engines have an above average failure rate... and at the price of a new engine or gearbox it makes owning one a large risk.

I have certainly never heard of anyone referring to the e60 M5 as bullet proof.

As you can see, no mention of an oil level sensor there.
So I did a quick search and hey presto an M5 E60 with a new engine. I will call the guy now and severely reprimand him for not listing the exact reason for a new engine.

One I would stay clear of if I can give anyone advise is Porsche :nono: . Ask me I know :rollsmile:

So ALL BMW M5 E90s have no issues because you have not had issues. And ALL Porsche have issues because you did?

We drive cars because we have a passion for it. I don't care if my M5 has issues, I just fix em, same goes for any car you love :thumbs:
You mean E60 M5.
My point is, I have had no trouble, so might Shaun if he decides to go for the E60 M5. And as far as Porsche goes, it is really quite demanding on the budget and even without mods, unreliable. That does not mean I will never buy another one :thumbs: again.

 

[Clownshoe]

We drive cars because we have a passion for it. I don't care if my M5 has issues, I just fix em, same goes for any car you love :thumbs:
You mean E60 M5.
My point is, I have had no trouble, so might Shaun if he decides to go for the E60 M5. And as far as Porsche goes, it is really quite demanding on the budget and even without mods, unreliable. That does not mean I will never buy another one :thumbs: again.

Could not agree with you more.

I just determined that the likelyhood of devastatingly high repair cost with the E60 was quite high. So I stepped back a model. The E39 M5 is considered pretty much bullet proof.

 

[Whacko]

We drive cars because we have a passion for it. I don't care if my M5 has issues, I just fix em, same goes for any car you love :thumbs:
You mean E60 M5.
My point is, I have had no trouble, so might Shaun if he decides to go for the E60 M5. And as far as Porsche goes, it is really quite demanding on the budget and even without mods, unreliable. That does not mean I will never buy another one :thumbs: again.

Could not agree with you more.

I just determined that the likelyhood of devastatingly high repair cost with the E60 was quite high. So I stepped back a model. The E39 M5 is considered pretty much bullet proof.

Moral of the story, if you do not have the cash, don't take the risk :thumbs:

 

[Clownshoe]

Moral of the story, if you do not have the cash, don't take the risk :thumbs:

Or a fool and his money are easily parted

:fencelook:

 

[Whacko]

Moral of the story, if you do not have the cash, don't take the risk :thumbs:

Or a fool and his money are easily parted

:fencelook:

Stirrer :tease:

 

[Clownshoe]

Moral of the story, if you do not have the cash, don't take the risk :thumbs:

Or a fool and his money are easily parted

:fencelook:

Stirrer :tease:

:rollsmile:

 

[Dbecks07]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

 

[Whacko]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

 

[Dbecks07]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

Thanks buddy, much appreciated:thumbs:

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So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

Thanks buddy, much appreciated:thumbs:

Where do you get yours from besides Stealerships?

 

[M3_FTW]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

---

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

From that site

"Castrol TWS 10W-60 Motorsport does not exist any more. Currently available are Castrol EDGE FST 10W-60 (for end customers) and Castrol EDGE Professional 10W-60 (for garages)."

 

[Dbecks07]

Thanks for the heads up M3_FTW

Which JHB garages stock it and/or where in JHB can you purchase it from?

 

[Whacko]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

---

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

From that site

"Castrol TWS 10W-60 Motorsport does not exist any more. Currently available are Castrol EDGE FST 10W-60 (for end customers) and Castrol EDGE Professional 10W-60 (for garages)."

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I have bought the Castrol EDGE 10W-60 and told him so on another thread, I didn't know the Motorsport don't exist anymore.
See here http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=36237&page=4
:thumbs:

 

[Dbecks07]

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

---

So guys while we on the topic of oil and always topping it up....Whats your advice on the best oil to use for my cabbie (E63 M6)....

Castrol 10W60 TWS synthetic oil :thumbs:

When last did you buy oil ? TWS 10W60 no longer exists

It is now Castrol Edge Professional 10W60

URL for reference

TWS 10W60 no longer exists

From that site

"Castrol TWS 10W-60 Motorsport does not exist any more. Currently available are Castrol EDGE FST 10W-60 (for end customers) and Castrol EDGE Professional 10W-60 (for garages)."

---

I have bought the Castrol EDGE 10W-60 and told him so on another thread, I didn't know the Motorsport don't exist anymore.
See here http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=36237&page=4
:thumbs:

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Yes you did - Im just pedantic like that