E39 M5's
15-05-2012, 06:37 AM
#1
E39 M5's
Right, I've decided to stop pissing about and buy myself a decent car to drive around in as I'm fed up of driving old shite about! 
I've been trying to make up my mind as to what I want and the list of things were as follows:
Civic Type R,
Focus ST 2.5,
Mondeo ST220,
Scooby WRX STi (blob eye),
But then I looked at E39 M5's and though sod it, I'll go for one of those!
I know my list above is a bit varied!
I've always wanted an M5 and I know a few people on here have either got them or have had them.
All I've got to do now is save up some money!!
My questions are what are they actually like to live with, common issues etc?
I don't care about fuel consumption as I drive a van for work so won't get used daily.
Cheers folks!
I've been trying to make up my mind as to what I want and the list of things were as follows:
Civic Type R,
Focus ST 2.5,
Mondeo ST220,
Scooby WRX STi (blob eye),
But then I looked at E39 M5's and though sod it, I'll go for one of those!
I know my list above is a bit varied!
I've always wanted an M5 and I know a few people on here have either got them or have had them.
All I've got to do now is save up some money!!
My questions are what are they actually like to live with, common issues etc?
I don't care about fuel consumption as I drive a van for work so won't get used daily.
Cheers folks!
15-05-2012, 08:33 AM
#6
I've got one and had one for two years, it is definately (IMO) the best car for the money that you could own hands down, it pains me that the miles are getting high and it's getting on a bit becuase I will have to buy something not nearly as well put together and fast, anyway enough of the sob story, what is it like....
-Well for starters their cheap to buy, so don't opt for a pre-facelift car becuse you'll pick up the later one for the same or similar money.
-Mine averages 17.8 mpg but thats mostly town diving.
-Brakes are not the best, get uprated pads as minimum and the discs are prone to warping becuase its a heavy car.
-Vanos issues are a load of old wifes tales, it sounds like a bag of spanners when you start it up, that should last for 3 seconds at most then it'll be smooth, this is perfectly normal, i've even had non BMW mechanics freak out at the noise it makes when you start it.
-Cheaper to service than an E46 M3
-Don't just buy on mileage, i.e and 85k mile car might need tyres/brakes etc done to it, whilst a 100k car has had all that done already.
-Problems.... err I've had none, cars at 120k miles now and clutch is slipping but i do drive it hard, other than that it's had tyres all round, front brakes and two sets of pads and a track control arm so nothing to shout about really.
-Top tip, bits arent that cheap but DON'T buy pattern parts, I have only done this once with a set of rear drop links and they lasted 2 months and broke, thesrs alot of cheap shite out there and it's a big heavy car, so only use BMW OEM bits.
-They use oil, it is VERY rare to find one that doesn't, the also ONLY run on castrol TWS 10/60 FOR M SERIES ENGINES (it MUST say that on the bottle), its about 45 quid for 4 litres you can get it off ebay/opie oils etc, or BMW if youre feeling flush.
-Check the rear diff for play, if you can't jack the car up, just lift the clutch slightly when you pull away and see if there is a noticeable delay in it taking up drive, oh and the rear diff seals are very shit and are prone to leaks.
-If you drive it from cold the gearchange can feel notchy, this is a characteristic of the box and it will be smoother once warmer, again nothing too bad but some people moan about it on forums, even old dudes that have had them from new complained about it.
-Headlights (in facelift cars) break on the inside, the adjusters are made of plastic and become brittle and snap, easy and cheap fix if you have a heat gun. if you open the bonnet and wiggle the connector that goes into the light and it moves excessively you know the inside of the light is no longer connected to the adjuster.
Other than that it's an ace car!
-Well for starters their cheap to buy, so don't opt for a pre-facelift car becuse you'll pick up the later one for the same or similar money.
-Mine averages 17.8 mpg but thats mostly town diving.
-Brakes are not the best, get uprated pads as minimum and the discs are prone to warping becuase its a heavy car.
-Vanos issues are a load of old wifes tales, it sounds like a bag of spanners when you start it up, that should last for 3 seconds at most then it'll be smooth, this is perfectly normal, i've even had non BMW mechanics freak out at the noise it makes when you start it.
-Cheaper to service than an E46 M3
-Don't just buy on mileage, i.e and 85k mile car might need tyres/brakes etc done to it, whilst a 100k car has had all that done already.
-Problems.... err I've had none, cars at 120k miles now and clutch is slipping but i do drive it hard, other than that it's had tyres all round, front brakes and two sets of pads and a track control arm so nothing to shout about really.
-Top tip, bits arent that cheap but DON'T buy pattern parts, I have only done this once with a set of rear drop links and they lasted 2 months and broke, thesrs alot of cheap shite out there and it's a big heavy car, so only use BMW OEM bits.
-They use oil, it is VERY rare to find one that doesn't, the also ONLY run on castrol TWS 10/60 FOR M SERIES ENGINES (it MUST say that on the bottle), its about 45 quid for 4 litres you can get it off ebay/opie oils etc, or BMW if youre feeling flush.
-Check the rear diff for play, if you can't jack the car up, just lift the clutch slightly when you pull away and see if there is a noticeable delay in it taking up drive, oh and the rear diff seals are very shit and are prone to leaks.
-If you drive it from cold the gearchange can feel notchy, this is a characteristic of the box and it will be smoother once warmer, again nothing too bad but some people moan about it on forums, even old dudes that have had them from new complained about it.
-Headlights (in facelift cars) break on the inside, the adjusters are made of plastic and become brittle and snap, easy and cheap fix if you have a heat gun. if you open the bonnet and wiggle the connector that goes into the light and it moves excessively you know the inside of the light is no longer connected to the adjuster.
Other than that it's an ace car!
Last edited by rog; 15-05-2012 at 08:41 AM.
15-05-2012, 08:46 AM
#7
Ben
What sort of money do these go for?
And what power do they run standard?
And what power do they run standard?
Trending Topics
15-05-2012, 08:51 AM
#9
Ben
Blimey, that's a lot of car for the money!
Can't you pick up the 750 for similar money?
Can't you pick up the 750 for similar money?
15-05-2012, 08:55 AM
#10
Just an example, there are loads, and kind of like cossies the prices very wildly.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3587099.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3587099.htm
15-05-2012, 09:44 AM
#12
Ben
A tenner per 100 miles? No fucking way
15-05-2012, 10:11 AM
#13
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
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never owned one but was in a 2001 with 150,000 on the clock but the way it handles and puts speed on is impressive,I had a 540i wich was only 286bhp but did 49mph 1st and a 115 in 3rd the guy with the m5 claims to have had it at 150mph on a mile bypass but would of being doing around 60mph just as he got on it also it has a big ass phone in the arm rest lol
15-05-2012, 10:26 AM
#14
One of these is on my wish list...
Rog - thanks for the input, makes for interesting reading! If you werent so far away (ie in a diff country) i'd pop up to have a chat to you about M5s.
I think they are awesome cars, big v8 upfront, rwd and sublime handling with alot of straight line grunt thrown in. The only thing putting me off would be running costs, ie replacement parts etc.
Rog - thanks for the input, makes for interesting reading! If you werent so far away (ie in a diff country) i'd pop up to have a chat to you about M5s.
I think they are awesome cars, big v8 upfront, rwd and sublime handling with alot of straight line grunt thrown in. The only thing putting me off would be running costs, ie replacement parts etc.
15-05-2012, 10:30 AM
#15
I have owned a variety of cars over the years as most of you know, and perhaps more importantly I have driven pretty much everything out there due to my business. If you want a fast and comfortable sub Ł10K car that is uber reliable, then nothing even comes close to an M5. Its my favourite car and I just cant bear to get rid of her.
Everything Rog says above is correct, its all great advice. I am lucky, I got one of the ones that doesnt use oil.
The following is just cut and pasted from my own website...
Totally amazing cars. Absolutely love everything about mine. They do everything pretty well or better. Speed, handling, comfort, quality, reliability, build quality, everything about them is better than 90% of cars out there. The power is excellent and so usable you don't have top bother with the gearbox if your feeling lazy, with over 200ftlb of torque from idle rising to around 370ftlb from 2000pm to the limiter, she will pull from 10mph to 186mph in 5th gear.
As for daily driving, again, it excels, the big V8 heats up fast and you can potter to the shops with no drama and she will sit outside looking subdued to all but those who know what she is. They don't feel anything like as big as they are once you get the hang of them, and you can easily push the limits more each week. It may be a few weeks before you disable the incredibly competent DSC though, shes a heavy girl at the back so needs your wits about you to push hard in the rain with DSC off. With it on, your grandma couldn't lose it, honestly, the computer would almost forbid it.
The quality you are buying and driving is what swings it for me. They drive better at 200,000 miles than any Ford, Subaru or Mitsubishi Lancer does when NEW. And so they should, don't forget, fully loaded, these cars were Ł67'000 only 6-7 years ago!
Toy lovers will be at home as the list of toys is massive on an M5. lets see, here is my spec. (In the order i can think of them...):
Everything Rog says above is correct, its all great advice. I am lucky, I got one of the ones that doesnt use oil.
The following is just cut and pasted from my own website...
Totally amazing cars. Absolutely love everything about mine. They do everything pretty well or better. Speed, handling, comfort, quality, reliability, build quality, everything about them is better than 90% of cars out there. The power is excellent and so usable you don't have top bother with the gearbox if your feeling lazy, with over 200ftlb of torque from idle rising to around 370ftlb from 2000pm to the limiter, she will pull from 10mph to 186mph in 5th gear.
As for daily driving, again, it excels, the big V8 heats up fast and you can potter to the shops with no drama and she will sit outside looking subdued to all but those who know what she is. They don't feel anything like as big as they are once you get the hang of them, and you can easily push the limits more each week. It may be a few weeks before you disable the incredibly competent DSC though, shes a heavy girl at the back so needs your wits about you to push hard in the rain with DSC off. With it on, your grandma couldn't lose it, honestly, the computer would almost forbid it.
The quality you are buying and driving is what swings it for me. They drive better at 200,000 miles than any Ford, Subaru or Mitsubishi Lancer does when NEW. And so they should, don't forget, fully loaded, these cars were Ł67'000 only 6-7 years ago!
Toy lovers will be at home as the list of toys is massive on an M5. lets see, here is my spec. (In the order i can think of them...):
5L V8 400BHP
6 Speed Manual Gearbox
18" Alloys
SAT NAV
TV
Teletext
Dual Zone Digital Climate Control
Grey and black Nappa Leather Interior
Brushed Aluminium Trim
Electric Heated Seats with Drivers Memory
Centre front and Rear Arm Rest
Premium Sound System with 6 disc changer
On-board Computer showing MPG/temps etc
Built in lap timer and stopwatch (handy at the ring)
Cruise Control
Sports Mode (Improves steering and accelerator ratio)
Traction Control
Multi Function Steering Wheel (controls radio and cruise control)
Electric rear privacy blinds
Electric Tilt and Slide Sunroof
Electric windows all round
Electric Folding Mirrors with memory
Interior and exterior mirrors are all automatic anti glare. (They go dark when bright lights shine in them)
Washer jets, and mirrors are all heated.
Multiple Airbags in dash, wheel, front pillars and all four doors
Power Assisted steering
Xenon Head Lights
Angel eyes (You must upgrade these to 7000K LED's)
Front Fog Lights
Auto Tyre pressure monitoring
Parking Sensors front and rear
Mirrors drop to view kerbs automatically when you select reverse. (Switchable)
Remote Central Locking
Alarm/Immobiliser
Automatic rain sensing Wipers
auto headlight activation
Anti Lock Brakes
Toolkit in boot
DECENT First aid kit built into car
Rechargeable torch built into car
Warning Triangle built into car
2 Main ignition keys with remote controls built in
Full tints all round
3 driver settings that set the position of: Seats, steering wheel, mirrors and aircon. Great for other drivers.
Auto key charging. The remotes charge up in the ignition automatically. No batteries in them.
Disarm key personalisation.
(When Mandy gets in with her key, the car sets all seats, mirrors, aircon, steering wheel etc to her settings. When i use my keyfob to disarm, it sets it back to mine. No more changing seats and stuff... bliss!)
Do any other features actually exist?
15-05-2012, 12:29 PM
#18
Hmm........ The more I read, the more I want one!!
Glenn: the saph is going nowhere mate as James has said!
Rog and Stu: cheers boys! Just what I wanted to hear!
They just seem such good value for money! The only thing I'm a little worried about is if anything does go wrong with it and the ŁŁŁ it would cost.
Stu, do you do a remap for them and if you do, what sort of gains can you get from it?
Glenn: the saph is going nowhere mate as James has said!
Rog and Stu: cheers boys! Just what I wanted to hear!
They just seem such good value for money! The only thing I'm a little worried about is if anything does go wrong with it and the ŁŁŁ it would cost.
Stu, do you do a remap for them and if you do, what sort of gains can you get from it?
15-05-2012, 08:30 PM
#24
20K+ Super Poster.
ive got a "normal" E39 and even that i find is a brilliant car. i'd absolutely LOVE and M5 but i dont know if i could lose the practicality of an estate, plus i cant go spending big money on cars anymore.
even the "budget" E39s are great cars!
even the "budget" E39s are great cars!
15-05-2012, 09:23 PM
#26
That's a facelift spec sat nav, all post 2000 cars should have them that size and the different wheel inside. Which confuses me is that's on a V plate unless the lights and the sat nave and wheel have been put in afterwards?
The tv won't work anymore unless you install a digital tuner as they're all equipped with analogue. The wheel is the same as an e46 M3 and the later ones also have the grey dials.
The tv won't work anymore unless you install a digital tuner as they're all equipped with analogue. The wheel is the same as an e46 M3 and the later ones also have the grey dials.
Last edited by rog; 15-05-2012 at 09:25 PM.
15-05-2012, 09:55 PM
#31
get one bought mate cracking cars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u8OWS4g8XM&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msOIg3nGu9w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u8OWS4g8XM&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msOIg3nGu9w
15-05-2012, 09:59 PM
#32
PassionFord Post Whore!!
They are great cars as said, I have great memories of a lap in the E39 M5 'Ring Taxi with Sabine Schmitz back in 2002. Awesome!
Clarkson had a go too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U6XZjEZKRA
Clarkson had a go too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U6XZjEZKRA
Last edited by GVK.; 15-05-2012 at 10:04 PM.
15-05-2012, 10:37 PM
#34
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
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They have come down massively in price recently and i think they are starting to bottom out in price.
I work in the motor trade so I bought mine at trade prices so its a cheap play thing to take on the odd track day, nurburgring and something comfy to drive on long trips.
Get them up to 70, stick the cruise control on and they are pretty good on fuel, on a 270mile trip i averaged over 30mpg
Mines a 2000 so i dont pay the silly road tax and mine had a new engine and facelift vanos kit under warranty from BMW back in 2003 so the engine has only done 70k
Put it on the rollers a few weeks ago to check its healthy and pulled these numbers
399.7bhp and 385ft lbs of torque, completely stock
a remap will normally gain you 20hp and about the same in torque, changing manifolds normally gives you the greatest gain, 30bhp+
excuse the passanger headlight, got some water in it but cleaned it out later that day
just making a few changes currently, done a 'square' setup where you put a set of rear wheels on the front to help with handling, with means im running 285 slicks all around.
Fitting a set of coilovers to cover all the extra grip of the slicks
Probably put a decent set of pads in the front for my first track day.
Overall i think they are great cars, they arnt very fast due to them being heavy, i would say under 130mph your about as quick as a stage 1 saff but after that you will have the legs.
Just know that they are pretty decent at whatever you want to do, not amazing but they dont really have anything bad going for them.
I find the exhaust a bit quiet for a V8 but doing a 'muffler delete' makes a difference, sounds alot nicer then, yet leaving the middle resonators in means its silent on cruising with no drone
Here is a clip of mine, its very loud when its cold as it has an airpump that throws extra air through to help with emissions but then stops after about 1minute, if you listen to the last 3 seconds of the clip you can hear the exhaust quieten down as the pump turns off
If you can get a decent one for around Ł5k i think your laughing
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3yGKow6uIY[/youtube]
If you can get a decent one for around Ł5k i think your laughing
I work in the motor trade so I bought mine at trade prices so its a cheap play thing to take on the odd track day, nurburgring and something comfy to drive on long trips.
Get them up to 70, stick the cruise control on and they are pretty good on fuel, on a 270mile trip i averaged over 30mpg
Mines a 2000 so i dont pay the silly road tax and mine had a new engine and facelift vanos kit under warranty from BMW back in 2003 so the engine has only done 70k
Put it on the rollers a few weeks ago to check its healthy and pulled these numbers
399.7bhp and 385ft lbs of torque, completely stock
a remap will normally gain you 20hp and about the same in torque, changing manifolds normally gives you the greatest gain, 30bhp+
excuse the passanger headlight, got some water in it but cleaned it out later that day
just making a few changes currently, done a 'square' setup where you put a set of rear wheels on the front to help with handling, with means im running 285 slicks all around.
Fitting a set of coilovers to cover all the extra grip of the slicks
Probably put a decent set of pads in the front for my first track day.
Overall i think they are great cars, they arnt very fast due to them being heavy, i would say under 130mph your about as quick as a stage 1 saff but after that you will have the legs.
Just know that they are pretty decent at whatever you want to do, not amazing but they dont really have anything bad going for them.
I find the exhaust a bit quiet for a V8 but doing a 'muffler delete' makes a difference, sounds alot nicer then, yet leaving the middle resonators in means its silent on cruising with no drone
Here is a clip of mine, its very loud when its cold as it has an airpump that throws extra air through to help with emissions but then stops after about 1minute, if you listen to the last 3 seconds of the clip you can hear the exhaust quieten down as the pump turns off
If you can get a decent one for around Ł5k i think your laughing
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3yGKow6uIY[/youtube]
If you can get a decent one for around Ł5k i think your laughing
16-05-2012, 10:57 AM
#37
Team HOTHOT!
Superb cars!
If you love the M5 BUT don't want the insurance/fuel/servicing expense then a 540i Sport with the 6 speed manual box is the way to go - if you want it to be even cheaper to run then there are plenty out there with LPG conversions too (although finding a manual one is rare - I'm lucky, I have one
)
If you love the M5 BUT don't want the insurance/fuel/servicing expense then a 540i Sport with the 6 speed manual box is the way to go - if you want it to be even cheaper to run then there are plenty out there with LPG conversions too (although finding a manual one is rare - I'm lucky, I have one
)
16-05-2012, 11:46 AM
#40
I'm Finding My Feet Here Now
Just an example, there are loads, and kind of like cossies the prices very wildly.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3587099.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3587099.htm
Amazing how cheap they are are nowadays