any owners of BMW M5's on this board?

[89911]

I did a search which turned up zilch, but isn't there somebody that post on here that recently purchased a used, older (E39) 2000-2003 M5? Just has some question about their vehicle and if they are happy.

[Halm]

Think that was over on Rennlist.

[89911]

Originally Posted by Halm

Think that was over on Rennlist.

Whats "rennlist"?

[aap1966]

http://aussieexotics.com/bmw/m5

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=47826


BMWCar September 07 has a buying guide: http://www.bmwcarmagazine.com/back-issues.htm#sept

[Halm]

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=408551&highlight=bmw+m5

[asphaltgambler]

The M5/E39....upside is a great car, one of the best sports sedans of that period, it is BMW at it's finest..... MO.

Down side.....they are very costly to maintain and fix. Much more than the standard E39 V-8. Clutches fail frequenty (a designed-in weak link) vanos units fail, mass-air units, etc. Almost every part on that car carries a substantial increase in cost over the other E39's.
In order to make the car really perform you have to wing the rpm's (above 4500) constantly. Most people could/would not drive that car to it's full potential often enough.

A better choice would be the E39 V- sport with the 6 speed. Not quite the same performance but more drivable in the everyday world and not as expensive to maintain.

[89911]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

The M5/E39....upside is a great car, one of the best sports sedans of that period, it is BMW at it's finest..... MO.

Down side.....they are very costly to maintain and fix. Much more than the standard E39 V-8. Clutches fail frequenty (a designed-in weak link) vanos units fail, mass-air units, etc. Almost every part on that car carries a substantial increase in cost over the other E39's.
In order to make the car really perform you have to wing the rpm's (above 4500) constantly. Most people could/would not drive that car to it's full potential often enough.

A better choice would be the E39 V- sport with the 6 speed. Not quite the same performance but more drivable in the everyday world and not as expensive to maintain.

Thanks, thats what I'm looking for. I've driven two withing the last week. The first was a tired 2000 with 92K on it. It seemed fine until I put it in 3rd going up a hill and noticed the tach spooling without any increase in speed. Clutch is gone. Either the guy didn't know or he thought I wouldn't notice. The 2nd was in very good shape, but the price was too high for that old of a car. I'll keep looking and maybe look at the 530 e59? as suggested.

[Halm]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

The M5/E39....upside is a great car, one of the best sports sedans of that period, it is BMW at it's finest..... MO.

Down side.....they are very costly to maintain and fix. Much more than the standard E39 V-8. Clutches fail frequenty (a designed-in weak link) vanos units fail, mass-air units, etc. Almost every part on that car carries a substantial increase in cost over the other E39's.
In order to make the car really perform you have to wing the rpm's (above 4500) constantly. Most people could/would not drive that car to it's full potential often enough.

A better choice would be the E39 V- sport with the 6 speed. Not quite the same performance but more drivable in the everyday world and not as expensive to maintain.

I have driven and liked the standard E-39 V-8, but I am worried about the motor over the longer haul. Any idea how durable the standard motor is?

Thanks!

[asphaltgambler]

You could put a brand new clutch assy in the M5 and go out and ruin it in the next 200 miles by speed shifting in the higher gears. At my last place a potential customer 'test-drove' a M5 that we had just installed a new clutch. He went exactly 48 miles. He did not purchase the car. That night when the salesman went to drive it home he said the clutch was slipping again. The next time it was the clutch and flywheel


The 540 V-8 is a great engine. They do have oil leak issues, coolant leaks, loose oil pump mounting bolts, maintenance issues like most BMW's. If you did find a good car, please take it to a good, experienced BMW shop. They will know what to look for and will do the best PPI.

Those cars properly manitained can go 250K + IF the car was serviced and maintained from the start. If you are not used to driving a nice example, a f****d BMW to the novice, seems to drive and ride fine. Very important to buy the right one and get a PPI. One note figure about $2500 /year for repairs and maintainance

[89911]

Seems to me is to stick to an automatic and avoid the clutch headaches. My friend that works at a BMW dealership says that EVERY manual they get in on trade needs a new clutch (usually why its being sold).

[asphaltgambler]

The M5 is only available with a manual trans. The 540's do not have the power to fry the clutch nearly as bad

[dtw]

I've been romancing the idea of buying an E39 M5 for a couple years now. The clutch issue does concern me. Is there a viable aftermarket solution?

[Jeremy Cottrell]

Check out:

http://www.m5board.com/