Test drove an E39 M5, not impressed

onewhippedpuppy · 08-18-2010, 12:45 PM

I'm shocked, honestly. It was a good condition 2000 with 68k, overall excellent mechanical condition. It was fast, but wasn't particularly responsive. The steering was good but the brakes were grabby, the engine wasn't that responsive, and the shifter sucked. The leather wasn't worn but it looked like hell, there were a number of areas that were mostly missing all of their dye. Overall I greatly preferred my old XJR, which actually had more miles on it. This one had been well taken care of, so I can't see it as neglect. Weird.....

Halm · 08-18-2010, 01:28 PM

Wow, Whipped, you must have driven a dog of an M5. My S-I-L's M5 (same year as the one you drove) was a beast. It was so cool I wanted one too. And at a recent DE in my run group there was a nice one that was very fast. The 2000 model V8 made my 2004 Audi S4 V8 feel like a go-kart. And the car was more comfortable than anything I have owned, including a Lexus LS400. The shifter is pure POS, but that is a BMW trait. I have the same thing with my '06 M3. With some $$$ and aftermarket parts, it can be fixed.

I would buy one in a heartbeat except for one thing: Either they are rock solid or a money pit. And I already have a money pit with my SC!

onewhippedpuppy · 08-18-2010, 01:38 PM

It's possible this one was a dog, but surprising as it was well maintained. Again, my XJR was much more responsive.

greglepore · 08-18-2010, 01:53 PM

Sold an '02 after 8k miles. Nice, ridiculously powerful luxury car, but way too massive to be fun.
Overly complex as well. Interior on mine was awesome carmel leather (the full leather package made a huge difference). Can't say that I miss the 14 mpg either.

Sarc · 08-18-2010, 04:03 PM

Hmmm, very interesting. Maybe a drive in an E55 is in order for comparison's sake.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-18-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Hmmm, very interesting. Maybe a drive in an E55 is in order for comparison's sake.

I like the way you think!

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

This shocks me after how well the M3 dad just got drives...

Eric Coffey · 08-18-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Test drove an E39 M5, not impressed

If you haven't yet, drive the E60 version in "P500S" mode. It will likely change your mind about the M5!

slow&rusty · 08-19-2010, 04:09 AM

I am suspecting a VANOS issue..which is a common problem on these cars as they age.

A 400hp manual gearbox car is supposed to scat and scadoodle. 0-60 mp/h is 4.9- 5.2 secs so very fast.

speeder · 08-19-2010, 08:00 AM

I think that Yasin is on to something. A 10 year old car, even if generally well-maintained, can have some issue that affects performance and/or drivability. It can often be the catalyst for selling it. IE. the owner was told that he needs a $1k VANOS repair and he says, "time to sell...been nice knowing you, M5..."

I don't love those cars, though. A couple friends had them when new and they are tire-smoking torque monsters but over-all not really a great DD, IMO. I'm with Wayne on the point that the less powerful model can actually be a better stop light-to-stop light car.

I've also always preferred Mercedes Benz cars as DDs.

greglepore · 08-19-2010, 08:39 AM

What the later M5 excels at is useless in the States-70-120 acceleration, and the ability to cruise all day like some earthbound luxury biz jet.

And yup, they eat Vanos solenoids, and assorted other parts at an astounding rate-mine was well maintained when purchased an still was a $1000/month mistress unless you diy's-which would require MIT like tech abilities.

The early ones were like 4 seat 911's.

Moses · 08-19-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

I have a 1998 528i, and ... it's like a living room on wheels.
-Wayne

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarc

Hmmm, very interesting. Maybe a drive in an E55 is in order for comparison's sake.

It's a like a rocket powered living room on wheels.

RacerX1166 · 08-20-2010, 09:07 AM

I had a 540/6 speed for awhile and loved that car.

Even with various items to improve the handling, it still felt bigger than it was. It didn't feel as though it could transition well but the raw grip was fairly impressive. The best thing about that car was the ungodly gobs of torque the V8 delivered.

Build quality was great on mine. Like most of them, it creaked like an old masted schooner but it still felt much more solid than the new Lexus GS that replaced it. If they weren't getting rather old at this point, I'd still entertain hunting down a 540 sport with a slushbox.

BTW, I think a 540 is the way to go if you're looking at an M5. Not as many issues with the VANOS, no problems with carbon buildup and low end engine performance is as good as its M5 contemporary.

Sarc · 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I like the way you think!

I immediately thought W210, but these are starting to grow on me

89911 · 08-20-2010, 06:23 PM

Having test drove a few e39 M5's and owning an e60 M5 for a brief time, you must have driving a car with some issues. The first e39 I drove had problems accelerating. I had to break it to the guy that his clutch was toast and he didn't believe me. The next one was a rocket. It seemed no road was long or straight enough before you were up in the gears. The e60 I ended up buying had SMG and it was a truely goofy car to drive. I ended up hating it. Fast beyond all get out with 500hp. I ended up getting out of it and getting a 550i with a 7 speed auto and never looked back. The M5 seemed like the perfect car for articles in car magazines but the real world uses are odd. Sometimes its better to imagine owning certain cars then actually having them.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-20-2010, 07:01 PM

You guys convinced me, I drove a dud. The guy left me a voicemail saying he'd take less, but I think I'll stay away.

slow&rusty · 08-21-2010, 02:38 AM

Sarc - The W211 with the E55K is one of the most amazing cars to drive in terms of sheer all out performance...it will keep up with a Gallardo to 100mp/h and has big brakes and super comfortable all in one package. A delightful car that is guaranteed to plan a smile on your face by just a touch of the go pedal!

stealthn · 08-21-2010, 06:50 AM

Yes the older 5 series were great cars just big/heavy. I had a 99 528Si manual and I loved the car, great cruiser on the hiway, needed the manual though with just the little engine. My neighbour down the street had the e39 M5 and it was in the shop every other week. He got a lemon and got rid of it.

matt911 · 08-21-2010, 06:54 AM

I've owned my 2001 M5 for about 4 years now and it just turned 100,000 miles. My ownership experience has been a good one with few issues. I did experience a loss in power that was fixed with new MAF sensors, these seem to be a 50k wear item for these cars. VW Bosch MAF's are available for half the price of BMW ones. Replacing the MAF's felt like I found 100 HP. When I purchased the car I changed the shifter to one from another BMW, I think I bought it on Pelican for $75. Not too short a throw and easy to install. Overall the car has been very reliable and used as a daily driver, goes great in the snow with snow tires.

I recently borrowed an E60 M5 for a week and thought I was going to hate getting back into my 100,000 mile E39 M5. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't miss the E60 at all.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-21-2010, 09:36 AM

Matt, was there any CEL associated with the MAF failure? I've done a little reading and that sounds like it might be the issue with this car.