Add the ambient temp sensor to the list.

Also- who knows? Car could just be a Lemon POS- unless owned by an Ape why would it have all these things failing?

BMW odometer tip- if you see strange dot on by the odometer, it indicates it's been tampered.

http://cimg.carsforsale.com/377026/W...BZ99188_15.jpg

O yea! The one that gets ripped off when you park- when I got my car, the whole panel was GONE, and I drove home with the temp sensor hanging out. It works like **** anyhow, when the ambient temps climb on a V8 it's worthless above 100deg out.

rjp

It won't allow the a/c to function properly. When the reading is -88, -40, etc..., the compressor will not engage. Ever.

I get to take my 328i in next week for the heater core to be replaced. 28,000 miles, no heat, and I'm being told it's due to deposit build up causing little to no flow through the heater core. I flushed the system at 25,000 miles with 50/50 diluted water and BMW coolant, so whatever deposit build up seems to have been factory installed.

Frankly my experience is similar. I've test driven several E39 M5s, most recently a local enthusiast owned car that was well sorted and only had about 50k. I was very underwhelmed with the experience overall. As far as super sedans go, really the only reason I would consider one is the manual transmission option. I thought my XJR had a lot more torque and a more responsive motor, and my S8 was a much better made and more cohesive package. Compared to the C63 that I'm currently selling for under $30k, not even a shadow of a comparison. The C63 is better and more fun in every possible way, and I highly recommend it.

The dealership in question always has some interesting stuff that is overpriced and undermaintained.

I'm not sure I get the pricing on these cars. They're not old enough to be classics, and as much of a following as they have they're not a hoot to drive. Refined and powerful, yes, but I'd agree that the experience is not all that "integrated"-that's a good term.

Weird- deposits? Never heard of that- If it warranted I'd go for it, if no warranty I'd try bleeding it again first.

Rjp

^ The problem is its a new (assumed) 328. Were not talking apples to apples with anything but the hoodcrest in relation to an e39.

I know a chick that bought I think a 2011 3 series coup - already eaten it's evaporator- leaked. $3K tab at dealer.

rjp

Here it is......

Selden Motors - 2003 BMW 5 Series M5 - Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

I am not afraid of sorting a car out. Problem is I am a checkbook mechanic (comfortable in my status). I just think it is too much commitment for a DD while I am also sorting my new to me 911. This would have to be a compelling opportunity; it wasn't.

Great thread! Thanks for all the input.

Nice looking car, that just seems like a bunch of money. I'll make you a great deal on a C63.:D

I didn't realize BMWs are that heavy (3500 to 4000lbs), since they are considered driver's cars with superior handling.
BMWs do have sport suspensions and brakes, so do they fall somewhere between the light nimble 911 and a poor handling muscle car?
Maybe they are similar to the 928 ?

http://i61.tinypic.com/t050f6.jpg

Definite warranty job. If I was presented with a $3k complete dash removal at 28,000 miles and had to pay for it, I would have just left the car with them and walked away.. I realize my issue really is not germane to the M5 in question, I think reliability with BMW really started it's downswing with the E90s.

BMW these days is downright scary- nothing is free from bugs- they are basically Audi now.

rjp

I (probably) smelled that aforementioned 3-series issue on my BIL's '08 this past weekend. He pulls in like a hot rod and I'm all..."Dude, do you smell you're car?" He's a recently, hired by Sikorsky, Engineer, who had not a clue on this earth what I was talking about.

It has a serious coolant usage issue.

I wonder if you other 540 or M5 e39ers have experienced the following:

Let's set the driving tone at: WOT, hammering through gears :)

Do you notice or get serpentine belt slippage/screeching when the rpm's change? I.E.: Hard 2-3 up-shift.

No, new Audis are more reliable, better made, and better to drive.

if its really cold outside and I turn full lock on an uneven surface I get a chatter....

Your tensioner is probabaly getting weak.

Audi isn' a DIY friendly car- at all. That S4 timing chain issue isn't just on the V8 cars. A few miles out of warranty?

NO way.

rjp