School me on: E39 M5's

[London]

Alright before this turns into a giant flame off :???:

One. Lambo, I see what you're saying and yeah in hindsight probably should have hit up google and some m5 forums. BUT my experience on r3v tends to be that the people have a more realistic approach to handling things. So for example, when I was looking at e46's e46fanatics was generally useless when I was asking around for info. Maybe I just had shitty luck. But when it comes to BMW I tend to trust the opinions of the guys on here. Thats all. And I did do research before this, I'm not asking to be spoon fed anything. More looking for peoples experience owning and maintaining these cars.

And secondly. Thanks for the info guys. I'm strongly considering one of these as my next car once I get my finances squared up.

[TopOfTheLine89]

The guy who set the cannonball record in one says they have electrical issues, window motors also seem to be a sore spot from my experience as a independent, work on everything tech.

[jaywood]

If we have a fucking flashlight thread then we can have a thread asking about another bmw for christ's sake.

Hey! Be nice ;)

[MikeDE]

I tend to agree with London^. It's like the guys on E46fanatics are afraid to say anything bad about other member's e46's or e46's in general. I dunno if the same goes for E39 owners. But, what I read on the M5board makes me think they accept certain maladies instead of sugar-coating them.

I was also glad to see a thread about E39's. I have been looking at 5spd E39 528iT's over here. They are plentiful and are really coming down in price.

[lambo]

One. Lambo, I see what you're saying and yeah in hindsight probably should have hit up google and some m5 forums. BUT my experience on r3v tends to be that the people have a more realistic approach to handling things. So for example, when I was looking at e46's e46fanatics was generally useless when I was asking around for info. Maybe I just had shitty luck. But when it comes to BMW I tend to trust the opinions of the guys on here. Thats all. And I did do research before this, I'm not asking to be spoon fed anything. More looking for peoples experience owning and maintaining these cars.

Fair enough

[cg138]

Let's see, this is going to be a little long, and I'll probably forget some stuff, but here goes:

From what I've read, cramer's got it right with the S62 secondary air pump issue. The consensus over at M5Board seems to be that it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when. When that gets clogged up, it'll throw a CEL; since it's so expensive to fix, some people have just resorted to using a ECU chip that also turns off the CEL for this issue.

2000 M5 is the pre-facelift and 2001+ are post facelift models. Pre-facelift 2000 models didn't have Angel Eye lights nor Jeweled tailights, rear only PDC, had a older navigation system with 4:3 screen, slightly different interior combo options and trim, different steering wheel and black dash gauge faces. The post-facelift 01-03 M5s were continually updated with minor updates. Although all E39 M5s came with rear side airbags, they are disabled by default for the 2002 model year only; they can be re-enabled by the dealer. 2002 and 2003 models received automatic headlights. 2003 models received a DVD-based navigation system and radio combo (Mk IV) that allows a BMW auxiliary input jack to be manually added later on easily (if you are so inclined). Pre-2003 models had an older, CD-based navigation system and radio combo. Mechanically, I'm pretty sure all the years received the same rear differential ratio; however, post 3/2000 has updated piston rings that's suppose to help reduce consumption of oil (whether it's effective or not seems to still be a debate over at M5Board), 2001 has an updated VANOS system, and 2003 has a slightly updated VANOS system that is suppose to help quiet down cold start-up VANOS ticking. Other than that, they are mostly similar mechanically.

Post-facelift models tend to fetch more money than pre-facelift models. Avoid the low-priced ones, they tend to be beat to hell. For a good, low mileage, post-facelift model, you can expect to pay upwards of 21-23k for a private party sale.

Other than what others have said, I think some of the things to check for include O2, cam position and MAF sensors, hoses, leaking fluids, rear sway bar brackets are bit on the weak side and have broken. If VANOS system goes bad, it can be a very very expensive repair (whether it's the system or just the solenoid that goes bad is a whole another debate over at M5Board). Also, some people have started recommending preventative rod bearing replacements at about 100k miles. There's a really long thread over there about rod bearings.

You should definitely check out M5Board. There's a ton of information on there, and people seem to be pretty good about being realistic with the weak points and maintenance costs of M5s. Good luck!

[priapism]

Keep in mind shit is expensive on those. The MAFs go bad and they're $300+ just for the sensor. That's a 15k motor.

[SacE30]

Possibly the best car you can own. Thats how good they are. and HEY! once you get tired and bored of it, throw the s62 in the e30!

[bestwheelbase]

I was in your position last year. I read through all the forum commentary and "common problem" articles, and went M5 shopping...

Bought a 2005 CTS-V shortly thereafter. :p

For me, the M5 just wasn't worth the premium (both in purchase price and running costs). Looking back, I would make the same decision again - only without the hemming and hawing over leaving the fold. I will admit the LS6 lacks a bit of refinement found in the S62, but it makes up for this by being 100% trouble-free and an order of magnitude cheaper to repair than the German powerplant. For someone not made of money, this was an important factor to consider.

Food for thought. Maybe the Cadillac option will suit you as it has me.

[Eurospec]

Keep in mind shit is expensive on those. The MAFs go bad and they're $300+ just for the sensor. That's a 15k motor.

Cosigned.

You're basically maintaining what was once a $70-80k vehicle. I've driven one that was slightly modded on a couple occasions and I can tell you firsthand it's a blast to drive but nearly impossible to control yourself in driving within speed limits. I'd find it very difficult to daily imho.

[cramer]

Keep in mind shit is expensive on those. The MAFs go bad and they're $300+ just for the sensor. That's a 15k motor.

You need to do a little more searching around ;) You can use VW Mafs (about $120 a side).

There are however quite a few S62 unique parts that you can not use the more common M62 equivalent so you are paying more for the maintenance items, over a 540i, but it's not that large of a bump.

[CleanAzzE30z]

BMW V8's have a fetish with water pump and general coolant leak issues and for any ///M car add many percentages to any part...

[mach schnell]

Do they have issues with the valve cover gaskets, like M60's? And if so, what do they cost to have a dealer replace 'em?

[Raxe]

Keep in mind shit is expensive on those. The MAFs go bad and they're $300+ just for the sensor. That's a 15k motor.

A new S62 retails for 45k last I checked.

[lonamuller19]

Interesting. Thanks.