M5 Decision time

[BlueMajik]

I am hoping to make a decision this week on an M5.

My choices are one in LA. I noticed the owner put it back on Craigslist

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/879874697.html

Another from seller in Santa Barbara. Car has high mileage but very clean service history and is an 02. Highway miles from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica daily.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=251234802&dealer_id=63254427&search_type=used&distance=100&address=92802&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=M5&make2=&start_year=2001&end_year=2002&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&certified=&advanced=y&default_sort=priceASC&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

Another choice is a beautiful Royal Red in South Carolina. Seller is board member on another forum.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307370

My neighbor who has a TiSil with about 40k on it and he is not selling publicly but I ran into him Monday and he said he would take 28k. This car is in immaculate condition. I had the service run at my dealer and it's only half a page of minor service stuff. Only problem, it's outside my price. :(

Don't have pics but the car is practically new.

Well that's it. Any thoughts about newer models with high mileage? What about heavy service history at a dealer? Is that indicative of problems real soon, those little problems that nickel and dime you? or an east coast car with the Rust issue that they all have, but the comfort of an actual forum member.

Oh, If any of the sellers are following thread, I am rooting for all of you:D Just getting a bit of insight.

[MFIZZLENYC]

let me know when you get it

take your time.... you will finf the one

[Laidback]

I have helped a couple of guys on getting their beast and i always tell them "Patience young Jedi, your time will come very soon" :DI am hoping to make a decision this week on an M5.

My choices are one in LA. I noticed the owner put it back on Craigslist

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/879874697.html

Another from seller in Santa Barbara. Car has high mileage but very clean service history and is an 02. Highway miles from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica daily.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=251234802&dealer_id=63254427&search_type=used&distance=100&address=92802&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=M5&make2=&start_year=2001&end_year=2002&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&certified=&advanced=y&default_sort=priceASC&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

Another choice is a beautiful Royal Red in South Carolina. Seller is board member on another forum.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307370

My neighbor who has a TiSil with about 40k on it and he is not selling publicly but I ran into him Monday and he said he would take 28k. This car is in immaculate condition. I had the service run at my dealer and it's only half a page of minor service stuff. Only problem, it's outside my price. :(

Don't have pics but the car is practically new.

Well that's it. Any thoughts about newer models with high mileage? What about heavy service history at a dealer? Is that indicative of problems real soon, those little problems that nickel and dime you? or an east coast car with the Rust issue that they all have, but the comfort of an actual forum member.

Oh, If any of the sellers are following thread, I am rooting for all of you:D Just getting a bit of insight.

[MFIZZLENYC]

The force is strong in this young jedi LOL

[NeRwEEzy]

good luck Dennis =)

[Laidback]

:laughhard:The force is strong in this young jedi LOL

[SYCO GT]

What about heavy service history at a dealer? Is that indicative of problems real soon, those little problems that nickel and dime you?

Let me just throw it out there, and of course, we know every car is of course different. I bought a 2005 Land Rover LR3 to off road, yes #37 of #37on the list as least reliable vehicles.

Extensive records and a good amount of warranty work by original owner. Had it over a year now, and it's been essentially perfect. A power steering pump failed under my ownership and was easily replaced under warranty. It, of course, is important to review the records as to what is being done - reoccurring patterns would make me nervous, or groupings of issues in particular areas. But, as far as my Rover, no outstanding problems, and it's been great. Limited service history could mean problems weren't discovered or taken care of. Just take all the factors together as a whole and make a decision.

[SYCO GT]

Oh, and as far as mileage goes, I will always take the car in better condition, even if it has more miles, as long as the mileage is not overly excessive.

I think people often place too much weight on miles alone, without looking at the entire package.

[Laidback]

So true Randy, M cars needs to be driven and taken care off at the same time:)Oh, and as far as mileage goes, I will always take the car in better condition, even if it has more miles, as long as the mileage is not overly excessive.

I think people often place too much weight on miles alone, without looking at the entire package.

[BlueMajik]

I am really leaning towards the low mileage silver M5 from my neighbor. I would rather have the LMB or Avus Blue but the LMB's all have way more miles. Kinda hard decision. Get the low mileage good service history car the wrong color or get the LMB with higher mileage 70k miles but the right color. Can I learn to love the Silver? Do I get the car I know will not give me repair hell right away?
woos me

[Laidback]

Kinda tough choice and i was in the same boat as you a few years back, I am a RED car guy and i waited till i found LoLa, she was a beauty but gave me a slight headache SES light due to o2 sensors which at that time I thought it was a nightmare (as i was new with the S62 engine) but after reading alot on M5board.com ( very nice board/ people and alot of history on the E39 M5 ) and I met Qais from Southbay AutoHaus and Chris@BMStuning.com, I was confident and have gone pass the maintenance and onto modding mode:D

I had a silver Z4 before the Z4M and maintaining and keeping the car clean was a bliss... S62 engine are temperemental at times regardless of mileage or age, getting a good PPI is the key and having the right tech plays a major role on keeping the Beast in shape...as i have advise people who wanted to buy an e39 M5 i always tell them "it's a love hate relationship" (if the Beast is performing or in tip top shape you wouldn't trade it for the world but once problems arise the thought of trade or sell always crosses your mind)...

Hope this helps...:)





I am really leaning towards the low mileage silver M5 from my neighbor. I would rather have the LMB or Avus Blue but the LMB's all have way more miles. Kinda hard decision. Get the low mileage good service history car the wrong color or get the LMB with higher mileage 70k miles but the right color. Can I learn to love the Silver? Do I get the car I know will not give me repair hell right away?
woos me

[SYCO GT]

Always get the car in the best condition. I have picked condition over color on a couple occasions, and it's always been worth it.

For example, I don't really care for beige interiors. But, found a mint Land Rover that was regularly garaged and washed by a soccer mom, and so be it...No regrets. Full service records. Seat protectors.

If you are neutral about something, you can learn to like it. It's only if you really don't like something that it will always bug you.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/LR3.jpg

[SYCO GT]

I really like what Laidback wrote about the love/hate relationship. Fortunately, I never had anything too serious with the M5, and to this day, I still love the car, it's just in the hands of another. I sure hope he is enjoying it, although his recent smog test was tough, I know.

Hmmmm. Well, let me take a step back. It is an M5 you are talking about and not a family hauler off roading work truck SUV.

I almost bought a white e39 M5, and nothing wrong with that, my LR3 is white, but it was not my first choice for the M5.

For M cars, I like to get Motorsport colors. So, I was set on Carbon Black Metallic. I found a CBM with an interior I didn't like, I hated in fact, so I kept looking. Finally, I found a CBM with all black interior, extended leather, and truly great condition.

So, maybe keep looking if you are really set on color. For the GT, I only wanted black with no stripe, and searched and searched and bought it from Pennsylvania.

[BlueMajik]

Guys the search is over! I have found the BEAST at last. It is a LMB with Blue interior inset seats. All the bells and whistles except the leather dash. Had to give something up I guess. The car has 32.4k miles and is a 2001. I saw it in the Autotrader last night. The car was received at the dealer (Volvo in Pasadena) on Wednesday night. The didn't have time to detail it for the pixs on Thursday so it didn't look it's best in the ad. There were more than 8 people ahead of me when I got there this morning. One guy was flying in from Oregon. Well I was there at 6:30am. I was able to talk to the service rep and the mechanic and I actually got to see the car up on the lift and I checked it out personally. Once the sales guy arrived he said there was a guy who would be flying in to see the car....more to come

[Socale39]

Good luck Bluemajik. Cant believe someone would actually beat you to the punch on something like this :P

[Socale39]

I assume this is the one? Looks like it needs a good detail but the mileage and price is unbeatable.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=253522382&dealer_id=57552975&car_year=2001&model=M5&num_records=50&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=91709&advanced=&end_year=2003&doors=&transmission=&max_price=27000&cardist=12

[Laidback]

little old lady owned it ...Love the license plate:laughhard:

[SYCO GT]

little old lady owned it ...Love the license plate:laughhard:

good catch. :D

apparently, truth in advertising laws might not apply at southern california dealerships...

or at least they appear to be interpreted quite liberally...

Or that little old lady has a serious lead foot...

[MFIZZLENYC]

So were waiting for some pics of the new car ????:threadworthlesswith

[Laidback]

:threadworthlesswith

[QuickM5]

... Well that's it. Any thoughts about newer models with high mileage? What about heavy service history at a dealer? Is that indicative of problems real soon, those little problems that nickel and dime you? or an east coast car with the Rust issue that they all have, but the comfort of an actual forum member.


Just signed up a few minutes ago. I am also (for 5.5 years) a member of another M5 board.

My M5 was special ordered, and has just turned 73,000 miles. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Original MAFs (141.1 L/H), original brakes, original clutch, original EVERYTHING (except driver's sunvisor ... broken switch). Long trips only. It has been fantastic. (As have my other BMWs.)

It hasn't got a scratch on it. Rock chips to be sure. It has been driven moderately fast ... always ... and, only driven by ME!

BUT, it is NOT for sale, sorry.

[QuickM5]

... Do I get the car I know will not give me repair hell right away?


In a word, YES! Mileage is of no concern, if under 100,000 miles (maybe even 120,000). It's the car's CONDITION, plain and simple. And, the way it was driven and cared for.

Wan't to know how it was driven? Have the owner take you for a ride and see how smoothly and fast he drives.

[MFIZZLENYC]

:hijacked::bigun2::threadworthlesswith


GOT PICS???? :D

[Laidback]

Welcome aboard Quick, i hope to see you on our next meet;)Just signed up a few minutes ago. I am also (for 5.5 years) a member of another M5 board.

My M5 was special ordered, and has just turned 73,000 miles. NOT A SINGLE PROBLEM! Original MAFs (141.1 L/H), original brakes, original clutch, original EVERYTHING (except driver's sunvisor ... broken switch). Long trips only. It has been fantastic. (As have my other BMWs.)

It hasn't got a scratch on it. Rock chips to be sure. It has been driven moderately fast ... always ... and, only driven by ME!

BUT, it is NOT for sale, sorry.