Past the fact that they are badass.

2000-2002 M5's with 50-100k are currently in my price range and I was thinking about picking one up.

The most common complaints I hear are 'excessive' oil burning (although the majority believes that the engines are built loose and its no bid deal) and the occasionally vanos shit-out. Anyone have any insight on issues that might start creeping up in mid-mileage M5's?

3/5/2010 3:31:40 PM

I've ridden in 1 and driven another

I would very much like to own one, if the need for a sedan arises

400 hp, rwd, 6 speed manual, V8 M_PWRRRRRRRRRRRRR

3/5/2010 3:36:12 PM

one of my dream cars

what are they running for these days?

3/5/2010 3:53:49 PM

I've just got a little 530i, I've been looking at M5's too. The only issues that I'm sure you might have that the 530i has had - the leveling headlight mechanism in the xenon lights can snap. They are expensive to replace, or you have to put them in in the oven, peel em apart and rig something that'll work. The pixels in the display (non nav) and gauge cluster go out, the windsheild weather strip falls apart.

I've also ready about the oil consumption and vanos crap. Transmissions seems good, clutches go out. Rotors are expensive (~$300 each). The dif can screw up. Normal stuff I guess. I'd hate to overhaul that engine though. Um the oil filter housing can leak, the MAF's are notorious for going out at 80k, same with the O2 sensors, fuel tank breather, thrust arm bushings (M5 and 530) and camshaft position sensors.

Sweet car all around though.



[Edited on March 5, 2010 at 4:04 PM. Reason : .]

3/5/2010 4:00:31 PM

Great car, really love that design!

I've been wondering to myself when the MB C63 AMG will come down into the low 30s. Maybe in 2 years or so. That's another beast of a sedan.

3/5/2010 4:06:12 PM

i'd love an e55 amg. m5s are incredibly hot too though.

3/5/2010 10:28:23 PM

^I love E55's, but I've heard the supercharged ones (while underrated) can be quite expensive outside of their warranty.

3/5/2010 11:42:51 PM

Their heads have exhaust gas circulation ports that get clogged. If caught early you can fix it w/out taking the heads off, otherwise big repair bill, etc. All cars have issues though, and I think all e39s are generally fairly stout, but keep in mind it's a modern car that sold for quite a bit of $ new. I wouldn't let anything specific keep me from buying one. The 540i/6 speed sport is also a great car, generally cheaper. I'd recommend driving one if you haven't, and are on a budget.

Personal note: The e39 540i/sport +the M5 were my favorite BMWs, but I've recently started thinking that they're slightly awkward looking from certain angles. Still wouldn't mind one at some point... Do you NEED a sedan? If you don't need refinement/comfort, etc. the EVOs are worth a look also.

3/6/2010 12:01:22 AM

I hate the taillights on them, but it is an otherwise sexy car.

3/6/2010 10:56:50 AM

Ahmet is spot on, but none of what the other Matt fellow said applies to the E39 M5 (although it does to every other E39).

The biggest, most expensive, and most feared problem with a higher mileage E39 M5 is the secondary air system. Carbon deposits tend to clog the entire system, from the cylinder head passages.....all the way into the front crossover tube (that goes from head to head, with the secondary air valve attached). Repair is expensive. If there is already an issue with clogging.....then the heads will need to come off. If you can get that inspected, and find out there there isn't much accumulation in the crossover pipe.....you should be able to get the passages clean without removing the heads. If memory serves correctly, removing the heads and cleaning the passages calls for right around 70 hours of labor at the dealership. Just also FWIW, the dealers have a kit that was put together specifically for this motor and reason.

Other than that, problems are hit or miss. The E39 M5 is by far my favorite BMW.....I'd own one myself if I could afford the parts.

3/6/2010 2:56:00 PM

a new rear differential is like $4k

3/6/2010 7:21:55 PM

[image]http://none of what the other Matt fellow said applies to the E39 M5[/image]

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/62434-e39-m5-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html

3/7/2010 3:42:51 PM

/\ oh sweet, you are going what you read off of a forum

3/8/2010 12:31:52 PM

Oh the irony.

3/8/2010 12:34:46 PM

Where is the irony?

For clarification, there are a few things that do apply that were mentioned there.....my bad for skimming it when I read the first few.

3/8/2010 2:57:54 PM

Every single issue I mentioned is relevant, cleetus.

3/8/2010 3:08:57 PM

The irony is a guy giving advice on a forum and then telling people not to listen to what they read on a forum.

[Edited on March 8, 2010 at 3:11 PM. Reason : l]

3/8/2010 3:10:43 PM

Not such much irony from the source though, yet you have a point. I didn't read my info somewhere and post it.

Lets break down Matt's post:

Quote :

"the leveling headlight mechanism in the xenon lights can snap. "

- hit or miss, not common

Quote :

"The pixels in the display (non nav) and gauge cluster go out"

- very common on E38, E53, and all E39's but the M5. Different cluster......not nearly as problematic.

Quote :

"I've also ready about the oil consumption and vanos crap. Transmissions seems good, clutches go out. Rotors are expensive (~$300 each). The dif can screw up. Normal stuff I guess. I'd hate to overhaul that engine though. Um the oil filter housing can leak, the MAF's are notorious for going out at 80k, same with the O2 sensors, fuel tank breather, thrust arm bushings (M5 and 530) and camshaft position sensors. "

- oil consumption will be based on your right foot and gear selection. Common for the S62? Half and half.

- Vanos problems? Rare. More so related to maintenance.

- Clutches go out? Really? You mean they don't last forever? I've seen a few stocker's with over 150,000 miles now in the M5's. If you need one somewhat early, learn to drive properly.

- All BMW rotors are expensive. All ///M parts are even more expensive. Congrats for stating obvious.

- Overhaul the engine? Ha. Oil filter housing leaks? I've never seen one on the S62 since the E39 came out.

- Diff screwing up? Never seen one myself, again....learn to drive.

- MAF's, cam sensors, and oxygen sensors are a problem associated with all model BMW's....as are several other items. I'll give you the MAF problems being somewhat common on the E39 M5 though.

Anything I missed? I feel like I violated myself......with a civil reply on TWW.

3/8/2010 3:50:16 PM

dont feel too bad

Quote :

"- Diff screwing up? Never seen one myself, again....learn to drive. "

Didnt say they were a problem, just that should you buy an e39 M5 and the diff go bad you are gonna take a bath.

3/8/2010 4:45:46 PM

u2001 and newer e39 M5's got the Celis xenon headlights. There are TONS of threads about people with broken adjustors. I had one too. It was a PITA because you can't find a decent headlight assembly for less than $500 new, and still expensive used. When they break, the headlight aims at the ground about 7ft in front of the car.

The "non-nav" pixels go out in the MID. This is common with all e39s, including M5's. They also go out in the cluster, though not as frequently. Google it.

$1200 on rotors is nothing to ignore.

Yes, clutch life is brief.

Call an overhaul what you want, I'll equate it to 70 hours of labor at the dealer ship plus parts.

Oil filter housing:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/58410-oil-filter-housing-rubber-mount-broken-also-steering-servo-fluid-reservoir.html

Anyway, don't be a doosh.

[Edited on March 8, 2010 at 6:53 PM. Reason : By adjustor I mean self leveling mechanism]

3/8/2010 6:52:11 PM

optimus.......I was quoting him from his first reply. No doubt its going to cost an arm and a leg though. All the more reason to upgrade the ring and pinion.

Mattlotsofcharactersinname, I'm not being a douche.....just speaking from experience, versus what I read on a forum. And a mid display is a whole different system that the kombi, which you first specified. Yes, they are all shit too though. The M cluster does have a much smaller display of pixels......but it is nothing compared to the E38/39/53's.

Point I really meant to imply here wasn't so much on the individual items......but the fact that not only is it a BMW, its an M.......so of course the rotors, wheels, shift knob.....and even motor oil, are all going to cost a shitload.

The reason why I am not driving an E39 M5.......I still can't afford parts, even at my employee cost.

3/8/2010 9:22:27 PM

I hope we're not turning this guy off of a great car with all this swingin'.

I suggested the non M 540i/6speed, and I still think that's quite the car, but yeah it's not as rare or special as an M5.

Also, there's one dirt cheap to own and tough as nails M car, it's called the e36. <3

3/8/2010 9:29:40 PM

Thats actually why I responded as well.....just to clarify what is actually common in real world terms.

And on another side note, the '03 E39 540 sport is my second favorite BMW.

3/8/2010 10:49:10 PM

I've seen it all.

BMW fanboys fighting over who knows more about what breaks on the M5. The list is so long. Bmw really built that thing like shit.

3/8/2010 11:30:50 PM

BMWMSJ

3/9/2010 12:37:30 AM

^+1

[Edited on March 9, 2010 at 12:37 AM. Reason : .]

3/9/2010 12:37:30 AM

back when everyone and their brother were stock option millionaires at cisco, I knew 4 people with E39 M5s.

ALL of them got rid of the car within 2 years due to incessant mechanical problems. I can't speak to what they were, but I remember that they were constantly in the shop.

What's weird to me that BMW fanboys find these systemic problems endearing.

3/9/2010 8:12:16 AM

Anecdotal Evidence:

Evidence, which may itself be true and verifiable, used to deduce a conclusion which does not follow from it, usually by generalizing from an insufficient amount of evidence.

I'm guessing you haven't driven an M5. The car is simply a masterpiece for how much performance AND comfort it provides. It is also one of the most fun to drive cars around. I enjoyed driving them far more than I do a Corvette for example. This is not something I expect anyone to understand from reading things about the car. Also, I personally don't consider them unreliable, but it is not an appliance car. If all you care about is getting from A to B spending as little as possible, there are cars that will happily do that, while getting better mpg as well.

3/9/2010 8:42:20 AM

The guy is asking about an M5 and you suggested an EVO. I think your opinion has already been trashed.

3/9/2010 10:25:27 AM

^^ Oh, I'm not arguing that it's anything other than anecdotal although 4 borderline lemons has to make one hesitate. and I did drive two of those cars, and it was absolutely awesome. Definitely the most badass vehicle I've ever driven.

however, if I'm spending that kind of coin, I expect shit to work. If you're wealthy and feel that expensive cars are disposable and problems should be expected, then that's awesome for you.

3/9/2010 11:36:50 AM

I suggested the EVO if the guy is on a budget, and still needs four doors. I don't find the M5 to be unreliable nor expensive to own. That said, my personal preference is clear, the 911.

Here's the deal with an M5 as far as I'm concerned:
If you want the most bad ass sedan on the planet, you have few choices, among them the e39 M5 is one understated, classy, comfortable FAST andfun to drive choice, while remaining very safe. Your other choices (CTS-V, EVO, etc.) give up many of those factors, not to mention many can't touch the M5. And IF this is what you want, you need to understand that the car will come with drawbacks that a Corolla is not going to have. This should make sense.

Personal example:
I drove one to the Boston symphony orchestra with 3 of my mother's guests. I absolutely tore up the roads on the way to pick them up, then drove them in comfort, and looked right at home at our destination amonst the bling Benzs', Jags and the like, while it was without question a hauler in comparison.

3/9/2010 5:17:50 PM

I agree with Ahmet. Great cars, I recently picked up E39 M5 with 193k on it. Runs great!

3/20/2010 7:56:40 PM

Not that this is an informed opinion, but I would shit my pants with the proposition of buying and owning a 200k mile car that is as (presumably) expensive to repair as an M5.

3/20/2010 8:22:56 PM

From my experience, miles don't necessarily corollate to wear, or undependability. Often, common issues have already occurred and taken care of on a higher mile vehicle btw.

This perception, and the very real reduction in sale price that goes along with it can be beneficial though. I'm not advocating buying any car with high miles, just not discounting one if the price is right. I've owned more than one e36 M3 with well over 200k miles and over a dozen track events with no issues. I also owned (along with THREE other people from NCSU) a 944 turbo that currently has over 270k miles and many track events, still going strong! This is not aside from the countless Volvos and Saabs and the like with over 200k miles.

1in10^10, are you in Raleigh. Wouldn't mind checking that car out. Either way, enjoy your wonderful V8!

3/20/2010 8:41:11 PM

Ahmet, I live in Boston. FWIW it was the absolute dead cheapest M5 from cars.com, autotrader, ebay, roadfly, forums...you name it. paid $8k. clean title, straight body. Probably needs few bushings and suspension refreshment, but nothing that's critical and must be done NOW.


Catzor,

Owning a high mileage car is not for everyone, but as Ahmet said...at this mileage you can be reassured somebody already had all the common problems that go with this car. For example on mine every single pixel in instrument cluster works (a common E39 problem that even cars with 40k have). So obviously previous owner already took care of this, as they did carbon deposit issues. Not to mention M5 forums are loaded with DIY threads full of pics and explanations and car is easy to work on. I'd be more scared to own a 2007 Toyota Avalon with 37k that's just out of warranty as I know forums barely exist for these cars and will not have any information on how to fix problems.

3/21/2010 9:54:32 AM

$8k for a clean title m5 seems

pics please

3/21/2010 1:18:42 PM

[Edited on March 21, 2010 at 1:19 PM. Reason : double]

3/21/2010 1:18:42 PM

here are some pics...all in glory with 194k miles. 310k miles between two Ms. they have been dead reliable for me at least.









together with m3 on snow wheels



[Edited on April 23, 2010 at 12:50 AM. Reason : l]

4/23/2010 12:49:04 AM

do e39s have throttle bodies or do they use the infinity variable cams?

4/23/2010 6:13:36 PM

The E39 is carbureted.

Nice M5.....love the interior.

4/25/2010 4:34:43 PM

pretty,

what causes the secondary air problems.


also, one in a million.... did you get wiper blades 2" to long or are the stock ones supposed to hang off the windshield like that ?

6/10/2010 8:59:58 PM

I'm pretty sure he has them pulled outwards towards the camera to wash/clean the windshield or blades.

6/10/2010 10:13:17 PM

doh.... lol i see shadows now.

6/11/2010 12:09:19 PM

I'm trying to find the pics of the E39M that came into our shop years ago with a dry nitrous setup on it, they might be on my harddrive that crashed several years ago though.

6/11/2010 5:16:27 PM

interesting you bring up wipers as ironically they have been the biggest source of frustration with this car.

apparently, you can only buy wipers from BMW or from ebay vendors. so far i tried 3 auto stores and probably 6 different wipers (which are supposedly for bmw m5) and non of them fit. people on m5boards commonly buy it on ebay and then they have to cut wipers 2" before fitting them. most fucking retarded thing ever!

6/11/2010 10:36:01 PM

hahaha awesome...

from what i read you can chip the car not to reference the secondary air system for emissions so the clogged ports mean diddly.... hmmm sounds like a good idea to me.

what actually causes engine running problems i hear mafs go out a lot and that the vanos system gets fingerpointed a lot but isn't usually a big problem.

i really really want one but i'm paranoid of a 5k repair bill rearing its ugly head....

6/11/2010 10:36:16 PM

that e46 m3 is sexy. almost as sexy as the black ones.

i will own one of those

6/11/2010 11:16:15 PM

MAFs are typically gone every 60k or so. most people have problems with them when they put K&N filters, especially if they are too oiled up, they tend to dirty up MAFs.

powerchip is $900 and it the cheapest trick for secondary air problem.

vanos stories are just like for any other BMW car. somebody posts something on forums and everybody gets paranoid that vanos is typical problem.

if anything you should be scared of running maintenance more than anything. rear tire life is dismal, as is fuel economy (i average 15 mpg, in mix of city and highway on premium gas of course). car oil capacity is like semi and it takes castrol TWS which is $12/quart if you shop around. small parts even when bought from online vendors are still pricey. insurance is high, but not as high as M3.
despite all this, i think it is still worth owning one

6/12/2010 10:33:41 AM

how dismal for tire life?

6/13/2010 11:15:35 PM

12-15k

6/16/2010 6:59:47 AM