what to look for in an E39 M5
Nov 19, 2010 | 09:46 AM
#21
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,839
From: London, formerly LA
You hit the nail on the head... I hate to sound like a DICK, but you have posted some serious financial troubles on here and asked us for good vibes and wishes, yet you continue to post threads about purchases or questions regarding future purchases.... It's hard to re-read your impending child threads and lack of proper insurance and then read a thread like this... Why would you even consider a 8 year old car that is known for high maintenance cost when you have already stated your "shaky" financial situation?
Nov 19, 2010 | 12:18 PM
#23
Teamspeed Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 920
From: Atlanta, GA
I agree with LA Brit. If I were in your situation and had to replace most of what Stuka had mentioned, I'd regret my purchase. That being said, I'd rather have a newer cheaper car.
Nov 19, 2010 | 12:47 PM
#24
Teamspeed's Mr. Spock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,947
From: Los Angeles
A late production E46 ZHP sedan manual that passes PPI would make for a good, reliable family sedan, as long as you find one with split seats.
They are cheap to buy (low teens for one with about 50K miles), cheap to maintain (as long as you PPI it and find one that wasn't neglected), and cheap on gas and tires.
They are cheap to buy (low teens for one with about 50K miles), cheap to maintain (as long as you PPI it and find one that wasn't neglected), and cheap on gas and tires.
Nov 19, 2010 | 12:49 PM
#25
Teamspeed's Mr. Spock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,947
From: Los Angeles
The second time around it took around 6 months and I finally found it.
Nov 19, 2010 | 12:58 PM
#27
Teamspeed's Mr. Spock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,947
From: Los Angeles
It's sad how many of them are badly neglected, wrecked, and with lots of stories.
It's the M story. When they get cheaper, people who don't understand that they are expensive cars new strated owning them, but could not properly service them. I mean, I saw M5's with completely chewed up steering wheel, misaligned hood, wheels "refinished" with rattle can, multi shade panels from super subpar repair, oils everywhere, intakes, valve cover, everywhere, etc.
It was pathetic.
It's the M story. When they get cheaper, people who don't understand that they are expensive cars new strated owning them, but could not properly service them. I mean, I saw M5's with completely chewed up steering wheel, misaligned hood, wheels "refinished" with rattle can, multi shade panels from super subpar repair, oils everywhere, intakes, valve cover, everywhere, etc.
It was pathetic.
Nov 19, 2010 | 01:05 PM
#28
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,733
From: Best Coast
I had been looking for years, finally gave up and then a JACK A** (ara) 
decided to post his pristine LeMans blue! pulled the trigger sight unseen (well had a buddy give it a once over) and have not looked back since!
Just need a rear wheel since the damn CC peeled off and left a HORRIBLE looking black "patch"... The Beast is a blast and a total sleeper, plus it was really ahead of it's time, so for a car that is 8 years old, it lacks very lil....
decided to post his pristine LeMans blue! pulled the trigger sight unseen (well had a buddy give it a once over) and have not looked back since! Just need a rear wheel since the damn CC peeled off and left a HORRIBLE looking black "patch"... The Beast is a blast and a total sleeper, plus it was really ahead of it's time, so for a car that is 8 years old, it lacks very lil....
Nov 19, 2010 | 01:11 PM
#29
Thread Starter
| Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,141
From: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC
You hit the nail on the head... I hate to sound like a DICK, but you have posted some serious financial troubles on here and asked us for good vibes and wishes, yet you continue to post threads about purchases or questions regarding future purchases.... It's hard to re-read your impending child threads and lack of proper insurance and then read a thread like this... Why would you even consider a 8 year old car that is known for high maintenance cost when you have already stated your "shaky" financial situation?
All that being said, I have a e39 m5 and LOVE IT... Stuka and Buzzed have a lot of great knowledge and so does the M5 forum.
All that being said, I have a e39 m5 and LOVE IT... Stuka and Buzzed have a lot of great knowledge and so does the M5 forum.
not sure what recent purchase i've posted
I was looking to buy a car that was going to take money out of pocket. And WHY I asked this question (Maintnence, etc). I was looking for something I could sell my GTO and move right into. There are M5's around here were in the 15-18K range and it peaked my interest. Hence my response earlier as well:
LAbrit, kind of what i'm beginning to think, i've been looking at 00-02's in the 15k-19K mark, which would be about what i'd get for my GTO, not looking for a car payment so I won't be financing anything. That said, GTO is out of warranty, will need a new clutch soon, but it's not that pricey. Everything else is stout but the trunk is super small and it's a 2 door.
But doing my own research on replacement part cost...looks like it's not in the cards right now. Will probably keep the GTO and just replace the wifes accord coupe first....looking at TL's right now for her.
will continue the M5 hunt Q2 next year when I'll start looking at 03's in good shape.
But doing my own research on replacement part cost...looks like it's not in the cards right now. Will probably keep the GTO and just replace the wifes accord coupe first....looking at TL's right now for her.
will continue the M5 hunt Q2 next year when I'll start looking at 03's in good shape.
LAbrit, not even going to address you
Last edited by HBdirtbag; Nov 19, 2010 at 01:47 PM.
