Any experience with E39 M5?

[tcbelise]

Just wondering if anyone out there had any ownership or driving experience with the E39 M5? I'm thinking about picking one up as a semi-daily driver/long distance cruiser car. I love the understated styling and the non-turbo engine but I'm not sure about the actual ownership experience. I'm looking at one now with about 35,000 miles with good records, two previous owners which looks to be in great condition.

Thanks!

Tim

[Strato 102]

My son had a 2000. In my opinion, they are great cars. Read up on secondary air system carbon clogging. Make sure the SES light is not on!

[Peanut]

I know a few guys who have E39s, and they are good cars. Cost of ownership can be high though.

Scott

[Louie]

fantastic fun. Friend had a new one way back when. Such a nicely balance car. Read what Peanut said about repairs. I would spend a few hours on Google before I bought one...

[dporsche74]

Great sounding Beast ... Vanos system is the problem with the BMW ..

[grk]

2000 M5, I bought it new as a daily driver. It's still going strong after 125,000 virtually trouble free miles. Awesome car, analog feel with modem conveniences.

[RennTyp]

Buy it! I ran one for a year as a daily driver and really regret selling it. The engine is absolutely awesome and makes the car. Great build quality and discreet looks make it easy to live with. But run that motor up the Rev range and it flies. Much quicker than my 993...

[execmalibu]

If a BMW is in your future another option might be an 850Ci..

For almost two years I have been driving a 1996 850Ci (E31) a V12 Coupe as my daily driver... Great car! I get more comments in this car then my early 911 which is very surprising...

If interested the later (1995-97) 850Cis have a larger V12 engine (M73) with 335HP and have the upgraded 5 Speed Steptronic transmissions plus Brembo 4 piston Brakes are standard. For less then $500 you can upgrade to a complete M5 Limited Slip rear end with a number of different gear ratios up to a 3:91.

These V12 BMWs can be had for between $12-$18K for an exceptionally clean and original example with very low miles... They were $100K when new so thats only 15% which is a lot of car for the money...

The only other V12 Coupe that is similar is the Ferrari 550 Maranello. The MBZ CL600/65 are more plush and not as sporty.

[Teej]

I've had an e39 m5 for the past 8 years. actually two. I had a bad wreck in the first and walked away without a scratch so i bought the same car again, the same color even. approaching 100k miles on it, and it is reasonable on maintenance provided you have a good local bmw independent mechanic.

Mine has dinan mods so more power than the stock car but the acceleration is intoxicating and it's a great distance cruiser. It makes no sense for me to keep the car but everytime I drive it I can't bring myself to sell it - i can't get that kind of performance and styling for the same $

[tcbelise]

Thanks for all the replies! I've always loved these cars but I'm a little wary of all the potential mechanical costs. If this was going to be a second car it would be a no brainer but after my engine rebuild on my 73 T I'm trying to be more financial responsible I'm still thinking about it - going to test drive the car tomorrow. All bets might be off then!