Somebody sell me an E39 M5

"It's a "Porch-uh"" (ikazuchi) 09/10/2013 at 15:56 • Filed to: BMW

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So I've made the decision and know exactly what I want: a 2001-2003 M5, LeMans Blue, under 120K, and relatively unmolested for $16K or less (could go up a few thousand for a really primo example).

Problem is, I only found one nearby, which I'm going to check it out this afternoon, but I already have a few concerns from the CL posting. Why aren't more people selling the exact car I want, when I want it?! WHY?!

I wouldn't have a big problem searching outside of SoCal (NorCal, Las Vegas, and AZ would be acceptable), but I need to have a reputable shop near the car (who knows M5s well) that can give it a once-over before I fork over a big chunk of money.

Keep an eye out for me, will ya?

[UPDATE] Just checked out the ONE LeMans Blue M5 in San Diego, and as I suspected, rode hard and put away wet. Looks like it had been in an accident or two, all the interior trim needed replacing, steering wheel completely cracked, rear sun shades didn't retract (others falling in the windows). Even if the motor/trans were in solid shape, for me it's a $10-11K car.

GhostZ > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:05

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Is it possible you can expand your search to other colors, and look into the cost of a LeMans blue repaint? Especially considering the costs of shipping a car, you might find a great example in the wrong color for less than it would cost to get the right color to you by enough to repaint.

Awedgar > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:08

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You sir, have good taste

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:10

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What sort of things bother you about the one you are going to look at?

BarryDanger > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:10

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I looked for months.... Really struggled to find one that fully met my criteria but I wish you the best of luck sir.

Party-vi > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:14

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That'll be a tough one. Assuming you can find one with the right miles it'll be above $16k because 1) it's modified and better so they're asking more or 2) it's not modified and rare so they're asking more :/

Good luck!

Tekamul > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:23

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I have similar issues. My tastes are less rare (08-10 535i 6spd), but my market is tiny

It's terribly frustrating, good luck

Battery Tender Unnecessary > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:33

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Hehe, guess you don't want my '03 99k mile, Sterling Grey then.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Battery Tender Unnecessary 09/10/2013 at 16:39

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But in all seriousness. I looked for a good one for over a year. LeMans, under 120k miles, and in good condition, you're looking at closer to $18k, $20k for an immaculate one. And just be aware that if it hasn't had a clutch/flywheel replacement you're looking at a $3-4k job in the near future.

lowlyburner > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:42

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M5board is your friend.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 16:52

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I applaud you. Keep us updated.

DanimalHouse > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 17:34

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I've got a '00 540i 5MT in Midnight Blue with M5 wheels and aero kit, only '2k miles.

For sale, $9500.

Interested?

N51fanatic > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 17:55

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I know BMW's in general are expensive to maintain, but aren't these e39 M5's like REALLY expensive?? I'm all for buying one of these older performance cars, but only if you can wrench yourself. Who wants to have a payment AND get hit with a surprise 3k repair :(.

I know I was kicking around buying an E46, and was tired of all the maintenance heresy about BMW's. So I remember reading all of the Edmunds long term posts on the e46 M, and that was an eye opener. Those things are ridiculously expensive to maintain. I can only imagine what an M5 costs.

It's a "Porch-uh" > N51fanatic 09/10/2013 at 18:07

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Well, most cars you could be hit with a $3K repair if something goes wrong, but yes the M5 can be pricey. If the VANOS seals go, you're looking at $7K form the dealer to fix. But really, you're looking at about a 25% premium over a "normal" BMW for maintenance. So it's not horrible, if you're used to BMWs.

It's a "Porch-uh" > lowlyburner 09/10/2013 at 18:11

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Yup, been doing a lot of research there to see what I should be looking for. There's a great post there about where all the stickers should be under the hood and boot, panel gaps, and even the exact measurements of where the M5 badge should be placed to see if the car had been in a wreck.

Unfortunately, any of the LeMans blue examples for sale there are too far away.

It's a "Porch-uh" > DanimalHouse 09/10/2013 at 18:14

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Sorry, no. I debated on a 540iT with a supercharger, M5 wheels and nose, but decided the M5 was the way to go.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Tekamul 09/10/2013 at 18:22

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Shockingly, I ran across an E60 M5 with a 6-speed in my search. I almost thought they didn't exist.

You near San Diego?
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/404975…

It's a "Porch-uh" > GhostZ 09/10/2013 at 18:31

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I dunno. To do it right , might mean $8,000 plus. I could ship a car across the country for half that.

Kugelblitz > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/10/2013 at 22:00

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E46 Widower here. I had to sell that car when I found out that a)2k for a water pump replacement and b) the SMG was starting to go and that was another bunch of money. Two years ago my VANOS went out and there went 6K and change. The BMW Service Advisor acted all surprised that it happened.
I am not hard on my cars, I am in my fifties and it was my DD except for whenever the temps went below 35 F because M3s are like those little plastic sheets kids use for sleds in the snow and ice. Loved that car, rather a lot. Also when I got it, I was actually looking for an M5 but the deal was too good to pass up. These cars cost a great deal when they are off warranty.

Tekamul > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/11/2013 at 09:43

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I wish. It's roughly the exact opposite

DanimalHouse > It's a "Porch-uh" 09/11/2013 at 10:03

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Definitely not a bad decision :) Good luck, I hope you find one!!

lddk > DanimalHouse 09/11/2013 at 10:41

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Sorry - you mean 6MT? And how many miles? Only 2k??? I'm guessing you maybe meant 72k, or maybe 92k... :-)

DanimalHouse > DanimalHouse 09/11/2013 at 11:04

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Shoot, I was typing this from my phone in a hurry yesterday! Didn't even notice that.... it's a 5AT (auto with tiptronic) and it has '82k miles

DanimalHouse > lddk 09/11/2013 at 11:04

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Shoot, I was typing this from my phone in a hurry yesterday! Didn't even notice that.... it's a 5AT (auto with tiptronic) and it has '82k miles

lddk > DanimalHouse 09/11/2013 at 11:15

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Darn...if it was a manual, I would've started to consider it. Good luck!

DanimalHouse > lddk 09/11/2013 at 23:52

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Haha, not the first time I've heard that :) Thanks!