M5 buying used what to look 4

[flatm3]

I am thinking about buying a used 2000-2004 M5 and just wondering what to look for and what to expect out of general maintenance. I have owned 2 m3's 99 and 2003 both purchased new and evry thg was allways under warrenty. After an add ition to my family I traded the m for a 330i sport and iy just does not do it for me.

My 99 (99k) and 2003 (50k) really never broke just tires and brakes. what can a expect from a older but lower milage m5?

Thanks

 

[brahtw8]

The E39 M5 production ended with the 2003 model year.

The clutches are known to wear prematurely. There is an expensive retrofit of the 850csi clutch that is supposed to be much more durable. I think UUC sells it.

Vanos failures have occurred on some of the early cars.

They burn a fair amount of oil.

Like most M-cars they can suffer from carbon buildup if they are not driven hard on a regular basis. That shouldn't be an issue.

The usual E39 problems with electrical and HVAC systems can be expected. the radiator is a possible source of failure due to the plastic neck.

www.m5board.com is the place to go for M5 info.

 

[igorkb]

I have a 2003 M5 with 29K miles and suffer none of the problems described by other poster. Tha car is solid, clutch if fine. look for the car that had solid maintenance record and has been well taken care of, like any other car. It is an absolutely great car.

 

[epj3]

Yea I'm sure it would be a fine car to own. Like all M's it will just cost more to maintain, but the extra costs have become almost marginal compared to non-M's since so much is shared between cars (unlike 'back in the day' when the M's shared a chassis and that was it)