newbie looking for advice

[futureBMW]

I currently have a pretty fast machine (subaru STi '04). I want to sell and get something with more luxury. The M5 caught my eye. But they are expensive, so the E39 series is one that I can afford (probably closer to the '00-'01 range). Anyways the only thing that worries me is the age of the car. I would like this car because of the power and style. If I do get one I would still need 15-20k to make up the price difference. So it means about 5yrs of payments. So the advice I need is go for an M5 or maybe an '04 530i(because of year)? Will i be having problems with the M5 going over 100k miles. Another question off topic a little, the M5 comes standard with Navigation, can you watch DVD's on there too (if not can you mod it to play DVD's) Thanks for the help in advance

[Bruce]

M5 prices are falling...fast. A lot of guys are upgrading to the E60 M5 and the prices are coming down quickly. Also a lot of guys upgrading are getting out of very low mileage cars. 00s are down into the low 30s. 03s are in the high40s/low50s. I would personally look for an 02 or an 03 (avoid 00s).

An 04 530 will be an E60 not an E39.

Only the 03s came with DVD nav. Yes you can watch DVDs on there but they require extra parts and install time/cost.

[futureBMW]

Thats good info, since I probably have to wait till fall this year, I will keep my eyes open for good deals. The parts to watch DVD's is that from the dealer or do you mean like I would have to get a DVD player and the nav screen has an input plug. How complicated would that process be. I would rather watch DVD's than have a nav system.

[richschneid]

I just traded my '00 E39 M5 for a 650i coupe. The E39 M5 has a CD based nav system. I think the '01 was the first year of the DVD based system.

[Bruce]

I just traded my '00 E39 M5 for a 650i coupe. The E39 M5 has a CD based nav system. I think the '01 was the first year of the DVD based system.

Like I said, only the 03s have DVD Nav.

Check on x5world.com's FAQs for info on stuff you can do with the Nav. they have links.

[ase2dais]

I currently have a pretty fast machine (subaru STi '04). I want to sell and get something with more luxury. The M5 caught my eye. But they are expensive, so the E39 series is one that I can afford (probably closer to the '00-'01 range). Anyways the only thing that worries me is the age of the car. I would like this car because of the power and style. If I do get one I would still need 15-20k to make up the price difference. So it means about 5yrs of payments. So the advice I need is go for an M5 or maybe an '04 530i(because of year)? Will i be having problems with the M5 going over 100k miles. Another question off topic a little, the M5 comes standard with Navigation, can you watch DVD's on there too (if not can you mod it to play DVD's) Thanks for the help in advance
Stay away from 2000-mid 2001 M5s, unless you find one with low mileage and from an owner, frequenting the M5board will tell you why. Id go for an 02-03 if I can do it again soon.

[CSBM5]

Stay away from 2000-mid 2001 M5s, unless you find one with low mileage and from an owner, frequenting the M5board will tell you why. Id go for an 02-03 if I can do it again soon.

The ring change happened with Mar 2000 production on the 2000 model M5. There is no issue with the 2001. The M5board will confirm this fact.

[futureBMW]

Because of the high price on these used beasts. Should I look for an 02-03 M5 or an 06 330xi/330i (Just cuz its new) less chance for problems.

[Bruce]

Because of the high price on these used beasts. Should I look for an 02-03 M5 or an 06 330xi/330i (Just cuz its new) less chance for problems.


Prices on E39 M5s are coming down to reasonable levels. In most cases they are only just a bit more than a comparable year and mileage E46 M3.

To ansnwer your question about E39 m5 vs 06 E90?.....drive them both and you decide. If the M5 doesn't blow you away then buy the E90. Drive an M5 and if it is the car for you, you WILL know it.

[Jorywlu]

Definately go for the 03. M5.

[Technique]

Definately go for the 03. M5.

Why the 2003 and not a 2002?

Just curious as I am in the market for an E39 M5...

[CSBM5]

There's really no significant difference. With the 2003 you will have the DVD navigation as opposed to CD based. Also in 2003 they went back to having the rear air bags as standard like the 2001 models whereas in 2002 they were a no-cost option that was ordered on only a few 2002 cars apparently. (all this applies to the US M5)