To Buy an M5 or not to Buy an M5 Is that really a question ?

Hello All!!


I have a chance to by a 2001 M5 with 65k and 6 spd of course. Car fax states an accident with 29k but no details. I would be the third owner. Price range close to $15 grand. I plan on getting it inspected at BMW dealership. Anything I need to know? Color is dark blue, gunmetal wheels and Blue black interior.

Opinions ??

Suggestions ??

A BMW dealer is the last place to inspect a car.... I am serious

M5board dot com for EVERYTHING "M5"

Yeah, take it to an Indy for the pre-inspection.

Indy all the way!

I ended up passing on that car. I bought a 97 540i sport 6 spd. with 73k for under $4000 shipped from LA LA LALAA in California. No snow No rust. And well under budget.


Now what goodies should I buy for this one !!!!!!

Originally Posted by mav99

I ended up passing on that car. I bought a 97 540i sport 6 spd. with 73k for under $4000 shipped from LA LA LALAA in California. No snow No rust. And well under budget.


Now what goodies should I buy for this one !!!!!!

uh, none...save your pennies for a real m5.

Thanks for the positive feedback !!!! (NOT)

Given the fact that an m5 with double the mileage would cost 3 times as much and would need repair, I am happy with my purchase.


I will keep my 540i sport put 2 grand into it and flip it for a nice profit if I need to.

And guess what, I do not need to !!!!

It also looks very pretty sitting next to my E 34.

Originally Posted by mav99

Thanks for the positive feedback !!!! (NOT)

Given the fact that an m5 with double the mileage would cost 3 times as much and would need repair, I am happy with my purchase.


I will keep my 540i sport put 2 grand into it and flip it for a nice profit if I need to.

And guess what, I do not need to !!!!

It also looks very pretty sitting next to my E 34.

You were looking at a 2001 with 65k miles...so LESS than the 540 with 73k miles..NOT "double".

Owning an M5 and keeping them running perfectly is a commitment. If you are flipping cars and such, an M5 is a poor choice.

If you really want to drive an E39M5 and can spend 15, 20, 25k to purchase, fix and maintain over the 3-5 years you'll own it, great.

Best of luck-

To Clarify,


The m5 was 15g's with 65k (2001). My 1997 540i sport 6 spd with 73k was $3200, shipped cross country, just under $4000 all in.


My point was for $4000 what kind of M5 could I buy? It would have 150-200k miles and need work.

So the mileage would be more than doubled. And even though a M5 would be my first choice, paying 3 times more did not make sense. I feel my car is a better value.

As for flipping the car, I have no intention of doing so, but given the current economic climate, it is nice to know if the need arose, I would not be buried in the car and be forced to take a loss.

Another reason I went this route, I was considering swapping out my motor and automatic transmission on my 1995 e 34 with 117k. What do you think it would have cost to just switch to a stick? Or go all the way and install a m5 motor and transmission?

A few grand at least ????

Even though I could recoup some of the expense by selling my 2.5 motor and automatic, for a little more money I have 2 cars !!!!!!

I paid $6500 for my 1995 525i with 85k eight years ago. Due to an expanding family I had it in storage for 5 years. Finally came out of that coma and saw the light !!!! Jump started it right up on the FIRST try !!! Changed the oil, gassed it up and off I went.

The point, I have kept it in Excellent condition, its never seen snow and have refused unsolicited offers of $5 grand for the car.

I like to enjoy my cars at the right price.

Cheers,

97 540 and an 01 m5 doesnt compare,

I've own an Anthracite 540 six since Feb 07 and now looking at M5. There is a direct correlation to condition/history and price on theM's

There are better examples of E39 M5s for $15k. Save your peace of mind and start here for every E39 M5 for sale under $20k.