peritus

Hi Everyone,

I'm considering getting a used 2006 or so BMW M5 as a DD. I've always loved this car, and it's on my list of top 5 favourite cars ever. (The other 4 are 911s - don't worry).

I'm not concerned about the sticker price or depreciation, but I am concerned about reliability and costs to keep it on the road.

I've heard horror stories of failing transmissions, electrical gremlins and burning oil. I'm going to research an extended warranty. I don't want to deal with constant repair bills.

Does anyone have direct experience or knowledge with the M5?

Thanks in advance!

99three

A fantastic daily car! A PPI needs to be performed by a reputable BMW source and especially have the VANOS checked out in detail. The M5's Achilles heal is the VANOS system. The tip is a hoot to drive but the luster wears off after a few months and is very expensive to repair.

LastMezger

Try and find one of the incredibly rare and north-america-only 6-speed manuals instead of the DSG.

peritus

Transmission Repair are words that I don't want to hear... Is the tranny prone to problems? I'm googling VANOS... Tnx.

peritus

No luck... if you find one, please post it! Every M5 I look at is SMG

Zookie

post on Maxbimmer.com

Ronan

I have an '06 M6 ( same powertrain). 32,000 Km. Only issue since new has been a major malfunction of the electronics which was a warranty repair. The manuals are rare bt overrated....it really needs a 7 speed. Takes a short while to leart to drive the SMG smoothly but its no big deal. Great fast car....really, really quick.

jasonintoronto

have you cross-shopped a new 550i? i know there's nothing like a shrieking v10, however a twin-turbo v8 is super flexible and i love the look of the new 5/

Hyper911

dont think a new 550i and 2006 M5 would be even in the same ballpark in terms of $$$$

John 996 TT Cab

Suggest you try and get you hands on back issues of Roundel (the BMW Car Club of America monthly publication.
There are many letters to the editor about older BMW's (off warranty) and being drivers. Not many are complimentary regarding upkeep costs.

John in Vancouver

jasonintoronto

From what I know, manuals didn't come until 2007. Thought they might be close in price. With a 2007 or 2008.

carguy88

FYI, there's a 2008 M5 at World Fine Cars, just saw it today:

http://www.worldfinecars.ca/used/BMW...2301c7d4da.htm

There was also a clean looking 2003 C4S there, 106kms, very clean exterior and interior.

LastMezger

Ah, didn't know that.

That said...just because they were available doesn't mean anyone actually ordered one... I know I've never seen one.

Maybe try a 550i with the M Sport package and 6-speed manual. Likely a much more reliable car than the V10/SMG combo and fast as heck anyway!

peritus

I've had a love affair with M5's since I drove a 2000 M5 in 2001. It's one of my favourite cars - dare I say I'm not really partial to any other BMW!

I've been test driving M5s and they are simply incredible - obviously a hell of a lot more ***** compared to my 964 or Audi. The V10 makes more power than my Audi and 964 put together!

I first had my nose up with the SMG, but it's a cool transmission and it's fun learning how to drive again. I totally suck at it right now.

I have one going in for a PPI tomorrow, so I'll update if I pull the trigger.

Guys, will I be allowed at the GTG on Sat in a Bimmer... will you guys still talk to me? LOL

peritus

Great advice - thanks John.. although for this purchase, I'm only looking at cars that come with extended warranties from BMW.

I need to sleep at night knowing that if I have a major failure, like Ronan reported a few posts up that it'll be covered.