Feelers

[Theo]

Ok so I had the master mechanic at my local BMW dealer do a full once over on my car to tell me anything that's wrong before I go to sell it. The final bill came out to $3,900.

New power steering pump
New rear bushings
New value cover gaskets
New power steering lines
New washer fluid reservoir
New vanos sensors

I've have bills for another 8k worth of work in the last year. Needs nothing right now.

Got it back today. After almost 9y she is ready to go. Just posting here first. I plan on getting a full detail in two weeks hopefully when it stops raining then it's autotrader time.

May 2003 build E39 M5 currently 99k miles. Based on my autotrader search starting at $22k but definitely willing to deal.

Carbon Black / Silverstone

Cheers and happy Friday.

[Josh (PA)]

Put it on m5board and be ready to sell. It will go in less than a month. Be firm on price, it is fair for mileage / condition. I got $18,500 for mine w. 115k miles in 2013

Edit: here was my for sale post over there:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/cars-sale-wanted/297233-2003-m5-sterling-caramel-pa.html

[Theo]

Thanks for the helpful feedback Josh.

I never thought of that site. Good call.

[blee]

Nice. :thumbup: Good luck with the sale; you've got a sweet machine there.

[Theo]

Thanks B!

[Jeff_DML]

Good luck with the sale but why are you getting rid of the m5 vs the E55? Edit: I see that is a C55 not E55

[Theo]

That's not mine to sell. =p

It's the others. =)

It's a pretty fun car to. Only made in 05, 06. 370 hp V8 in a little C. I know they did the monster C63 after this but it was heaverier also.

Where pretty dead even from a roll.

Pics a few years old but the only one on my iPad.

[lip277]

Ummm....

Not thinking I want to get into a black car, but....???

Pics?

[wdc330i]

Perfect. Kevin, buy it. :)

[rumatt]

How are there no pics of this car in this thread. Shame!

[wdc330i]

From our car thread.

[rumatt]

Someone on this board has to buy it.

If you people don't, I will. :lol:

Because, you know... I need another early 2000's 4-door BMW.

[Josh (PA)]

e39 M5 is arguably the best car BMW ever produced. I think it would be a great car for Kevin to move from his E38.

I miss mine a lot.

[wdc330i]

Someone on this board has to buy it.

If you people don't, I will. :lol:

Because, you know... I need another early 2000's 4-door BMW.

Maybe with three of them, you'd stand a chance of one of them being in running condition. :lol:

[rumatt]

e39 M5 is arguably the best car BMW ever produced. I think it would be a great car for Kevin to move from his E38.

I miss mine a lot.
Why don't they sell for more? Cost of maintenance I assume.

[rumatt]

Maybe with three of them, you'd stand a chance of one of them being in running condition. :lol:
:D

So far just two seems to be doing the trick there. :bustingup *knocks on wood*

[Plaz]

Am I remembering correctly that they were forced to use recirculating ball steering in the E39 M5? (Due to space issues, maybe?)

[lip277]

Maybe with three of them, you'd stand a chance of one of them being in running condition. :lol:

Ouch! lol

[lip277]

Seriously though -
I've not 'wanted' a black car - but then again - I have bought two red cars now and I swore I'd never have done that either.


Maybe we should talk.

[equ]

If you'd been on the east coast, we'd be talking... Are you sure you want to go through with this, Theo?

[Theo]

Sure we can chat. It's still at the shop and I want to get it detailed next.

It's not black per say. It's a reallllllly dark blue. I can pos more pics after the detail.

[Theo]

Why don't they sell for more? Cost of maintenance I assume.

You do need to set aside a yearly maintenance budget. It's always something with these.

I'll try and pull my receipts for the last say 2y and list what's been done here.

[rumatt]

Am I remembering correctly that they were forced to use recirculating ball steering in the E39 M5? (Due to space issues, maybe?)
Yep (if I'm remembering correctly also :))

[wdc330i]

Yep (if I'm remembering correctly also :))

Yep. Looked it up. Some differences in the rack vs. the 540, supposedly.

[kognito]

East/west coast is no problem . . . I am still unemployed, I'd be more than happy to fly out and bring it home for anyone!

Kevin, I swore back in the 80's I'd never own a black car again . . . . I miss my black S4

[Theo]

East/west coast is no problem . . . I am still unemployed, I'd be more than happy to fly out and bring it home for anyone!

Kevin, I swore back in the 80's I'd never own a black car again . . . . I miss my black S4

It's not black!!! Lol

[Josh (PA)]

Why don't they sell for more? Cost of maintenance I assume.

I think the maintenance thing is overblown. My M5 was very reliable, never left me stranded. It wasn't cheap, but it wasn't out of normal w/ my other BMWs.

Both my e39 540 wagon and my e60 535xiT cost a lot more to maintain. I've read the regular 540 v8 is less reliable and needs more then the S62 in the M5.

If Kevin is comfortable with the maintenance requirements of his e38s, He should be fine with an M5 (especially w/ the maintenance Theo has already done.

Low mileage ones are starting to sell for a lot. They haven't depreciated at all in the last few years from what I've seen.

[rumatt]

It's not black!!! Lol
Lol

But why does your add say Carbon Black?

[blee]

Lol

But why does your add say Carbon Black?

Because "Carbon Black" is German for "Really Dark Metallic Blue." :dunno:

Man, I love those wheels. They'd look pretty weird on a non-E39, but they're easily the best wheels you can get for that platform.

[Theo]

Items that have been addressed in the last 2-3 years. Some of which was covered by the extended warranty until it ran out.

In the shop now:

- New power steering pump
- New rear bushings
- New value cover gaskets
- New power steering lines
- New washer fluid reservoir
- New vanos sensors

Older:

- New radiator
- New AC compressor
- 3 new window regulators - Waiting for the 4th to act up - Driver rear door
- New brakes - Rotors, Pads Sensors
- New driver’s door mirror - The folding motor went south and you can ONLY get the entire mirror as one piece and not just the folding motor - Do not ask how much GRRRR
- New throttle bank position sensors
- New throttle actuator
- New fuel tank breather
- New Thermostat
- New front control arms
- New front control arms bushings
- New Guibo
- Had all 4 rims professionally refinished
- New driveshaft center support - The noise coming from this was SO annoying
- New airbag control unit - Not because they ever deployed - This module buried in the center counsel just decided to go south - =\
- Also had both front and rear bumpers repainted - Front bumper got a full clear bra - The rear was done because of slow impact damage from the prior owner that finally got to me enough to have it re-sprayed.
- Fixed the leaky rear view mirror issue that plagues all of the M cars.
- Two new OEM fog lights - I had aftermarket Xenon items in there and I wanted to return to stock for the sale


Also to note but not done within the last 3y. There are other repair items older than 3y but maybe not as relevant at this point.

- New clutch and pressure plate at about 68K miles.
- The prior owner had the dash panel replaced for some dead pixels. They are all in working order still at this point
- I also just got the very last DVD maps BMW is going to make for this series nav. 2015
- Installed an Aux out cord in the glove box. 2003 was the first year this was possible with the stock head unit.
- Also added this custom cup holder as the stock ones are useless - I replaced the entire stock unit around 2010 when they broke and stayed permanently open - After I replaced the unit I never opened them again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1223848...&ul_noapp=true

If I remember more I will add to the list later.

Near term concerns if any (These were on my near term list if I kept the car)

- Still has the original water pump
- Still running the original struts and shocks
- The fourth window regulator as mentioned above - It's working fine but based on replacing the other three in the last 11 months it sounds like a ticking time bomb

[bren]

This car sounds like a total disaster. That is not to say that I wouldn't buy it in a heartbeat if it fit my needs in any way.

I mean, what could go wrong. Everything has been fixed. :speechle:

[Theo]

I mean, what could go wrong. Everything has been fixed. :speechle:

Bren I keep telling myself the EXACT same thing then something else comes up.

[bren]

Bren I keep telling myself the EXACT same thing then something else comes up.

Yep, same way I rationalize with my '89 vette. I mentioned the engine is currently at a machine shop right? But hey, at least they still make parts for your car. :ack:

[John V]

Yep. Looked it up. Some differences in the rack vs. the 540, supposedly.

The V8 cars had a steering box (540i / M5) whereas the I6 cars had a rack and pinion.

[zach]

This sounds like an amazing deal with all the work done. Someone here should buy it.

[Jeff_DML]

Just emailed my cousin who might be interested and he is in LA. Only issue is he is tall 6'4 or 6'6 and has trouble fitting into cars so not sure if he fits comfortably.

[kognito]

I'm a little bit over 6'4", I fit comfortably. Unless there is a difference in dimension between an 540i and the M5 (I doubt it, but, BMW . . .)

[Jeff_DML]

I'm a little bit over 6'4", I fit comfortably. Unless there is a difference in dimension between an 540i and the M5 (I doubt it, but, BMW . . .)

yeah you would think so but he must have odd dimensions since he has mentioned other 5 series/sized cars not fitting him, Has the same issue with mountain bikes, large people problems that I do not have:D

[kognito]

yeah, bikes, clothes, the list goes on and on.

I was looking at a nice, 2004 540i a few years ago. test drove it about 10 miles. Lupinsea knows the road I drove it on, same road I let him drive my S4 on.

I really liked the fit, this car that was for sale had the light brown/saddle interior, and although it was clean I wanted a darker interior

[wdc330i]

The V8 cars had a steering box (540i / M5) whereas the I6 cars had a rack and pinion.

I meant I read there were some differences betwwen the RB steering in the 540 vs M5.

[Theo]

So they have had my car for a week now and just let me know today they had to order the power steering pump from Germany as no local places had it. WTF.

The called and said "It should be here next week do you want to keep the loner until then?".

I mean that's nice and all but I know the longer the car is there the longer some valet kid is going to shove a door into the side of my car. Call me paranoid.

Anyway just frustrated. I am going to go get it today and reschedule when the part comes in. =\

[Josh (PA)]

what was wrong with the Power steering pump?

[Theo]

what was wrong with the Power steering pump?

Leaking

[lip277]

Looks like this may work out... Stay tuned...

[Nick M3]

I just can't believe that you're putting $4k into it prior to sale. :)

[Josh (PA)]

I just can't believe that you're putting $4k into it prior to sale. :)

Kevin can.

[wdc330i]

:)

[lip277]

I just can't believe that you're putting $4k into it prior to sale. :)

lol
Pay it forward.
I'll be doing something similar to the E38 before I let it go.
Literally.....
Oh well, it's just money. :eek:

[rumatt]

Looks like this may work out... Stay tuned...

:line::groupjump:group::music:
:worshipb:

[wdc330i]

Kevin is such a deus ex machina for things carmudgeons want to sell. :lol:

[rumatt]

:lol:

[lip277]

Only the good stuff..... :)

[Jeff_DML]

yeah you would think so but he must have odd dimensions since he has mentioned other 5 series/sized cars not fitting him, Has the same issue with mountain bikes, large people problems that I do not have:D

My cousin said he tried a e60 535 and didnt fit. Assuming the E39 m5 would be worse since smaller unless the seats are a lot different.:dunno:

[wdc330i]

My cousin said he tried a e60 535 and didnt fit. Assuming the E39 m5 would be worse since smaller unless the seats are a lot different.:dunno:

In my experience, the older cars have seats that can move much farther back into the rear passenger cabin. Maybe that's the difference.

[wdc330i]

Only the good stuff..... :)

:)

[Theo]

Lol!! It was great talking to you Kevin. We'll see this weekend after I drive the E92 M3.

[3LOU5]

If Kevin needs that E39 delivered to "near Seattle" from Marin, I'd be happy to take a few days off and drive it there.

Be advised, I'm gonna be taking the coastal route instead of ho-hum I-5.

(Getting kinda tired driving my g/f's Sienna SE. Too comfortably boring.).

;);)

[lip277]

Ted -

It was great to meet you the other day and have a nice visit over a couple of beers and discussion of all sorts of things. I appreciate the opportunity to get a look at the car....

When the time is right and you've found the 'replacement' - drop me a line and lets see what we can work out.

Adios

[Theo]

Ted -

It was great to meet you the other day and have a nice visit over a couple of beers and discussion of all sorts of things. I appreciate the opportunity to get a look at the car....

When the time is right and you've found the 'replacement' - drop me a line and lets see what we can work out.

Adios

Great meeting you as well Kevin. I love talking cars with those in the know. My friends always roll there eyes and walk away from the conversation when I find another car guy to talk to.

Will do when I am truly ready. You are the first on my list.

[Theo]

All detailed and TRULY ready. =)

[rumatt]

I'm seeing upside down pics.

And I still kind of want this.

[Nick M3]

Am I remembering correctly that they were forced to use recirculating ball steering in the E39 M5? (Due to space issues, maybe?)

The “space issues” were that they idiotically decided that the V8 should have a front sump while the I6 had a rear sump. While building an entirely new front subframe with different suspension, they somehow ran out of room.

The answer is that they stuck the recirculating ball crap in because they already had it. It’s 100% value / parts bin engineering.

[rumatt]

The answer is that they stuck the recirculating ball crap in because they already had it. It’s 100% value / parts bin engineering.
How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?



.

[equ]

How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?


In my view, no.

I care a lot about steering and handling. I have driven e39 m5's many times, I've owned two rack-n-pinion steered 528i's. It's still way, way better than electric steering cars like the f10, f30 etc.

[Josh (PA)]

How bad is it? Does it ruin an otherwise legendary car?



.

I say no too. The car has an element of luxury to it that is different then say an M3. It just does everything amazingly well. It isn't a tossible little sports car. It's much more GT, so IMHO the steering doesn't kill the experience.

[Theo]

In case you all know anyone. Autotrader and Cars.com ads this weekend.

Attached flyer made for upcoming local car meet.

[rumatt]

Nice.

And now that I know it has the latest DVD maps, I'll take it. :D

[JST]

In case you all know anyone. Autotrader and Cars.com ads this weekend.

Attached flyer made for upcoming local car meet.

What's the price?

[Theo]

What's the price?

Hey Josh,

Trying to stay in scope locally with shape, year, recent sales, maintenance and the recent uptick in price(One reason I decided to finally give it a shot) I’m at $22. I’m going to see what happens at that price with the ad’s I’m posting this weekend then reaccess. The thing is I don’t really need to sell it so I may change my mind again if there are only low ballers.

The car needs nothing right now. PPI’s welcome.

I just spent another $1800 getting the drivers seat back fully replaced to correct the dreaded seat twist in E39’s after the cheap fix failed.

[Theo]

Nice.

And now that I know it has the latest DVD maps, I'll take it. :D

LOL. You laugh but it still actually works amazingly well and I have not had any issues with it getting me anywhere. The non flat birds eye view from the final software update also makes it look less dated then the flat views.

[kognito]

In case you all know anyone. Autotrader and Cars.com ads this weekend.

Attached flyer made for upcoming local car meet.


And the picture is upright!

Just busting chops, GLWS!

[Theo]

And the picture is upright!

Just busting chops, GLWS!

Haha!! I’m back from my trip down under.

Thanks!! =)

[Josh (PA)]

I assume it's on the fest and more importantly m5board? Beautiful car, should go quick

Maybe I missed it, but is the mileage listed on the flyer?

[Theo]

I assume it's on the fest and more importantly m5board? Beautiful car, should go quick

Maybe I missed it, but is the mileage listed on the flyer?

Hey thanks Josh. I would rather list on autotrader and cars.com. M5board seems to be filled with younger folks wanting a deal. My search on the two sites I listed and bat sales by year mileage and condition got me to my price. That and living on the west coast. Zero snow salt or rust issues.

Car is currently at 104k and change.

[Josh (PA)]

Just an FYI, I had great luck with selling my car on M5board. There is a share of kids that can't afford an m5 trolling the for sale ads, but there is (or at least was a couple years ago) a contingent of owners / collectors that will pay appropriate money for a good clean one like yours.

I don't think the price is outrageous. Mine went for $19,5 (IRC) with high 9x,000 miles. I think prices have creeped up from the time I sold mine. It was in very good shape, but not to the level you've kept yours.

[JST]

I think 22 is very fair. I'm actually tempted by it, other than the maintenance concerns that attend any of these cars.

[Theo]

New OEM lighted one piece shifter/boot is installed now. I thought about going short ZHP style but wanted to stay stock for the buyer.

The only non stock items on the car are black grills(to my eye it looks better as this was the only chrome piece on the car) - magnaflow mufflers(the stock cans are just a little to quiet for my taste. It’s an N/A V8 it should have some sound) - white LED lighting source for the angel eyes(gives the car a more updated white angel eye look like all new BMW’s. The stock coffee stain brown ones just look dated).

I have all the stock pieces.

[lip277]

Good luck -

If I didn't have two houses right now and a pending large bill for the E9, not to mention the work I did on my E38... I'd be all over this.
I definitely have the room now - or will shortly
:)

Again -good luck

[Theo]

Thanks Kevin. Sorry about wavering when you did want to by it. I just wasn’t ready.

Best of luck with all the projects!!!

[rumatt]

Buy my cayman and I'll buy this? :speechle:

[Theo]

Buy my cayman and I'll buy this? :speechle:

Ohhhhhh even trade!!! SURE. Meet in the middle? I’ll gas up now.

[lip277]

Thanks Kevin. Sorry about wavering when you did want to by it. I just wasn’t ready.

Best of luck with all the projects!!!

No worries -
Give me a year or so and we'll talk again.
:D:lol::lol:

(Sometimes I think I didn't really get much out of the work on the E38. I think it bought me a year or two. Oh well - It's done now. Just have to look to the future)

[Theo]

Looks good:

Wait didn’t I post a similar pic in 08 when I bought it. Let me search.

[wdc330i]

Someone on this board has to buy it.

If you people don't, I will. :lol:

Because, you know... I need another early 2000's 4-door BMW.

[Theo]

Clean

Best 400’horsesa BMW EVER did.

[wdc330i]

Clean

Best 400’horsesa BMW EVER did.

Upside down?