Buying an m5 e60 , issues

You'll find a better answer on a dedicated BMW enthusiast forum, like Bimmerforums.

That being said, with any car, if you are not a mechanic, get a complete mechanical inspection done by a shop. Get a compression test done on the engine, and then the shop should look at the suspension, transmission, cooling system, etc... The most important are the big ticket items, like engine and transmission. If those are good, then the car shouldn't be too bad to run. German motors and transmissions are usually bulletproof as long as they are taken care of; you do not see nearly as many old German vehicles with replaced motors as Japanese and domestic. If not, the repair bill will be huge. A good long time friend of mine was recently looking at one with a blown engine selling for a good deal, but he veered away when he priced the motor to be around $10,000. Other parts like brakes, suspension, hoses, etc. are standard wear and tear metal and plastic items that will wear out eventually with use. They don't cost too much to replace as there are a lot of aftermarket suppliers.

The E60 M5 can be made into a monstrously powerful car when a supercharger is added. If one isn't, then in theory less can go wrong with it than the newer turbocharged M5s at least.

SMG Hell no.

Throttle actuators will go for sure
High pressure vanos system will go for sure

Those 2 items alone are huge dollar items.

You buy one of these not because you’re budget balling, but because you’re an enthusiast that wants a V10 and is ready for the repairs.

My dad had one. I wasn’t overly impressed by it. From a dead stop it doesn’t feel like a 500hp car. It simply lacks torque in the low end and needs to be revved out to move its fat ass. Once it’s moving it’s a beast.

EP32k2 wrote: ↑
You buy one of these not because you’re budget balling, but because you’re an enthusiast that wants a V10 and is ready for the repairs.

Definitely won't be budget ballin with these cars, yet you'll still be looking like one.

Can anyone recommend a good mechanic that I can take it for a check up? In the Toronto area

nimfomanijak wrote: ↑ Can anyone recommend a good mechanic that I can take it for a check up? In the Toronto area

Columbus Automotive, I can vouch for Ivo.

er34er34 wrote: ↑ Definitely won't be budget ballin with these cars, yet you'll still be looking like one.

It's just on RFD we assume everyone buys a car for status.

The e60 M5 is the last naturally aspirated M5 you can get, as well as one with a V10 to work with instead of a V8 with the newer FXX series. If supercharged, it can put down >=700HP. G-Power makes such a kit to get it to 700HP. ESS also produces superchargers for this engine.
Some people just prefer the sound and pull of a naturally aspirated V8, V10, or V12.

In theory also less can go wrong with a naturally aspirated motor than a turbocharged one; less parts and the engine isn't worked as hard.

That being said if budget is a concern, you do not want this car. Even if it is reliable, it being a V10 and having more expensive suspension bits and brakes to handle the power, it'll be expensive to run.

If this is your daily driver and you're one of those people who just take a vehicle to the dealership for work, it might just be easier to just lease/finance the new M5. Cash outlay is minimal and you have warranty and maintenance included in the term. On top of my head it's about $1800 - 2000/month, but at least you get a new vehicle out of it. Versus spending $20,000 - 25,000, going into the dealership, and spending $1000 - 2000+ each visit.

As others have mentioned, the SMG transmission is a POS so avoid at all costs.

Throttle actuators will likely need to be replaced at ~80000km and there’s a small proportion of rod bearings that wear out potentially causing catastrophic engine failure.

Good to know about the issues with the SMG. Also read about the cost in replacing the cams too.
I was thinking about the E60 M5 as well but owning a BMW means that you have to have deep pockets to maintain it. I've got an E30 and an E90 so I know what it's like.

Need pics of E30!!!

patrickkc wrote: ↑ jealous of the V10..

E60 M5 always one of the cars I wanted because of the V10 but seems to be plagued with problems. Owning a V10 and V12 on my bucket list

You can usually find nice depreciated examples of the S65, CL65, SL65. They weren't well performing cars for the price brand new and most with that money to spend on something ultra-luxury, and new, would rather get a Bentley. The previous gen R8 is also coming down in price.

nimfomanijak wrote: ↑ Can anyone recommend a good mechanic that I can take it for a check up? In the Toronto area

Ahh, BMW tax. And when on top of it, M tax.
Ages ago I saw comment on jalopnik, where someone said he loves BMWs, especially M cars.
Granted, most readers of jalopnik have the love/hate attitude towards these cars, so I've read his entire post.
Turns out, he's an experienced BMW mechanic, and over the years clueless buyers of used bimmers paid off his mortgage, and put his kids through college.

patrickkc wrote: ↑ Those 65 AMGs are nice.. but I have 2 AMGs now already and don't really want a third one. Continental GT I've definitely looked at before, but I like the second Gen more and back then they were well over budget. V10 R8 is also good choice.. or take a plunge and get a gallardo

Gallardo has the same engine as r8, just different software.

just buy a brand new 320i instead. save yourself the hassle to bring the car back and forth at a repair shop.