I have a buddy looking at a 2001 M5 and he asked me about the car. I know absolutely nothing about M5s so if you guys could let me know what to look for, I would like to give him a heads up. Of course I recommended a PPI as a good starting point.

Also, he said that the particular car he is looking at is like new, very very low miles and owned by someone that has a Ferrari (don't know which), a "race car", and a couple of other cars. The thing that sounded kind of fishy is that the car has camber plates on it and the owner told him that it was dialed in with more camber for "better performance in the twisties". I told him that it definitely sounded like the car was tracked heavily and despite the mileage, the car may have been driven mercilessly around a track. Am I being overly suspiscious?

 

What's a M5 good for then diriving it fast ? But I guess all the problems could be spoted before he takes a decision right ?

 

Driving fast is one thing but being flogged relentlessly around a track is another.

 

I believe the '01 E39's had a carbon buildup problem. It was discussed on here before IIRC. I'm in the market for one myself - an '03 though.

 

Check out M5Board.com. Also I would not recommend 2000 models typical BMW first year problems. also most of the 01's have carbon issues. I have a 02 and its got 21K no problems. main thing is if the car is well broken in oil consumption should be about none by 10-12k.

 

If he's got some real sports car, why would he track the M5? Get it inspected and look for rubber pebbles in the radiator-- tell sign of tracking.

 

Yes, but why put camber plates on a street car meant for non-track use?

 

Agreed. Something's a little fishy here. I suspect the seller's not being entirely forthcoming...

 

If he has a suspension- ala Dinan on it. They come with camber plates since the E39 M5 is dialed in to understeer quite a bit. I would not worry to much about it as long as it checks out during the PPI. Also look for clutch wear and brake usage. Other then that, they are great cars. '01s had issues with VANOS systems failing (but most have been replaced at dealer under warranty) and some carbon buildup issues. Hope this helps.

 

E39 M5's rule. I have a buddy selling a very nice 01 tastefully modded (that has not been tracked)
2001 M5
25.5K miles
Le mans Blue with Caramel interior.
Heritage leather.
100% options.

Modifications:
Fikse wheels
Power Chip software.
Evosport Pulleys.
Kelleners exhaust.
Supersprint X-Pipe.
Dinan rear sway bar and mounts.
UUC shourt shifter and WSR.
Trans mount enforcers.
Invisible paint guard

 

Luis,
Where is this car located and how much is he asking for it...
Thanks..

 

My thoughts exactly. Please PM with info.

 

there are tons of m5 owners with complaints about the carbon build up

 

I have a 2000 model w/56k miles. I've had no major issues except clutch replacement (normal). I put a Tubi on it (sounds great!) along with ltw flywheel; short-shift and new clutch (all from UCC). It's a great car and hard to beat for the value. I cannot imagine the M5 being much fun on the track, brakes would fad quickly. Highly recommend one if he finds the right car (kind of like marriage- great with the right woman!)

 

That brings up another point. The car has what appear to be brake cooling ducts on the front. I have not talked with the owner directly but he told my friend they were for air horns that were added?!?!

Anyone recognize this car? Black/Black with UUC springs, Dinan exhaust, camber plates, front ducts.