[F10] M5 am I getting an endless money pit?

[autothrottle]

New to this forum. Any thoughts on this HIGH mileage beat up M5?

https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/...203298900.html

Guys any advice would help!

Am I committing financial suicide?

[thxbuff2001]

Originally Posted by autothrottle

New to this forum. Any thoughts on this HIGH mileage beat up M5?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/c...195702468.html

Guys any advice would help!

Am I committing financial suicide?

You know that he is a member of this forum right?

[autothrottle]

Originally Posted by thxbuff2001

You know that he is a member of this forum right?

oops I pasted the wrong link sorry! Just got it corrected

[thxbuff2001]

Originally Posted by autothrottle

oops I pasted the wrong link sorry! Just got it corrected

No problem. Actually the first car is a well documented car. For that price, Ill look at it.

But in general, if you buy NEW. you eat depreciation,

if buy USED, you eat maintenance.

What do you want to order?

Whatever the brand, it is thesame.

[Ickdeep]

Just curious about the motor swap. As long as the maintenance's has been up to date, they are good cars.

PS if you're looking for a car with less miles and mods; mines up for sale: https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/c...195702468.html

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by thxbuff2001

You know that he is a member of this forum right?

Haha I didn't see that it was my link before

[M5_Raz]

I would pass without looking back. $25k is a lot to gamble like that. The guy can't even replace brake pads, imagine what else he skipped. Save $7-8k more and buy a more sorted out car. My opinion

It also depends a lot on how much money you have saved up for repairs and unexpected stuff.

[AlisterB]

I personally put a 'high value' on vehicle condition when shopping for a used car, and am not the type to buy the cheapest car out there just because the purchase price is appealing.

This example does not look like it has been particularly well loved or maintained. If I was to buy a car like that, I'd be having to spend a fair bit of time and money to bring it up condition wise. There is the obvious stuff that can be seen in the photos (kerbed wheels, interior condition etc), but I imagine there is a lot more little things that a physical inspection would reveal.

The spec does look quite reasonable though which certainly is a positive.

[M5Rick]

Looks a bargain with that engine swap.So long as it's been serviced regularly,more so if tuned like that,need proof of that together with DCT and diff oil changes at those miles and it doesn't shake on start up when cold.If it's just wheels that need rim refurb or a complete back to silver which is what I would have, the interior needing treatment especially the d/s, brake pads then go for it.
These cars are rapid in standard form that will hold down a Ferrari 458 but with that tune you must know what your taking on or you may want to remove it and put the standard parts back on, you have a lot to play with.

[OnlyGerman]

Aren't the 2013 a year to absolutely avoid?

[AlisterB]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Aren't the 2013 a year to absolutely avoid?

My understanding is that the very early cars (late 2011 through to mid-late 2012 builds) was where there was a few more issues. I think the 2013s are generally no worse than any other year (though like with anything, the later the better).

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Aren't the 2013 a year to absolutely avoid?

More hearsay Mechanically the same, the lci just have different injectors and small cosmetic updates.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by AlisterB

My understanding is that the very early cars (late 2011 through to mid-late 2012 builds) was where there was a few more issues. I think the 2013s are generally no worse than any other year (though like with anything, the later the better).

There was the faulty oil pump shaft issue in the mid 12's I gather and a few fell victim but majority had them changed under warranty before the damage was done.Even some later ones are cursed with rod bearing failure if not serviced on time and I don't mean by what the service book says.

[Aceway]

Hard pass, I absolutely hate when sellers take pictures of the car without properly drying it. Interior looks like he hasn't wiped off a bunch of conditioner. Just sloppy all around. Only way I'd buy it is if the replacement engine checks out and it were at least 5k cheaper.

[AlisterB]

Originally Posted by Aceway

Hard pass, I absolutely hate when sellers take pictures of the car without properly drying it.

Me too - maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it speaks volumes about the 'care factor' IMO.

[M5Rick]

Yeah thing is many forum members on here are used to having immaculate cars so when a different one comes on it's like 'look for another one'. There are cars like this and there is a market for them at the right price taking into account what needs to be spent, time available for that and the end showing.Together with the tempting array of tune, exhaust and standard parts I would say it would suit an enthusiast with all round skills, mechanic and possibly touch up paint skills (what they do in second hand car dealerships).

[SCD-1983]

In my opinion, it's beneficial to have some decent mechanics skills, a good connection to the dealership and ask forums for advice. The F10 M5 is a real bargain, excellent combination of power and family friendly sedan, the push of a button transforms this car from cruiser mode to beast attack. I'm on my third F10 M5 and my 12th BMW M. I'm an enthusiast and perform almost the entire maintenance array myself, it's part of the whole experience for me.
These cars can be total money pits however, if you get into an abused car, that was driven hard when cold and not maintained to save money.
Be prepared to spend money on wear parts and some spare parts, then have fun all day long!

[santamonica00]

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

Haha I didn't see that it was my link before

I read all these criticisms and thought it was your car they were talking about! Hahaha. Didn't see the other link to the $25k one.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by santamonica00

I read all these criticisms and thought it was your car they were talking about! Hahaha. Didn't see the other link to the $25k one.

Ickdeeps? No way, that one is perfect in every respect.

[Ickdeep]

Originally Posted by santamonica00

I read all these criticisms and thought it was your car they were talking about! Hahaha. Didn't see the other link to the $25k one.

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

Ickdeeps? No way, that one is perfect in every respect.

Haha thanks guys!!

[rockyfeller]

Originally Posted by thxbuff2001

No problem. Actually the first car is a well documented car. For that price, Ill look at it.

But in general, if you buy NEW. you eat depreciation,

if buy USED, you eat maintenance.

What do you want to order?

Whatever the brand, it is thesame.

Excellent way of looking at it! I'm going to use that one, never heard it before. "New eats depreciation. Old eats maintenance." It's true for the most part. You have to pay to play.

This all depends if course. On a Toyota you'd come out on top either way. But with a premium European car you will lose either way. It's just how it works. Given the choice I'd definitely choose eating maintenance with a used car.

On a used car, an even greater difference is in the particular car you buy. A used car that is well sorted and meticulously maintained is well worth it even if paying with a premium. Getting a car at a rock bottom price might seem nice but in most cases you get what you pay for. Perfectly maintained cars are a rare find, particularly if it's a performance car. This factor is even more important than the general reliability concerns for the brand/model. A very well maintained BMW would be better than a really beat up Toyota in my opinion, although I'm sure the general public would disagree.

If you have a well sorted car, you're mechanically inclined and can do basic repairs yourself and don't mind spending extra for an extended warranty and/or the expected price premium for regular maintenance/parts for a premium car, then a used car is for you. But do it right and an M5 gives back happiness dividends exponentially. 2.5yrs on my extended warranty and haven't had a single claim yet.

If you're like 95% of the population who is lazy, uninformed, uninterested and simply uses a BMW as an appliance/status symbol, then it's clear that you're looking out for your own convenience and car care is not your priority. Buy new for sure and eat that depreciation. Warranty and free maintenance will cover you but don't be surprised if the car will protest along the way with break downs and the owner will say "BMW never again!" Sure there are plenty of cases with defects but in a good number of these issues are to blame with a rough/careless owner. Most people really are better off with a Lexus.

I have these arguments all the time and only enthusiasts agree with what I'm talking about. A lot of people told me it was dumb for me to buy this car. How wrong they are! It's the best car I've ever owned! It's not the car for everyone. If you buy a BMW, you have to have a plan. Don't make it an impulse thoughtless buy. You'll regret it. But if you know what you're doing, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.