Considering F10 M5

[C320]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about moving to an M5. I should have bought one a couple of years ago but went for an F06 640d Gran Coupe instead

Looking for any pointers on what to watch out for. Been reading up a little and I had considered them a couple of years ago when I bought the 640d.
Are there any significant updates to spec or any other changes other than the facelift that took place in late 2013 (63 plate) that I should keep an eye out for?

I'm looking to buy from a BMW dealer, however as I'm looking at cars upto 3 years old, I would consider buying from a reputable independent and then add the BMW warranty (especially as I intend to maintain the warranty throughout ownership). I've read that the 1,200 mile running in service is vital but that can be done as late as 2,000 miles for the BMW Warranty?

Options / must haves:

HK sound (would like B&O but it's rare!)
Reverse camera (would prefer surround view)
Sun protection glass

Anything else is a bonus really, but I'd really like to find as high a spec as possible (power boot lid, LED headlights etc.).

Colour wise I don't want white or silver but it can't have black leather either (so leaves me with Silverstone or Sakhir Orange leather?)


I've got a search saved on AutoTrader and I'm keeping an eye out on the BMW AUC site.

[sarjoo]

Originally Posted by C320

Hi all,

I'm thinking about moving to an M5. I should have bought one a couple of years ago but went for an F06 640d Gran Coupe instead

Looking for any pointers on what to watch out for. Been reading up a little and I had considered them a couple of years ago when I bought the 640d.
Are there any significant updates to spec or any other changes other than the facelift that took place in late 2013 (63 plate) that I should keep an eye out for?

I'm looking to buy from a BMW dealer, however as I'm looking at cars upto 3 years old, I would consider buying from a reputable independent and then add the BMW warranty (especially as I intend to maintain the warranty throughout ownership). I've read that the 1,200 mile running in service is vital but that can be done as late as 2,000 miles for the BMW Warranty?

Options / must haves:

HK sound (would like B&O but it's rare!)
Reverse camera (would prefer surround view)
Sun protection glass

Anything else is a bonus really, but I'd really like to find as high a spec as possible (power boot lid, LED headlights etc.).

Colour wise I don't want white or silver but it can't have black leather either (so leaves me with Silverstone or Sakhir Orange leather?)


I've got a search saved on AutoTrader and I'm keeping an eye out on the BMW AUC site.

The Running in service can be done slightly later than 1200 miles from what I can gather but there is a limit, and 2000 miles are very near if not already beyond that limit. I personally would one that has been done as close to 1200 as possible.

As for must-haves, I think you'll find a lot of folk see the face lift (LCI) as a good idea for the several cumulative improvements it brought including better steering wheel design, twin spoke front kidney grills amongst other things, others tend to also see M-multi function "comfort" seats as a must have, and even the competition pack as a must (for the drive-ability and software refinements it brings if not also for the easier sell-ability later).

All of this is subjective, but I tend to agree with comfort seats, and comp pack as a bare minimum for now. (and all comp pack cars are LCI so that takes care of that one.)

[C320]

Originally Posted by sarjoo

T
As for must-haves, I think you'll find a lot of folk see the face lift (LCI) as a good idea for the several cumulative improvements it brought including better steering wheel design, twin spoke front kidney grills amongst other things, others tend to also see M-multi function "comfort" seats as a must have, and even the competition pack as a must (for the drive-ability and software refinements it brings if not also for the easier sell-ability later).

Ah yes, forgot about those. I much prefer the look of the M-multi function "comfort" seats too. I've got 'Comfort' seats on my 640 and the ones on the M5 look amazing. So moving those to my 'must have' list too!

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by C320

Ah yes, forgot about those. I much prefer the look of the M-multi function "comfort" seats too. I've got 'Comfort' seats on my 640 and the ones on the M5 look amazing. So moving those to my 'must have' list too!

Whats your budget?

[C320]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

Whats your budget?

Looking at spending £40k - although the lower the better

AUC 2016 are around the £38k to £42k mark whilst 2015 appear to be more like £35k.

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by C320

Looking at spending £40k - although the lower the better

2016 cars are around the £38k to £42k mark whilst 2015 appear to be more like £35k.

I think if I was you I would be looking at a 2016 car that still in warranty.

As has been said spec is down to personal taste but M-Multifunction seats are a must and a Comp Pack is desirable.

At the £40K range I would be looking at condition and mileage as there will be some low milage cars that may have low spec but will be like new

Don't forget Pistonheads as well

[C320]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

I think if I was you I would be looking at a 2016 car that still in warranty.

As has been said spec is down to personal taste but M-Multifunction seats are a must and a Comp Pack is desirable.

At the £40K range I would be looking at condition and mileage as there will be some low milage cars that may have low spec but will be like new

Don't forget Pistonheads as well

Thanks - that's the preference. I know that as standard for an AUC they will just 'top-up' the warranty to make it 12 months in total. Whilst I'd prefer for for 12 months AUC Warranty to run from when the car is actually out of manufacturers warranty.

I'd hope that I should be able to negotiate that - surely the warranty is cheaper for them that the offer price direct to us?

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by C320

Thanks - that's the preference. I know that as standard for an AUC they will just 'top-up' the warranty to make it 12 months in total. Whilst I'd prefer for for 12 months AUC Warranty to run from when the car is actually out of manufacturers warranty.

I'd hope that I should be able to negotiate that - surely the warranty is cheaper for them that the offer price direct to us?

I am sure if you find the car you want and do a deal that they would be happy with the warranty issue would be part of the negotiation, not sure how much they pay but as its an M car it will be a lot cheaper if bought by a dealer.

Good luck with the search they certainly are epic cars.

[C320]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

I am sure if you find the car you want and do a deal that they would be happy with the warranty issue would be part of the negotiation, not sure how much they pay but as its an M car it will be a lot cheaper if bought by a dealer.

Good luck with the search they certainly are epic cars.

Thanks! How long have you had yours?

If I succeed in getting one it will be my first 'M' car.

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by C320

Thanks! How long have you had yours?

If I succeed in getting one it will be my first 'M' car.

Got it in June 2017 it was my first M car also, they are very different to regular BMWs

[texasjohn]

Try both seats if you're slim. I found the regular seats more comfortable: They hug me better.

I bought a car without cameras as it was a good deal (41k for a 66 plate AUC CP, a year ago) thinking I'd retrofit surround view. Never felt the need to.

LED headlights are a must, IMO.

There's probably an old thread of mine on here, from when I was buying!

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by texasjohn

Try both seats if you're slim. I found the regular seats more comfortable: They hug me better.

I bought a car without cameras as it was a good deal (41k for a 66 plate AUC CP, a year ago) thinking I'd retrofit surround view. Never felt the need to.

LED headlights are a must, IMO.

There's probably an old thread of mine on here, from when I was buying!

Surround view is OK but having got it I wouldn't spend £1500 to retro-fit it. I don't think is worth it.

I also don't think it gives close up detail when parking so prefer to use the wing mirrors, rear view camera is a must though

[C320]

Originally Posted by texasjohn

Try both seats if you're slim. I found the regular seats more comfortable: They hug me better.

I bought a car without cameras as it was a good deal (41k for a 66 plate AUC CP, a year ago) thinking I'd retrofit surround view. Never felt the need to.

LED headlights are a must, IMO.

There's probably an old thread of mine on here, from when I was buying!

Thanks for the update that sounds helpful. Ideally I'm looking for a 66 plate too but would consider a 16.

Yes, I love the look of LED but a reverse camera is also essential IMHO. Had it on my last few cars and I'd miss it. Surround view is less important.

[C320]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

Surround view is OK but having got it I wouldn't spend £1500 to retro-fit it. I don't think is worth it.

Agree with that - my Dad has it on his F15 X5 and it's okay but I wouldn't retrofit it. It may be worth a small premium but I think I'd prefer LED headlights over Surround.

[C320]

Originally Posted by texasjohn

There's probably an old thread of mine on here, from when I was buying!

Thanks texasjohn I've had a read of some of your old posts and they have certainly been helpful. I see you also had a 550i previously. I toyed with the idea of one of those too (uber rare here in the UK!) but concluded that I'd still be wanting an M5.

The search continues...

[texasjohn]

Yes, I would say the 550i is a great car but the M5 is much better. Easier to find, more examples to choose from.

Re: retrofit surround:

I meant I would retrofit the reversing camera, not full surround, but I got used to the size of the car quite quickly so decided I didn't need to bother. It has parking sensors after all!

Re: Seats:

As for seats, if your perfect car comes up with normal seats then check on eBay for a set of the MComfort - I just had a quick look and see there is a set (F&R) on eBay right now for £1k in Silverstone colour.

[C320]

Originally Posted by texasjohn

As for seats, if your perfect car comes up with normal seats then check on eBay for a set of the MComfort - I just had a quick look and see there is a set (F&R) on eBay right now for £1k in Silverstone colour.

That's not a bad shout. As my original post I'd prefer Silverstone or Sakhir to Black so that could be a way of achieving the same result

[OneExtra]

Originally Posted by C320

That's not a bad shout. As my original post I'd prefer Silverstone or Sakhir to Black so that could be a way of achieving the same result

Just make sure the electrical pugs are the same as the M-Multifunction have a lot more functionality

I am not sure its just a quick unbolt and bolt in job

May need coding etc

[C320]

Originally Posted by OneExtra

Just make sure the electrical pugs are the same as the M-Multifunction have a lot more functionality

I am not sure its just a quick unbolt and bolt in job

May need coding etc

Good point, something to look into! Obviously I’d need to find a complete set with all of the door cards in execellent condition.

[Turks]

I have just kissed goodbye to my M5 - absolutely fabulous car and can guarantee you wont regret from a 640d. The M Cars have a very different feel about them and the way they drive (not just speed) is a whole lot better. I don't think there are many 4 door saloon cars that can compete on the road to the M5.

Good luck with your search, but if I could give one piece of advice, hold out for the spec you want. I perhaps jumped the gun a little when I bought mine and always had a niggle in the back of my mind that I should have got a Competition Pack...


Turks.

[M5Rick]

Hi C320
I am coming up to two years with my M5 non CP and I found my car within a few days on AT.I would think twice about a CP if you live in town there.High kerbs,humps narrow roads forcing you onto kerbs will be a tough life for a CP M5.I come into town twice a week and feel much more confident tackling the tough streets with my normally sprung one and putting it in Sport+ when I'm out puts back the fun factor. CP's are 20% more stiffer set up than standard ones.
Well that's my minute and good luck with your hunt.

[C320]

Originally Posted by Turks

I have just kissed goodbye to my M5 - absolutely fabulous car and can guarantee you wont regret from a 640d. The M Cars have a very different feel about them and the way they drive (not just speed) is a whole lot better. I don't think there are many 4 door saloon cars that can compete on the road to the M5.

Good luck with your search, but if I could give one piece of advice, hold out for the spec you want. I perhaps jumped the gun a little when I bought mine and always had a niggle in the back of my mind that I should have got a Competition Pack...


Turks.

Thanks Turks, yes - I'll try my best to hold out for the right spec. I do like the idea of the competition pack, I actually prefer the comp pack wheels but I've also noticed that some CP cars don't have them and have the 20" 343's instead.

I probably need to try a standard car and a CP model to get a feel for it as the roads around here aren't great and I do venture into town a bit too.

What have you switched the M5 for?