[jimboss]

Originally Posted by TonyMaloni

are they all manuals or did they do an auto in this?

you could have any transmission you wanted as long it was a manual....BMW only offered a manual for the world market, if you wanted an auto the Alpina B10 filled that niche

[SteveChester]

Originally Posted by jimboss

you could have any transmission you wanted as long it was a manual....BMW only offered a manual for the world market, if you wanted an auto the Alpina B10 filled that niche

Does it smoke the tyres still??

[pdk42]

The E39 is probably the best BMW of all time. It was streets ahead of its competitors and the build quality was top notch. A well looked after example is definitely something to keep and cherish. The interior still looks great (even if styles have moved on).

Congrats!

[jimboss]

Hi Guys,

As requested by some you see below updated running report:

Had coachwork checked for rust - sills and arch liners off and up on the ramp. No rot to report thankfully just some superficial bits that have now been sorted. bodywork now looks great!

Inspection 2 service carried out. Engine is strong and good order however it's now booked in for the following works (just age related stuff)

- Front tyres (Michelin PS 4)
- xenon headlamp sensor
- Replacement of rocker cover gaskets
- Front suspension track control arm rear bushes
- Replacement of Rear diff output shaft seals
- Rear lower hub integral link arms
- Rear upper arm boots
- Front upper arm boots

M5 ownership isn't cheap but I want to the car to be in great condition. In the future I have the following to do list (at present!!!):

- replacement of rear view mirror component (common trait on E39's and E46's)
- Interior is in v.good condition but plan to give the leather a good freshen up by a specialist
- Wheels could do with a refurb at some point
- Shocks and springs are ok but may consider a full OEM refresh at some point

[MattOz]

I loved my E39 M5's. Great cars. Had a pre-facelift W-reg and then a later 2002 car. They're wonderful when they're on form, but you clearly have your eyes open to the cost of everything, so that's great. Took mine all over the country and to the Ring. Brilliant at everything. Cruising 4 up in Germany at an indicated 160 was just a breeze.

[AP_75]

Lovely car, congrats and thanks for the updates, wish you best of luck. Definitely my favourite 5 series's. I remember a similar car on Wheeler Dealers needed the interior mirror replacing.

[BrennanF30]

It is a nice car but you don't see too many people going from a new car back to an old car

[stefan4]

so whats the yotal spend on the car to date if you dont mind me asking. Its always an intersting debate whether to go new and take tge warrantee, or go old, get a beast and accept that there will be repairs