DC3

I noticed this car sold on trade-me October 14th for $24k https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/bmw/listing/2821227800?bof=YklEyg8o

I think T/M stands for traffic management in the UK, the knob allows you to scroll through UK maps. My M5 had it but was useless here so I removed it and fitted the cupholders again.

Have you had a look at this... http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/58622-bmw-e39-m5/

You guys reckon this car is over priced? Check this... https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/m5/2001-individual-aegean-blue-e39-m5-91-000-miles/7763221

Hi Paul, My consumption figures are probably better than most as I only use the car for pleasure so it doesn't go to town, shopping or errands etc. I have some nice back roads locally that are usually traffic free and while I drive spiritedly I'm not thrashing it, the economy is 11.9 l/100km. Sure if it was open highway driving it would be better than this, more like 9.5-10 l/100km. I'll have to confess I rarely drive it like it was "meant to be driven" but I enjoy it very much at my pace.

Interesting stuff. Any help on E39 M5 numbers is very welcome. I'm happy to make available this data to anyone who might be interested, just pm me.

A bit more detail, good to know. There is another 1999 Oxford/Caramel that we don't yet have listed, back in 2002 a machinery dealer had two M5s including this one and a red one! We'll keep looking. I'm interested to know how you collected details of the M6. Have you published your register and is it complete?

That's a fair comment re colour, of the 4 silver 2 are Silverstone. I believe you are correct, cars sold here are Aussie spec as Martin has confirmed. HD91 on the M5board.com (author of M5portal.com) has done extensive research on production numbers, I'd suggest contacting him ([email protected]) for details. When I was looking for my M5 I was very keen to find a 2003 Oxford Green/Caramel, he told me there was only 1 for that year. I settled for Carbon/Caramel of which there were 5 for 2003.

When I was applying for a Special Interest Vehicle Permit to bring an E39 M5 in from the UK BMWNZ kindly provided sales figures for cars sold new here. 1999 unknown for unexplained reason. A friend that is in BMW sales remembers about 18-19 were sold 2000 11 2001 6 2002 2 2003 3 As this was nearly 5 years ago I have taken note of cars I saw for sale and jotted down the rego/serial numbers and with help from Martin and Glenn have 35 listed. 1999 x 12 of which 11 were NZ new 2000 x 10 of which 8 were NZ new 2001 x 4 of which 3 were NZ new 2002 x 6 of which 3 were NZ new 2003 x 3 of which 2 were NZ new 1999 x 1 from Singapore 2000 x 1 from Singapore, 1 from South Africa 2001 x 1 from UK 2002 x 3 from UK 2003 x 1 from UK Colours: 12 black, 12 blue, 4 silver, 3 green, 3 red, 1 anthracite 1 x 1999 silver W/O and 1x 2000 red W/O (HellBM) Year of manufacture from information at M5portal.com This is worth a read... http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/203127-write-up-e39-m5-extensive-production-statistics.html n.b. The above register is not complete as more cars will no doubt appear Dave

Well done Dan, I hope you can make the M5 meet...

One of only two sold new in NZ for 2002. Some have reliably done more than 300k miles in the US untouched. The prices of these cars have risen in the UK recently and they've held here in the last 4-5 years. They are great cars to drive and own, I'd say if it stacks up go for it.

Good score there Boris, I hope you can make the M5 meet next month..

Congrats John, very unique car you have. Hope you can make the M5 meet next month... M5 Meetup + all BMWs at Caffeine and Classics Sunday 30 April

Have you considered a diesel? I've had a couple of the the 3 litre E90's and like them a lot. Here's a good example... http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1246931472.htm

I could be wrong but I think it's more to do with whether or not the seat folds down for load through. My 03 seats don't fold and has the bulge.

Stu, details of M5's at M5portal.com And more has been paid, up around $40k recently. I see in the UK prices have risen lately. With help from a couple of M5 owners in Auckland (Martin and Glenn) I have recorded E39 M5's in NZ as they have appeared, now 31 (so far) including your car. You have an excellent model to work on, I've read on M5board.com that some owners have topped 300k miles with reliability.

Congrats, good score. It must be about the last car sold here new, only 22 RHD made after yours!

I've had my E39 M5 (ex UK) airbag replaced today. I contacted BMWNZ about a month ago and they advised me to contact an authorised dealer. It included a new cover and emblem. So I'm a happy chappy.

Hi Lloyd, Are you still up for a meet up? Dave

Hi Lloyd, I'm a fan of the E60 and live in Kerikeri too, perhaps we could compare sometime. Pm me if you're a starter. Dave

Hi Paul, I've been through this process of what you are proposing, the link below covers my experience... I've had the car 3 years now and don't regret buying it. It worked out well in that it is a good car but could have turned to custard. Cars from the UK can be rusty as already stated but I haven't found any in mine yet. I know of a NZ new car that is probably for sale, pm me and I'll give you the contact. Dave

Sold, $39k

Top job Martin, good return on the hours you've invested.

Apologies for my late response, I would be happy to lend you mine if that helps. Dave