TermiPeteNZ

Welcome Chris - see you tomorrow morning @ Chocolate Fish!

Looks beaut - agree on the colour scheme. For some collectors Alpinas are the bee's knees - typically rarer than M cars.

Welcome Scott - and congrats on the 135i!

Looks great in blue - I'm assuming you swapped the black alloys off the car and had the OEMs put on?  

6 hours ago, GorGasm said:

Have had a code sitting in the ECU (not CEL) for ages 2B59 which is apparently thermostat.  Also this appears to be a cause for poor fuel consumption.  Have ordered the parts to replace. 

Going to be simultaneously awesome and frustrating if it turns out to improve my fuel consumption if it has been bad for the last two years >_<.

I've had the thermostat replaced in my 545i, X5 and E60 M5 … ? 

I had a low RPM stall issue in the M5 and it had thermostat codes so in went the new one. Don't think I've noticed a change in fuel consumption in any of the 3 vehicles... so don't get your hopes up!  

I've asked Driscoll Motors about doing the job with the Turner kit, and will also check with John at Auto38.

10 hours ago, 9000Redline said:

Have inquired with Winger in Wellington (where I'm based) and they said they've never replaced bearnings, and I got the feeling they would not feel comfortable doing that kind of preventative work. 

So, having found this thread, I'm reading BM workshop in Auckland can do the work. I've heard good things before about BM. Can anybody confirm BM have done this on a S65 engine with success? What kind of price range are we talking for replacement? less than 10k, or more?

Hey Matt - I've got an E60 M5 with 143KMs on it here in Welly and I'm planning to do the same thing - but haven't started making enquiries yet … let me know if you get any positive responses.

Welcome to BimmerSport!

Welcome Mathew … nice M3 I'm planning to do my rod bearings later this year.

Welcome Simon E61 550i Motorsport is a great vehicle!

As Leon says there's a few things on in the Lower North Island... 
http://bimmersport.co.nz/forum/26-wellington/

1. Southward Car Museum coffee and cars this Sunday 13th Jan and next 2 months
2. Wgtn British & Euro car show in Upper Hutt 10th Feb https://www.facebook.com/events/2266755816938378/
3. Shannon Spectacular Car Show 17th Feb https://www.facebook.com/shannoncarshow/
4. Hawkes Bay Car Club Wheels on Windsor Show 10 Mar https://www.facebook.com/events/2216341551987238/
5. BMW Car Club National Festival Tukaanu/Turangi - 30 Mar - join the Club if you want to be part of this.

The Club will be present at all of these in some shape or form I'm attending 1,4 & 5

49 minutes ago, Jun said:

I was looking at this as well, we passed by last month when I wasn't serious about it.  The dealer said it was on the warehouse, etc.

I will do my final inspection as car enthusiast before handing in the remaining balance for the car.

I thought both issues are easily resolved by just stepping on the accelerator more?  ?

Grinding noise going around tight slow corners is normal (grumpy diff) . 

Yes I have binding/slipping with my LSD since Winger did the 'Final Drive' (diff) service recently. Kinda annoying. Had them change the fluid to the one with additive but it's still doing it - but I'm not sure if they did the recommended driving pattern on the service bulletin. Am sceptical and have asked them if they did it ...

16 minutes ago, Jun said:

So far from the photos, the different wearing items seems to be consistent.  I hope this is a car that wasn't used because the owner had other cars, not no milage because it's a lemon.

You are an M5 nut, I didn't even know the real color and interior names.  Its Christmas eve not sure if I would lookup the VIN... hmmm... can't stop ?

Well yes I am something of a keen bean ? The extended leather is a rare option. This is what the regular interior looks like... (well, except for the aftermarket steering wheel cover).

And this is yours:

Both look good, but yours is rarer.

32 minutes ago, Jun said:

Just checked the ad, it's 53,900kms.. I hope it's genuine. Photos of pedal, seats, etc do suggest it was hardly used. Yes cool too see another M5.

No PPI, I thought I only had to that for private sale. I did get a report from dealer all the worked that was done. Even has new front disks and pads. That the biggest item on the list where the worn out brakes, others are cosmetics and fluids. Also codes was scanned and cleared. So I assume this is essentially as PPI and fix at the same time? Or is my assumption wrong? We didn't have an issue with our previous PPI from a dealer. Btw dealer is Paul Kelly, they have 4 M5 listed and I guess you which M5 we took.

Yep interior wear (usually driver's seat bolster) is a gauge of mileage There shouldn't be much at 55KMs.

I think PPI is a good idea even from a dealer, especially for an older car. Also clears the air re MBI and state of the car when cover commences. The dealer may be thorough and responsible, but independent verification is always a good plan as you have to remember that they have different objectives  ?

It looks very tidy! Silverstone II on Silverstone Merino extended leather.
I particularly like blue on white as a combo but it doesn't come up very often... 

Have you looked up the VIN on https://www.mdecoder.com/ to get the full detailed spec?

3 hours ago, Jun said:

Ok finally got a deal.  We went for an older 2005 car but lower milage 55k from a dealer, we where able to also get 2 years MBI.  We actually chose that particular car for the all chalk white interior, something we just recently wanted as a different thing from our other old cars.  Going to fly down and drive it up after Christmas, hopefully an enjoyable and safe little road trip.  Any M5 or BMW specific tips for me to check/know?  I have my own generic 2nd hand car checklist, but appreciate specific thinks like:

• M5 no dip stick, but can check reading on computer.  Also you can force it to refresh the data as long as engine is warm
• Avoid stepping the gas while its cold, not a M5 specific but more important if its a S85 engine
• SMG doesn't excessively lurch, etc. I have driven 1 M5 so I have a baseline to go

Congrats Jun! Yes the white interiors look beautiful - as long as you keep em clean 55KMs sure is low. Look forward to catching up at a meet in the near future.

Be careful with all the tourist traffic on the way back, but it should be an epic drive. Make sure you tank up whenever you get the chance too! 

In terms of temp - yes no revving after turning the car on - keep it below 3-4K RPMs until the engine has warmed up (and there's a gauge for that …)

Did you get a pre-purchase inspection done? - as an MBI won't cover pre-existing faults.
If not, recommend you get a thorough check done here in Welly, or get a service done with check as part of it.

BMW Club members get a free code scan from Auto 38 too - at the very least get this done.

Just got my 2001 E53 X5 back from the transmission rebuild by Automatic Transmission Repairs Ltd. Had a good chat with Zane who runs the place …and here's what he had to say:

• With the more modern 6-speed trans in E70s, they're coded to the car so you can't just swap in another unit. The older 5HP24 ZFs in the E53 and similar are not coded and can be exchanged with a 2nd hand unit.
• A BMW dealer processing a MBI claim will likely specify a whole new transmission rather than a rebuild which can be A LOT. So - better to use a reputable indy. We have seen a similar situation with the E60 550i repair quoted for the car Brett Taylor just purchased.
• Even if BMW says 'lifetime sealed unit' change the oil in your transmission at each interval 50-60K KMs, and only use ZF oil. This will help it last longer.
• A lot of the modern transmissions don't carry much oil, and don't really cool it down - and over time the oil degrades.
• Whatever you're doing always use the right oil, and the best oil you can.
• The 5HP24 is a decent transmission but you should expect a a rebuild as KMs go up.
• If you're getting a rebuild done, then it should be done thoroughly and using the newer iterations of the components as the 5HP24 was improved during its lifetime.
• After a rebuild, your vehicle it needs to go back for a check-up after 1000KMs

Good guy to talk to, and he knows his stuff.

Very pleased to have it back - enjoy driving it Transmission seems all good.

1 hour ago, Jun said:

She doesn't like to the clutch anymore.  I have driven an M5 SMG and its fine, a bit clunky but it's acceptable and tolerable.

Yes that is not much difference from our Cayenne (possibly M5 is even more efficient... yup we use about 20-30L/100km). If I don't spool the turbo on our R34, the Skyline it's our most economical car (10L/100km), but that never happens and (20L/100km) is achievable.  The local BP petrol station attendants calls me as their most valuable customer. 

I don't see any issues with the SMG, aside from the usual maintenance cost.  My wife actually likes to drive these cars, minus the clutch.  She hates driving cars like: Camry or Corolla, etc.  She does appreciate our eclectic clunky old cars.  I think the SMG is actually appealing to us.

I am no stranger to 3 and 4.  I can work those out, worst case just park the old broken car until the other old cars all breakdown.  So far I haven't got a case where all the old cars had major issues the same time.

The S6 and E63 was suggested to me, but for me the engines doesn't have enough different character from a V8 Cayenne, yes they are not the same but the S85 V10 NA high rpm and clunky SMG is much more different experience.  I am trying to trick my brain the reliability issues of the E60 M5 is just part of the character!

Or I can just think logically and never buy a M5.... however it is also logical to have a V10 and SMG experience w/o the exotic car capital and running cost.

Thanks for the info they are all helpful, I am lucky enough to have a wife and kids than understands the insanity of these cars.  Even my young daughter likes our old cars.  I just need to make sure we can eat 3x a day and still enjoy life.

My wife is a bit fussy and she doesn't mind the SMG. She also doesn't really like it, but she copes fine.

My kids love the M5

Also note that any Audi S is now in Cat D (not just RS) - here's the updated Autosure tables from ~March. Again - check with Jono at MTF...

5 minutes ago, GorGasm said:

Sounds like you will be fine with an M5.  I've had mine for 2 years now and only had minor things:

1x coil

1x knock sensor (dealer fixed it)

Diff seal leak

P/S leak

I do have to do the brakes and tyres next year though.

Agreed. You sound like you're a good fit and going in eyes open.

• I've had a coil go too, plus bonnet struts.
• Previous owner had the E60 sunroof drain blockage issue that needed a lot of the interior removed to be dried.
• Done 2 front tyres after getting a massive bolt in the front left
• Fuel level sensor is a bit meh - replaced one sender but still not quite accurate. 
• Since my final drive/diff service at Winger I'm getting LSD binding/slipping which is irritating - even after replacing the fluid with the stuff containing the special additive.

You might like this article: https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features/m5-e39-vs-m5-e60-vs-m5-f90/39295

And if you are buying a vehicle and getting an MBI, please do join the Club and you'll get a great deal on an Autosure policy that you can attach to a privately purchased vehicle, provided you have had a PPI from an Autosure-approved garage or inspector. However you buy the vehicle, pre-existing faults that came up at the inspection or that appear immediately won't be covered by an MBI.

Hey @Jun and welcome to BimmerSport

I'm based here in Welly and have only had my E60 M5 for just under 2 years. It's an epic vehicle and I have one as it is a 'bucket list' item for me.

In terms of MBI, if you look at Autosure (DPL/Turners) an M5 fits into Category D (Executive) and the thresholds for claims are:

• Gold policy - max age 12 years, max KMs 160,000, excess $500, max claim value $5000
• Platinum policy - max age 10 years, max KMs 100,000, excess $500, max claim value $10,000

This is based on the latest rate cards I have - so don't take this as gospel. Gold example is below.

So you'll have trouble attaching a MBI to most E60 M5s as they're just too old. In the last year I've seen 1 2009 M5 come up and most are 2005-2007. So if you want a performance 5-series with your risk covered, you're best to go for an E60 LCI or F10 550i MSport (Category C) where you can get affordable cover for longer for less money, or step up to a F10 M5, with prices starting around $55K.

My M5 is on ~143KMs now and has had clutch done, along with one actuator - but not the rod bearings yet as my MBI expires in a few weeks. Rod bearings is on my to-do list for next year and I'll get prices from a couple of places before doing it (e.g. Winger, Page). I've had my regular garage (Driscoll Motors) service my 545i (Richard's now), my E53 X5 and my M5 and they've been good - but recently I've had Winger look after the M5 (service, actuator replacement) as I just wanted M-car specific knowledge.

I love the vehicle and it puts a grin on my face every time I drive it (windows down of course!)

Happy to catch up and have a yak. Presumably you've driven one already?

FYI this one in Welly is being sold by one of the techs at Winger: https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1822874372.htm

Pete 

Think I've seen this in a speed camera pic been shown by a young chap snapped speeding in his E90. Likely there's been some hooning and this is the result Sad to see and hopefully everyone involved is OK.

Meh. Still waiting to get my X5 back... not sure if the parts have even arrived.

That 4.8is sold pretty quickly

Beautiful car and hard to price given it is so rare. Recommend looking at UK values as the biggest RHD market.

14 hours ago, Olaf said:

We provide this information to members, it's updated as new suppliers are added.  In practice It often takes the form of "hey I'm looking for a ______, who's our club supporter, and what's our arrangement?"  "talk to ______".    In this case, our supplier is an agent for AUTOSURE, with 15% off to members.  

Worked example:  Recommended retail is $1,395 on the AUTOSURE GOLD policy for Euro (Cat C)**, duration 36mths, excess $450.

Looking at my invoice, I saved more than 15%, result!  $90 membership fee recouped in one fell swoop, and then some.

Hope that helps.

** Note all Autosure restrictions apply, this summary is not intended to provide detailed policy info.

@NZ BMW most offers vary by region, but some are available nationally to members as is the case with the MBI deal. Please note the Autosure offer is through a particular dealer, can be attached to vehicles you already own but a vehicle condition inspection will be required ; and pre-existing issues won't be covered (which seems fair!).

2 hours ago, Olaf said:

1.  Replaced hood support struts.  I was jump-starting my neighbour during a storm a couple of weeks back, and the bonnet slammed down on my jumper cables.  Fortunately no damage.  They clearly needed replacing.  Sourced OEM Stabilus, they're easy to install.

This was the first thing that needed to be done on my M5 … a droopy bonnet sucks!

On ‎11‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 9:08 AM, _ethrty-Andy_ said:

Hutt Automatics did mine, same findings.

Still waiting on parts for the transmission - using the E60 M5 as daily driver but that's in at Winger today for O2 sensor and thermostat replacement to deal with stalls occurring when idling.

Here's the summary of what Zane found: 

BMW X5 V8 Reg JHC777 236744 KMs
Transmission fault : leaking oil from front of transmission. Remove exhaust , covers, drive shaft, part of suspension to enable removal of transmission. Disassemble transmission clean & check. Convertor lockup lining has broken up causing damage to front pump housing, gears & convertor neck. Clutch packs showing signs of burning. Bearings through hardening.

Ouch! Total cost to me for rebuild after Autosure max claim on old high km vehicle = ~$4500

Just saw this 4.8is come up for sale not far away... tempting (I think? )
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1836240753

Welcome Stephen - time to go for a classic! Both of these will be relatively rare - especially the E28 so I expect patience will be required. Hope you've had a blast with the F10 - I certainly enjoy my E60