GorGasm

Been there done that. The E55 is probably the fastest car you can buy for the money. I upgraded mine with headers, pulley and tune and it was properly crazy. Unfortunately, the handling is so bad that it compromises the whole driving experience, especially in NZ where the enjoyable roads are bumpy & twisty. It's worse than "not fun in the corners" it's totally disappointing. I now have an E60 M5, the handling of which is light years ahead. As a daily the E55 is better than the E60 M5, but then all the other cars on the list are better anyway. Petrol and servicing are still expensive too.

Don't write off the large BMs handling. I reckon they could comfortably take an E39 in the handling dept, I know my F11 can. M5 F10 is a super capable all round car. Diesel is for those that can't afford pleasure.

Don't go with the E60 M5, or E55. Both are very old now for a car in the 40k range and wouldn't feel special enough for the $$$. I have owned both, both are very fast though. I would look at: c8 s6 Jaguar XFR W212 E63 f10 550i Possibly in that order.. The 550i can be had for cheap while the others are closer to the 50k mark. Or if you are a total wildcard, go with a Maserati Quattroporte. I'm counting down the time til I can grab a Maserati GT.

Fair enough, I usually end up paying a guy for most of my stuff as well. No shame there.

The seals on my M5 were the same front and rear. I ended up doing it myself, it was surprisingly easy. The hardest part was getting rid of the residue from the old seals which took about an hour. Install took about 5 mins.

That interior is superb. Black with dark wood is a great combo. Nice!

No denying this is a fun car to drive. It's just that the M135i is a decent amount faster/newer for a few grand more. Either choice would be good. I wish my 130i was manual, but oh well.

Nice car! Grab us a pic further out, it's hard to gauge what the big BMs look like from up close.

You do for $25k, which is a pretty sharp price for what you get I reckon: https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-1590217674.htm?rsqid=b0fa5baf82c4463cb77bb23d749b0563

What are the symptoms leading to your pump replacement?

Yep.

Sounds nice! Probably more torque than my M5 with 1/4 the fuel bill haha! Sadly wouldn't have a clue who would tune them. I'd be tempted by box tunes from overseas if available though.

Heh yeah it lives over on the shore during week days. Hope it wasn't tears because ours is so damned dirty Sad, though. You have a 640d now, how's that going for you?

He couldn't possibly pass up the opportunity to call someone out ?

The latter according to the invoice. Out of warranty soon so the next change I will use whatever 10w60 I can get my hands on.

Just got the m5 serviced at bm workshop and they used TWS. 9.5L @ 30 per. Eek.

Bash the headers, did it on my E55 with the same problem.

No, just no.

bugger!

The E70 plastic coatings will be really weak, same as the F10, my starter and handbrake buttons are worn. The E60 and I assume E53 will be stronger. The rest would be down to usage.

Actually looks very simple to me. Interesting video though.

I ordered mine from Pelican.

Meh, you gotta pay to play.

Mine was missing under load at low rpm (under 2000), No CEL for misfiring until it got really really bad one day. Replaced the plugs and it's 95% gone, now there's just an occasional stumble when idling in drive. If keeps doing it I'm going to buy a new set of coils.

Bridgestone S01 appears to be available if you want to go with them. Hankook would be up there with the RE003 and generally rank a little behind Michelin and Continental but are usually cheaper, haven't heard much about the Dunlop since I think it is quite new.