treone

Having seen this in the flesh and had a chat to the owner I can say it is a car that is used regularly and not a garage queen. Agree the pictures don't do it justice but it is what it is - a rare CSI! And we don't really have a 'choice' of CSI's (or any 8er for that matter) with the 'body/interior colour combo, wheels and all of the tick list options that I would of wanted if I bought one when new' here in NZ do we Anybody want to buy an e60 M5 so I can get myself this or the e39 M5 just listed ?

^^ Agree! ^^ Not sure what your starting point is but you need to go into 'M' ownership with open eyes. Which ever model you decide, my advice is: Buy the best example you can within your budget (include a mechanical warranty!) Be prepared to pay a bit of a premium on general servicing costs and parts (whether dealer or independent) Your biggest expense will be fuel - expect an average of 'ridiculous' for an e60 M5 (however it is a V10 that loves the high revs!) Oh and SMG is not an around town automatic... If you are considering an e60 M5 then I recommend watching the Top Gear review - most things Clarkson says is absolutely true both good and bad! Would be interested to hear about S4 ownership - I have always been curious of Audi ownership :-)

Cheers Olaf. I think I will be busy for a few days Just have to ensure that I've got the source of the leak first - so lucky that sunshine is forecast for the long weekend to start the process of drying out the tops. Not an E36 but the E60 . And it seems to come down to $2 bungs arrrggh! Not that local BMW know how to source them! But that's another story lol. Will also be checking the other common leak areas - sunroof drain pipes, doors etc

That seems to be a good cost effective option - will have to go check out the local Bunnings store...

Thanks for the practical suggestions. Done some basic enquiries today and dehumidifying is the most common advice I get. Interior removal (expensive!) and removing the carpet is also popular but expensive! Am game to attempt an interior removal but as its a later model car with integrated safety systems and possible recoding of car if battery is discounted is a bit beyond my confidence level. And unfortunately I require a sizeable garage to do get under cover and dehumidify over a few days. My garage can only just fit the car but can't fully open doors etc. Thanks Melowpuf for the insurance insight - I've also considered this as an option and insurance options is becoming a probability. Cheers!

Over the weekend I got water into my second car. It was parked on a slight incline with the nose up and water has pooled in the rear footwells. Worst is passenger side but both sides are water looged. I have removed about 2l of water so far. Also the front are damp. I think I've found the cause - two missing bungs in the lower a-pillar by the doors! So I now need to get them dried and cleaned. Does anyone know where to go or have any recommendations (good pricing would be even better!)? Is this a specialist thing or something car groomers can handle? A quick google and Chemdry seems to be an option - any thoughts? Thanks in advance and cheers.

As an ex '8' series owner I would say "Don't do it!". Having read your posts I can totally relate to what you've been going through. An '8' is not for everyone as they are an older 'classic' that requires a lot of looking after, including deep pockets. I also fell in love with thie 8er after seeing one in Shelley's Wellington in the 90's. I bought mine in 2011 as a keeper. But after 2 years of ownership and a significant amount spent on maintenance (not improvements as planned) I made the decision to part with it. This was 3 years ago and I have regretted ever since. I was shown my old '8' a couple of weeks ago and although it is in the same condition (I know the owners plan for it) I got the same feeling of excitement all over again. Since giving up my '8' I have had several beemers. including an E36 M3 saloon and currently an E60 M5. From my perspective these do not compare to the excitement of an '8'. If there is any possibility (its tough rationalising head over heart) of keeping your 8 and looking at alternative options the I would advise 'keep it'. I know, just as I have. the moment you hand over the keys that you will regret it. Cheers

Hi Matt, Just wondering if you've had any luck with your friend finding his Dension 500? Still keen if its available. Cheers!

Thanks Matt and much appreciated. I'll wait til I hear from you.Cheers.

Hi Matt, Any luck? Cheers

Cheers, Cory. Haven't got my 8 but ended up with an E60 M5 - and what a machine! Having had an E36 M3 saloon (the dakar yellow one for sale in Dunedin) and now an M5 I can definetly recommend an 'M' car is the way to go (if and when circumstances allow). Glad that the E39 has stacked up but sounds like you've got to where I got to: good, practical but unexciting. I'm sure your next 'upgrade' will hit the mark for you. And I wouldn't say no to a 330/530 either. Oh - and getting an 8 is still on the radar for the future. Cheers!

Any model designation beginning with an M and then preceded by a number... . Another member is (still is?) selling a 540i Msport - worth considering IMO

I initially looked into dynavin as an iDrive/sat nav replacement. However when speaking to an local supplier/installer, including dynavin products, they recommended not to go down this route (according to them they had too many issues with the dynavin product). After doing my own 'research' the Dension product seems to be best suited to my needs and budget - I'm really just wanting USB connection with ipod/iPhone connection as a back up. Don't need BT and all the other fancy stuff at this stage. And anything has got to be a step up from The Hits radio station! And if I get my Run DMC disc out of the single slot CD then I'll be real happy lol. Fully aware also of the possible compatibility issue with Jap imports.

Awesome! Let me know either way.

Does anyone have one of these and wanting to sell at a good price ? I was quoted $800 plus installation (getting close to $1000) by a local installer. The CD changer and CD player in my E60 has decided not to work. And now I'm stuck with the radio! Cheers!

I would take the E60 M5. Oh wait I have The sound of the V10 in full flight is simply something else. and when coupled with torque - simply amazing! Then when you press the M button - all hell breaks loose... But I wouldn't say no to an E39 M5 either

So I took it for a test drive this evening. It wasn't a long one but.... man what a machine the M5 is! Mainly drove in auto mode - yeah I know the purest are saying what the.. - on the motorway then hit the power button and the M5 turns into a absolute beast!!! My one and only experience in an M5 and I think I get it. Really waned to test it in the real world (realistically I would not be 'tracking' any of my cars) so went on the motorway and urban streets and I have to say that this thing is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It cruises no problem, is sedate around town - not a harsh ride at all and then when you need the torque its there on tap. Overall the condition is in good condition keeping in line with it being 10 years old. It seems to be 'poverty' specced - but hey its an M5! Dealer say they have replaced the fuel umps and regulator and has 'assurance' that the clutch has been replaced. However, I noticed in auto mode while driving urban the shifts seemed harsh mainly when down shifting - is this common? Man that didn't make it any easier!!

^Agree! This was my experience (and others I suspect) when I had my 840. And with it being a more modern M car it is more technologically advanced and complicated than an 8 series with serious consequencies if (or when) things go bang (as pointed out by previous posts). And thats why I'm leaning towards taking the cautious approach. Hopefully test driving today so will provide an update.

Thanks guys. This is where it pays to make a considered decision. The example I'm looking at is this one http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-992614746.htm. Does anyone know this car? I've bought of this dealer before but it's best to be cautious being a jap import with 123km. I see a BM Worshop sticker in a picture - maybe thats a good thing. I'm testing driving it tomorrow and will be asking about previous history, servicing and if any of the big ticket things have been done...

Appreciate the encouragement . One half says just do it while the other half says be practical and think this through . I have an HSV Avalanche at the moment and looking at moving on from a X3 into something like this. But 18 cylinders maybe a bit overkill! As the 'boss' requires something more less thirsty so daily-ing an M5 or an HSV isn't really that practical. Maybe get a cheap jappy as well and everyone will be happy! Go on do it! No, hang on, think about it! Go on do it! No, hang on, think about it!

Seriously considering an e60 M5. Have done the 'aunty google thing' and the most common result is clutch/flywheel etc. What are some of the issues that others have experienced and what type of maintenance maybe required for say a 10 year old, 100+ km example? for example EDC, Brakes, suspension, electrical gremlins etc. Is a mechanical warranty available for these and if so does the cost of purchasing one be worthwhile as some form of insurance for 'peace of mind' motoring? I am aware these were/are $200k plus hyper cars which are available for $30k-$40k but may/do still require $200k level of servicing :-). Really keen to hear from owners and servicing agents of their experiences. Cheers!

Looks great!

Car is now SOLD! And even better - to a Bimmersporter!

Would be happy for you to make an offer .

Forgot to add that it is registered til July 2016 and WoF'd til June 2016. Decided that it is on the market and will consider realistic offers, just not ridiculous ones. Cheers.