srhutch said:
pvr said:
mmmfive is an expert on M5s as well.
Think he refers to them as money pits.
Only if you want to actually use the thing - but I expect my 20k miles a year plus track days is not what you would call 'usual'.
I did type a long reply but the page refreshed and cleared the lot, so if you've got any questions then PM me.
Price doesn't look bad if the car is as described, but 'no visible rust' doesn't mean 'no rust' as you'd have to remove the trim at the bottom of the door to see if they're rotten or not as it's a common water trap - as is the fuel filler cap.
There is no 3.4 litre, there's a 3.6 and 3.8. The 3.6 had 315bhp and 265lb/ft, the 3.8 had 340bhp and 295lb/ft. These figures are rarely exact and I've seen power for a 3.8 range from 305 to 345bhp, and torque range from 265 to 315lb/ft on the same day, on the same Noble Motorsport dyno.
Body panels are standard e34, but the bumpers, skirts are M5 only. The M-Sport ones are not the same. Aftermarket/pattern panels will always need some tweaking to fit, and tend to be thinner, so a good condition genuine SH one may be a better option.
I wouldn't warn anyone off owning any of the e34 M5, but I'd just advise you to go in with you're eyes open, as it's not just the costs that can be eye-watering, but the wait while parts are sourced & fitted, removed while the correct parts are sourced, and refitted.
Don't expect much more than 25mpg on a run though, and 1l of oil per 1000 miles is not considered abnormal. The S38 is a lumpy engine due to the 'racy' cams, so don't expect it to be smooth at idle like an S54 in a Z4M. If the engine is quiet/smooth at tickover then something's not right. If the engine is not a bit 'rattly' at cruising speeds the it could be a sign of the clearances being on the tight side. It's been known for BMW (and some independents) to simply listen to the engine and decide not to bother checking the clearances at all.
I've had both a 5-speed 3.6 and a 6-speed 3.8 - never managed to get a 5-speed 3.8 into my hands. I couldn't say which one I'd have again if I had the chance because both had different characteristics this I enjoyed.
Whilst the 3.8 was undoubtedly faster, the 3.6 felt more nimble on its non electronic dampers. The 3.6 also felt like it wanted you to rev its nuts off, whereas the 3.8 was happy for you to use mid-range all the time. The 3.8 had alcantara seats which held you in wonderfully and never got too hot or too cold. The 3.6 had a lovely 4-seated extended champagne interior.
The 3.6 is probably the cheaper one to own as the mechanical parts are a bit simpler. But bits for the interior are almost impossible to get hold of in good condition, and very few 'breakers' want to sell you anything other than a whole interior at £1-£2k.
Don't forget that even the last of the line 3.8, 6-speed, big brake models are 18 years old. The oldest will be 26 years old.
Liverpool