On Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:22:50 -0700 (PDT), bfd <bfd853@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>E39 model, eats tires for breakfast, (expect to replace
>every 20-25K!), clutches for lunch, (some people have had to replaced
>the clutch at 25K! Ouch!!!), and expect to replace small things like
>the vanos. Also, don't forget to use the BMW-specific 10-60 grade oil
>which sells at BMW dealers for like $14/qt. After all, a replacement
>engine is only around $21K.

Well, I guess it varies. I had an 01 e39 M5 for 3 or 4 years and put
about 35K miles on it.

It had quite a bit of work done, mostly under CPO warranty.

It wasn't what I'd call bad on tires, I got over 30K miles from a set
of the OEM spec Michelins. Frankly, I don't want a tire that lasts
70K miles on a car like that.

It had the original clutch when I sold it with 68K miles on it, and it
was still going strong. I think that low-miles burned out clutches
are always due to the crap habits of the driver.

The problems I had with it were mostly electrical and
electromechanical, starter motor, fuel pump, etc.

It uses about a quart of oil every 2K miles if it's driven a bit hard.
I used Mobil 1 to top it up, the dealer gave me the nod that it was
OK.

The most painful part was paying $48K for it and getting $28K when I
sold it.
--
Dan.