A $10k BMW M5 – Buy or Stay Away?

Every now and then you come across an older BMW M car with a price tag so tempting, that you wonder if you should buy it in a heart beat or stay the heck away.

This particular 2000 BMW M5 is quite a looker, and it totally caught me off guard while walking around my local auto auction, where I periodically work on editorial projects. I was on my way to the bathroom, when, BAM! Look at it, it’s handsome!

You know the specs of this iconic generation M5, if you don’t, here they are again: 400 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque out of its massive 4.9 liter V8 engine. Of course, power goes to the rear tires, and if you’re not careful, such tires will quickly turn into smoke.

Anyhow, back to the dilemma. Not sure if I’m allowed to say it, but “someone told me” the sales floor on this unit, and it’s set right at $10,000 bucks. (Meaning the owner won’t take anything less than that) Keep in mind this M5 has nearly 140,000 miles in the odometer, and although it looks to have been partially babied, it’s still a 17 year old BMW M car.

I had the chance to start it up and listen to engine, which sounded fine, and the absence of odd sounds and vibrations gave me confidence, though I was not able to drive it so I wouldn’t fully trust my own advice. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it does include the original BMW Motorola Startac flip phone!

What do you think? Would you jump into it for a mere $10k, or would you walk away in a hurry?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>