C's Bimmer

I want to try something different. However, I will say that my M5 turns more heads than any car on your list.

VTGT

That was not very thorough . Have you driven them back to back?

So you are saying you would trade your '08 m5 for an '08 m3 ?

C's Bimmer

No time to be thorough. Maybe I'm just bored. Then again, I would probably get bored with a new M3 too. If you get an M5, get the LCI, not a pre-LCI.

VTGT

At this point I can get the best deal on a 2006 or 2007 M5.

I asked in another thread, was something physicallychanged in the 2007 M5's SMG to make it more reliable and robust than the 2006?

Has anyone had experience with the GE Financial Aftermarket Warranty? I may add one if I get a 2006 or higher mileage 2007.

If I am going to save up for the LCI than I might as well hold out for another year or two and get the F10

VTGT

^BUMP for the above Q's^

Richard in NC

IIRC, 2007 M5s got an updated SMG pump or something like that. Many 2006 M5s had significant SMG issues. I personally would start with the '07s.

I followed their issues on m5board.com. For many reasons, but mostly cost, I went for the 550i instead.

VTGT

Thank you for the information!

I think I might get a 2007 M5 because of the SMG Pump issue you stated above and for the reasoning that I will have at least 1.5 years of full bumper to bumper factory warranty and Maintenance program. It will be worth the addition 2-3k premium. GE Capital (bought by Wachovia)

Although, if the updated SMG pump can be replaced in a 2006 that would be an option as well correct? And then I can get an aftermarket warranty for 2-3k.

Decisions Decisons.......

C's Bimmer

That's quite a price difference you're talking about. Keep in mind that when the F10 version is first released, demand will be very high within the first year and price many people out. Granted, times are different now with the economy and all and I don't see it changing much by the time this car does get released, but we shall see. I'm also not sure I'd want a first year F10 M5, based on the many SMG issues the 2006 models faced. I'd rather get the year following and let all the bugs work itself out.

I think you might see a lot of 2008's for pretty cheap, come this Spring. I know a huge influx will be coming in for lease return and you might be surprised at some of the deals to be had.

And whatever you do, have your mechanic focus in on the rear diff of whatever M5 you decide to go with. Assuming it hasn't been replaced, that will tell you immediately what kind of abuse the car has been through. I would also ask the dealer to provide you with how many launches the car has had thus far. That too, will give you an idea of how the car was treated.

VTGT

I will keep all of the above in mind. Thanks for all of the useful insight. How do you find out how many launches the car has had? Can you find it in Idrive somewhere?

I was already planning to pull all of the BMW service data and carfax for any car I purchase.

Looks like I will be focusing my efforts on a 2007 BMW M5 unless I can find a really low mileage 2006 and then I will get the GE (Wachovia) Aftermarket warranty.

Is there a list somewhere that shows what the 2008 M5 has over than 2006/7?

C's Bimmer

The number of launches are told to the owner when you bring your car in for service and you give them your key fob. Once they plug the fob into the computer, they know everything. Just ask them to show you the fob and have them insert it into the computer and you can view it right there on the screen. iDrive and CarFax won't show you this.

Be careful on 2006's, even with the warranty. Replacing an SMG tranny is a nightmare. I had 3 friends go through it, even with the car under warranty. It was a pain, to say the least.

The LCI has many of the same upgrades that all the other E60 LCI's have. However, with the LCI's, you at least know that your SMG tranny is safe.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm sure youo'll be happy regardless.