FROM SCOOBY TO M5 ?
19 August 2003, 01:30 PM
#91
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Some problems were :
Handbrake needed adjusted - fixed by garage.
My voice volume is too low when calling someone using hands free - did not fix, I moved the microphone myself to improve it.
ABS warning light on - got wheel sensor replaced under warranty.
Clutch worn out - garage paid for it, warranty did not cover it.
Hesitancy and surging power when cold - not fixed
3 wheel nuts sheared off causing the wheel to almost fall off. This was probably due to overtightening by the garage that sold me the car. I had to pay for new nuts myself.
Other minor probs like noisy lumbar adjustment motor and worn window wipers replaced.
The main problem is the engine management light coming on causing reduced power but not storing any fault code. This has happened at least once a week for 12 weeks. Eventually I took the car in with the fault present and the engine still running to let the garage find it. I am getting the throttle potentiometers and ECU remapped under warranty.
I think that most of these should have been taken care of before I picked up the car from the BMW dealer.
Handbrake needed adjusted - fixed by garage.
My voice volume is too low when calling someone using hands free - did not fix, I moved the microphone myself to improve it.
ABS warning light on - got wheel sensor replaced under warranty.
Clutch worn out - garage paid for it, warranty did not cover it.
Hesitancy and surging power when cold - not fixed
3 wheel nuts sheared off causing the wheel to almost fall off. This was probably due to overtightening by the garage that sold me the car. I had to pay for new nuts myself.
Other minor probs like noisy lumbar adjustment motor and worn window wipers replaced.
The main problem is the engine management light coming on causing reduced power but not storing any fault code. This has happened at least once a week for 12 weeks. Eventually I took the car in with the fault present and the engine still running to let the garage find it. I am getting the throttle potentiometers and ECU remapped under warranty.
I think that most of these should have been taken care of before I picked up the car from the BMW dealer.
19 August 2003, 04:55 PM
#92
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Colin,
Sounds like you've had your fair share of probs. I guess that I was lucky with mine. Never had a problem. The VANOS unit was it's usual noisy self, so that was fixed under warranty. It wasn't doing any harm, I just didn't like the sound.
Everything else was fantastic. I agree with you that if you bought your car from a main dealer, that all those things should be sorted prior to the sale. TBH, a couple of the items noted might not be noticed.
Seems like you need the latest ECU software downloaded onto the ECU. I know of a few people that have had this done and it's sorted out the problems. Ask your dealer about it.
BTW, I'm guessing that you have a MY99 or 00 car.
Cheers
Matt
Sounds like you've had your fair share of probs. I guess that I was lucky with mine. Never had a problem. The VANOS unit was it's usual noisy self, so that was fixed under warranty. It wasn't doing any harm, I just didn't like the sound.
Everything else was fantastic. I agree with you that if you bought your car from a main dealer, that all those things should be sorted prior to the sale. TBH, a couple of the items noted might not be noticed.
Seems like you need the latest ECU software downloaded onto the ECU. I know of a few people that have had this done and it's sorted out the problems. Ask your dealer about it.
BTW, I'm guessing that you have a MY99 or 00 car.
Cheers
Matt
19 August 2003, 09:06 PM
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It is best not to get a pre March 03 car because the engine piston rings (I think?) were revised which supposedly helps reduce oil consumption. I got a March 03 car because of this and the oil has only gone down 0.5l in 4000 miles which is extremely good for an M5. A lot of M5s will lose 1l of oil every 2000 miles and that is within BMWs tolerance levels.
If you can afford it get the 01 model with standard parking sensors, 'Angel Eyes' style headlights and the widescreen sat nav cos they look cooler
If you can afford it get the 01 model with standard parking sensors, 'Angel Eyes' style headlights and the widescreen sat nav cos they look cooler
20 August 2003, 10:15 AM
#96
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Colin,
You're refering to the piston ring change that happened post MY00. I understand that the "Angel Eye" cars, so the 2001 onwards cars did have a ring change, but nothing else. My 2000 model used about a litre every 2500 miles. The BMW tolerance is a litre every 1000. Using Castrol RS10W60 also helps reduce consumption.
I fitted angel eyes to mine to make it look a bit younger, and they certainly did the trick.
There are a number of 60k mile plus cars in the Trader for approx £25k. Some have warranty and some don't. You can get a good one for £25k, but need to look around. A good, average mileage MY2000 car will still fetch £30k plus, with 2001-2003 cars going between £30k and £47k.
Best bet is to get one with Full history, BMW warranty and preferably from a dealer. Sure you pay a bit more, but you have comeback a plenty if needed.
Matt
You're refering to the piston ring change that happened post MY00. I understand that the "Angel Eye" cars, so the 2001 onwards cars did have a ring change, but nothing else. My 2000 model used about a litre every 2500 miles. The BMW tolerance is a litre every 1000. Using Castrol RS10W60 also helps reduce consumption.
I fitted angel eyes to mine to make it look a bit younger, and they certainly did the trick.
There are a number of 60k mile plus cars in the Trader for approx £25k. Some have warranty and some don't. You can get a good one for £25k, but need to look around. A good, average mileage MY2000 car will still fetch £30k plus, with 2001-2003 cars going between £30k and £47k.
Best bet is to get one with Full history, BMW warranty and preferably from a dealer. Sure you pay a bit more, but you have comeback a plenty if needed.
Matt
20 August 2003, 03:48 PM
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M3Evo : yes, that was Nordy's M5, it sounded very nice, and he also said that he got 4 flames when booting it flat out!
On the other hand, my car has a more meaningful low beefy sound, which I prefer! doesn't quite intrude inside, as I have double glazing so its quite insulated!
ColinM : seems like a poor example, hopefully the dealer will sort out everything for you! Yes the DSC is way too sensitive in the dry, and too tend to turn it off, with sports mode on!
I've got no quarrels with mine, although the handbrake did need adjusting, but other than that, is excellent!
MattOz : mine drinks about a litre of castrol every 2500 miles too, only snag is that you have buy this from the dealer at nearly £40 for 4.5litres!!!
Anyone know where you can get this cheaper???
cheers
Tin
On the other hand, my car has a more meaningful low beefy sound, which I prefer! doesn't quite intrude inside, as I have double glazing
so its quite insulated!ColinM : seems like a poor example, hopefully the dealer will sort out everything for you! Yes the DSC is way too sensitive in the dry, and too tend to turn it off, with sports mode on!
I've got no quarrels with mine, although the handbrake did need adjusting, but other than that, is excellent!
MattOz : mine drinks about a litre of castrol every 2500 miles too, only snag is that you have buy this from the dealer at nearly £40 for 4.5litres!!!
Anyone know where you can get this cheaper???
cheers
Tin
20 August 2003, 10:28 PM
#98
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I have done some research on oil (saddo) and apparently the correct oil is TWS 10w60 not RS 10w60, in the UK there is a difference between the two. The TWS version is *very* hard to find, usually only at BMW dealers. If you can find it for about £9 per litre that is about as good as it gets.
21 August 2003, 10:25 AM
#100
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I've done about 5000 pretty hard miles and mine hasn't used any oil!!
Due to one of my mechanic's breaking his leg I haven't had the short shift fitted, hopefully tomorrow!!
Dom.
Due to one of my mechanic's breaking his leg I haven't had the short shift fitted, hopefully tomorrow!!
Dom.
21 August 2003, 10:27 AM
#101
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Colin/Tin,
TWS 10/60 and RS 10W60 are the same thing. It's just that Castrol re-branded to make them sound different. BMW recommends either as the oil of choice in both M5's and M3's.
There are places where you can get the stuff cheaper. I'm sure I can help out. I paid £80 for 16 litres IIRC.
BMW does charge a fortune for the oil, but allowed me to supply my own at the last oil service. That's why the bill from them was only £98! LOL
Tin, you have my e-mail address. Drop me a mail and I'll see if I can get some oil to you.
Cheers
Matt
TWS 10/60 and RS 10W60 are the same thing. It's just that Castrol re-branded to make them sound different. BMW recommends either as the oil of choice in both M5's and M3's.
There are places where you can get the stuff cheaper. I'm sure I can help out. I paid £80 for 16 litres IIRC.
BMW does charge a fortune for the oil, but allowed me to supply my own at the last oil service. That's why the bill from them was only £98! LOL
Tin, you have my e-mail address. Drop me a mail and I'll see if I can get some oil to you.
Cheers
Matt
21 August 2003, 12:54 PM
#102
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Nicebloke,
Was in the same position late last year and bought the M5, sadly getting rid of the Scoob. Have not looked back. Requires more respect but if you get it right it is scarily quick. Just where the Scoob seemed to run out of puff (I had a MY 2000 with PPP and DEP) the M5 is just taking off meaning it seems to have limitless grunt. More comfy, more room for the kids, more toys. Running costs slightly higher but comparable. Nicer car though.
If you can wait a little longer the price is considered to be coming down to 20k (I bought a Dealer approved car which given the complexity is always the best bet).
Good luck
Tang
Was in the same position late last year and bought the M5, sadly getting rid of the Scoob. Have not looked back. Requires more respect but if you get it right it is scarily quick. Just where the Scoob seemed to run out of puff (I had a MY 2000 with PPP and DEP) the M5 is just taking off meaning it seems to have limitless grunt. More comfy, more room for the kids, more toys. Running costs slightly higher but comparable. Nicer car though.
If you can wait a little longer the price is considered to be coming down to 20k (I bought a Dealer approved car which given the complexity is always the best bet).
Good luck
Tang
21 August 2003, 01:13 PM
#103
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Hi Matt,
Thanks for the wheels, I'm tempted to have one set powder coated in a dark grey colour is this easy to have done as I think you said you had looked into doing it before you sold your car?
Cheers
Dom.
Thanks for the wheels, I'm tempted to have one set powder coated in a dark grey colour is this easy to have done as I think you said you had looked into doing it before you sold your car?
Cheers
Dom.
21 August 2003, 02:36 PM
#105
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would reccommend the warranty option....just took my 540 in for an oil change and asked why the park distance wasnt working...turns out its all buggered.....so new one fitted for free!
and my car wasnt via a BM dealer, just some scabby indy place but the warranty is 3 yrs so i got a 2 1/2 yr old car at 3-4k under BM prices and the warranty intact.
T
and my car wasnt via a BM dealer, just some scabby indy place but the warranty is 3 yrs so i got a 2 1/2 yr old car at 3-4k under BM prices and the warranty intact.
T
21 August 2003, 02:58 PM
#106
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Gents,
I've just come back from a spirited drive with the short shift fitted, what a difference!!! The gear change is a lot shorter and so much more solid, it really slots into the gears.
My mechanic fitted it in less than 90 minutes using a ramp, he said it was very straight forward.
On first impressions I would highly recommend the UCC short shift, well worth the £200.00.
Dom.
[Edited by dominicm - 8/21/2003 3:00:32 PM]
I've just come back from a spirited drive with the short shift fitted, what a difference!!! The gear change is a lot shorter and so much more solid, it really slots into the gears.
My mechanic fitted it in less than 90 minutes using a ramp, he said it was very straight forward.
On first impressions I would highly recommend the UCC short shift, well worth the £200.00.
Dom.
[Edited by dominicm - 8/21/2003 3:00:32 PM]
21 August 2003, 03:04 PM
#108
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Tang,
I got it from MotorMac, www.bmwparts.uk.com. I cannot see it being an issue with the warrenty unless the gearbox goes, if this happens I'll stick the original back in just to be safe!!
Dom.
I got it from MotorMac, www.bmwparts.uk.com. I cannot see it being an issue with the warrenty unless the gearbox goes, if this happens I'll stick the original back in just to be safe!!
Dom.
21 August 2003, 04:02 PM
#110
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Hi Dom,
Ref the wheels. No worries. Nice to meet you and have a chat. I think that grey or even black would look good as a stealth set! Glad that the short-shift went on well and has made a big difference. Nice One!
Cheers
Matt
Ref the wheels. No worries. Nice to meet you and have a chat. I think that grey or even black would look good as a stealth set!
Glad that the short-shift went on well and has made a big difference. Nice One! Cheers
Matt
22 August 2003, 04:21 PM
#115
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23k sounds more like my sort of price, glad your happy tigg, role on 1year, and sorry to say it fellas but role on that loverly depreciation born of the v10 m5 lol
paul
paul
22 August 2003, 05:48 PM
#116
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Depreciation on a 99/00 car will not be greatly affected by the new M5 arriving in 2004, the 03 cars could get hit badly though.
How much did the new 03 Scooby affect 98 Scoobys - not much.
How much did the new 03 Scooby affect 98 Scoobys - not much.
22 August 2003, 06:26 PM
#117
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dom,
wouldnt swap for an M5 as i like autos (im affraid shifting the gears by hand is a bit antiquated for 2003, you'll expect me to start it by hand next!)
Alpina do an auto on the B10 but im not an Alpina fan.
There are very situations when i find the 4.4V8 to be slow! I had a TVR prior to the BMW yet still dont find the drop in performance an issue when balanced against the refinment (i am getting old though)
T
thought id add...anyone looking at a 540/M5 should note that there are a few ppl who assume the lack of them means they can charge silly money. autotrader has an older car than mine with no comms up for 3K more...PRIVATE! saw a lot of this when i was huntting, identical cars priced 3-5k different. caused in part as there are very few 540/M5's about.
[Edited by Tiggs - 8/22/2003 6:30:20 PM]
wouldnt swap for an M5 as i like autos (im affraid shifting the gears by hand is a bit antiquated for 2003, you'll expect me to start it by hand next!)
Alpina do an auto on the B10 but im not an Alpina fan.
There are very situations when i find the 4.4V8 to be slow! I had a TVR prior to the BMW yet still dont find the drop in performance an issue when balanced against the refinment (i am getting old though)
T
thought id add...anyone looking at a 540/M5 should note that there are a few ppl who assume the lack of them means they can charge silly money. autotrader has an older car than mine with no comms up for 3K more...PRIVATE! saw a lot of this when i was huntting, identical cars priced 3-5k different. caused in part as there are very few 540/M5's about.
[Edited by Tiggs - 8/22/2003 6:30:20 PM]
23 August 2003, 01:43 PM
#118
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so what do you folk think of the alpina b10 [is that the 4 litre v8?] cos in autotrader there are a few for sale and they seem for some reason to be cheaper for the same age car than the m5....????? now im kinda confused by that, especially as some of these are listed as 60k to 80/90k cars brand spanker ?!?!?!?!?! wots the score there then, why dont i just get one of these instead ??? can anyone shed any light on the b10 performance etc etc......
cheers paul
cheers paul
24 August 2003, 12:18 PM
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Not sure about the normal B10 but i had a B10 V8S up my chuff down the M1 the other day i could barely pull anything on him! Thats the one with 375bhp so not suprising really....
The Alpina's are a great car i'm a big fan, been tempted by a B8 4.8 on many occasions (E36 V8 with Ferrari 360 munching performance - 446lb/ft). They suffer from MASSIVE depreciation though so be wary.
Alpina is the sort of diet coke of M power!
The Alpina's are a great car i'm a big fan, been tempted by a B8 4.8 on many occasions (E36 V8 with Ferrari 360 munching performance - 446lb/ft). They suffer from MASSIVE depreciation though so be wary.
Alpina is the sort of diet coke of M power!
24 August 2003, 08:18 PM
#120
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"They suffer from MASSIVE depreciation though so be wary. "
brand awarness maybe....im not a huge car buff but i know ralliart goes with mitsi, prodrive with subaru, etc ,etc.
when i went looking for a BMW i had not heard of Alpina, so me i assumed it was just some max power spolier firm that tarted up a BM (which maybe it is!)
brand awarness maybe....im not a huge car buff but i know ralliart goes with mitsi, prodrive with subaru, etc ,etc.
when i went looking for a BMW i had not heard of Alpina, so me i assumed it was just some max power spolier firm that tarted up a BM (which maybe it is!)