Re: Buying M5 - would like some advice (archive)

1. I think all the M88/3 engines can be changed to the duplex chain. Some small machining of the timing cover is required, but nothing earth-shattering.

2. The tensioner is the weakest point (60-70k miles?), but the guide on the tension side is also notorious for failing. The chain and sprockets wear, but should not fail. However, the simplex chain might from what I've heard. If I were doing it, I would go with the duplex chain. The fact that BMW did is enough for me.

3. You cannot manually pump up the tensioner. It is pressure fed from the oil pump. I pumped mine up by hand-turning the engine around 50 times while adjusting the valves right after I rebuilt the top end. It started quiet. If you do start the engine w/o the tensioner pumped up BE SURE not to stop it w/o the tensioner pumping up and the chain quietening down as the loose chain can jump a tooth destroying the engine.

4. The seat depends on how much you care about what. I would just get vinyl seat covers in black if possible from the dealer and put those in. I paid $200 for the vinyl on my 88 325 iS. Reconditioning the leather is easy if there are not tears. Go to www.leatherique.com or the equivalent in your country.

Remember that the M5 is a very durable motor, but its reliability depends on continuous maintenance on your part.

Neil Deshpande
http://www.neilwerke.com

***

Thank you Neil for the advice! I also wonder, is it preferable to change ot the twin chain and from which date is that possible? As far as I have heard it is not the chain that is weak but the pressure that fails to keep the chain tight.

I have also heard that one can manually pump up the preassure from a button lockated near the valves under the valve top head.

I have also been informed that the front driver seat is in a bad condition, should I recoat the chair or change the whole chair (a matter of economy as well), what is the best, it is not leather. Is that normal after 190K that the chair is that bad?

Joakim:

In general:

1. The engine should go about 200,000 miles (320,000 km) without bottom- and top-end attention. US $2000 in parts.

2. You should replace the chain and sprockets at approx 120,000 miles (192,000 km). It is possible to upgrade to the duplex chain setup from the later motors. The most important thing is the change the chain guides, particularly the one on the front left lower side of the engine. About US $500 for parts.

3. The waterpump should probably be changed every 60k miles (100,000 km) to be safe. US $ 120.

4. All hoses (fuel and coolant) should be changed every 7-10 years. US $150.

Note that these are all approximate figures.

Neil Deshpande
http://www.neilwerke.com

***

Hello BMW-friends!

Have had some BMW and have now an opportunity to buy a Europe M5 (e28) -85, it has 190 000 KM, lots of new things but the engine is still untouched, what might I expevt of this engine in the nearest future? That is the only thing I am concerned with, the engine.
What I know about this type of engine M5/M6 is that the cam chain was weak link, the car has had an inspection 2001.

Price about 3500$, that is a pretty decent price in Sweden

Best Regards Joakim

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