Re: Surely an ///M5 can't be THAT unreliable(long) (archive)

I'm on this board and the M5 mailing list in preparation for a possible E34 M5 purchase after I finish school and become gainfully employed (4 or so years). The reason I want this car is because I love the looks, features, and performance of the E34 thanks to driving my sister's 91 535i. So I want the ultimate E34, and that means M5. I expect to pay between $19-30k for a low mileage (<100k) pristine example, maybe a bit more if I can find the Euro Daytona Violet 3.8 Touring that I REALLY want.
I know from previous experience that automotive message boards make EVERY car seem like an unreliable POS, simply because there isn't much reason to post unless you are having problems. The Camaro boards and even the Acura TL board make those very reliable (in my experince) cars seem like 1970's AMC products.
So I am assuming that the M5 is going to be a pretty reliable car, with proper proper maintenance. I know that cars cost money, and eclectic cars like M5's cost more money to own and drive. Replacing the self leveling in the rear, new water pump, new radiator, new A/C, and periodic valve adjusments are no big deal to me, and I expect to have to to that sort of thing on a 15 year old car no matter how low the miles.
So, given proper maintenace and upkeep, I think an E34 M5 can be a reliable daily trasport and road trip machine. Am I right? Just in case I'm wrong, I'll be keeping my 99 Z28 Camaro for my "new" car ;-)

John,

I bought my car with 81k on it in '98 and it now has nearly 142k. It has yet to leave me stranded. Sure, it needs maintenance and you will have occasional problems but most of it can be fixed at regular service intervals. The closest I got to getting stranded was a radiator hose sprung a leak. I put some duct tape on and got the car home. I had my share of oil leaks etc. but nothing that left me stranded.

I had to do the AC at 100k and have replaced the suspension arms, bushings etc. because I track the car. My steering box isn't perfect but I don't "need" to replace it.

Overall, the car has been a very reliable daily driver. It is still strong and pulls like crazy for a big, heavy family car. If you are concerned about it stay away from the 3.8 which is a little more high strung than the 3.6.

KJK
91 M5
'00 323iT

Follow Ups:

Re: Surely an ///M5 can't be THAT unreliable(long) JohnG 17:23 9/17/2001 (1)
- Re: Surely an ///M5 can't be THAT unreliable(long) M5James 18:10 9/17/2001 (0)

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