The buyer says they paid just $2,000 for this M5 and believes they can get it back on the street for very little
- A mechanically skilled buyer purchased a non-running E60 BMW M5 for just $2,000.
- The super sedan sat unused for seven years after a clutch replacement failed to start it.
- This 507-hp M5 could regain its performance and incredible V10 sound with some work.
If cars were purely graded on how high their potential risk and reward were, the E60 BMW M5 would rank near the very top. With its naturally aspirated V10 engine, this super sedan represents the last non-turbocharged M5, a mechanical masterpiece with a reputation for both brilliance and headaches.
Also: We Probably Shouldn’t, But We’re Enamored With This M5-Powered BMW E23
Known for chewing through bearings and clutches, it’s not a car for the faint of wallet. Even so, someone recently rolled the dice on a running, but not driving, example for a mere $2,000. And this might turn out to be the best money they ever spent.
A Small Glitch With Big Implications
In fact, it doesn’t sound like much of a risk at all based on what they claim. Evidently, the car you see here sat in a lot for around seven years. The previous owner, a farmer, replaced the clutch and then couldn’t get it running properly again. The new owner says that the car needs to perform a transmission adaptation due to the new clutch. There’s a problem, though.
For whatever reason, the car won’t complete the new adaptation, so it won’t go into gear and can’t move. Interestingly, the owner noticed that the parking brake light is on even when the parking brake itself is actually disengaged. That means that the car’s “brain” might resist the adaptation procedure because it thinks the brake is on. They say that an OBD II code reader confirms that theory.
At this point, they’re working to disconnect the switch that tells the ECU that the parking brake is on. If the car allows for the procedure afterward, they might have a running and driving M5 for a cool $2,000. That’s a steal for a car with this much performance potential.
Addressing the Elephant (or VANOS) in the Room
Naturally, questions remain about the M5’s more infamous mechanical weak points. The poster says they have a lift and enough mechanical skill and will to replace the bearings and the VANOS solenoids. That could be enough to sort this BMW out for years to come since the clutch is basically new.
Here’s hoping it pans out. With 507 horsepower from that howling V10 under the hood, even a quick trip to the grocery store would feel like a victory lap.
Just picked up this BMW m5 for … $2000, and, despite the price, it’s not junk
byu/Kareem89086 inBMW