2000 BMW M5 5.0 from North America

Summary:

A vault-solid, luxury motor car that breaks the tires clean loose in any of the first three gears

Faults:

We have had no maintenance issues with the car to date. The pixel display on dash missing some pixels at time of purchase and this has not been fixed.

General Comments:

I have owned a 91 300Z, a 92 Eclipse GSX AWD turbo, a 93 Taurus SHO, and a 04 RX8. The 2000 M5 makes them all look ridiculous. Amazing speed combined with such smooth, quiet, cruising ability is amazing. A pleasure to drive hard, a pleasure to drive easy. Isn't as tossable as the RX8, but weighs more, has 200 more HP with my Dinan mods, and gets better mpg... all while being far more comfortable and quiet.

Very comfortable interior with many useful features... although GPS is not user friendly... good thing it doesn't matter to me.

Structure seems bank vault solid despite 70K miles, and low 20's sale price would seem like a ridiculous bargain. My first BMW, but my guess is I will not buy anything else in the future... no worries about a depreciated used model. My wife now wants one, too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2008

26th Jan 2009, 02:38

I test drove one these expecting an amazing car (based on endless, rave reviews) but was quickly disappointed. Engine and shifter vibration was unacceptable. 1st gear was too short (salesman who owns E39 540i actually suggested starting in 2nd...like he does). Weighs 4000lbs but feels like 6000. And heavy understeer.

Then I looked at a W210 E55 which was better in every way... except for no manual. Maybe living with the M5 you get used to these shortcomings, but for now I'll keep looking.

In reply to 26th Jan 2009, 02:38

30th Dec 2011, 12:38

Apologies, but your comments are entirely invalid. You test drove ONE M5 and assumed they all have vibrations such as you claim. First gear's always short on a 6 speed manual, so obviously you are unaware. The M5 is the most versatile king of the road available, and an absolute super car. You missed the chance of a lifetime to drive the best car in the world. Period.

2000 BMW M5 V8 from North America

Summary:

Greatest sport sedan on the road today...period

Faults:

The only issue were the Mass Air Flow Meters which were replaced.

General Comments:

This vehicle set the benchmark for the sports sedan category.

It is extremely powerful and rather nimble for a 2 ton vehicle.

Compared with similar vehicles..ie. E55 Benz & RS6 Audi it is more fun to drive due to the manual transmission.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2005

26th Jan 2009, 02:42

If we can look past the idea that to be a man, you must drive a manual, you'll find that the E55 is in fact dynamically a better car in every way.

3rd Aug 2009, 15:46

This statement is just wrong. First of all - YES, if you're a man - you should drive manual. Second - E55 is a car that you can fall asleep in while driving...

23rd Mar 2011, 07:18

I agree, why spend all that money on a lazy transmission?

If you buy an Audi, get a RS4, simple, don't even go in a Mercedes showroom, drive past to BMW.

The M5 is a true driver's car, and the E39 M5 is the best M5 made.. proven. If you buy one, a little money invested in an aftermarket clutch, a flywheel, remap, decat exhausts, x pipe resonator delete, and twin induction kits, and this car is unstoppable then. Anyone can buy an Evo or a Subaru, and you buy a Ferrari for the sound and to flash you have money.

An M5 is for someone who likes p****** off 911 owners and needs practicality, and also likes to drive very fast indeed.

A fast car is a fast car, compare them yes, but you have to base them symmetrically. For example.. The 911 turbo and an M5 are completely different cars. I'd like to see the Porsche go camping and take the family and stop off at the Nurburgring on the way :)

Whatever fast car you choose is your preference, no car's really better than another, they're just different flavours.

In reply to 26th Jan 2009, 02:42

30th Dec 2011, 12:40

Wrong. The E55 is NOT, in any way, better than the M5.

2000 BMW M5 5.0 V8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Sorted...

Faults:

Nothing at all, but it is a BMW after all so you would not expect there to be any trouble.

General Comments:

This car is rather naughty. Acceleration to 60 is not amazing, but when you floor it in top gear at 100mph its 400bhp comes into its own and it launches down the road.

It handles like a smaller car like an Evo or Impreza.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th July, 2001

2000 BMW M5 5.0 V8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

This car is a civilised monster

Faults:

Faulty climate control.

General Comments:

This car is quite brisk, especially with the "Sport" button pressed.

It handles well for such a large car, but don't expect sports car levels of feedback from the steering.

The suspension is perfect for road use.

The cabin is perfect in all respects: a lesson to other manufacturers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th April, 2001

18th Jul 2001, 14:38

The fact that you could describe the acceleration of the fastest 4 door sedan ever built as "brisk" is tragic. 9 out of 10 points for performance is like calling Jennifer Aniston "OK looking" just because she's not currently holding the title of Ms. America!

8th Aug 2001, 13:25

10 out of 10 means perfect, and anyone who's driven an e30 M3 will tell you it can't be awarded that.

View 7 more comments