The car

I’ll resist a list of technical and performance data as if you’ve made it this far then you obviously know what you’re looking for. Suffice to say that I was looking for a fast, comfortable car in which to commute the 30 miles to my office and that could also take the family away on holiday – the M5 has exceeded our expectations several times over.

Regrettably my next job will involve commuting by rail and the M5 is not the car to use for short journeys to the local station. Future holiday journeys will no-doubt be undertaken in my wife’s very capable Subaru Legacy ....

The car was bought by me from AC Schnitzer’s UK distributor Rossiters on 6^th July 2006 (www.ac-schnitzer.co.uk). At the time of purchase Rossiters carried out an oil change service and replaced the clutch which I detected was slipping. The car has had 4 previous owners, and please note that I have done 30k of its 65k total miles to date.

I was very particular when looking for an M5 and prioritised its verifiable service history plus excellent condition when making the final choice – as can be witnessed by the fact that I traveled to Norfolk from North Oxfordshire for this particular example!

For complete peace-of-mind I took out an extended mechanical warranty from AutoProtect MBI Ltd (www.autoprotect.net). This warranty runs until 6^th July 2009 and can be both transferred to a new owner and extended. I have not had to make any claims on this policy.

On purchasing the M5 I also reactivated the fitted Tracker device and this subscription can also be transferred to a new owner (www.tracker.co.uk).

This is an absolutely standard car that I have only ever used on the road. I don’t believe anyone has ever smoked in the car.

Service history

Since I bought the M5 it has been maintained by main dealer Nick Whale BMW in Warwick (www.nickwhalebmw.co.uk). The car was originally supplied by Altwood BMW in Slough and was subsequently serviced by Sytner BMW in Gerrards Cross, Altwood BMW in Maidenhead, plus Altwood BMW in Tring.

The service book is stamped as follows:

·        Pre-delivery check – 4/10/01

·        Running-in check – 2,138 miles – 19/11/01

·        Oil service – 14,805 miles – 12/11/02

·        Inspection 1 – 26,302 miles – 20/9/04

·        Oil service – 34,550 miles – 6/7/06

·        Inspection 2 – 50,633 – 23/4/07

There is one green light left on the service interval indicator before the car will need its next oil change service.

The last MOT was carried out by Nick Whale BMW at 54k miles and it expires on 5^th July 2008. I do not anticipate the car needing any work to pass its next test.

The car is taxed until the end of June 2008.

Maintenance

I have maintained this car fastidiously since purchase and genuinely believe that it is one of the best available for its age and mileage. The maintenance work that I have had carried out, and for which I have receipts, includes:

·        Replace cracked windscreen washer tank – Victoria BMW, Milton Keynes

·        Refurbish alloy wheels in standard finish – Pristine, Milton Keynes

·        Replace chipped windscreen – Autoglass

·        Replace seized brake caliper – Nick Whale BMW

·        Replace worn front brake discs – Nick Whale BMW

·        Replace faulty exhaust sensor – Nick Whale BMW

·        Regularly repair stone chips – Chips Away plus BMW touch-up pen

·        Only ever fitted Dunlop SP Sport 8080 tyres – currently with good tread depth

·        Always used Castrol TWS 10W-60 oil – the only oil recommended for M5’s

There are however a small number of ‘imperfections’ that I would point out - Firstly there are a couple of very shallow indentations on the roof panel where an errant elbow has leant on the car – if you removed the headlining a body shop could easily knock these out (if indeed they bother you). Secondly, one of the ‘vanes’ on the front passenger door air vent is loose – I’m still waiting for a replacement to appear on eBay! Also, some of the ‘pixels’ on the trip computer display work erratically in very cold/hot conditions – a common fault apparently. Finally, there is a short hair-line crack in the front bumper – you wouldn’t see it unless looking for it and ChipsAway (www.chipsaway.co.uk) assure me that it could be easily ‘melted’ together and then touched-up.

Price

The car is advertised here (and elsewhere) for £14,995, however feel free to make me an offer through the eBay system.

Contact

Please ask any relevant questions that you may have and I promise to answer them fully and honestly. You are of course very welcome to view the car and we live just off the M40 in North Oxfordshire.

Please check out my positive eBay feed-back and be assured that I am both a genuine and trustworthy private seller.

Thank you.

Simon

PS Here's a list of all the gizmos on this car: Black/blue leather upholstery, air con/climate control, PAS, ABS, headlight washers, sports seats, remote locking, park distance control, adjustable steering column, computer, cruise control, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, electric mirrors, electric windows, electric steel sunroof, fog lights, front armrest, heated seats, rear armrest, rear headrests, traction control, dynamic stability control, immobiliser, Tracker, outside temperature gauge, rain sensor, 18" alloys, xenon headlights, electric seats with memory, CD multi-changer, multi function steering wheel, rear lip spoiler, tyre pressure control, lumbar adjustment, 3rd rear seat belt, electric rear window blind, cargo net, ski bag. Phew!