True Running costs of an e39 m5

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   Word of warning - don't put Eagle F1s on an M5, they're much too soft for such a big powerful car- it's like driving around with 5psi of air pressure. I agree that there's no point in splashing out for the big name tyres (once others are properly rated) as the difference is marginal and the likes of pirelli rossos will be worn (at least the rears) in no time. 

The vanos is effectively a mechanical gear which continuously adjusts camshaft timing and very rarely (if ever) goes wrong, rather the vanos solenoids, or more precisely the vanos solenoid oil seals that cause the noisy rattle on startup. Main dealers just replace the whole unit on both banks and that's why it costs so much. 

Camshaft position sensors (4no.) give up the ghost around 70kmls and mass air flow meters (2no.) shortly afterwards, other than this I've had no mechanical problems after 120,000 miles on a y2k and I've trashed mine within an inch of its life every day for the past 3years. 

You really need the Stoptech BBK on the front as it helps carry so much extra speed (and confidence) into corners without oem's fade and front/rear bias problems of other brake setups. I've driven loads of other cars and few are as well rounded and composed one minute, before absolutely obliterating an Sti from 70-140mph at the drop of a hat the next. 

Forget the E60M5, if it had the dinan S3's supercharger conversion (at a cool $70k) this car would be perfect, although fuel consumption and tyre wear would go up exponentially 