Sample Bronze Inspection Report — 2003 BMW M5
This is a Bronze inspection — the fast, thorough visual and operational check. Every system gets looked at and photographed, and the OBD-II scan and road test are still included. What Bronze does NOT include are the instrumented measurements (battery load, brake thickness, A/C temps, paint depth). This is the exact same 2003 M5 as our Gold sample — read both to see precisely what the measurements add for your extra $200.
- Inspection
- Bronze Inspection ($249)
- VIN
- Verified on-site — redacted on samples
- Mileage
- 152,210 mi
- Location
- West Hollywood, CA 90069
Inspection Details
- Date
- Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Inspector
- Vetted VI inspector (name withheld on samples) — Independent inspection company
- Customer
- Sample Customer
Summary
A well-kept E39 M5 in Le Mans Blue with the desirable 6-speed manual. Paint, panels, and interior all present well for a 20-year-old enthusiast car with 152k miles. The OBD-II scan pulled stored DME codes worth understanding before you buy, and the tires and brakes look serviceable on visual inspection. For measured brake thickness, a battery load test, and paint-depth readings, step up to Silver or Gold.
Exterior
Paint: Le Mans Blue, consistent color and gloss across all panels — no obvious blend lines or mismatched panels from a walk-around. Front bumper shows the light stone-chipping normal for the age. Body: panel gaps even. No dents. M5-specific bumpers, mirrors, and badging all correct and present. Glass: windshield clear, no cracks. Factory sunroof glass intact. Lights: headlights, tails, brake, reverse, and signals all functional. Tires: aftermarket wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport, even wear front and rear, no cupping.
Interior
Seats: two-tone blue/black sport leather. Driver bolster shows light wear consistent with mileage; no tears. Dash + electronics: no warning lights at key-on. Gauges sweep and read. HK audio and climate controls operate. Controls: 6-speed manual (E39 M5 is manual-only) — shifter and clutch take-up felt normal on the road test. Smells: clean, no smoke or mildew.
Engine & Mechanical
S62 5.0L V8 — cold-start clean, settled to a smooth idle. Oil amber and at full on the dipstick. Coolant level correct, fluid clean with no oil sheen. No active leaks visible from above. Bronze does not include a battery load test or brake measurement — see Silver/Gold.
Undercarriage & Frame
Underbody checked: factory finish intact, no structural rust and no evidence of crash repair or welds. Exhaust hangers intact, no leaks at the joints. Front suspension checked for play at the ball joints and bushings.
Road Test
Braking: straight, true stops with no pull and no pedal pulsation. Steering: centered, no wander or vibration through 65 mph. Shifting: clutch engages cleanly; all six gears select without grinding or flare. General: no driveline clunk, no wheel-bearing whine at speed.
OBD-II Diagnostic Codes
Scanned with an Autel scan tool. Stored DME codes present relating to the digital motor electronics — reviewed with the customer. No codes that prevent driving, but worth pricing a follow-up diagnostic. (A Gold inspection captures live data during an extended road test to characterize these — see the Gold sample.)
Additional Diagnostic Notes
Bronze does not include instrumented measurements. The tires and brakes were assessed visually and look serviceable; the battery cranked strongly but was not load-tested. For measured numbers — brake pad + rotor thickness, battery CCA under load, A/C output temperature, and panel-by-panel paint depth — see the Silver and Gold tiers on this same car.
Inspection photos
25 photos from this inspection. Plates, VINs, and any identifying reflections are removed and location data is stripped before publication.
This is a sample, not a real report.
Layout, depth, and language match what you’ll receive when you book a real inspection — only the vehicle, customer, and inspector details are fictitious. Your actual report includes your assigned inspector’s license, insurance info, and 20–40 photos per inspection.