carsales classics: BMW M5 (1999-2003)
The E39 M5 was a ground-breaking model with two BMW M firsts: a V8 engine and manual gearboxBMW M cars are held in the highest esteem and the E39 BMW M5 is considered by enthusiasts to be one of its finest efforts.
Headlining its launch at the 1998 Geneva motor show was a V8 powerplant and a manual gearbox – both firsts for a BMW M car.
Seven months after the Geneva show, the E39 M5 set another first, with production taking place on the regular line at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Munich and not the company’s specialist Motorsport facility.
Available in just one body style – a four-door sedan – the M5 was offered with just the one driveline: a 4.9-litre normally-aspirated V8 sledgehammer boasting 294kW/500Nm and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox and limited-slip differential.
It dispatched the 0-100km/h sprint in under five seconds, and was electronically constrained to a top speed of 250km/h.
With just a ‘Sport’ mode button and switchable on/off dynamic stability control, the E39 M5 served up a pure driving experience.
While the M5 had the same suspension layout as lesser BMW 5 Series variants, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear-end, the M division wizards transformed it into something very special.
To start with, the ride height was lowered and complemented by thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, and revalved shock absorbers.
Heavy-duty bushes replaced the standard ones, unique front wheel bearings and strengthened steering links were installed, along with heftier lower rear control arms and polyurethane auxiliary springs.
Finally, steel ball joints replaced the rear rubber suspension bushes.
BMW M engineers also sharpened the recirculating ball steering, slipped in bigger brakes and finished the package off with 18-inch alloy wheels.
An iron fist in a velvet glove, the E39 M5 offered one particular attraction: its understated looks combined with sedan versatility.
The BMW isn’t festooned with big wings and flared guards. In fact, its four exhaust outlets, chrome around the enlarged grille, body-coloured front spoiler, exclusive door mirrors and the all-important M badges are the only clues to it being the stove-hot one.
Inside, the E39 M5 is distinguished by its power-adjustable sports front seats in black nappa leather, M-badged leather steering wheel, a full spread of analogue gauges and M-badged sill panels.
It also has a central satellite navigation screen, signalling the dawning of the digital age in dash ware.
On the safety front, the M5 came with front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, the previously mentioned stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
When new in 1999 the BMW M5 would set you back $198,500 plus on-road costs. RedBook values the E39 M5 today between $17,000 and $26,000, although that depends on many factors like condition, ownership and documented service history and condition.
Why we want one
• It’s the first BMW M car with a V8 and a manual gearbox
• It’s very fast
• It provides an unadulterated driving experience
• The four-door body is practical and roomy for five
Click here to view E39 BMW M5 vehicles currently available at carsales.
Related: BMW M Car Party 2017
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