Model History

By the time the E39 M5 arrived the M5 genre had already been well and truly established by its E28 and E34 forefathers; each generation pushed the bar higher as the ultimate super-saloon. The E39 had a tough act to follow but dubbed by the press at the time as the "Best car in the world" it wasn't surprising that it lived up to the expectations.

BMW took time perfecting this new machine and it was not unveiled at the Motor Show until 1998 with full-scale production started later that year. The car was manufactured at Dingolfing on the main 5-Series production line, which allowed the car to be made in much larger numbers - 7,895 LHD European spec cars, 9,992 LHD US-spec and 2,595 RHD examples were produced.

The two previous M5's both came in straight-six format but BMW broke the mold with the E39 and the first V8 powered M car was born with a stonking 400hp at 6,600rpm. It was based on the M62 unit from the 540i and was named the S62 and extensively revised for its M application.

Capacity was increased to 4941cc, compression was upped to 11.0:1 and electronically controlled throttle bodies were fitted to each cylinder. There was also a double Vanos variable valve timing system on both the intake and exhaust cams, modified cylinder heads, oil-cooled pistons, a coolant to oil heat exchanger, hollow camshafts, a dual air induction system and a high capacity water pump. The M5 engine now packed a hefty punch of power but its main trump card was its flexibility - a decent 369 lb ft of torque was available all the way from 3,800-5,000rpm.

The V8 was mated to a Getrag Type D six-speed gearbox with a 25% limited slip differential. Handling was improved with shorter rated springs, upgraded shock absorbers and thicker anti-roll bars front and rear as well as steel ball joints in the place of rubber rear suspension bushes. The steering ratio was reduced and Servotronic assistance meant the steering became heavier as the speed increased. The M driving Dynamics (sport) button also made the steering heavier and significantly sharpened the throttle response.

As with all M5's some external changes were made but in a subtle and understated way. There were a set of tasty 18-inch chrome shadow alloys, slightly larger kidney grills, new front and rear bumpers, four polished exhaust tail pipes, bespoke electric folding mirrors, some M badges on the side trims and to finish the package a subtle body coloured boot-lip spoiler.

Equipment

Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, Black Nappa and Silverstone leather upholstery, 6-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, Facelift specification, Front and rear parking sensors (PDC), Electric sunroof, Heated and electric sports seats with lumbar adjustment, Multifunction M leather steering wheel, Electric steering wheel adjustment, M leather gear knob, Cruise control, Automatic air conditioning, BMW cassette radio, Front sliding armrest, Anthracite headlining, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Xenon headlights, Front fog lights, Velour floor mats, Remote central locking, Tyre inflator kit, Luggage net, Spare remote key.

Exterior

This facelift spec M5 looks menacing in Carbon Black Metallic, one of our favourite BMW colours especially for an E39. After a machine polish by our in-house detailer on arrival with us the paintwork presents in very good order with a deep and uniform shine all round – our studio photos really don’t do it justice. The car is a very smart example overall but as to be expected with the mileage there are a handful of discreet blemishes to note, namely a couple of minor paint imperfections on the bonnet. She’s very straight along both sides, there are no scratches or scrapes to the bumpers, and the Xenon headlights are free from moisture ingress. The Shadowline trim is also in fine order, as are the plastic bumper inserts and kidney grilles.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The fully electric sports seats remain in excellent condition with remarkably little wear to speak of, even to commonly worn areas such as the driver’s bolster. Soft black leather extends along the centre console and to the gear knob which also presents well, although some delamination is visible to the badge. Glancing across the dash the steering wheel is notable fresh with a deep grain to the leather and no marking to the buttons or plastic trim. Having been protected by genuine BMW overmats the footwell carpets are spotless, and at the rear of the car the seats show no signs of heavy use. The boot area is also free from any significant marking to the carpet or plastics and is readily equipped with a handy luggage net to keep loose items in place.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine bay looks in great shape, not overly dressed but in very good original condition. There is a nice matte sheen to most of the plastics and of course there are no signs of any front-end damage. The accompanying service book is stamped 12 times, all by BMW main agents. The most recent service has only just been carried out by Hindhead BMW in July 2023 at 122,719 miles. The car feels very tight to drive and even by modern standards still provides blistering performance and an intoxicating V8 soundtrack.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

Filling the arches are the original 18-inch M5 alloys, all in perfect unmarked condition and sporting brand new centre badges. The wheels are wrapped in good quality tyres all round with matching pairs front and rear. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition, effortlessly bringing this mighty super saloon to a stop quickly and in a straight line.

History File

This lovely facelift M5 in desirable Carbon Black was first registered in October 2000. It was supplied new by Scotthall BMW who went on to carry out not only the running-in check but also the next 9 services. The car has been serviced 2 further times since then, both at BMW main dealers, as detailed below.

Quite remarkably, and unlike many 20+ year old performance cars, this one has seen just 3 owners from new, the current since 2012. The accompanying history file comprises the original BMW document wallet and owners manuals, a selection of maintenance invoices in addition to the service book stamps, a raft a MOT certificates, the V5C showing only 2 former keepers, and the spare key.

21/11/2000 at 1,554 miles – Scotthall BMW – Running-in check
20/07/2001 at 14,455 miles – Scotthall BMW – Oil service
17/04/2002 at 29,586 miles – Scotthall BMW – Inspection I
15/01/2003 at 44,644 miles – Scotthall BMW – Oil service
11/06/2003 at 53,678 miles – Scotthall BMW – Inspection II
07/06/2004 at 62,888 miles – Scotthall BMW – Oil service
28/03/2006 at 78,007 miles – Scotthall BMW – Inspection I
07/06/2007 at 89,679 miles – Scotthall BMW – Oil service
11/06/2009 at 101,672 miles – Scotthall BMW – Inspection II
16/08/2011 at 108,228 miles – Scotthall BMW – Oil service
06/03/2019 at 119,631 miles – Sytner BMW – Inspection II
24/07/2023 at 122,719 miles – Group 1 BMW – Oil service

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