Closest to the motto of BMW AG «The Ultimate Driving Machine» fits the legend of Bavarian motor builders BMW M5 E39 (third generation), presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995 and produced for five years until 2003 (with just over 20 thousand units sold). Only one car was officially produced in a touring body with an LS2 V8 engine from the Pontiac GTO.
In 1999, in Kaliningrad (at the Avtotor plant), BMW E39 models of Russian assembly with the markings 523i and 528i started to be produced. They had an additional package for our domestic roads, including an increased clearance of up to 155 mm, as well as the absence of a catalytic converter.
Interesting! In 1998, the BMW M5 E39 received four (out of five maximum) EuroNCAP stars.
BMW M5 E39, whether European or Russian assembly, essentially has only one drawback — the high cost of repairs. Because of this, BMW X5 services in Russia became a «gold mine» at the time.
Technical Specifications of BMW M5 E39
BMW M5 E39 is characterized by the following data:
- Country of assembly — Germany and the Russian Federation.
- Manufacturer — BMW AG.
- Class, body type, and drive — E, sedan, rear-wheel drive.
- Number of doors — 4.
- Number of seats — driver's and 4 passenger seats.
The engine is a naturally aspirated S62B60 with Double-VANOS and 8 throttle valves, 4.9 liters, V8 with 32 valves and multipoint injection, producing 400 hp. Meets Euro-5 emission standards (336 g/km). The engine's «highlight» was the dry sump lubrication with three oil pumps (one feed and two scavenge).
The top speed and acceleration speed are 250 km/h (electronically limited), achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The fuel tank capacity and consumption are 70 liters, with 21.1 liters in the city, 9.8 liters on the highway, and 13.9 liters in mixed mode (per 100 kilometers with a manual transmission).
Specifications of BMW M5 E39:
- Length — 4.78 m.
- Height — 1.44 m.
- Width — 1.8 m.
- Ground clearance — 12 cm.
- Trunk capacity — 460 liters.
- Curb weight and maximum weight — 1.72 t and 2.29 t.
- Transmission — 6-speed manual.
- Suspension — independent aluminum, MacPherson front, and multi-link rear.
- Brakes — ventilated disc brakes with ABS and ESP functions.
- Tires — 245/40 ZR18 and 275/35ZR18.
- Turning radius — 6.2 m.
Exterior Design
The BMW M5 E39 has a standard M5 series body, sleek and streamlined, without sharp angles, yet exuding the image of a flowing and swift car, elegant and respectable.
The hood and bumper feature noticeable sculpted contours, with the bumper appearing more aggressive with added air intakes. The signature emblem adorns the molding, and the «M» stamp embellishes the side skirts.
The sculpted trunk lid boasts an aerodynamic spoiler, adding expressiveness and aggression to the car. The rear bumper sports a substantial diffuser, under which four exhaust pipes are placed, split into pairs on the left and right edges.
In 2000, the BMW E39 underwent a facelift. The main external difference is the unique lighting technology, including «angel eyes» in front headlights, and the exterior mirrors becoming more rounded. The major changes were in the technical aspects of the car.
Interior of BMW M5 E39
The exterior of the BMW M5 E39 and its technical features are top-notch, but the interior comfort is not as perfect, although above average.
The leather-clad sports seats, velour headliner, and numerous wooden inserts look elegant. Striking details include the sills with red-blue-purple «M» symbols and the ambient red lighting in the interior (even the gearshift knob is illuminated).
The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is in M-design style. The sporty dashboard with a speedometer marked up to 330 km, plus a progressive cruise control for that time. Overall, the car's interior was cozy and spacious, quieter than before.
The controls are intuitively understandable, although the multimedia monitor somewhat distracted the driver from constantly monitoring the road. The display on the BMW M5 E39 console is not touch-sensitive, and it was not very convenient for a tall passenger to get inside the cabin due to the large wheel arches, and to sit in the rear seats.
Additionally, the car does not come equipped with a spare tire as standard. Instead, a compressor is provided, allowing for temporary tire repair until reaching the nearest service station.
Price
Currently, BMW M5 E39 can be purchased for 1.0-1.5 million rubles, depending on the technical condition, year of manufacture, and actual mileage. With great effort, it can even be acquired for ¾ of a million rubles.
The Enthusiast Auto Group (Kentucky, USA) is trying to sell a specially preserved mint-condition fiery red car for $150,000, which is one-third higher than the price of a brand-new BMW M5.
Let's see how it goes, as the Gooding & Company auction house has been unable to sell a silver «charged» sedan BMW M5 E39 from 2002 with a guaranteed mileage of 703 km for $140,000 since 2018.
