Originally launched in 1984, the M5 was BMW’s first attempt to add its Motorsport ingredients to the already-sporty 5 Series. As the fastest sedan in the world, its future replacement, the E39 M5, would clearly have big shoes to fill. Unveiled at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, the M5 delivered exceptional performance in a stylish yet mildly unassuming sedan, quickly becoming the sport-sedan icon we know today. In the case of the E39 M5, the sum of the parts is truly greater than individual pieces, a form of engineering chemistry BMW had mastered at the turn of the century.
Undoubtedly the greatest asset of the E39 M5 is its naturally aspirated V8 with eight highly responsive individual throttle bodies and double VANOS variable-valve-timing system. Producing an impressive 393 horsepower, and equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, 0–60 is covered in a blistering 4.8 seconds.
Delivering exciting handling characteristics, the E39 M5 features near-perfect weight distribution and specially tuned M Driving Dynamics Control. Calibrated on some of the world’s most demanding racetracks, its lightweight aluminum suspension and massive four-wheel ventilated brakes with Dynamic Brake Control offer more-than-capable performance.
Finished in Carbon Black Metallic, this M5 features 18-inch 10-spoke satin chrome-finished cast-alloy wheels. Crucial to any successful sports-sedan, a well-appointed “Sport” styling interior includes Silverstone-themed Nappa leather and aluminum trim topped off with a 12-speaker premium sound system. Elegant chrome-ringed instrument dials and a recalibrated M-design instrument cluster along with 16-way power front seats provided a luxurious, yet purposeful cabin feel. With only one previous owner since new, this M5 is in exceptional all-original condition, with just 23,358 miles at the time of cataloging. Proving their extreme collectibility in recent years, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most famed sports sedans ever produced.
