| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | High-Performance Executive Sedan |
| Released At | 1998 |
| Built At | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Engine | 4.9L V8 (S62) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural Aspiration |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (variable timing) |
| Fuel Feed | Sequential Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 4941 cc / 301.5 cu in |
| Power | 400 hp / 294 kW @ 6600 rpm |
| Specific Output | 81 hp per liter |
| Torque | 500 Nm / 369 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h / 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.0 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Unibody |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | 18" M Double-Spoke Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 245/40ZR18 |
| Rear Tires | 275/35ZR18 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 18 x 8 in |
| Rear Wheels | 18 x 9.5 in |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Stabilizer Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link Integral IV with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 1795 kg / 3957 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 52% / Rear 48% |
| Wheelbase | 2830 mm / 111.4 in |
| Length | 4784 mm / 188.3 in |
| Width | 1800 mm / 70.9 in |
| Height | 1430 mm / 56.3 in |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual (Getrag Type D) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 12.7 L/100 km / 18.5 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 70 liters / 18.5 gallons |

The First V8-Powered M5 The E39 M5, produced from 1998 to 2003, was the first M5 to feature a V8 engine — a 4.9-liter S62 naturally aspirated V8, producing 400 horsepower.
6-Speed Manual Only — No Automatic Option BMW kept it old-school and purist-friendly: the E39 M5 was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission, reinforcing its reputation as a true driver’s car.
0–100 km/h in Just 4.8 Seconds Despite being a luxury sedan, the E39 M5 could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in under 5 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time.
Electronically Limited Top Speed The E39 M5’s top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but without the limiter, it was capable of reaching over 180 mph (290 km/h).
One of the Best-Sounding BMW V8s Ever The S62 V8 is known for its glorious, naturally aspirated soundtrack, with a high-revving redline of 7,000 rpm and a distinctively aggressive tone.
Subtle Yet Aggressive Styling The E39 M5 looked like a regular 5 Series to the untrained eye, but featured wider side skirts, quad exhaust tips, a lower stance, and 18-inch M wheels, creating a sleeper performance look.
Featured BMW’s First Drive-by-Wire Throttle System It was the first M car to use electronic throttle control (E-throttle), a precursor to modern drive-by-wire systems.
Advanced Technology for Its Time The E39 M5 came with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), xenon headlights, onboard navigation, and a multifunction display, making it as tech-savvy as it was powerful.
Hand-Built Engine at BMW’s M Division Each S62 engine was hand-assembled at BMW M’s facility in Munich, ensuring high build quality and performance consistency.
A Modern Classic and Collector Favorite Thanks to its perfect balance of power, handling, comfort, and analog driving feel, the E39 M5 is now regarded as one of the finest sports sedans ever made, with values steadily rising.

The BMW M5 (E39) (1998–2003) is widely regarded as one of the greatest performance sedans ever built, thanks to its 4.9L S62 V8 (400 PS), timeless design, and analog driving experience. Prices in the EU vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and provenance.
Here’s the latest market overview (mid-2024):
Average EU Prices:
By Condition:
Project car (needs major work): €15,000 – €25,000(High mileage, rust, or mechanical issues; requires investment.)
Good driver (solid, but not perfect): €30,000 – €50,000(100,000–150,000 km, some wear, but well-maintained.)
Excellent/low-mileage (collector-grade): €50,000 – €80,000+(Sub-80,000 km, full history, no rust, original spec.)
Concours/rare specs: €80,000 – €120,000+(Sub-30,000 km, Le Mans Blue or Individual colors, documented provenance.)
Key Price Factors:
Mileage: The sweet spot is 80,000–120,000 km—low enough to retain value but high enough to avoid "garage queen" premiums. Timing chain guides (a known weak point) must have been replaced (~€3k job). Rust-free chassis (check wheel arches, floor pans, and trunk).
Originality: Numbers-matching engine, unmodified examples fetch 20–30% more than tuned cars.
Color/Interior: Exterior: Le Mans Blue, Oxford Green, and Imola Red command premiums. Interior: Black or Caramel Nappa leather is most desirable.
Country Variations:Germany/Netherlands: Prices are 10–15% higher due to strong demand. Southern/Eastern EU: Better deals, but check for rust.
Where to Buy?
Classifieds: Mobile.de, Classic Trader, Autoscout24.
Auctions: Watch Catawiki or Collecting Cars for rare specs.
BMW Forums: Enthusiast sales (e.g., M5Board.com) often list well-documented cars.
Market Trend:
Rising Values: Clean E39 M5s have doubled in price since 2020, with top examples now crossing €100k.
Future Classic: As the last analog M5 with a V8, it’s a safe bet for appreciation.
Pro Tip: Avoid cars with "cheap" mods (e.g., aftermarket exhausts, wheels)—purists pay extra for originality.
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