2001 BMW E39 M5 Has Aged Like Fine Wine, Can Be Yours For $52k

BY Dan Mihalascu | Posted on

If you’re looking to buy a BMW M car that is the perfect synthesis of old and new, then you need not look any further than the E39 M5.

This high-performance sedan has it all: timeless styling that screams BMW through all pores, a naturally aspirated engine, a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. It looks so classy and understated compared to today’s M5, and that is a big part of its appeal; that’s also why it has aged so gracefully.

The E39 M5 was the first M5 to ever feature a V8 engine, setting the course for all the generations that followed – bar the V10-powered E60 M5. It packed the S62 naturally aspirated 4.9-liter V8 which churns out 400 PS (395 HP) at 6,600 rpm and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at 3,800 rpm.

Depending on how good the driver is with the stick shift, the M5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in as little as 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h), though in testing an unrestricted M5 it exceeded 186 mph (300 km/h).

The E39 M5’s performance remains very much relevant to this day, but finding an all-original example with relatively low mileage is getting increasingly difficult. We managed to find one in the Netherlands and it just might be the finest E39 M5 we’ve seen in a very long time.

Offered by Auto Leitner for €44,500 ($52,440), this facelifted 2001 BMW M5 with just 87,000 kilometers (54,059 miles) on the clock looks impressive inside and out. It combines a Titanium Silver metallic exterior with High Gloss Shadowline trim with a black leather interior featuring Titanium aluminum trim and many optional creature comforts.

Highlights include Xenon headlights, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, BMW Navigation Professional, multifunction M leather sports steering wheel, Hi-Fi sound system and power everything. There really is nothing more you’d need on a car, whether we’re talking about 2001 or 2021. The E39 M5 is offered with the complete (and never used) tool kit, original stamped service booklet, maintenance invoices, instruction manuals and two original keys.

2001 BMW E39 M5 Has Aged Like Fine Wine, Can Be Yours For $52k

This facelifted E39 M5 has 54,000 miles on the clock and all the necessary creature comforts.
There Are Few Cars More Extreme Than A Widebody Lamborghini Aventador

The Lamborghini Aventador has a Liberty Walk widebody kit and army green wrap.
Does The 2021 Land Rover Defender V8 Look Better In Black?

Besides the black paint, this Defender V8 prototype probably had upgraded brakes as well.
Suzuki Jimny Is A Highly Unlikely Candidate For A Rat Rod

This Suzuki Jimny would struggle to clear a small pothole, let alone go off road.
Tuned Audi RS7 Sports 942HP, Black Diamond Matte Wrap

While we don’t know performance specs, the stock 592 hp RS7 does the 0-60 in 3,5 seconds.
Watch A 1,300 HP VW Golf Mk2 Hit 211 MPH In Half A Mile!

This stupendously powerful Golf also does the quarter mile in just 9.1 seconds.
Place Your Bets: 2020 Corvette C8 Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

The 516HP Corvette C8 takes on the more powerful but a lot heavier 707HP Jeep Trackhawk.
Is This Tuned Land Rover Defender Really Worth $65,000?

This Defender has been modded inside and out, but the engine is still a puny 122 hp diesel.
Manthey Racing Turns The Porsche 911 GT3 RS Up To 11

Manthey Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 RS mods include new coilovers and aero parts.
Bentley Continental GT 1:8 Scale Model Costs $9,200, Takes 300 Hours To Build

There are also 1:43 and 1:64 scale versions of the Bentley Continental GT available.