Why Now Is The Time To Buy An E39 BMW M5
Many would argue that older vehicles are more fun to drive than newer ones. The analog controls mean that they are more involved while also providing better driver feedback through the steering wheel and manual transmission. Granted, if you go too far back, they start to get a bit too slow and vague; however, in our opinion, a perfect middle ground between old and new exists. That middle ground was roughly in between the late 1990s and early 2000s. The exact era when the BMW E39 M5 was made. A car that, to this day, remains fast and agile while also managing to look cooler than anything else on the road.
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Related: Here’s Why The E28 BMW M5 Is A Legend
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The E39 M5 Was Ahead Of Its Competition
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From the side, you can barely tell this is a 400hp machine
With the E39, BMW stepped its game up a notch. A V-8 heart breathed new life into the BMW Sedan for the first time ever while chassis and interior comforts were a drastic improvement over the previous generation. The 4.9-liter V-8 in the E39 produced 400 horsepower at a time when most of its rivals were stuck with roughly 350. To make the driving experience even more engaging, BMW decided to only offer the E39 with a manual transmission – the exact opposite of what happens today. Numbers for this early 2000s beast were 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.
Related: 10 Reasons Why the 2022 BMW M5 CS is Worth Every Penny
The Differences Between A Normal E39 And The M5
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The BMW E39 M5 might be the last generation of five series to have a durable interior
As far as looks go, the M5 isn’t drastically different than the normal E39 5 Series. This is something we love and miss about old BMWs as, to the untrained eye, the M5 was just another sedan. It went under the radar and would surprise many people with its unexpected performance. Exterior differences included a slightly more aggressive front bumper, chrome grill surrounds, M-sport door mirrors, M-sport wheels, a lip spoiler on the trunk, a slightly different rear bumper, and the discrete quad exhausts.
Inside, there are also some subtle but significant changes. First and foremost, the M5 has M-Sport seats that are comfortable while also keeping the passengers in place through high-speed cornering. As you would expect, there is also an M-Sport steering wheel which is much thinner than the ones found on brand-new models – a welcome change. A cool addition is a rev-limiting function that reduces the engine’s redline when the car is still cold. This is to protect your expensive V-8 from getting damaged.
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The BMW E39 M5 reduces its redline when cold to prevent engine damage
If you need a reminder that the E39 M5 is from the late 1990s and early 2000s, BMW added an infotainment screen that looks immensely dated by today’s standards. Funny enough, it could even work as a TV – something that’s largely in debate with the evolving technology in modern cars today.
As far as mechanical differences go, the M5 features a rear limited-slip differential, thicker sway bars, upgraded ball joints, bushings, and high-performance dampers. In case you were wondering, sway bars are responsible for controlling body roll through the corners. Thicker units are stiffer; therefore, they reduce body lean. The limited slip differential also helps with cornering and acceleration while the bushings and dampers further stiffen up the car. Every component of the M5 is focused on performance driving, and that is obvious when you drive a normal BMW and an M product back to back.
Related: This Is What The Next-Generation 2024 BMW M5 Could Look Like
The E39 May Be The Best Looking Fast Sedan Ever Made
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The menacing front end of the E39 BMW M5
Fast sedans are cool, but there is something about an E39. It looks subtle yet has a menacing stance. As if you know it is hiding something (400 horses for example). The E28 and E34 also look great, but the E39 seems to be the best blend of modern and classic. Much smaller than the newer ones (18 centimeters shorter to be precise) but not as old-school as the first couple. With a few subtle modifications, the E39 can get even prettier. A slightly lower suspension system paired with BBS wheels just makes this vehicle irresistible.
The great looks were combined with the great build quality and attention to detail. Granted, the E39 isn’t as well-built as the E28, but it is still screwed together very well. The doors are heavy, the interior materials great, the drivetrain is relatively reliable, and most cars seem to have aged well.
Related: BMW M5 (E60): Performance, Price, and Photos
Why You Should Buy One Now
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The BMW E39 M5 is just as pretty from the rear as it is from the front
As we all know, older vehicles are getting more and more desirable. This is partly because they offer the analog characteristics mentioned above and partly because the people who once dreamed of owning them can now afford them. Since older vehicles are getting more desirable, their prices are increasing. The better and more unique the model, the more drastic those price increases are. The BMW M5 is one of the greatest machines BMW has ever made, and the world is aware of this. Prices are still relatively sensible (around $30,000); so, if you want one go ahead and buy it now before the prices skyrocket even higher. We suspect that in the not-so-distant future these vehicles will cost upwards of $70,000. This is because they offer everything nostalgic about old cars. Great looks, a big V-8 engine, and insanely fun and involving driving characteristics.
