Guide: BMW E39 M5 — Supercar Nostalgia

Background

Since the original E12 5-series was launched back in 1972, BMW’s mid-size model had established itself as the best executive saloon on the market.

The E12 was subsequently replaced by the subtly updated E28 for 1982. A clean-sheet model, the E34, followed in 1987.

Although BMW Motorsport had quietly offered a tuned E12-based 5-series since 1974, it wasn’t until late 1979 when such a model was offered through the official dealer network. That car, the E12 M535i, began a trend that has seen every subsequent 5-series produced in Motorsport trim.

From the early 1970s to the late 1990s, genuine rivals for the hot 5-series had been few and far between. Buyers that wanted a tuned Mercedes-Benz or Jaguar typically had to visit the AMG or Lister works where bespoke low volume machines were turned out at vast expense (and normally with automatic transmission).

Meanwhile, the Lotus Carlton / Omega of the early 1990s was a blisteringly quick alternative. However, the Vauxhall / Opel brand had limited badge appeal and, after disappointing sales, this extraordinary General Motors flagship was never replaced.

BMW started work on what would be the fourth generation 5-series in 1989. The resultant E39 was launched to critical acclaim at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995. Sales of the saloon variant began later that year. A Touring version joined the range twelve months after.

The E39 was originally offered with a choice of straight six engines (520i, 523i and 528i) or a new V8 (540i). A V8-powered 535i then came on stream in 1996.

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1998, the flagship 540i lost its position at the top of the E39 range when the next highly anticipated iteration of the M5 was launched.