Standard, facelift car in desirable colour combination
Just service with full service history
Only three owners in 22 years from new
Desirable facelift car
A superb example of this much-admired modern classic
The car will come with a fresh MOT before collection
The Appeal
A simple letter is all it takes to grab the attention of red blooded car enthusiasts. From the first M3, BMW’s M-cars have fully delivered on the firm’s promise to provide ‘the ultimate driving machines.’ Agile, devastatingly quick and engaging, these are cars to stir the soul.
Any M-car is going to be a good car, but with the E39 M5, BMW’s diligent engineers particularly excelled themselves. It was quick of course and it naturally handled brilliantly, but it was how it engaged with the driver that really set this car apart from its super saloon rivals.
Finding a good E39 M5 is, inevitably, the challenge. And one I think you’ll agree we’ve met with this immaculate example. It ticks every box a buyer surely hopes for: low mileage, low owners, good colour combination, high specification and meticulously maintained. If there has ever been a time to buy one of the best saloon cars ever made, it must be now.
Barely any signs of use or wear including on the driver’s seat
Specification includes:
Premium hifi system and speakers
Cruise control and climate
Electric heated memory seats with lumbar adjustment#
M Tech sports steering wheel
Satellite navigation and TV and car phone preparation
Tyre pressure control and rain sensor
Trip computer with remote operation
Electric glass sunroof
Park Distance Control
Alcantara headlining
The M5’s party trick was to provide scintillating performance on tap, but with the sort of luxury and comfort typical of a high end executive express. The original owner of this car certainly leaned into that aesthetic, adding a raft of options to the car’s already high standard specification.
The two tone Silverstone grey seats are a particularly welcome find on the immaculate interior of this car. The leather remains supple, even after 22 years, and shows barely any signs of use. There is none of the usual bolster and base wear on the driver’s seat, only some light creasing suggesting use. It is a similar story with the leather M Tech Sport multi-function steering wheel which shows barely any sheen of use.
Elsewhere there is a premium sound system, navigation and even a TV amongst the plethora of technical features. The switchgear is all in very good condition with no wear visible on the high-use areas such as the centre console, infotainment system and column stalks.
Standard factory M5 alloy wheels with quality Continental tyres
Facelift model with ‘Angel Eye’ headlights, white indicators and LED rear lights
Exterior features include:
M Aerodynamics Package
Xenon headlights
High Gloss Shadow line
Dechromed
Sports pack and Lights pack
Headlamp washers
The September 2000 facelift of the E39 cleverly updated the aesthetics whilst losing none of the appeal of the original lines. These cars are particularly sought after and this 2001 model is one of them.
It is beautifully specified in Silverstone Grey metallic. It has been dechromed by the factory and is also entirely factory standard, right down to the Continental-shod alloys. Even careful inspection of the photographs of this car fail to reveal any flaws. The bodywork is even apparently free of stone chips and the rubber trim retains its deep factory black. All of the badging around the car looks similarly factory fresh.
The E39 M5 is from an era when BMW put cubic capacity ahead of forced induction. The brutally quick S62 4.9litre engine powering the rear wheels can propel this four seater executive car to 60mph in less than 5secs.
Those headline figures are really only a small part of this car’s story. It is the way in which it delivers power - through the rev range and with bags of torque - plus how it handles that sets the E39 M5 apart. It is nimble, agile and tactile, offering changes of direction that are more sports car-like than saloon-car like. All while offering the passengers a smooth ride that suppresses bumps well.
When considering a M5 there are likely one thing buyers are looking for: a cloth of gold service history. Serviced regularly and recorded carefully in the book it has mostly been seen by BMW main dealers. It was last serviced 250 miles ago by the seller, a reputable high end car specialist. And there have been just three owners.
The E39 M5 is one of the cars on which BMW’s illustrious reputation rests. A super saloon that is as capable cosseting well-lunched executives as it is tickling apexes, it is also one of the best four door cars of the last 40 years.
This low mileage, low owner M5 is nicely specified and comes with an array of desirable options. If you’ve been mulling over buying one of these superlative cars, surely this car answers all the questions.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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