2001 BMW E39 M5 – Classified of the Week

If you’ve read our editor Chris Pollitt’s article on why the BMW E39 is the perfect modern classic and why you definitely need to buy one (and you should have read it because it’s excellent) then a seed will no doubt have been planted in the old grey matter. A rather brilliant, German, saloon-shaped seed that will continue to grow, nurtured by your persistent browsing of the Car & Classic classifieds, auctions and verified listings until it blossoms wondrously into that perfect E39 that you’ve been craving. Depending on your poison that new bloom may take the shape of a 530i, or perhaps an estate, if you require that extra degree of practicality. Or maybe, if you’re coveting something truly special, the supercar slaying version of BMW’s fourth iteration of its distinguished 5 Series, the E39 M5. Like the one we have available here.

Lauded as the last true analogue M5 the E39 M5, nicknamed ‘The Beast’ (an absolutely fitting epithet it is too), has well and truly emerged as one of the best in the business. We know of what we speak too for we had one, back when decent examples could be picked up for less than ten grand. Nowadays you’ll be lucky to find one that isn’t knackered for anything less than twice that, with top condition, low mileage cars hitting upwards of £30,000. That just goes to show that the E39 M5 is now very much on an upwards trajectory that shows no sign of slowing down – much like previous M5 models these cars are now hugely sought after and represent not only a frankly awesome driving experience but also a very shrewd investment. We just wish we had kept ours. Ho hum.

Introduced in 1998, three years into the E39 5 Series production cycle, the M5 was the first of BMW’s super saloons to be fitted with a V8 engine – the incredible S62 which produced just shy of 400 horsepower. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential it’s an easy car to get out of shape, whether intentionally or not, but there is traction control for those that need a helping hand when it comes to staying on the straight and narrow. It was, and still is an incredibly powerful and capable car but the looks remain typically understated for an M model. The only real clue to any performance credentials are the wider rear wheels and quad exhaust tips poking out the back. Oh, and the ‘M’ badge on the rear boot lid.

The interior too is within keeping. It’s a rather simple affair, in the grand scheme of things, but with enough luxury to keep most happy along with electric everything. The E39 M5 received a facelift in September of 2000 which introduced various updates, the most significant of which was the inclusion of ‘Angel Eye’ halogen headlights. Numerous interior upgrades were also implemented, including a thicker rimmed steering wheel and a larger screen for the DVD-based navigation system. Mechanically the cars are identical so it really doesn’t matter which you go for, at least from a performance perspective.

The car we have available via our verified listings platform is one of those facelift models. It’s a 2001 BMW E39 M5 with 85K on the clock which is peanuts for these cars, as long as correctly and regularly serviced – which this one thankfully has been. With a full main dealer service record, including its running-in service, this particular Beast has been fastidiously maintained, regardless of cost and always garaged since 2010 when the current custodian took ownership. It’s an unmodified factory example that is in excellent condition throughout. A prime example of just how good these M5s are.

At £26,000 this particular car is approaching the fat end of the price scale but then we think it has every right to be up there. With that full service history, its low miles (for the year) and exceptionally clean, original spec it is most definitely one of the better examples currently on the market and seeing as it is a verified listing you can be confident of a 100% safe and secure, genuine transaction. We can think of no good reason not to buy this BMW E39 M5, aside from the fact we can’t afford it. But if you can, dear reader, then you should most definitely jump at the opportunity. You will not be disappointed, we guarantee it.