2000-2003 E39 M5 Overview

2003 e39 m5 at highway speedThe ///M racing division of the Bayerische Motor Werke GmbH specially designs the high performance BMW M5 automobiles in a way that no other auto maker does. This series includes of course the E39 M5 model. The E28 M5 actually made its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, as a hand built car with a 535i chassis and a modified BMW M1 engine. Subsequently, numerous versions were manufactured that were enhancements from the several 5-series styles. These were the E28, E34 and the E39 M5 models. Later, the E60 and E61 also came into production.

The E39 M5 was finally introduced in 1998 and unlike its forerunner, it was not hand built at the BMW M factory because BMW knew the market opportunity was big enough by that time to mass produce the world’s favorite four door rocket. Rather, it was produced on the assembly line at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. Production commenced in late October 1998 and a total of 20,482 vehicles were manufactured from 1999 to 2003.

Production Volume Statistics for the E39 M5:


ECE (Left Hand Drive): 7,895 cars produced from 10/98 through 06/03
ECE (Right Hand Drive): 2,595 cars produced from 10/98 through 06/03
NA (Left Hand Drive): 9,992 cars produced from 09/99 through 06/03

BMW M later produced three versions of the E39 M5. These were the European Left Hand Drive and Right Hand Drive versions, and the North American specification version.


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Its body style is four-door-sedan with a 4.94 L S62 V8 engine. Transmission is 6 speed and manual and the chassis is unitary steel. Its front suspension is Mc Pherson struts, coil springs and anti roll bar while the rear suspension is multi link, coil springs and anti roll bar.

It has ventilated discs, all around ABS brake and is a rear wheel drive vehicle. The E39 M5 delivers impressive performance figures: Power is measured at 400 bhp registering 298 kW at 6600rpm. Torque is pegged at 500 nm or 369 ft lbs at 3800 rpm.

Acceleration time from 0-60 mph is conservatively estimated at 4.8 seconds. However, many reviewers assert to have accomplished this in less than 4.5 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. When the car is delimited, top speeds of 301 km/h or 187 mph is suggested while 290 km/h or 180 mph actual speeds are possible.

Color Options Of The BMW E39 M5:

COLOR NAME CODE PRODUCTION PERIOD
Alpine White III 300 10/98 through 6/03
Imola Red 405 10/98 through 6/03
Jet Black 668 10/98 through 6/03
Carbon Black metallic 416 10/98 through 6/03
Titanium Silver metallic 354 10/98 through 6/03
Silverstone metallic 425 10/98 through 8/01
Blue Water metallic 896 9/01 through 6/03
Anthracite metallic 397 10/98 through 8/01
Sterling Grey mnetallic 472 9/01 through 6/03
Avus Blue metallic 276 10/98 through 2/00
Le Mans Blue metallic 381 3/00 through 6/03
Oxford Green II metallic 430 10/98 through 6/03
Royal Red metallic 390 10/98 through 8/01
Chiaretto Red metallic 894 9/01 through 6/03

Some exterior modifications were added to the 2000-2003 models of the E39 M5. This include among others the following: a revised headlight design incorporating illuminated “Angel Eyes”, jewel tone Celis tail light design, Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper, thicker three-spoke M steering wheel, grey instrument panel, improved solar sensor for standard automatic climate control, revised navigation/audio unit with a larger 16:9 monitor and the addition of rear head protection airbags.

full color artist mechanical cut away of the BMW e39 m5

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For the subsequent two model years of 2002 and 2003, changes were only done with the addition of new exterior colors and the upgrade to a DVD-based navigation system. An E39 M5 Touring was also considered and at least one prototype was constructed.

However, to the disappointment of some car aficionados, BMW M decided not to produce the E39 M5 Touring since they believed that it will not be viable in the market despite having produced it in the prior M5 model – the E34.

The e39 m5 is a modifiers dream come true as lots of options exist in the marketplace to improve both the cosmetics and performance of nearly every aspect of the car. At present, the E39 M5 is considered as one of the best known sport sedans ever produced and it has undeniably joined the elite list of the world’s most coveted classic cars.

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