BMW as a brand has always been proud of its creations. The slogan “Ultimate Driving Machine” came as a self-proclaimed crowning achievement. Does the E39 M5 live up to that promise?
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2001 BMW M5 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Los Altos, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Single owner California M5. Carbon Black with black Nappa leather,” the listing states.
I started writing Picks of the Day about 3.5 years ago, and in all my hours spent browsing the thousands of classified ads on ClassicCars.com, this was the first time I’ve seen a listing that included photos with documented paint-depth readings for every panel on the vehicle. This seller went above and beyond to provide the ultimate in transparency, which in turn should make any potential buyers feel good about the honesty of the listing.
“See paint depth images in photo essay. Superb original interior, gorgeous wood, spotless undercarriage, silky smooth drivetrain,” the listing states. “Taught and tight to drive.” The seller clarifies that the paint is not all original; the hood was resprayed after unfortunate cat-claw damage long ago.
The E39 5-Series was introduced in 1997 in the United States in two variants: the 528i and 540i. In 1999, the high-performance M5 was introduced. It was the first M5 to use a V8 engine, aluminum front suspension components, and a multi-link rear end. A facelift was applied for the 2001 model year that brought upgrades such as “Angel Eye” headlights and LED taillights.
Power comes from a 4.9-liter “S62” V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This was a bump of over 100 horsepower from the next-highest model, which was the 540i with 286 horsepower. The M5 of this generation was only available with a six-speed manual transmission. Official performance figures showed that the car had a 4.8-second zero-to-60 acceleration rating (not bad for a family sedan!).
Showing just 77,000 miles on the odometer, this 22-year-old BMW is said to be well-kept mechanically with “no expense spared.” “Each service shop owner has remarked that it’s the best E39 M5 they’ve ever seen,” the listing states. Records are available for replacement of the tires, clutch, battery, fuel filter, camshaft position sensor, valve cover gaskets, and seals all within the last few years.
The seller has provided a five-minute video that shows driving footage as well as an 80-photo gallery.
The asking price is $55,000 for this “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Looks and sounds like a true enthusiast-owned ride! Service records are the key on such a high-performance vehicle and it looks like this box has been checked! GLWTS!
Terrible deal with 77k miles.
terrible price at 55 k way overpriced