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BMW E39 M5
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BMW E39 M5 | £16,495
Mileage: 66,109Model History
By the time the E39 M5 arrived the M5 genre had already been well and truly established by its E28 and E34 forefathers - each generation established and pushed the bar higher as the ultimate super saloon. The E39 had a tough act to follow but dubbed by the press at the time as the 'Best car in the world' it wasn't surprising that it lived up to the expectations.
BMW took time perfecting this new machine and it was not unveiled at the Motor Show until 1998 with full scale production started later that year. The car was manufactured at Dingolfing on the main 5 series production line which allowed the car to be made in much larger numbers - 7895 LHD European spec cars, 9992 LHD US spec and 2595 RHD examples were produced.
The two previous M5's both came in straight six format but BMW broke the mold with the E39 and the first V8 powered M car was born with a stonking 400bhp at 6600rpm. It was based on the M62 unit from the 540i and was named the S62 and extensively revised for its M application.
Capacity was increased to 4941cc, compression was upped to 11.0:1 and electronically controlled throttle bodies were fitted to each cylinder. There was also a double Vanos variable valve timing system on both the intake and exhaust cams, modified cylinder heads, oil-cooled pistons, a coolant to oil heat exchanger, hollow camshafts, a dual air induction system and a high capacity water pump. The M5 engine now packed a hefty punch of power but its main trump card was its flexibility - a decent 369lb ft of torque was available all the way from 3800-5000rpm.
The V8 was mated to a Getrag Type D six-speed gearbox with a 25% limited slip differential. Handling was improved with shorter rated springs, upgraded shock absorbers and thicker anti-roll bars front and rear as well as steel ball joints in the place of rubber rear suspension bushes. The steering ratio was reduced and Servotronic assistance meant the steering became heavier as the speed increased. The M driving Dynamics (sport) button also made the steering heavier and significantly sharpened the throttle response.
As with all M5's some external changes were made but in a subtle and understated way. There were a set of tasty 18" chrome shadow alloys, slightly larger kidney grills, new front and rear bumpers, 4 polished exhaust tail pipes, bespoke electric folding mirrors, some M badges on the side trims and to finish the package a subtle body coloured boot-lip spoiler.
The car was £60,000 new which could easily be increased to £70,000 if you ticked all the option boxes! Despite the high price the car got lashings of praise from the motoring press with particular attention to the engine and handling. BMW had done it again creating the ultimate sports saloon.
Equipment
DSC, Multifunction steering wheel, Comfort electric heated seats, Xenon lights, On board computer, Individual roof lining, Anthracite, Sunblind for rear window, Skibag, Armrest, Side arbag for rear passengers, Tire pressure control, Electric sliding/vent sunroof, Sunblinds, Wood trim, Active massage front seats, ISOFIX, Parking sensors (PDC), Rain sensors, TV function, Navigation system professional, voice input system, Car telephone, 6 CD changer, Individual Audio system, Individual sun protection glazing. Tracker
Exterior
This M5 is finished in a dazzling shade of Le Mans blue metallic and is totally original having never had any paintwork in its life. Having been fully detailed in house for the past 2 days this car is now taking center stage in the showroom, it is quite simply beautiful. Being all original there are the usual light stone chips to the leading edge of the bonnet and some other minor signs of use. All of the plastic moulding trim is in top condition running round the car with the parking sensors tucked neatly into the trim on the rear and front bumper. The original windscreen is still fitted with the factory stickers still in place. The gloss black trim is all in excellent order with only a very slight amount of wear on the near side rear window trim.
Interior
The interior has been optionally spec'd with plush comfort seats that are fully electric with a built in 'active' massage function. There is no wear to any of the seats and the rest of the cabin is as fresh as it was the day it came off the production line. The steering wheel retains a deep texture and the many buttons of this highly spec'd car that cover the center console and dash feel solid to touch. The audio system has been upgraded to an Individual BMW item at the factory along with the tinted sun protection glazing. All of the wood trim that run around the dash and doors is in great condition with no marks or wear and tear.
Engine & Transmission
Fully serviced by BMW main agents from new, the engine and drivetrain is of course in fine fettle. The troublesome VANOS unit has been replaced recently by BMW as has the clutch and brake discs all documented with some eye-watering bills from the main agents.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The M5 alloys wheels are finished in the correct shade having been recently refurbished and put back together with new badges and M emblems. The wheels are shod in matching and original specification Dunlop tyres all round with plenty of tread. Equally all the discs and pads have recently been replaced and show very little sign of wear.
History File
This M5 has been perfectly maintained from new. It has a full and comprehensive BMW main dealer service history with the last service, an inspection 2 carried out at 60718 miles.
The clutch, front and rear discs and pads and the Vanos unit have all been replaced recently at BMW main agents and all invoices are still present detailing this work.
The original service pack, many mots and the V5 are still present showing only 1 former keeper.