BMW E39 is widely considered as the best BMW 5 Series ever built. The automaker produced it from 1998 to 2003. It isn’t just about the classic looks, but also the fact that it came through in a transition period wherein companies were adopting a lot of tech features. So, this was one of the last BMWs to have the mechanical-feel to it and arguably the best driver’s car that BMW has offered to date.

If you scout the pre-owned market for the E39, you’ll figure out that the model is getting harder to find with every passing year. But, here is one pristine example of 2001 BMW M5 E39 with a modest mileage in the Netherlands. Drool-worthy, isn’t it?

How Is This BMW M5 E39 On The Outside?

This 2001 BMW M5 E39 is painted in a Titanium Silver Metallic shade and looks exquisite. There aren't visible scratches or dents on the body. It comes with the High Gloss Shadowline on it, which is a piano black finish around the windows and B-pillar in BMW’s speak.

The 18-inch wheels also seem to be in a good condition and are wrapped in 275/35 and 245/40 section Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires. Seeing the overall condition, it feels like it was owned by an enthusiast who took very good care of this beauty. According to the dealer, all the lights, windows, mirrors, etc. are working fine.

How Is It On The Inside?

This example features an all-black cabin. The seats is wrapped in Praegel black leather and don’t look worn out, surprisingly. The metallic panels around the gear lever are also maintained well and don’t have scratches on them. There are Titanium Aluminum interior moldings to add to the plush feel. It comes with a host of comfort features, some of which include:

-* Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-* Electrically adjustable seats with memory function

-* Front heated seats with lumbar support

-* Automatically dimming interior rearview mirror

-* Cruise Control

-* BMW Professional RDS Radio and Six-CD changer

-* Navigation

-* M leather sports steering wheel

What Powers The 2001 BMW M5 E39?

This was the first M5 to have a V-8 mill, aluminum front suspension components, and a multi-link rear suspension. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to all the power and the slick gearbox, it takes jsut 4.8 seconds to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

2001 BMW M5 E39 specifications

Engine

4.9-liter, V-8

Horsepower

394 HP

Torque

368 LB-FT

Transmission

six-speed manual

0 to 60 mph

4.8 seconds

Top speed

155 mph


Servicing, Mileage, etc.

It must be noted that the car is driven only around 1,400 kms (870 miles) since April 2016. The service records are made available, too, but the timelines seem quite erratic. Perhaps, it was serviced based on the mileage and not the time period. The dealer has said that the stamped service booklet, owner’s manual, both the original keys, and original leather storage folder are also available.

If you're interested, you should head on over to Autileitner and express your interest.

Some Facts About The BMW M5 E39

-* BMW produced 20,482 copies of the E39 M5

-* It was the first M5 to come with a V-8 engine

-* In testing, this car has touched speeds over 186 mph

-* BMW took it to Nurburgring where it recorded a lap time of 8:20

-* The 2000 Facelift saw the introduction of Corona Rings in the headlights

-* An E39 M5 wagon prototype was built and tested, but it never made to production

-* The six-speed manual used here was developed by Getrag

-* It was an improved version of the one used in the E39 540i and came with an upgraded clutch to handle the extra torque

Final Thoughts

The dealer, Autoleitner, is asking €44,500, that’s approximately $52,350, for this 2001 BMW M5 E39. Not cheap by any means, but it isn’t an exorbitantly high price either.

The E39 was produced around the time when automakers were embracing high-tech features in cars. So, this model isn’t bare-bones, per se, but it doesn’t come with the highly complicated features either. It comes with classic looks on the outside that have aged very well, a cabin filled with comfort creatures, and an engine that will plaster a grin on your face every time you rev it hard. What more do you want in an enthusiast’s car? In my opinion, it is the best BMW ever made. What do you have to say about this particular example and the E39 Series in general? Let us know in the comments section below.