1999 BMW M5 (E39) Manual

Highlights 

• 400bhp V8 with a six-speed manual

• Last of the analogue M5s

• Wholly original example

• Long MOT

• Low mileage

Overview

The BMW E39 M5 could very well be the perfect car. There, we said it. It's beautifully put together with just enough understated presence, has plenty of refined power thanks to that whopping great V8 producing 400bhp, it's supremely comfortable, massively practical, inherently drive-able and still retains those late '90s/early 2000s analogue qualities that many of us petrolheads crave.

Yes, today's tech-laden, driver-aided M saloons may be faster and more powerful but the E39, with its manual gearbox and limited slip diff, sits in the sweet spot between proper old school mechanicals and more modern creature comforts. It really is the Goldilocks of BMW's sporty 5 Series.

Let's say you wanted to take a road trip to the Nurburgring for instance. Ideally you need a car that will safely and comfortably eat up the miles to that most hallowed of motorsport ground but once there you want to unleash the beast and go full send for a couple of laps. Well, the BMW E39 is the answer. A wolf that can shed its sheep's wool in an instant and provide all the thrills one could possibly need, and with prices continuing to rise you need to get in on the action before these brilliant cars become unattainable. 

This early, wholly original and low mileage example looks to be in fine shape overall and would make an excellent usable daily or weekend car. Resplendent in classic Avus Blue Metallic paint with black leather interior it certainly looks the part and with plenty of maintenance paperwork and a long MOT it's ready to be enjoyed straight away.  

History and documentation

• 1999 model year 

• Original book pack

• V5C present and correct in owner's name

• First registered  January 7th 2000

• In current ownership since 2012

• Numerous invoices for servicing and maintenance

• MOT until July 9th 2026 with some advisories to note

• HPI clear

• 104,128 indicated miles 

Interior

• In good condition overall with wear commensurate with age and mileage

• The electric, heated leather seats and door cards are wearing well with only light signs of ageing

• The dashboard is in good shape and there don't appear to be any issues with the pixels on the display but some of the heater/air conditioning buttons look to be cracked

• Carpets and headlining are clean and present well

• The steering wheel is in good condition

• The walnut trim is in good shape overall but there is a small crack to the section directly above the centre console

• Very small rip to the nearside rear seat base

• A section of trim is missing below the rear centre vents

• Sunroof is fully operational

• The boot space is tidy but the carpet is stained in places

• Factory toolkit is present but incomplete

• The engine bay isn't the cleanest but presents honestly 

Exterior

• The exterior presents well 

• The original Avus Blue paintwork looks good with only a few minor blemishes to note, including some small chips

• No major signs of any corrosion

• All panels looks straight, as do the gaps between

• Wheel arches look clean

• Glasswork is intact but there is some condensation to the inside of the nearside headlight

• The car appears to be free from any damage to the bodywork but there is some damage to the corner of the offside front under tray

• Underneath the car is otherwise tidy and the jacking points look good

• The original 18” alloy wheels are in good condition with only a few small chips to note but the centre BMW roundels have all faded, as has the one on the bonnet

• Continental Contisport Contact 3 tyres all round 

Mechanical

• 400bhp, 4.9-litre V8 engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.8s

• 155mph top speed (electronically limited)

• New diff oil seal 

• The vendor informs us that the car starts first time every time, runs very smooth and is very responsive on acceleration and braking when needed

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

What we have here is a tidy, usable example of one of the finest M cars to ever roll out of Munich. There may be better E39 M5s out there, no doubt for a much higher price, but this one can be driven and enjoyed without fear of reprisal. Don't buy one of these truly magnificent, analogue beasts to just stick in a garage. Buy this one, drive it and enjoy it because that's the whole point. Life's too short not to.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Southampton, Hampshire.