2000 BMW M5 (E39)

Highlights

• 5-litre V8, with 6-speed manual transmission

• Just 45,998 miles, verified by MOT and service records

• In current ownership since September 2016,  with 3 previous owners (last two in same family)

• Presented in unmodified, factory specification

• Lovely Silverstone Metallic paintwork and two-tone leather upholstery

Overview

The number of cars that the automotive community largely agree on can be counted on one hand. We’re a famously mercurial and eclectic bunch, after all. However, we reckon that the E39 M5 is definitely amongst those rarified models that unite the majority of petrolheads in a collective sigh of “oh, yes please”.

We can certainly get behind that sentiment, after all it’s an all-time great that somehow becomes more than the sum of its parts. And they’re damn fine parts: an incredibly well balanced and agile chassis; an all-aluminium, naturally-aspirated V8 pumping out almost 400bhp; rear wheel drive with a weighty and precise 6-speed manual transmission; incredible build quality and, to top it off, perhaps the most attractive saloon styling of all time. It’s an object lesson in engineering prowess, spot-on decision making and absolutely nailing the brief. It is, quite possibly, the greatest BMW of all time. And possibly the finest all-round performance saloon full stop.

Some might say that 400bhp isn’t that much, and these days it isn’t. But the E39 M5 only tips the scales at 1.8 tonnes, which is a certified featherweight by modern standards. And where are you going to find a manual, rear-drive sports saloon with a nat-asp V8 today? It’s the kind of driving experience that lives long in the memory and simply isn’t provided by any new car, and probably never will be again.

Needless to say they’re highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. In fact, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find great examples, particularly if you want one that hasn’t been tinkered with. Which makes this fine example something quite special.

Somehow having covered less than 46,000 miles in 26 years of life, it’s also escaped the clutches of modifiers and tuners. Yes, it’s entirely stock, and we’re not sure how many E39 M5s you could say that about these days. Not many, would be our guess.

Presented in excellent overall condition, and benefitting from a gorgeous and subtle specification, we think this has some real potential. Whether you’re looking for a great modern classic for shows, something fun for the weekends or simply a wonderful daily driver, this could be the perfect car for you. 

History and documentation

• Registered 31 January 2000

• Present owner since September 2016, 3 previous owners (last two owners were both in the same family)

• Current mileage 45,998 miles, verified by the MOT and service records

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 16 April 2027

• The MOT history is excellent, with no advisories at all since 2014 and no major issues or faults at all

• Stamped service book with services as follows: February 2000 @ 1,267 miles; March 2001 @ 16,497 miles; October 2005 @ 29,156 miles; October 2007 @ 32,681 miles; August 2015 @ 41,918 miles (included front discs and pads); April 2017 @ 42,893 miles; April 2019 @ 44,127 miles

• The car has only covered about 3,500 miles since 2016, so it’s been very lightly used and has clearly been stored carefully

• Full document pack, including stamped service book

• Collection of invoices for servicing and maintenance, as well as a number of old MOT certificates

• Tracker fitted

• Three keys

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black and silver grey two-tone leather upholstery, all of which looks to be in fine condition, with no significant wear, sagging or damage on show

• Heated, electrically adjustable front seats

• 3-position memory function for the driver’s seat

• Black carpets and over-mats, which all look to be in fine fettle, with no threading or staining we could see

• Dark grey headlining, which looks to be secure and undamaged with no sagging

• Dual zone air conditioning

• Electric windows and door mirrors

• Multifunction steering wheel

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

• Original factory Radio/Cassette sound system with boot-mounted 6CD changer

• Integrated satellite navigation

• All of the internal trim and switchgear looks to be in good order, with some light wear and blemishing consistent with the car’s age and mileage

• Generous boot space, trimmed neatly with grey carpet and featuring a cargo net

• Original BMW toolkit and warning triangle present and correct

• The vendor assures us that all of the cabin’s features and functions operate as they should, with no faults or issues to note

Exterior

• Lovely SIlverstone Metallic paintwork, which appears to be all original and is presented in very good order, with just a handful of minor stone chips and blemishes

• The bodywork appears to be in excellent condition, with no obvious evidence of damage or any kind of misalignment – panel gaps are neat and consistent across the car

• All of the external trim and badging is complete and in good order, with nothing broken or seriously worn as far as we could discern

• The glass elements and light lenses are all clean and clear, with no obvious cracks, chips or misting

• Headlamp washers

• Rear parking sensors

• Iconic quad exhaust tailpipes

• Looking underneath the car, the sills and floor pans are clean and straight, and there’s no apparent damage to note

• Original 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in gunmetal – all are in decent condition, with some light kerb damage to a couple of the lips and a little bubbling present

• The wheels are fitted with a matched set of Continental tyres (245/40 front and 275/35 rear), which look to have good tread depth but are dated 2012, so we’d recommend that any buyer looking to use the car budgets for a replacement set

• In all, it’s a lovely example of an all time classic in its launch colour

Mechanical

• 4,941cc all-aluminium, chain-driven cam, naturally-aspirated V8 (S62)

• Factory performance figures: 394bhp, 369lb-ft, 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph

• 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive

• Cruise control

• Sport mode

• Power-assisted steering

• TCS and ABS

• Clean and tidy engine bay and mechanicals, with no obvious leaks or other issues

• April/May 2022: new starter motor and air mass sensor fitted

• We’re assured that the car starts and drives just as it should, with no known mechanical issues

Summary

You already know if you like an E39 M5. And we’re guessing the vast majority of you do, which shows what great taste you all have as they’re compelling and, to be frank, utterly brilliant machines.

Finding one with such a great spec, that’s unmodified and has covered so few miles, is akin to stumbling across a golden-egg laying goose at your local petting zoo. It shouldn’t really exist, and yet here it is. 

This is already a lovely car, but with a little bit of polish and a few hours of work it could sit happily alongside anything you care to mention, at any show on the calendar. These are rapidly becoming serious collector’s cars too, so it’s one of those purchases that please the head as much as the heart…

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 Ipswich.