The Mighty M5

BMW E39 M5 | The coolest sedan of the '90.

The BMW E39 M5, produced between 1998 and 2003, is widely regarded as one of the finest sports sedans ever made. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.9-liter V8 (S62) producing 400 horsepower, it combines raw performance with timeless elegance. Mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox and featuring rear-wheel drive, the E39 M5 delivers a thrilling yet refined driving experience. With its aggressive M styling, exceptional build quality, and everyday usability, the E39 M5 remains a benchmark for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

What truly sets the E39 M5 apart isn't just its specs — though they're impressive — but the way everything comes together in such a balanced, cohesive package. This was BMW at the top of its game.

Perhaps its greatest achievement, though, is its duality. The E39 M5 could be your refined executive saloon during the week — and a snarling, V8-powered canyon carver on the weekend.

What sets it apart:

1. Engine - an epidome of performance

The heart of the E39 M5 is the legendary S62B50 engine — a masterpiece of BMW M engineering and the brand's first V8 built specifically for an M car.

Technically, the S62 is a 4.9-liter naturally aspirated V8, displacing exactly 4,941 cc. It's based on the M62 engine family but heavily reworked with M-specific components and technologies. Here are its standout features:

Aluminum block and heads, with Nikasil-coated cylinder walls for reduced friction and improved durability.
Double VANOS: BMW's variable valve timing system on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, improving torque delivery, throttle response, and efficiency throughout the rev range.
Individual throttle bodies: One per cylinder (8 total), controlled by a drive-by-wire electronic throttle system — a significant step forward in throttle precision and responsiveness.
High compression ratio of 11.0:1, contributing to its lively character and naturally aspirated punch.
Variable-length intake manifold (DISA) that adjusts intake runner length for optimized performance at different RPMs.
Redline at 7,000 rpm — quite high for a V8 of the time.
Output: 400 horsepower (294 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Paired to a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels — no automatic, no all-wheel drive, just a pure analog setup.

2. Exhaust System

It features a true dual exhaust layout from the headers all the way to the quad tips. Each bank of cylinders (four on each side of the V8) has its own dedicated path, ensuring optimal exhaust flow and minimal backpressure. This setup helps the engine breathe more freely at higher RPMs, enhancing responsiveness and power delivery.

The exhaust includes dual high-flow catalytic converters, followed by a centrally located resonator (or X-pipe) that balances the pulses from each bank to reduce drone and increase scavenging efficiency. From there, the system splits again into two mufflers, each ending in a pair of oval chrome tips—a signature look exclusive to the E39 M5.

The sound is deep, refined, and aggressive when pushed, yet subdued enough at low RPMs to maintain the car's executive sedan persona. No artificial enhancement—just the natural note of a well-tuned German V8.

For many enthusiasts, the E39 M5's exhaust is considered one of the best-sounding factory systems BMW ever produced.

3. Transmission - a buttery smooth 6-speed.

The BMW E39 M5 came exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission—a standout feature that set it apart from most high-performance sedans of its era, which increasingly leaned toward automatic gearboxes.

This gearbox is the Getrag Type D 420G, a robust and well-engineered unit capable of handling the 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque produced by the S62 V8. It delivers precise, mechanical shifts and plays a huge role in the car's engaging driving experience. We all know it wouldn't be the same with an automatic.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential with a locking factor of up to 25%, which aids traction and cornering stability, especially when driving the M5 more aggressively.

No automatic, no SMG—just a proper 6-speed manual, which has since become one of the defining and most celebrated traits of the E39 M5.

4. Interior

The most notable difference is the "M-specific" Nappa Heritage leather, which came standard and extended beyond the seats to cover the door panels, center console, and even the dashboard in certain configurations (especially with the full leather option). The upholstery was available in several exclusive shades, such as Carmine Red, Caramel, Imola Red, and Le Mans Blue, among others—paired with contrasting stitching and piping for a more dynamic look.

All M5s featured the "M" multifunction steering wheel, special M cluster gauges with a variable redline, titan shadow interior trim as standard (though Individual trims were also available), and bespoke seat designs with improved bolstering and optional lumbar support.

5. Gauge Cluster

The gauge cluster on the BMW E39 M5 was a subtle yet clear reminder that you were driving something special.

At first glance, it looks similar to the standard E39 cluster, but there are a few key differences that set it apart. Most notably, the M5 featured a variable redline tachometer—a feature borrowed from the M3 E46. Upon cold start, the redline begins at a lower RPM (around 4000–5000 rpm) and gradually increases as the engine warms up, reaching the full 7000 rpm redline once optimal operating temperature is achieved.

The instant consumption readout, found on all non-M5s, was now replaced by an oil temp readout - because this truly was about smiles per gallon.

6. Wheels - Style 65s

Style 65 (Double-Spoke, 18-inch) – Standard M5 E39 Wheels

Front Wheels (Part No. 36112228950):

Diameter: 18 inches
Width: 8 inches
Offset (ET): +20 mm

Rear Wheels (Part No. 36112228960)

Diameter: 18 inches
Width: 9.5 inches
Offset (ET): +22 mm

7. Mirrors

Side Mirrors

These round, sleek mirrors are exclusive to the M5 E39, making them an instantly recognizable feature of the model. The mirrors also offer auto-dimming and heated functionality for added convenience.

Also, for an added cool factor, they retract upwards:

Rearview mirror

The rearview mirror in the BMW M5 E39 is distinctively oval, setting it apart from the more conventional mirrors found in the regular 5 Series. The mirror is equipped with auto-dimming technology to reduce glare from headlights behind you, improving visibility and comfort during nighttime driving.

Additionally, the M5 E39's rearview mirror integrates a Homelink system for garage door openers, adding convenience and practicality.