The BMW E39 is chock full of firsts. Headlining its launch at the 1998 Geneva Motorshow was its V8 powerplant, a first for a BMW M model
Another first was where it was built. Until now all M cars were assembled at the company’s motorsport facility but the E39 M5 was the first to roll down BMW’s Dingolfing manufacturing plant in Munich.
Available as a four-door sedan, although a prototype wagon was built, but canned, the E39 M5 is powered by an S62 4.9-litre normally aspirated V8 with aluminium block and heads, putting out a hefty 297kW/500Nm. The engine has electronically actuated individual throttle bodies, variable valve timing (VANOS) and a semi dry sump oil system.
Bolted to it is a Getrag 420G six-speed manual gearbox, the same available in the 540i but with a heavy duty clutch and drive is to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential.
Zero to 100km/h was 4.8 seconds and its top speed of 250km/h electronically limited. Legend has it during testing an unbridled M5 topped 300km/h in a gallop around the Nürburgring. A production M5 lapped the German circuit in 8min 20sec.
Yet another M5 first was the use of aluminium front suspension components and a multi-link rear suspension. Although the M5 shares the same layout as other E39 5 series variants the differences are substantial.
M badges plastered throughout
The M5 sits 23mm lower than standard models and has thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, and uniquely valved shock absorbers.
Replacing the standard bushes are heavy duty un
its and the M5 has front wheel bearings and strengthened steering links unique to the model. Additional undercarriage work included beefier lower rear control arms, polyurethane auxiliary springs and rear steel ball joints instead rubber bushes.
The first M car V8, mate
While the six-cylinder 5 series variants have rack and pinion steering, for reasons of under bonnet space, or lack of it, the V8s have recirculating ball steering carried over from the previous model, but with a faster ratio of 14.7:1 compared to 17.9:1 in the other V8 models.
Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering with two modes is a driver controlled aid through the ‘Sport’ button. Engaging this also gave the throttle greater response.
Stopping this four-door family flyer are floating two-piece disc rotors that are 345mm up front and 328mm at the back.
High class interior a nice place to be
The M5 transformation is completed with 18-inch alloy wheels.
In many ways the E39 is a sleeper thanks to its understated looks and the only giveaways it isn’t the bog standard one, aside from the badges and alloys, are the four exhausts, enlarged grille with chrome garnish, a front spoiler and different exterior mirrors.
Luxury and safety took a step up in the M5 with nappa leather power adjustable pews, bespoke steering wheel, sat nav screen, a full spread of airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls.
A midlife facelift included new headlights, LED taillights and interior enhancements. Mechanically it remained the same.
In all 20,482, E39 M5s were built between 1999 and 2003.
50 Years of BMW M cars:
Part one – BMW M1
Part two – BMW E30 M3
Part three – BMW E24 635 CSI M6
Part five – BMW 1M
Part six – Z3 M coupe
From Unique Cars #462, March 2022
Photography: Unique Cars Archives, BMW