One to Buy: 54,000 mile Le Mans Blue Metallic 2001 BMW E39 M5
Having relied upon various iterations of the company’s fabled straight six engine for previous M5s, BMW’s new E39-based Motorsport saloon incorporated an all-alloy five-litre V8 that developed a spectacular 394bhp at 6600rpm and 369lb-ft at 3800rpm.
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1998, the E39 M5 immediately assumed the title of world’s most accomplished super saloon. With its state-of-art power unit, Motorsport-tuned chassis, handsome styling and luxurious interior, the E39 M5 was a vastly superior proposition to anything Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Jaguar had to offer.
Unsurprisingly, buyers flocked to BMW showrooms and over 20,000 E39 M5s were built during a four-and-a-half-year production run between late 1998 and early 2003. Of these, 2595 were completed in right-hand drive and 9992 were dispatched to the North American market.
One of the most exceptional examples of a North American M5 is currently on the market with Road Scholars in Durham, North Carolina.
Dispatched from the factory in 2001, chassis ‘91780’ was configured in the desirable colour scheme of Le Mans Blue Metallic with BMW’s optional two-tone Sport interior in Black and Silverstone Nappa leather. As per all US-bound M5s, the normally optional electric sunroof and satellite navigation were automatically installed.
With original paint on all panels, it is clear that all five custodians of this superb M5 have cherished it. Today the car is showing a little over 54,000 miles and is offered fresh from a major Road Scholars service.
Reprinted below is Road Scholars’ description:
Chassis no.: WBSDE93482CF91780
Exterior color: Le Mans Blue Metallic
Interior color: Black/Silverstone
Odometer: 54,613
Price: POA
This 2001 BMW M5 has 54,613 miles and is finished in arguably the greatest color for the car – Le Mans Blue over black and Silverstone Nappa leather upholstery. After a long search for a Le Mans Blue Metallic E39 M5, this example was acquired from BMW specialist, Enthusiast Auto Group, in 2020 for one of our clients.
While at EAG, this M5 received a comprehensive $12,000 service and features a clean Carfax report that validates its consistent progression of mileage. Having five owners from new, this M5 features consistent paint readings and original paint on all panels. Its cosmetic condition is impressive and it’s evident that every one of its previous owners cared for it.
The interior of this M5 was ordered with a Sport interior, which fits the car with two-tone seats with “Ostrich” leather centers and aluminum trim throughout the cabin. On this car, a combination of black and “Silverstone” gray leather is fitted on the seats, and door cards.
Equipment includes 18″ Style 65 wheels, a sunroof, fog lights, xenon headlights, heated power-adjustable front seats, an M Audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and navigation.
Powering the E39 M5 is a DOHC 5-liter V8, known internally as the S62. It is fitted with double VANOS variable valve timing, eight individual throttle bodies, and “semi-dry-sump” oiling, increasing engine lubrication under hard cornering.
Rated from the factory at 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the S62 is an outstandingly flexible engine that will happily pull from 1,800 rpm in top gear or rev to 7,000 rpm. This engine is then backed up by a mandatory 6-speed manual gearbox built by Getrag that sends power back to a shortened 3.15 rear axle with a limited-slip differential.
“The E39 M5’s legend looms large in the automotive world, and it is hard to find an enthusiast who doesn’t love them. Although it may seem like there are a bunch of E39 M5s out there, in truth, less than 10,000 came to the United States over the 4 years of production, and that number shrinks dramatically when you factor in colors other than silver and cars without deep 6-figure mileage. If you have always wanted to experience the wonder that is an E39 M5, or if you bought one new and regret letting it go, this example will bring you right back to 2002 and the car that truly epitomized BMW’s slogan at the time,” “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” – Directly from the EAG website
This E39 M5 has been freshly serviced by Road Scholars and is now ready for its next caretaker.
