One to Buy: 54,000 mile Le Mans Blue Metallic 2001 BMW E39 M5
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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.
