The benchmark M5 — naturally-aspirated 4.9-litre V8, manual gearbox, and the high-water mark for the executive super-saloon.
Launched in 1998 and produced until 2003, the E39 M5 used a bespoke 4.9-litre naturally-aspirated S62 V8 producing 400 PS at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm, paired exclusively with a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual. The car was hand-finished at BMW Motorsport's Garching facility and produced in approximately 20,482 units worldwide between 1998 and 2003.
The E39 M5 is widely cited as the benchmark super-saloon and the high-water mark of the manual, naturally-aspirated M5 lineage.
Definitive M5 — manual, naturally-aspirated V8 super-saloon already firmly established as a modern classic.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M5 (E39) | 1998–2003 | 20,482 | Manual only; minor production-year revisions. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the BMW M5 (E39), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Original colour, low mileage, manual gearbox (only transmission factory-fitted), complete books / tools, BMW Classic certificate.
S62 V8 has well-documented service items: VANOS bolts, throttle actuators, rod-bearing service interval (advisory) and exhaust manifold studs. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Original paint, low-mileage cars in lead colours (Le Mans Blue, Imola Red, Silverstone Blue), and full BMW main-dealer / M-specialist history. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-17 | Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 | 2000 M5 (Lot 384) | — | $41,250 Sold |
| 2025-03-06 | Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions | 2003 M5 (Lot 173) | — | $134,400 Sold |
| 2023-10-22 | Artcurial Automobiles sur les Champs | 2000 M5 (Lot 38) | — | €57,216 Sold |
| 2023-05-20 | Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest | 2001 M5 (Lot 809) | — | £47,250 Sold |
| 2023-03-04 | Broad Arrow The Amelia Auction | 2001 M5 (Lot 200) | — | $117,600 Sold |
Manual, naturally-aspirated V8 super-saloon with a defined collector hierarchy by colour and originality. Best cars should remain firm; driver cars to track gradually.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
