The fastest saloon car on the planet. A clear and simple marketing strap line. BMW were rightly proud of their all new M5 back in 1998, which when launched simply set the world alight. Many M enthusiasts will agree that the third generation M5 has never been bettered; a fantastic V8 engine mated to one of the best handing chassis ever made, a light, airy and almost perfect cabin, easy and addictive driving manners and unbeatable on-road presence.
The E39 M5 featured many firsts for an M5; the first V8, the first to feature fly-by-wire throttle, the first to feature DSC, the first to feature BMWs VANOS variable valve timing system and a multitude of other electronic and mechanical developments. This really was the first in a whole new generation of BMW M cars. Remarkably for such an incredible car, only a relatively low number of right-hand drive M5s were produced – 2595 – of which even fewer were the all important facelift models released in model year 2001, featuring more changes than almost any ‘LCi’ upgrades before or since. Many of the earlier cars have since been converted by their owners, simply because it makes such a marked difference to the look of the car. Apart from the corona ring lights (known to most as angel eyes) and white-out indicators – which make all the difference – a raft of other cosmetic changes were made;
-Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper (previously in rear only)
-Thicker three-spoke M steering wheel identical to the one fitted to the E46 M3
-Grey instrument faces
-Revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor
-Rear head protection airbags added
-Available M Audio System with special tweeters, Kevlar/carbon coaxial speakers and two subwoofers behind the rear console
-Alcantara headliner included with Extended Leather interior (previously only included with Complete Leather)
No changes were made to the engine or drivetrain – with good reason.
So good was the V8 M5, so useable and so versatile, that most examples racked up monster mileage. The combination of subtle looks, spacious accommodation and comfort, made for a car that had huge appeal to executives and drivers who needed to travel long distances, fast, and with the minimum of stress. Finding a good V8 M5 with low mileage and at sensible money is becoming harder and harder. However, don’t panic – we’ve found one for you.
Dressed in impeccable Avus blue paintwork and with single tone black leather, the interior is mercifully short of wood – the popular brushed aluminium trim having been selected – giving this gorgeous car the perfect up to date look. Cosmetically, mechanically, physically and history wise, this M5 wants for nothing. Our technical team have carried out a rigorous inspection of the car and can confirm what the sales team felt at first glance – this is one excellent E39 M5.
We can’t sign of any description without mentioning BMW’s brilliant advertising campaign for the V8 M5 (and others), which featured another first – a viral internet marketing strategy. Fed up with recent regulations preventing manufacturers from showing people enjoying their cars at speed in adverts, BMW decided to subvert the system by commissioning their own set of short films for publication online. These featured among others James Brown, Clive Owen, Gary Oldman, Marylin Manson and Madonna, and are a lovely piece of period reference. Here are two of our favourites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFIbuFUqJM0 (Rocket Ship)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrLYQnjzH7w (Star)
For more information about this beautiful V8 M5 or to book a viewing (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or email us on sales@munichlegends.com
