BMW E39 M5 Car and Driver Experience: Power, Precision, and Performance

The BMW E39 M5 stands as a benchmark in automotive excellence—a masterful blend of raw power, precision handling, and driver-centric design that defined performance sedans in the 1990s and remains revered today.

Born from a lineage of motorsport-inspired engineering, the E39 M5 revolutionized the performance sedan category with its inline-six engines, rear-wheel drive, and track-ready dynamics. Its 3.5-liter S54 inline-six delivered 286 horsepower in base form, setting a new standard for driver-focused M models while maintaining daily usability.

Behind the wheel of the E39 M5 is an immersive experience—precise steering, balanced chassis, and a responsive engine that rewards driver input. With a natural suspension setup and minimal electronic intervention, the M5 invites engagement, transforming every drive into a dynamic conversation between man and machine.

The E39’s sculpted lines, signature kidney grilles, and low-slung stance exude classic BMW elegance. Combined with optional track packages and lightweight construction, the M5 delivers a rare fusion of daily comfort and exhilarating performance—making it a collector’s dream and a driver’s delight.

The BMW E39 M5 isn’t just a car; it’s a performance philosophy. For enthusiasts craving authentic M driving dynamics wrapped in a refined package, this E39 M5 car and driver experience remains unmatched. Whether on the highway or winding through twisty roads, it embodies the spirit of the M legacy—uncompromising, unforgettable, and unforgettably powerful.

From the July 2013 issue of Car and Driver. When it was unleashed upon the world, the $73,874 V. Looking to buy a BMW E39 5 Series in 2025? We break down its pros, cons, reliability, and pricing.

BMW's iconic E39 M5 redefined the M brand, pairing a V8 with a manual gearbox to win over American buyers and cement its super. We take a closer look at the BMW E39 M5 to see how it performs as a family daily driver in today's world. From child seat fitment and rear-seat comfort to reliability, running costs, and.

The E39 M5 wasn't built for America-but it may as well have been. It was the perfect storm of performance, polish, and practicality wrapped in a body that aged like fine wine. It gave BMW the confidence to take bigger risks with the M brand.

It proved that a proper M car didn't have to shout to be dominant. Discover why the BMW E39 M5 is a timeless sports sedan, combining V8 performance, reliability, Dinan upgrades and rising market value. The BMW E39 M5 stands as the definitive expression of the high-performance sedan, combining supercar power with family practicality in a package that many consider BMW's finest achievement.

The BMW E39 M5 is a high-water mark for analog super sedans, representing a unique point in automotive history. You can feel a certain heft in the door handle of a proper saloon car from the late 90s, a solid, mechanical thunk that soft-close motors just can't copy. The M5 E39 was powered by a 400-horsepower, atmospheric V-twin, eight-cylinder S62B50 unit with a displacement of 4.9 liters and an aluminum cylinder block.

A dual-system air intake increased the power of the BMW M5 E39 motor. The throttle response was electronic and the unit itself was digitally controlled by Simmens' MSS 52 Matronic. The BMW E39 M5 was BMW's third swing at the luxurious, yet undoubtedly powerful and purposeful M5 sedan.

It was designed to continue the M5's reputation as a thoroughbred performance sedan that.