To this point, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen the E39 M5 referred to as the “first of the robot-builts”. Sound ridiculous? So does dismissing a car because it was produced in mass quantities. While the original run of 4- and 6-cylinder M-cars got the trend rolling, there are quite a few who’d argue that the recipe of the super-saloon was better achieved in the third generation M5 rather than the first two. It was still very understated, yet with 400 horsepower and instant torque it was quite a bit faster than the prior generations had been. It retained the ability to demolish back roads, keep up with super cars, and bath its occupants in luxury. Despite not being assembled ‘by hand’, it was also the last of the “analogue” M5s, with limited computer intervention and interface. And, they only came as manuals. This certainly sounds like a recipe for success.
It was. BMW sold nearly 10,000 E39 M5s in North America – triple the combined total of the E28 and E34 models. So there should be a lot of really great examples out there to consider. Yet many are starting to come to market with upwards of 150,000 miles a a laundry list of maintenance to catch up on. Where does a low-mileage example fall these days? This beautiful Royal Red one in California gives us a clue:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 BMW M5 on eBay
Year: 2000
Model: M5
Engine: 4.9 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 38,800 mi
Price: $37,000 Buy It Now
This is an incredible appreciating classic, the legendary E39 BMW M5 in a stunning burgundy that BMW calls “Royal Red”. Very low mileage (less than 39,000 miles) and professionally maintained, no known faults. The original but dated BMW entertainment system has been replaced with the Dynavin N6 unit including a back-up camera, navigation, and phone integration including an iPod connection and iPhone charger cable. Otherwise, the car is stock, and it drives beautifully. I am the second owner from looking at its history, and I’ve enjoyed the car immensely. Reason for selling: I’m getting a new sports car to replace this outstanding vehicle, and I’ll be sad to see it go.
Produced in October 1999, this is a very early example of the E39. Royal Red Metallic (390) over Caramel Nappa leather (M1CR) is a fantastic combination. It was also well optioned with stability control (210), servotronic (216), rear side airbags (261), tire pressure monitoring (265), alarm (302), green-banded windshield (354), glass sunroof (403), auto-dim mirrors (430), smoker package (441), electric seats with armrest, lumbar support and heating (459, 473, 488, 494), headlight washers (500), fog lights (520), rain sensing wipers (521), Xenon lights (522), automatic air conditioning (534), obc with screen and navigation (555, 602, 609), telephone prep (640), 6-disk CD/ HiFi (672, 677, 694), M-steering wheel (710), wood trim (774), alcantara headliner (776), and a few other internal options. Condition is outstanding and the car has been upgraded with a later navigation system and backup camera.
For $37,000, you can get just about any other E39 that you want, including later examples with the upgrades post mid-’00. But, they won’t be in the condition or with the mileage of this example. If you want to play in this arena, similar examples such as this 2001 Le Mans Blue M5 are priced closer to $45,000. Head to Enthusiast Auto and you’ll be paying $50,000 or more. While initially it seems steep, for what this car is – and, likely where the market is heading – I don’t think it’s outrageously priced, though it will take just the right buyer.
-Carter
Nice car, but I don’t see the value at this price. It’s got so few miles you can’t really drive it without affecting its value, but not few enough to be a collectors item either.
With 37k miles its a driver. It’s effectively a new example of an 18 year old car, that has no modern equivalent, is phenomenal to drive and will hold it value even with higher mileage. Probably the best buy on a mint modern classic you can make right now. my 2c.