BMW M5 E39

The E39 is the BMW M5 generation our specification records cover for US model years 2000–2003. Across that run EPA certified 4 versions of it for sale in America, under one trim name. It was sold as a sedan.

Dimensions are the figures the panel above does not carry. The E39 measures 188.2 in · 4,780 mm long, sits on a wheelbase of 111.4 in · 2,830 mm and weighs 4,023 lb · 1,825 kg. Length and wheelbase come from Transport Canada, which measures every vehicle sold in North America; curb weight from the same source.

Set against the E34 that preceded it, the E39 is 2.4 inches longer at the shortest version and 220 lb · 100 kg heavier at the lightest. Both figures are taken from the lightest and shortest version we hold for each, so they compare like with like rather than setting a base car against a loaded one.

Every version we hold under this code is rear-wheel drive. That matters on the used market more than it looks: which axles are driven changes the weight, the service list and the price, and the badge does not always say which you are looking at.