BMW M5 III (E39) photos

1998 — 2003 · sedan

34

photos

1

specifications

394

hp

5.3 s

best 0–100

Photos

34

BMW M5 III (E39), sedan, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 39948

109

M5 E39 A silver sports sedan is driving on a country road against a backdrop of autumn trees. The car is captured from a front three-quarter angle, with the driver in glasses visible through the windshield.

BMW M5 III (E39), sedan, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 39947

104

M5 E39 A silver sports sedan parked at a front three-quarter angle on a path covered with autumn leaves in a forest setting, with glowing halo daytime running lights and illuminated fog lamps.

BMW M5 III (E39), sedan, silver, rear three-quarter view — photo 39946

94

M5 E39 A silver sports four-door sedan viewed from the rear three-quarter angle against a backdrop of autumn trees. Features include rear lights, quad exhaust tips, alloy wheels, and a US license plate.

88

M5 E39

95

M5 E39

106

M5 E39

89

M5 E39

94

M5 E39

121

M5 E39

62

M5 E39

69

M5 E39

72

M5 E39

74

M5 E39

62

M5 E39

75

M5 E39

« Previous
Next »

1
2
3
›

About this generation

Often hailed as the definitive sports sedan, driven by a 400-hp naturally aspirated V8 and exclusive 6-speed manual.

Debuting in 1998, the E39 M5 swapped the traditional inline-six for a roaring 4.9-liter naturally aspirated S62 V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. Offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, it offered driver engagement of the highest order.

Its subtle quad exhausts, enlarged front air intake, and wide stance complemented a luxurious leather-bound cabin. The E39 M5 achieved a world-class synthesis of long-distance luxury cruising and thrilling backroad athleticism that set an enduring global benchmark.

Specifications

1

4784 mm188.3 in

Length

1801 mm70.9 in

Width

1432 mm56.4 in

Height

2830 mm111.4 in

Wheelbase

460 l16.2 cu ft

Trunk

120 mm4.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

4.9

394hp(294 kW)

4.9 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.3 s

Torque: 500 Nm (369 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 4941 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: S62B50
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1795 kg (3957 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 13.9 l/100 km (17 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂: 336 g/km (NEDC)

Tap a card to see all specs

News

BMW news

All BMW news

BMW Celebrates One Million M Cars and Teases Electric M3

BMW M reached a milestone of one million vehicles produced, marked by an M3 in Fire Orange III leaving the Munich plant. Alongside the achievement, the brand previewed the upcoming all-electric M3 based on Neue Klasse architecture.

03.Oct.2026

2027 BMW 3 Series gasoline and electric versions will share a unified design

BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk confirmed that the 2027 BMW 3 Series and all-electric i3 will share virtually identical styling. The German automaker is abandoning eccentric EV design cues to ease mainstream customer adoption and maintain a unified portfolio across powertrains.

01.Oct.2026

BMW Confirms Plan For Flagship SUV Positioned Above X7

BMW plans to trim low-margin global offerings, including the 2 Series Active Tourer, while adding an even larger flagship Sports Activity Vehicle positioned above the X7 specifically for US buyers.

01.Oct.2026

2027 BMW 3 Series G50 debuts with Neue Klasse tech and a 437-hp M350 xDrive

BMW has revealed the eighth-generation G50 3 Series sedan, adapting the Neue Klasse interior and front fascia design from the electric i3. The gasoline lineup includes the 255-hp turbo-four 330 and the range-topping M350 xDrive with a 437-hp mild-hybrid inline-six.

30.Sep.2026

Photo forum