E39 BMW M5 2000–2003 E39

Overview

Engines

4.9L V8

Came as

• Sedan

On record

6 warnings, 5 recalls

The story

Shown at Geneva in 1998, the E39 was the first M5 with a V8 and, unlike the earlier ones, was built on the same line as the 5 Series at Dingolfing. Edmunds calls it all-new for 2000. Edmunds, a published reference

It came with a six-speed manual only, and CarGurus calls it analog and largely free of modern technology, "peak BMW" to its fans. A facelift for 2001 brought ring-shaped headlight lamps and LED taillights. CarGurus, a published reference

Colors

• Titanium Silver2001
• Carbon Black2001
• Jet Black2001
• Le Mans Blue2001
• Oxford Green2001

Interiors

• Imola Red2001
• Le Mans Blue2001
• Silverstone2001
• Black2001

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Engines

• 4.9L V8 S62 Edmunds, CarGurus

  394 hp and 369 lb-ft

Transmissions

• Six-speed manual Edmunds, CarGurus

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive Edmunds

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds

Figures

• Production: 20,482 from 1999 to 2003, with nearly 10,000 sold in the US CarGurus, a published reference
• Engine: Aluminium block and heads, eight individual throttle bodies, double VANOS and a semi-dry sump A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
• Differential: Limited-slip, with up to 25 percent locking A published reference
• Steering: Recirculating ball, with a quicker ratio than other V8 5 Series cars A published reference

Years and what changed

1. 2000

   The new M5 arrives, based on the 540i, with a V8 of nearly 400 hp. Edmunds

2. 2001
   Refresh

   A facelift brings new headlights, LED taillights, front parking sensors, gray gauge faces, a bigger screen and more airbags. CarGurus, a published reference

3. 2002

   New exterior colors, and the rear side airbags become a no-cost option. Edmunds, a published reference

4. 2003

   DVD-based navigation, and rear head airbags become standard. Edmunds, a published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Cracked rear subframe mounts All years

  One source so far

  Check: Have the rear subframe mounting points inspected for cracks, rust or bending, and listen for creaks from the rear.

  Euro Premium Parts says the mounts can crack under the engine's torque, mostly on high-mileage or hard-driven cars, and that reinforcement kits exist. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn VANOS seals and solenoids All years

  Check: Listen for a rough idle and feel for lost low-end pull, and ask for records of VANOS work.

  Euro Premium Parts calls it the most discussed concern on the S62, usually between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. CarGurus also names the VANOS seals and plastic timing chain guides. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Rod bearing wear All years

  One source so far

  Check: Listen for knocking under load, and ask whether the rod bearings have been replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says the bearings can wear early on engines run on old oil, as soon as 80,000 miles on neglected cars. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Plastic cooling parts All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look for coolant leaks at the expansion tank, hoses and thermostat housing.

  Euro Premium Parts says the plastic and rubber parts crack with age, and that renewing them around 80,000 to 100,000 miles is standard practice. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil leaks All years

  Check: Look for oil at the valve cover gaskets and between the cylinder banks.

  Euro Premium Parts names the valley pan gasket under the intake, a labor-heavy repair, and CarGurus the valve cover gaskets. CarGurus also warns of corrosion on cars from salted roads. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Driver's airbag recalls All years

  Check: Make sure the driver's airbag recalls were done.

  CarGurus says the Takata airbag recall applies to this M5. NHTSA lists recalls for driver's airbag inflators that can rupture on 2001 to 2003 cars. NHTSA, CarGurus

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2001–2002 Recall 17V047000

  A replacement driver's airbag inflator can rupture as its propellant degrades. Owners are told not to drive until dealers inspect and replace it. NHTSA

• 2002–2003 Recall 15V318000

  Moisture can get into the driver's dual-stage airbag, whose inflator can then rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag. NHTSA

• 2001 Recall 03V421000

  A microprocessor in the airbag control module can fail and fire the airbags, seat belt pretensioners or battery safety terminal unintentionally. Dealers replace the module. NHTSA

• 2000–2001 Recall 01V001000

  The machine that fitted and inflated the 18-inch tires at the factory may have damaged a sidewall, which could weaken and lose air suddenly. Dealers inspect the tires and replace any that are damaged. NHTSA

• 2000 Recall 00V048000

  The brake lamp switch can fail with the brake lamps stuck on or off. Dealers inspect it and fit an improved switch if needed. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  The E39 itself All years

  One source so far

  CarGurus says experts call it the best M5 to buy, for its V8, its exhaust note and the lack of the technology that came later. CarGurus

• Watch for

  A car with cracks at the rear subframe mounts All years

  Less sought after One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts calls cracking where the rear subframe mounts to the body the most serious structural concern on the E39 M5, and says to inspect it thoroughly before buying. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 miles at most, with 10W-60 synthetic A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• VANOS seals All years

  Service at 80,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says at or before 80,000 miles if it has not been done A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Rear subframe mounting points All years

  Inspect every 1 year, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Coolant All years

  Replace every 45,000 miles or 3 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 1 year, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new