Spotted: a 1999 BMW M5

The spotted specimen

In a parking garage in Amsterdam, we spotted this 1999 BMW M5, which has been in the Netherlands since 2016. Parking garage photos are not ideal, but we just had to show this spot. For yours truly, this is by far the favorite BMW. Then this one also comes in the most beautiful color and with the dark gray rims. Perfect spec! Yours truly grew up with Need for Speed: Road Challenge and usually chose this M5, of course always executed in this color.

So much for the personal note, because this is also one of the most appreciated BMW M5 generations in general. First, there was the atmospheric V8 with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. In addition, the car had a chassis that not only matched its sporty performance, but was also suitable for comfortable everyday mileage. In addition, on the one hand, it clearly distinguished itself from a “regular” 5 Series, while also maintaining a sufficiently understated and elegant design. Finally, it is also known to be relatively solid and reliable.

The BMW M5 E39

The E39 generation BMW M5 was introduced in 1998, some three years after the “regular” 5 Series. The M5 E39 brought with it a number of firsts. First, it was the first M5 not to have a six-in-line, but a 4.9-liter V8. Of course, with an output of 294 kW (400 hp), it was also the most powerful M5 to that time. That power, as mentioned, went to the rear wheels, via a six-speed manual transmission. After only 5.3 seconds, the car was on the 100 km/h mark, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Without that limiter, the top speed would be over 300 km/h.

Other firsts included the partially aluminum front suspension, the multilink rear suspension and the fact that it simply came off the same production line as the regular 5 Series models.

Facelift and follow-up for the BMW M5

In 2000, for model year 2001, the BMW M5 underwent a subtle facelift along with the regular 5 Series. In the case of the M5, the changes were purely cosmetic: the headlights received halogen “Angel Eyes” daytime running lights, and as one of the first cars, the BMW received LED taillights.

Production of the BMW M5 E39 ended along with the other 5 Series models in 2003. The new M5 entered the market in 2004 (2005 model year). It became legendary in its own way, if only because you don’t often encounter a 5.0-liter V10 in a “regular” production car.