BMW M5 (E39) 1998-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

Introduced at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, the E39 M5 was the fastest sedan in the world at that time, and it stunned its audience since it dropped the inline-six powerplant.

It was the third generation of the M-badged moniker of the 5 Series, and it had to come with something exciting. Its predecessor, the E34 M5, was already praised for its qualities. But for the E39 version, everything had to be upgraded. And it was.

The car's exterior was very little changed compared with the non-M version. At the front, the bumper was different and featured a lower apron with a broad grille flanked by the foglights fitted as standard. Starting with the 2001 model year, BMW introduced the so-called "corona-lights" for DRL, encircling the headlamps with an illuminated ring. Apart from the front spoiler, the M5 featured a lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Last but not least, a quad exhaust adorned the redesigned rear bumper.

Inside, BMW installed a pair of high-bolstered bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear. The leather-wrapped interior was fitted as standard, with an option for Alcantara. On the center stack, the carmaker offered a premium sound system and, as an option, navigation. However, starting with 2001, that was changed to a DVD-based Navi system.

Under the hood, BMW installed a 4.9 V8 powerplant. It provided a healthy dose of adrenaline due to its 400 PS (394 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). The only available transmission was a six-speed manual which sent the oomph to the rear via a limited-slip differential. For the U.S. market, the carmaker installed simple vented discs. At the same time, the Europeans got floating ventilated discs, which reduced the unsprung masses.