• Exceptionally maintained 2000 E39 M5 presented in Silverstone Metallic with contrasting black/Silverstone grey ‘embossed leather’ interior and high factory specification

• Complete history file from pre-production, including detailed fuel and expenditure spreadsheet, original spares, invoices, MOT certificates, and rare German BMW factory production instruction sheet

• Offered with a usable 120,724 miles on the odometer and an MOT valid until 10 June 2026 with no advisories

The M5 story began in 1985 with the E28, a hand-built supersaloon that combined understated executive styling with the straight-six from BMW’s M1. It established the formula that would define every generation that followed: discreet looks, genuine motorsport engineering, and performance far beyond expectations. The subsequent E34 refined that approach with more power, greater sophistication, and wider appeal, cementing the M5’s reputation as the benchmark fast saloon of its era.

The E39 M5 took that legacy a significant step further. Introduced in 1998, it replaced the straight-six with BMW M’s 4.9-litre S62 V8, producing 400bhp and paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. The S62, a heavily reworked evolution of the 4.4-litre V8 from the 540i, features individual throttle bodies, double VANOS variable valve timing, a semi-dry sump with scavenging pumps, and aluminium block and heads — all controlled by a high-performance Siemens ECU. These enhancements deliver exceptional throttle response and performance, allowing the car to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and 0-100 mph just over six seconds later.

Its hydraulic steering, balanced chassis, and limited-slip differential give the E39 M5 remarkable poise and feedback, while its refinement and long-distance comfort make it as usable as any contemporary 5 Series. For many, it represents the perfect convergence of analogue engagement and modern capability, remaining one of the most accomplished and desirable performance saloons BMW has ever produced.

Manufactured on 11 May 2000 and first registered in Inverness on 9 June, this particular E39 M5 is presented in the striking Silverstone Metallic with a contrasting black and Silverstone grey ‘embossed leather’ interior. It left the factory with a high specification including sports seats, leather M-Sport steering wheel, smoker package, rear park distance control, 6-disc CD multi-changer, and automatic climate control front and rear.

The car has a consistent history of maintenance throughout the history file, with regular servicing and works meticulously documented. Notable items include a replacement clutch and full exhaust system in 2011, as well as the VANOS unit in 2010. In previous ownership, it was carefully maintained using the correct Castrol EDGE Supercar 10W60 oil, benefitting from replacement Bilstein rear shock absorbers in January 2022 and rear wishbones in 2020.

Acquired by the current keeper in May 2022 at 115,949 miles, the car has been cherished during its current three-and-a-half-year ownership, with a host of works undertaken to make it as close to perfect as possible. The upgraded OEM-look XTRON5 stereo was properly secured using bespoke billet aluminium mounts sourced from Germany, and the on-board computer was correctly wired into the glove box to restore the standard clock, date, and trip functions. A replacement LCD module from the Czech Republic resolved the common E39 pixel dropout issue — a job not for the faint-hearted — and now reads cleanly.

The air-conditioning system was fully refreshed with a new condenser, drier, pipework and ancillaries, along with a Mahle OAM fan unit. The non-functional air vents were rectified with a replacement servo motor. Typical E39 quirks were also addressed: the external ambient temperature sensor, both coolant temperature sensors, fuel-filler solenoid, and steering-wheel clock-spring were all replaced with new or new-old-stock parts. Even the small sliding cover on the coin storage area was upgraded with a new-old-stock unit. The wheels were also refinished in fresh powdercoat and fitted with new centre caps.

Following these works, the car has been used sparingly but enjoyed thoughtfully. The owner has created a comprehensive spreadsheet documenting fuel usage in incredible detail — including when fuel was purchased, where it was purchased from, at what mileage, how many litres were used, and at what cost. The spreadsheet also records the price per litre, the miles covered between fill-ups, and a breakdown of MPG between each refuelling. In addition, it includes a detailed record of expenditure on the vehicle, documenting which works were undertaken, the cost of each, and total expenditure over time. The oil was last replaced in March 2025 with the correct Castrol EDGE Supercar 10W60.

Now showing a usable 120,724 miles at the time of photography, with an MOT valid until 10 June 2026 and no advisories, this meticulously maintained E39 M5 rides on four matching Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and is ready to be enjoyed.

The car comes with an extensive and beautifully organised history file, dating back to pre-production. A lever-arch file contains a printed ‘brief history of ownership,’ detailing all works undertaken, alongside the aforementioned spreadsheet, a wealth of invoices for works, parts, and servicing — nearly all organised and dating back as far as 2004 — previous MOT certificates dating back to 2003, and a rare original German BMW factory production instruction sheet.

The BMW leather backpack includes the BMW Owner’s handbook, radio handbook, Europa service warranty and dealer warranty booklets, ‘Master Your Car’ leaflet, accident management leaflet, and the all-important service booklet containing 10 stamps — the most recent in September 2022 at 116,553 miles. The V5C shows eight former keepers, with a spare set of keys for good measure.

A small collection of original spares accompanies the car, including the original steering wheel, the original stereo system, many of the original parts removed and replaced, and more.

Overall, this E39 M5 represents an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a fastidiously maintained and highly specified example with an exceptionally complete history file. Every detail has been carefully considered, reflecting the love and attention it has received throughout its life. With usable mileage and thoughtfully completed works, it is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next custodian.