BMW M5 generations · 2000–2003
BMW E39 M5: years, specs and history (2000–2003)
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The BMW E39 M5 is the third-generation M5 and the first with a V8, a sedan sold in the US for model years 2000–2003. Its S62 V8, shared with the Z8, is rated 394 hp and 368 lb-ft in US form, with a 6-speed manual only and a limited-slip differential. BMW claimed 0–60 mph in 4.8 s, and building it alongside regular 5 Series cars let BMW produce more than 20,000.
BMW E39 M5 at a glance
| Chassis code | E39 |
|---|---|
| US model years | 2000–2003 |
| Body styles | Sedan |
| Engine code | S62 |
| Engine | 4.9L V8 |
| Power | 394 hp |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | RWD |
BMW E39 M5 history
The E39 was the first V8 M5, using the S62 engine shared with the Z8 and rated 394 hp in US form. It came only as a sedan with a 6-speed manual and a limited-slip differential.
It was built alongside regular 5 Series cars at Dingolfing, which let BMW produce more than 20,000. US production began in September 1999, and BMW NA included a Performance Center driving day with each new car. BMW NA’s history cites a $69,700 list price at launch; by 2003 BMW quoted $71,095 including destination.[1],[2]
Body styles and chassis codes
E39
4-door sedan (2000–2003)
Sedan only, with a 6-speed manual.
BMW E39 M5 specs by variant
US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW E39 M5 variant we could source.[1],[2]
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5BMW NA history cites a $69,700 list price at launch; BMW quoted $71,095 including destination in 2003. Base MSRP left null because the launch figure's destination treatment is not stated. | 2000–2003 | Sedan | S62 | 4.9L V8 | 394 | 368 | RWD | 6-speed manual | 4.8 manual | — | — | — |
0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.
Compare every generation side by side on our BMW M5 specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.
What set the E39 M5 apart
- EngineThe first M5 with a V8 — the S62, shared with the Z8.
- ProductionBuilt on the regular 5 Series line at Dingolfing, which allowed more than 20,000 to be made.
- Gearbox6-speed manual only, with a limited-slip differential.
Sources:[1]
BMW E39 M5 known issues and recalls
Takata driver airbag inflator (sport steering wheel)
NHTSA recall 15V-318 · 2002–2003
2002–2003 M5s are included in a Takata driver-airbag campaign that also covered E46 3 Series cars. The inflator can rupture during deployment. A 2017 campaign (17V-047) covered additional 2001–2002 5 Series including the M5. Replacement is free.[3],[4]
NHTSA recall check by model year: 2000 · 2001 · 2002 · 2003. Recalls apply by VIN, so confirm completed work for the specific car.
Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW M5 known issues page.
What to check before you buy a BMW E39 M5
- Confirm the Takata driver airbag recall for the sport steering wheel (15V-318) was completed by VIN.
- Ask for service records; on a car of this age, maintenance history tells you more than mileage.
- Detailed build data is thinner for older cars, so use the free availability check before paying for a build sheet.
See how a specific BMW E39 M5 was built
The CarWhere build sheet lists the factory trim, colors and installed options and packages recorded for a BMW VIN when the build data includes them — the way to confirm a Competition Package, gearbox or option list before you pay for it. Free availability check first; $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists. Not an official BMW document.
Frequently asked questions
What years is the E39 M5?
US model years 2000 through 2003; US production began in September 1999. The E60 M5 followed for 2006.
How much horsepower does the E39 M5 have?
394 hp and 368 lb-ft in US form, from the S62 V8 it shares with the BMW Z8.
How many E39 M5s were made?
More than 20,000, according to BMW NA, because it was built on the regular 5 Series line at Dingolfing.
Is the E39 M5 reliable?
CarWhere does not publish a reliability score for it. Our known-issues data lists the Takata driver airbag recall for the sport steering wheel (15V-318); confirm it by VIN.
E39 M5 vs. E60 M5: what is the difference?
The E60 (2006–2010) replaced the 394-hp V8 and 6-speed manual with a 500-hp V10 and a 7-speed SMG, with a manual returning as a US option from 2007.
Related BMW generations
Sources
Narrative facts come from BMW Group Newsroom USA press material wherever available. The spec table carries the per-trim sources from the CarWhere BMW spec dataset; known issues and recalls come from the CarWhere BMW known-issues dataset, which cites NHTSA recall records. Used prices are CarWhere's own analysis of dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- BMW NA 50 Stories, Chapter 29: The third-generation BMW M5 (E39) — BMW Group Newsroom USA · checked 2026-11-03
- Production of Z8 and M5 soon to be discontinued (2003) — BMW Group Newsroom USA · checked 2026-11-03
- NHTSA Recall 15V-318: Takata driver frontal air bag inflator may rupture — NHTSA
- NHTSA Recall 17V-047: Takata driver frontal air bag inflator (2000–2002 models) — NHTSA
- Check for recalls by VIN — NHTSA · checked 2026-11-09
More BMW tools
- BMW tools & data hub
- BMW specs by chassis code
- Compare two BMW trims
- BMW chassis codes explained
- BMW engine codes
- BMW known issues by chassis
- BMW car show window card
- Free BMW VIN decoder
- BMW option codes
- BMW paint codes
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America. BMW, M and the model names are trademarks of their owner.