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DE91: European-spec (LHD), 10/1998 through 06/2003
DE92: European-spec (RHD), 10/1998 through 06/2003
DE93: North American-spec (LHD), 09/1999 through 06/2003
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| History |
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What makes the E39 M5 unique?
The E39 M5 is the BMW M-developed version of the E39 5 Series sedan. It is powered by the S62 V8 engine, a high-performance development of the standard production M62 unit. It also features an M-tuned chassis as well as M-designed interior and exterior cosmetic items. |
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When was the E39 M5 first introduced?
The E39 M5 was first introduced at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show though production did not begin until October of that year. |
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Where was the E39 M5 produced?
Unlike both previous iterations of the M5 (which were hand-assembled at BMW M GmbH in Garching), the E39 M5 was produced on the normal E39 5 Series assembly line at the Dingolfing factory, outside of Munich. |
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Was a Touring (station wagon) version of the E39 M5 ever produced?
Although an E39 M5 Touring was considered and at least one prototype was constructed (in Titanium Silver with a Black Exclusive leather interior), BMW M decided not to produce an E39 M5 Touring due to financial considerations. |
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| Production Data |
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How many versions of the E39 M5 were produced?
BMW M produced three versions of the E39 M5: Two European-specification models (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) and one North American-specification version. |
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How many of each version of the E39 M5 were produced?
DE91 (ECE-spec, LHD): 7,895 examples produced from 10/1998 through 06/2003
DE92 (ECE-spec, RHD): 2,595 examples produced from 10/1998 through 06/2003
DE93 (NA-spec, LHD): 9,992 examples produced from 09/1999 through 06/2003 |
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What changes were made to the E39 M5 during the time that it was produced?
Though there were no major mechanical alterations to the E39 M5 during its entire production run, there were a number of equipment alterations that appeared with the 2001 model-year M5 (from 9/00 production). These include:
-Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Corona" rings
-Revised tallight design
-Park Distance Control sensors in the front bumper (previously in rear only)
-Thicker three-spoke M steering wheel identical to the one fitted to the E46 M3
-Grey instrument faces
-Solar sensor for standard automatic climate control
-Revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor
-Rear head protection airbags added
-Second-generation M Mobility tire repair system in place of earlier version
-Available M Audio System with special tweeters, Kevlar/carbon coaxial speakers and two subwoofers behind the rear console
-Alcantara headliner included with Extended Leather interior (previously only included with Complete Leather)
For the subsequent two model years, changes were limited to the addition of new exterior colors (from 9/01 production) and the upgrade to a DVD-based navigation system (from 9/02 production). |
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| Drivetrain |
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What makes the S62 enigne unique?
Though based on the same basic architecture as the regular aluminum-block 4.4-liter M62 powerplant fitted to the E39 540i, the S62 V8 engine has been extensively modified by BMW M in the following areas:
-Increased bore to 94mm (from 92mm) and increased stroke to 89mm (from 82.7mm) for a total displacement of 4,941cc (up from 4,398cc).
-Increased compression to 11.0:1 (from 10.0:1)
-Individual electronically-controlled throttle bodies for each cylinder with M Driving Dynamics two-stage control (via the "Sport" button)
-Double VANOS continuously-variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust strokes
-Siemens MSS 52 Motronic digital engine control system
-Three-layer steel head gaskets
-Dual air induction system
-Modified cylinder heads
-Hollow camshafts
-High-capacity water pump
-Duplex chain drive for the intake cams
-Oil-cooled pistons unique to each cylinder bank
-G-force-sensitive lubrication system with two scavenging pumps, one for each cylinder bank
-Coolant to oil heat exchanger for engine cooling
-Free-flow exhaust with dual catalytic converters and four exhaust tips
The S62 engine produces 400 hp (DIN) or 394 hp (SAE) at 6,600 rpm and 369 lb/ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. It is easily identified by its large central cam cover that carries the "M" logo and is further inscribed with "BMW M Power" against an artificial carbon fiber background. |
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What kind of gearbox does the E39 M5 have?
All E39 M5s are equipped with a Getrag Type D six-speed manual gerabox with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6). Though this same gearbox (and ratios) was also offered in the E39 540i, the E39 M5 drivetrain has three unique components: The clutch is reinfoced to cope with the added torque of the S62 powerplant and the rear differential utilizes a shorter 3.15:1 ratio and features a limited slip device (25 percent maximum locking). |
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Is the E39 M5 equipped with electronic stability control?
Yes, the E39 M5 was the first M Series automobile to feature BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which incorporates the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control system but can also apply braking force to any wheel in order to help correct for understeer or oversteer. The system can be de-activated via a console-mounted button. |
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How do the European-specification and North American-specification E39 M5s differ mechanically?
Aside from minor mechanical differences required to meet specific safety and emission regulatons in each market (such as positioning the exhaust catalysts closer to the engine on North American-spec models), E39 M5 is essentially the same worldwide. One notable excpetion is the exclusion of the European-spec M5's two-piece front brake rotors on the North American model. |
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| Chassis |
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How is the E39 M5's suspension different from that of a regular 5 Series?
The suspension of the E39 M5 shares its basic aluminum-intensive MacPherson strut/multi-link design with that of the V8-powered E39 5 Series models but incorporates several specific changes from BMW M:
-Reinforced steering gear, body mounts and thrust bushings
-Unique front wheel bearings
-Lower rear control arms from E39 Touring
-Rear integral link from E38 750iL
-Polyurethane auxiliary springs in place of rubber units
-Steel balljoints in place of rubber rear suspension bushings
-Specific spring rates with reduced spring height (0.9-inches shorter than standard E39 springs, 0.1-inches shorter than M-Technic E39 springs)
-Specific shock valving
-Thicker anti-roll bars front and rear |
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How does the steering system of the E39 M5 differ from that of other E39 5 Series models?
Like all V8-powered E39 5 Series models, the E39 M5 is equipped with a recirculating-ball steering system. However, the overall steering ratio has been reduced to 14.7:1 from 17.9:1. In addition, the E39 M5 features Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist that provides two levels of resistance controlled via the console-mounted M Driving Dynamics button (informally known as the "Sport" button). |
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What size brakes does the E39 M5 have?
The E39 M5 is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes measuring 13.6-inches in diameter in front and 12.9-inches in diameter in the rear. On European-specification models, the front rotors are of a "floating" two-piece design for better heat dissipation. ABS is standard. |
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What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the E39 M5?
All E39 M5s are fitted exclusively with 18-inch M Parallel Spoke II cast alloy wheels featuring a Satin Chrome finish. These wheels, which measure 8x18-inch (front) and 9.5x18-inch (rear) and wear staggered 245/40ZR18 (front) and 275/35ZR18 (rear) tires, are specific to the E39 M5. |
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| Cosmetics |
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How is the exterior of the E39 M5 distinguished from that of the regular 5 Series?
The E39 M5 is equipped with several unique exterior cosmetic items that distinguish it from other 5 Series models. The front fascia features an enlarged grille with wider chrome trim around the "kidneys" as well as a unique M-Technic airdam with mesh over the central intake. The rear of the E39 M5 is distingished by a small body-color lip spoiler (deletable upon request) as well as a unique rear bumper and lower diffuser that incorporates two pairs of dual exhaust outlets. There are also M-designed rear-view mirrors (which fold up electrically), unique 18-inch M Parallel Spoke II alloy wheels and three "M5" badges that adorn the exterior of the car, one on each of the black side door moldings and a third on the trunk lid (all deletable upon request). Most E39 M5s were equipped with high-gloss Shadowline (black) window trim, though the standard E39 chrome trim could be specified as a no-cost alternative in most markets. All E39 M5s have clear turn signal lenses. |
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What distinguishes the interior of the E39 M5 from that of a standard E39 5 Series?
Though the interior of the E39 M5 shares its basic design and architecture with that of the standard E39 5 Series, it is distinguished by several unique items.
All E39 M5s are equipped with power and heated M sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and a three-position memory on the driver's seat.Two distinct upholstery and trim styles were offered: "Sport" and "Exclusive" (later renamed "Luxury" for the North American market). The Sport interior was offered in the following combinations: Alcantara upholstery and door panels with Nappa leather bolsters and aluminum-look interior trim (not available for the U.S market), Nappa Point leather upholstery and door panels with Nappa leather bolsters and aluminum-look interior trim or Nappa Point leather upholstery and door trim with Nappa leather bolsters and Bruyere Club wood interior trim. The Exclusive interior included pleated Nappa Heritage leather upholstery and door trim with Bruyere Club wood interior trim or pleated Nappa Heritage leather upholstery and door trim with Burl Walnut wood interior trim. In addition, any of these interiors could be trimmed in either Extended Leather (leather on the door pulls, door armrests, center console, center armrest and sun visors) or Complete Leather (leather on the door pulls, door armrests, door panels, center console, center armrest, sun visors, dashboard, glovebox door, upper door trims and lower B-pillar plus Alcantara on the headliner, A-pillar, upper B-pillar, C-pillar and rear parcel shelf), depending on the market and production date.
Two different airbag-equipped three-spoke M steering wheel designs were offered in the E39 M5, both with M tri-color stitching on the rim and buttons for the audio system and cruise control on the upper spokes. The early version (thru 8/00) resembles the wheel offered in some E36 3 Series, E38 7 Series and E39 5 Series models but is smaller in diameter (375mm versus 385mm). The later version (from 9/00) is identical to the wheel used in the E46 M3 and features a different spoke design and a thicker rim.
Also unique to the E39 M5 are special instruments featuring aluminum bezels, red needles, a 300 kph/180 mph speedometer incorporating the M logo, an oil temperature gauge under the tachometer in place of the usual economy meter and a an LED variable redline that extinguishes as the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Gray gauge faces were introduced for the 2001 model year (from 9/00 production).
Finally, the E39 M5 is equipped with an M footrest for the driver, an oval-shaped auto-dimming M rear-view mirror (not fitted to early production models), special door sill plates featuring the "M5" logo and an illuminated M shift knob also incorporating the "M" logo (made of either leather and aluminum-look trim, Bruyere Club wood or Burl Walnut wood). |
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What options were available for the E39 M5?
Unlike the previous two iterations of the M5, the E39 M5 was very well equipped in all markets and included most of the available E39 features as standard equipment including Xenon headlights, headlight washers, power and heated front seats with three-position memory for the driver, power tilt and telescoping steering column, automatic climate control, cruise control, extended on-board computer and a premium audio system. Options for the E39 M5 varied from market to market but generally included various types of leather upholstery and wood trim, power moonroof (standard in North America), on-board navigation (standard in North America), Park Distance Control, power rear sunshade (not available with Complete Leather trim), M Audio System (from 9/00), split-folding rear seats and rear side airbags (standard in North America from 9/02). |
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How do the European-specification and North American-specification E39 M5s differ cosmetically?
Aside from minor differences in lighting and instrumentation mandated by the different markets, all E39 M5s sold worldwide are essentially the same in terms of appearance. |
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| Special Versions |
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NO OFFICIAL SPECIAL VERSIONS OF THE E39 M5 WERE PRODUCED
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Color and Upholstery Selections
The following chart lists all regularly available paint colors for the E39 M5.
| COLOR NAME |
CODE |
MODEL AVAILABILITY | PRODUCTION PERIOD |
| Alpine White III |
300 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Imola Red II |
405 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Jet Black |
668 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Carbon Black metallic |
416 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Titanium Silver metallic |
354 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 09/1999 through 06/2003 |
| Silverstone metallic |
425 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 08/2001 |
| Blue Water metallic |
896 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 09/2001 through 06/2003 |
| Anthracite metallic |
397 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 08/2001 |
| Sterling Grey mnetallic |
472 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 09/2001 through 06/2003 |
| Avus Blue metallic |
276 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 02/2000 |
| Le Mans Blue metallic |
381 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 03/2000 through 06/2003 |
| Oxford Green metallic |
324 |
DE91, DE92 | 10/1998 through 08/1999 |
| Oxford Green II metallic |
430 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 09/1999 through 06/2003 |
| Royal Red metallic |
390 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 08/2001 |
| Chiaretto Red metallic |
894 |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 09/2001 through 06/2003 |
The following chart lists all regularly available upholstery colors for the E39 M5.
NOTE: Alcantara and Nappa Point leather interiors are paired with Aluminum trim or Bruyere Club wood trim, while Nappa Heritage leather interiors are paired with Bruyere Club or Burl Walnut wood trims.
| UPHOLSTERY NAME |
CODE |
MODEL AVAILABILITY | PRODUCTION PERIOD |
Anthracite M -Texture Alcantara +
Black extended Nappa leather |
F2AT |
DE91, DE92, DE93 (Canada only) | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Black extended Nappa Point leather |
O5SW |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
| Black complete Nappa Point leather |
O6SW |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
Silverstone + Black extended
Nappa Point leather |
O5SS |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Silverstone + Black complete
Nappa Point leather |
O6SS |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
Imola Red + Black extended
Nappa Point leather |
O5IM |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Imola Red + Black complete
Nappa Point leather |
O6IM |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Le Mans Blue + Black extended
Nappa Point leather |
O5LB |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Le Mans Blue + Black complete
Nappa Point leather |
O6LB |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Black extended Nappa
Heritage leather |
M3SW |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
Black complete Nappa
Heritage leather |
M1SW |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
Caramel extended Nappa
Heritage leather |
M3CR |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
Caramel complete Nappa
Heritage leather |
M1CR |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003 |
English Green extended
Nappa Heritage leather |
M3EG |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
English Green complete
Nappa Heritage leather |
M1EG |
DE91, DE92, DE93 | 10/1998 through 06/2003
(DE93 / USA: through 08/2000 only) |
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