2001 E39 M5

By the time the 2001 e39 M5 model year rolled around for the e39 M5 all the stuff that BMW changed on the car wasn't visible on the outside.  Minor changes were made in ways that were not cosmetic.  This is because the original aesthetic design of the car was so competent that there wasn't a whole lot to improve upon.

More importantly, the e39 m5 is built upon the regular 5 series platform, which to date remains one of BMW's most successful, serviceable series.

Not much is changed for the 302 cubic inch V8 powerplant other than some improvements with the mass airflow sensing nodes to better manage its ability to swallow massive amounts of air needed to mix with fuel so that the now famous 400 horses can run run free.  The induction system is improved in this model year - known as the double VANOS system - an electonic and mechanical marvel of engineering  that includes a dual air cleaner/ air flow meter arrangement mated to eight individually monitored throttle bodies.  This proprietary technology comes straight to your 2001 BMW M5 from the BMW Sauder F1 racing team technology.

It's part of what enables you to go from 20 miles per hour to 100 miles per hour in fourth gear.

Other cosmetic changes are very minimal.  Wheels remained the same - they were and are wildly popular on these 2001 BMW m5's.   Note that as a polished alloy, five spoke design, they DO tend to collect brake dust and debris and therefore require frequent cleaning.

The requisite four polished steel exhaust pipes still poke out the back. They look like four beer cans cut off at the bottom.  All that air needs to go somewhere.

Further safety improvements include increased rigidity in the body shell with improved structural integrity needed to combat the extreme twisting forces generated by the nearly 400 foot pounds of torque.

Increased interior creature comforts adorned the 2001 BMW m5.  Expect to see self dimming glass mirror technology in the rear view mirror on the doors and inside the cabin.  Power sunshades in the rear window became an increasingly popular option for both privacy and  cabin temperature control.  Manual rear window sunshade remained a basic option.

The navigation system in the 2001 m5 e39 remained complex and full of options - a thorough read through the user manual is definitely required to get the most of it and reduce frustrations.

BMW continued with the Alcantra suede headliner in this incredibly self indulging performance/ luxury car.

Expect to see two big metal looking instrument gauges inside the cluster.  Yes, 300 kilometers and 180 miles per hour aren't far off.   Driving a 2001 BMW E39 M5 WILL generate enough g-forces to make people queasy. This is not a a joke.  This car can hustle in any gear and one needs to remember this car is really in a league of its own.

Many an owner have reported how people and passengers simply "had no idea" how powerful and nimble the e39 m5 is.

One complaint that many owners have lobbied against BMW is that the exhaust note is simply too muted for this incredible car.  Hence - many of them have created demand for a growing aftermarket exhaust business specifically for m5's.

Getting up to the six thousand, eight hundred rpm redline in this car happens very quickly in first and second gear.  Thankfully, incredible engine management systems  prevent you from over-revving the engine and sending pistons at you through the dashboard.  Expect to hit about 90 miles per hour at 6,000 revs in third.

Some have said that the best way to enjoy a used e39 m5 is on a deserted two lane, windy road.  That's because this car literally sticks to the road. The e39 m5 is a very capable performance handler straight out of the box.  And the 2001 model year is no exception to that rule.

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