BMW E39 M5

The E39 M5 had a highly tuned V8 engine based on the M62 engine called the S62, which displaced 4.9 L and produced 400 PS (395 hp/294 kW). The engine featured a 7000 rpm redline, Double-VANOS, which varies the intake and exhaust valves for both cylinder banks, and individual throttle butterflies for each of the cylinders, allowing for a much faster engine response time.

Like all V8-powered E39 models, the E39 M5 was equipped with a recirculating-ball steering system. Overall steering ratio was reduced to 14.7 from 17.9 it featured a servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist that provides two levels of resistance controlled via console mounted Sport button. The Sport button also adjusted the electronic throttle butterflies for faster throttle response. The E39 M5 is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes measuring 13.6" in diameter in front and 12.9" in diameter in the rear. On European-specification models, the rotors are of a "floating" two-piece design for reduced risk of cone distortion. Their lower unsprung weight improves ride quality and traction on bumpy surfaces as well. Anti-lock brakes were standard.

During its 5 years in production, there were some cosmetic changes in 2001 to include:

• Revised headlight design incorporating illuminated "Angel Eyes" (incadescent glass rings surrounding the headlights)
  
• Jewel tone Celis tail light 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 panel
  
• Improved solar sensor for standard automatic climate control
  
• Revised navigation/audio unit with larger (6.5-inch) monitor (Standard on US Spec 2001-2003)
  
• 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).

The E39 M5 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, although many reviewers claim to have achieved this under 5 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), making it the fastest 4-door saloon in the world at the time it was manufactured. Once delimited, top speeds of an indicated 187mph (180mph actual) are possible.

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