A purveyor of automobiles in the United States is offering for sale a BMW M5 that has been in use for two decades at a whopping price tag of $299,999, despite the fact that it has 200 horsepower less than its current iteration.
For those who failed to secure a pristine BMW M5 E39 nearly two decades ago, a chance to acquire one now presents itself. Nevertheless, there are three caveats to consider: firstly, the vehicle is a US edition; secondly, it is located in Cincinnati; and lastly, its cost is remarkably exorbitant, standing at $299,999. This sum equates to 273,773 euros and is a substantial multiple of the original price. For reference, the present-day M5, which features a turbocharged V8 with a horsepower of 600, has a price of 132,200 euros.
In the past, BMW sold new vehicles for around 75,000 euros. Today, a decent used model can be obtained for approximately half the original amount, which is still a significant sum of money for a 20-year-old automobile.
Sports sedan for long distances and the Nordschleife
The preponderance of M5s currently available in the market feature a six-digit mileage, which is unsurprising given that the octane-powered sports sedan was specifically designed, constructed, and procured for the purpose of facilitating swift long-haul voyages. In fact, during the sport-auto super test conducted in the spring of 1999, an M5 E39 completed a circuit of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in a mere 8 minutes and 28 seconds.
The operator is aided by a naturally aspirated V8 powerplant that delivers an output of 400 horsepower at 6,600 revolutions per minute, along with a six-speed manual transmission. During the initial stages of engine operation, the tachometer displays orange bars that serve as a warning against exceeding 4,000 revolutions per minute. The maximum torque of 500 Newton meters is achieved at 3,800 revolutions per minute.
The purveyor records that the Imola red M5 low miler is traced back to a collector situated in Puerto Rico. The founder of Enthusiast Auto, Eric Keller, procured the saloon from the aforementioned collection back in 2001. Whilst housed within this collection, the BMW was conditioned with an air-cooling system and safeguarded from detrimental UV radiation. The physical condition of the vehicle remains unblemished with the paintwork exhibiting a pristine state of being. The interior also appears to be in impeccable condition, devoid of any wear or tear on the leather. The vehicle is a non-smoking one.
As a newer model, the E39 is outfitted with the circular “Angel Eye” daytime running lights. The suite of features is luxurious, boasting a sophisticated audio system, DVD navigation, a parking beeper, heated seats, and xenon headlights. Recent inspection activities have been conducted and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires have been fitted, stimulating thoughts of embarking on a journey – although the low mileage implies that such activities would be inadvisable.
Proposing the sale of a 20-year-old BMW M5 at a staggering 200,000 euros premium over its original price point necessitates a noteworthy degree of self-assurance.
Notwithstanding, the availability of a state-of-the-art E39 variant in pristine condition is a rarity. Regrettably, the intrinsic purpose of the M5 impairs its worth, making it judicious to procure a suitably matured specimen for expedited transcontinental jaunts.