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BMW · Luxury · 1998–2003

BMW M5 E39

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The BMW M5 E39 is available with one engine variant at 400 hp.

5.0L V8 · Benziner· 400 PS
1998 2003
Stay Away! 10 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW 5.0L V8 (Benziner, 400 PS) has the S62B50 (5.0L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Rear subframe differential mount broken

The rubber mounts of the differential in the rear subframe harden and break with increasing age. The differential can shift under load and produces jolt on gear changes.

Symptoms: Cracking or banging when accelerating and decelerating, drivetrain vibrations, nervous rear end when pulling away.
from 130,000 km
Ad E39 M5 differential Lager33172229782
 High
!Propshaft centre bearing hardened and cracked

OEM rubber of the centre bearing dries out and cracks after just 5–10 years regardless of mileage. The bearing no longer centres the propshaft.

Symptoms: Oscillating or droning noise at 60–80 km/h, vibrations under load changes.
from 100,000 km
Ad E39 M5 prop shaftn center bearing26121229492
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
46 complaints · 1998–2003
Airbags
14
Powertrain
5 ⚠ 1
Electrical
5
Engine & Cooling
4
Fuel System
4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (14 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (5 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003) — 10 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: S62B50 (5.0L V8). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Rust, Cooling.

M5 (S62B50, 1998–2003) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearing wear, Timing chain guide rails worn, Scoring in Alusil cylinder bores. Power: 400 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW M5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW M5 E39 have? +
The BMW M5 E39 has 10 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M5 E39? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the S62B50 (5.0L V8). Problem engine: S62B50 (5.0L V8) — stay away!
Which BMW M5 E39 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW M5 E39 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} Below 4,000 rpm a cultivated V8 tourer. Above that it becomes clear why the E39 M5 is a legend — the ITB howl builds into a wail that ends at 8,000 rpm because the limiter arrives, not because the engine couldn't go further. Manual only, 1,795 kg. Rod bearings are the sword of Damocles — whoever has them done has the last great naturally aspirated M5 ahead.
Is the BMW M5 E39 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW M5 E39 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M5 E39? +
The BMW M5 E39 is available with engine variants from 400 to 400 hp. Petrol: S62B50 (5.0L V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee