BMW M5 E39
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003) is widely regarded as the last M5 that got everything right: naturally aspirated V8, six-speed manual only, chassis that balanced precision with touring comfort. 400 hp from 4.9 litres, eight individual throttle bodies — the S62B50 revs to 8,000 rpm.
Below 4,500 rpm a refined tourer. Above 5,000 rpm the ITB snarl arrives. At 8,000 rpm the limiter. No turbo BMW reproduces this.
What to inspect: VANOS cold-start rattle is nearly universal — anti-rattle kit should be fitted. Critical: rubber VANOS oil supply line (pre-11/2000 cars) can burst under 1,000 bar. Braided replacements ($170–$450) are mandatory. Rod bearings from 60,000–80,000 miles — preventive replacement with ACL/ARP: $2,500–$4,500. Timing chain guides from 87,000 miles — repair requires near-complete disassembly ($3,500–$7,000). Rear subframe diff mounts crack under hard use ($900–$4,200). Cooling system preventive replacement at 60,000–80,000 miles ($400–$700).
Test drive: Cold-start rattle (VANOS)? Knocking under load (rod bearings)? Crunch on acceleration (diff mounts)? Driveline vibration (center bearing)?
2026 market: Good cars with incomplete history: $22,000–$38,000. Well-maintained with documented work: $40,000–$65,000. Exceptional: $80,000+. Later cars (2002–2003) command premiums.
Insider pick: E39 M5 facelift (from 9/2000), under 80,000 miles, with documented rod bearing and VANOS service.
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW M5 E39 is available with one engine variant at 400 hp.
High-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine with 8 individual throttle bodies and double VANOS. The characteristic ITB intake sound snarls metallically from 5,000 rpm and peaks at 8,000 rpm in a V8 howl that exists in no turbo BMW. Compared to the predecessor S38: more displacement, more torque, two camshafts per bank. Last BMW M naturally aspirated engine above 400 hp — the concept was never repeated. Preventively replace timing chains and con rod bearings (100,000–130,000 km). VANOS rattle is nearly universal but not a knock-out criterion — an anti-rattle kit should be fitted. Check the viscous fan coupling (holding test). Read all 8 throttle body potentiometers with GT-1. Pre-facelift engines (before 9/2000) consume more oil but are less affected by land-bridge burn.
- !! Connecting rod bearing wear from 120,000 km
The connecting rod bearings of the S62B50 are on the tight side by design. At high mileages or with poor oil maintenance they can fail. Preventive replacement from 100,000 km is recommended on track-day vehicles.
Symptoms: Deep knocking from the lower engine at operating temperature, metal particles in the oil filter, oil pressure drop - !! Timing chain guide rails worn from 140,000 km
As on the M62, the plastic timing chain guide rails of the S62B50 become brittle with age. The involved repair requires almost complete engine disassembly.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, progressively louder chain noise, VANOS fault codes - !! Scoring in Alusil cylinder bores from 200,000 km
The S62B50 uses Alusil coating instead of iron liners. Extremely narrow cylinder lands leave little scope for repair. Scoring occurs through contamination or oil starvation. Engine overhaul with a replacement block is usually more economical than honing.
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption (>0.5 L/1,000 km), exhaust smoke, measurable compression loss, longitudinal scoring visible in bore with endoscope.
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003) — 11 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW M5 E39? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW M5 E39 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW M5 E39 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW M5 E39? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee