BMW M5 E39
The BMW M5 E39 (1998–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 2 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: E39
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,780 mm RDW | – | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm RDW | – | 1,801 mm |
| Height | 1,430 mm RDW | – | 1,412 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm RDW | – | 2,830 mm |
| Front track | 1,515 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,527–1,531 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,695 kg RDW | – | 1,795 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,795 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,290 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,800 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 750 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 311 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,633 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 250 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 500 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 235/45R17, 245/40R18, 275/35R18
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 84.4% (82.8–85.8) | 69.2% | 2,265 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 23.9% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 17.3% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 13.8% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.3% | 17.1% |
| Lights and electrics | 11.7% | 28.8% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 8.2% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
17 complaints for model years 2000–2003. 1 crash · 1 fire · 3 injuries · 1 death
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 2 versions of the BMW M5 E39
United States 1 version
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003GUZZLER | 4.9 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA | 368 g/km |
Canada 1 version
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2003Compact | 4.9 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 16.2–16.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 373–375 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.