🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M5

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E39

Generation:

Third Generation (E39 M5)

Engine Code:

S62B50

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2001 BMW M5 (E39) represents the pinnacle of luxury performance sedans of its era, directly competing with high-performance variants from Mercedes-Benz (AMG), Audi (S and RS models), and other premium manufacturers. It was positioned as an 'everyday supercar' with exceptional performance in a refined, four-door package.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210), Audi S6 (C5), and Porsche Panamera (later generations). The E39 M5 distinguished itself with its naturally aspirated V8 engine, superior handling dynamics, and driver-focused cockpit.

Key Features:

Naturally aspirated V8 engine, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, high-performance braking system, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for its time) driver aids, discreet yet aggressive styling.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

Page Count:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for this era/model)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle operation, safety features, dashboard indicators, controls, climate control, audio system, maintenance overview, emergency procedures, troubleshooting basics, vehicle care.

Procedures Included:

Starting and driving, using the iDrive system (early generation), adjusting seats and mirrors, using the parking brake, checking fluid levels, changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, basic troubleshooting of warning lights, understanding vehicle settings.

Technical Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information for safe and effective operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed Manual)

Print Quality:

High-quality, professional OEM printing.

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or perfect bound, designed for durability in a vehicle.

Paper Type:

Durable, coated paper stock to withstand automotive environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine:

BMW S62B50 V8

Horsepower:

394 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

368 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Redline:

7000 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with individual throttle bodies (ITBs) for each cylinder.

Displacement:

4.9 liters (4941 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 89.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch Motronic MSS 54

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (variable valve timing).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual

Transmission Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.53, 3rd: 1.78, 4th: 1.41, 5th: 1.21, 6th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.93

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Manual transmission was standard and exclusive)

Limited Slip Differential:

Standard 25% limited-slip rear differential.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

71.4 inches (1813 mm)

Height:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.7 inches (2890 mm)

Front Track:

60.1 inches (1526 mm)

Rear Track:

59.6 inches (1514 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.3 cubic feet (433 liters)

Curb Weight:

3,870 - 4,020 lbs (1755 - 1823 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4,905 lbs (2225 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars (for E39 5 Series overall)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars (for E39 5 Series overall)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for E39 5 Series overall)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (ASC+T).

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS) airbags, crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Front Brakes:

Vented discs with BMW M-tuned 4-piston front calipers (345mm rotor diameter)

Rear Brakes:

Vented discs with BMW M-tuned 1-piston rear calipers (325mm rotor diameter)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW Professional Radio with CD player, optional navigation system (MK III or MK IV), and early generation iDrive system on later production models (though most 2001 models had the previous button-based system).

Audio System:

Harman Kardon premium audio system often standard or optional, featuring multiple speakers and amplifier.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, rear park distance control (PDC), automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Connectivity Options:

Optional cellular phone integration via Bluetooth (for later E39 models) or cradles; basic radio and CD functions.

Headlights:

Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, indicated by Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Refer to manual for specific CBS interpretation.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 4 years or 100,000 miles for original fill. Check manual for specifics.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (or equivalent API SJ/ACEA A3-98, BMW Longlife-98 approved).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based).

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF (Dexron III/Mercon equivalent) for manual transmission gearbox oil. Differential: BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90).

Known Issues:

Throttle body actuator failure (common on S62), VANOS solenoid issues, connecting rod bearing wear (requiring preventative maintenance on higher mileage examples), oil separator system (CCV) clogging, plastic coolant expansion tank leaks, pixelation on instrument cluster displays, LCM (Light Control Module) failure.

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 11 42 7 510 717 (or equivalent Mann-Filter HU 821 x, Mahle OX 402/1D)

Air Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 13 72 1 405 372 (or equivalent Mann-Filter C 36 73/1)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance. The 'M' designation signifies BMW's high-performance division, responsible for creating motorsport-derived road cars.

Model Evolution:

The E39 M5 is the third generation of the M5 sedan, succeeding the E34 M5. It was a significant leap forward in performance and technology, introducing the V8 engine and a more modern chassis, while retaining the core M philosophy of blending ultimate driving performance with everyday usability.

Production Years:

1998-2003 (E39 M5)

Production Location:

Dingolfing, Germany

Production Numbers:

Approximately 20,500 units worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

Consistently ranked among the best performance sedans of its generation by major automotive publications such as Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Road & Track for its blend of performance, handling, and practicality.

Major Awards:

Often featured in 'Best of' lists for automotive enthusiasts and performance car roundups.

📄 Wheels And Tires

Standard Wheels:

BMW Style 37 M Sport alloy wheels, 18x8.0 front, 18x9.0 rear.

Standard Tire Size:

Front: 245/40R-18, Rear: 275/35R-18.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm.

Center Bore:

72.5 mm.