[WTF82]

As a kid who was in high school during BMW's golden era, I've always dreamed about owning an E39 M5. I've never really been in a position to do so when I was younger, but now that I'm able to, I'm not sure where to start looking.

I want to avoid auction sites since most of the listings are not local, and for a 20+ year old car, I really want to be able to do a PPI at my local trusted mechanic. I've read mixed experiences with C&B and BaT, and arranging PPIs seems like a hassle, and even if you go through the trouble, you still have to win the auction.

Craigslist/FB Marketplace will occasionally have something, but most of the time, especially for cars this old, they're clapped out. I'm just wondering where else I can look for "classic" BMWs.

[erickonphoenix]

Are you on the E39 forum? I reckon some nice samples trade on there from time to time.

[John in VA]

BMW Car Club of America's classified section is a place to find well-loved models. You might need to be a member to view it. https://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds

E39 M5s have been increasing in value, especially low-mileage examples.

BMW M5
$25,000
• UPDATED07/13/2024
Carbon Black w/ Grey Sport Seats CD Changer replaced with Grom Bluetooth Muffler Delete (not overbearing, it’s just enough) A/C Blows Cold Rear Seats are the fixed seats with the ski pass through No dead Pixels in display Rearview Mirror has been refurbished
Transmission: 6-speed
Mileage: 119 000
Exterior Color: Black
Interior: Black


2002 BMW M5
$20,500
Location: MD
• UPDATED07/11/2024
Thank you for looking at my listing. The car is in good condition and has been a pleasure to drive. There are no mechanical issues with the car. I am selling it since it is now an extra car that I no longer can keep due to space limitations. I bought it privately from a fellow car enthusiast in North Carolina who is now a good friend.
Transmission: 6-speed
Mileage: 142 840
Exterior Color: Silver
Interior: Black


Original Owner BMW e39 M5
$38,000
Location: MD
• UPDATED07/02/2024
Custom ordered Titanium Silver with Caramel Extended Leather Interior combination. New Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires mounted on refinished Style 65 wheels. This is a one owner exceptionally well-maintained example of the classic M5 with 127,500 miles. Dinan upgrades include Stage 3 Software, Cold Air Intake and Exhaust systems as well as front and rear suspension braces and adjustable anti-roll bar...
Transmission: 6-speed
Mileage: 127 500
Exterior Color: Titanium Silver
Interior: Caramel Extended Leather

[Almuliman]

And https://www.m5board.com. There are regularly E39 M5s for sale and the forums are supremely helpful to learn what's what, what to look out for, what to actually worry about, etc.

[T0RM3NT]

May or may not be helpful...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...tedEntity=d391

[Almuliman]

And, of course, AutoTempest.

(I'm getting a sense we all suffer from The Sickness: always shopping, always keeping an eye out for What's Next. Or more.)

[Hagasan41]

It's just like buying any other car. So any of the auction sites, websites, forums, etc. The key is do your research on the E39 and you'll know what to look for. Keep in mind you're also buying the seller so one that won't do a PPI, send photos, videos or answer questions is a hard pass. I purchased my E36 M3 from out of state on BAT and it was smooth and professional. Good luck! The E39 M5 is the GOAT M5 and one I wouldn't mind adding to the stable.

[WTF82]

I've definitely tried Autotempest/Autotrader/Cargurus, and it's one of those things that just requires consistency. Sometimes I'll see something but most of the time there's like one result within 100 miles. In my experience those sites are better for newer cars, and was how I found my newer BMWs.

Appreciate all the responses so far. I'll check out m5board and BMW CCA.

[BlkGS]

The cars on M5Board are way out of line price wise. I e been slowly looking for an E39 as well, and honestly, pricing is all over. Some of these guys see $200k cars at EAG and think their 100k mile car must be worth a ton, and they're wrong.

Some of the guys on M5Board are helpful, but some of them drank a bit too much of the Kool aid so to speak.