When the e39 M5 was unveiled at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, it was a sea change for the model and signified the M5s evolution to a proper Autobahn missel. For the first time in BMW M's history, the M5 was powered by a motorsport-derived V8 called the S62 which was connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. When the car went on sale in late 1998, it almost immediately became the car for the well-heeled enthusiast, looking for the perfect car to drive every day to the office, but also take for a rip in the backroads on the weekend. Bolstered by the BMW Films series which included a short film directed by Guy Richie and starring Clive Owen and Madonna, the E39 M5 has gained widespread appreciation and secured its spot as a dream car for a generation of enthusiasts.

This 2002 M5 is a beautiful example finished in Jet Black that shows just 37,518 miles at the time of photographing. All it takes is a quick look to realize that this car has been exceptionally maintained from new and has been equipped with a number of high-end modifications, that greatly improve the driving experience over a stock example. In place of the original BBS Style 65 wheels, a stunning set of HRE C20 multi-piece wheels, and upfront is an AC Schnitzer front spoiler. To keep the car looking fantastic for decades to come, the entire car is wrapped in paint protection film and received a full ceramic paint treatment prior to the sale.

It is hard to say t that the interior of any 21-year-old car is flawless but this is just about as close as it gets. Optioned originally with black extended Nappa leather interior, the seats have been re-covered with OEM leather covers that look as good as if they had come out of the showroom yesterday. When new, these M5s were available with two interior trim lines- a luxury specification with wood trim throughout the interior, or a sport line where the wood was replaced by brushed aluminum. This example is equipped with the elegant aluminum trim which still shines and isn't covered in the scratches that are typically found on these cars. In the center console, the original early-2000s navigation unit has been replaced by a stock-looking but updated Dynavin navigation unit which features Bluetooth and cell phone compatibility.

Powering this M5 is the aforementioned S62 V8- a true masterpiece of engineering. The 4.9 liter engine produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque thanks to 8 individual throttlebodies and double VANOS variable valve timing. Power is presumably up on this example thanks to an intricate set of Unicorn equal length 4-2-1 headers that is paired to an Eisenmann exhaust system- this pair together really lets this M5 breathe and it sounds outstanding. This engine is connected to a tight Getrag 6-speed manual transmission and out back is a 3.15 rear end with a limited slip differential to make sure all the power gets to the road. To help slow things down, a set of Brembo calipers with drilled rotors have been installed- although the e39 M5 has been heralded as the king of sports sedans, it is no secret that the stock brakes were its major weak point. Not only do these upgraded units solve that problem but the red painted calipers also look fantastic behind the wheels.

As with so many BMW M cars of this era, they were so enjoyable to drive, people used and abused them to the point where most cars on the market are best avoided. Thankfully, some people realized how special they were and both cherished and preserved them- and this car is a perfect example of that. If you want to experience what many believe to be the gold standard in sports sedans, you will be hard pressed to find an example better than this car.