2001 BMW M5

Finished in Carbon Schwartz with a matching black leather interior, this 2001 BMW M5 is the fabled E39 variant, so combines good looks with stellar performance.

Stellar miles, too but that’s okay because ‘X373 UYW’ comes with a meticulous service record courtesy of its two female owners. Yes, that’s right; it’s had just two owners from new and comes with more than 20 stamps in the book.

Said to drive “really, really well”, this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a 21st century icon at a price that means you won’t be afraid to use it.

Black is a notoriously unforgiving colour, highlighting even the most insignificant flaws with the ruthlessness of your ex. This makes it a risky choice for a secondhand car but the corollary of that is when you find a car that looks this good, you know it really is as good as first impressions suggest.

The light lenses are free of damage and while the headlamps could do with a polish, that wouldn’t be a huge job. The glazing is good, too.

As are the 18-inch alloy wheels. True, a couple do have some minor cosmetic blemishes and would benefit from being refurbished but the fact they’re shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on all four corners speaks volumes.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

As for other flaws, there are some minor scuffs to the front corners plus some rust to both rear window pillars.

The E39’s interior is famously durable and this is a good example of how they can shrug off 200k miles with impressive aplomb.

One of the most notable areas of wear is to the bottom spoke of the steering wheel. The gear knob is showing its age too, but the fact we can lead with its flaws tells you all you need to know about the rest.

Because the door cards, dashboard, carpets, and headlining are all very good for their age showing minimal wear and nothing we’d worry about. Heck, it’s even still got the factory BMW torch in the glovebox.

The electrically adjustable front seats are lightly creased and show a little colour loss on their outer edges but they’re still firm and comfortable, which is remarkable given the thousands of hours of use they’ve endured.

Their heavily bolstered shape means they’re massively supportive too, which is important given the M5’s predilection for high-G cornering. They’re also heated and the leading edge of the base can be extended, so even longer-legged drivers can get the under-thigh support that’s so often missing from their lives.

The rear seats are in an even better condition, the air-conditioning blows nice and cold, and the boot is clean and tidy.

As you can see, it starts well and idles nicely. But then that’ll come as no surprise after you’ve read the following service history:

• 06.02.2001 – pre-delivery inspection by BMW (GB) Ltd
• 15.03.2001 and 1,194 miles – service by Park Lane Ltd
• 27.01.2003 and 12,724 miles – service by Scotthall Cambridge
• 02.02.2004 and 24,956 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 22.01.2005 and 38,366 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 28.12.2005 and 48,577 miles – service plus fresh brake fluid by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 06.01.2007 and 59,557 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 14.01.2008 and 74,135 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 15.01.2009 and 86,908 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 11.01.2010 and 99,874 miles – service by North Oxford Garage Ltd, a BMW Service Authorised Workshop
• 21.01.2011 and 113,924 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 19.01.2012 and 128,784 miles – service plus fresh brake fluid by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 25.01.2013 and 139,861 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 07.02.2014 and 150,413 miles – service plus fresh brake fluid by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 20.01.2016 and 169,681 miles – service plus fresh coolant and brake fluid by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 16.01.2017 and 177,802 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 10.01.2018 and 184,940 miles – service plus fresh coolant and brake fluid by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 17.01.2019 and 190,439 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 24.01.2020 and 194,174 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 08.09.2020 and 195,523 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney
• 24.01.2022 and 199,025 miles – service by J. Millin & Son Ltd. of Witney

A warning light is illuminated on the dashboard and the seller believes it needs a new oil level/temperature sensor as the oil temperature is not reading.

The seller tells us that it drives “really, really well”.

The engine bay is a bit grubby but no worse.

The underside does show some corrosion, so you might want to set aside some time with a wire brush, some rust killer, and a pot of underseal to sort that out.

As well as the (very well-stamped) service history booklet and associated invoices there are plenty of invoices on file for other work too, plus the owner’s handbook.

The M5’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2024 and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

Many enthusiasts rate the E39 M5 as being the very best of ‘em all; still largely analogue and yet viciously fast, its handling is what makes this iteration so compelling.

And yet, they’re still, in our eyes at least, cheap – and that won’t last forever. In fact, we’re starting to see them climb in value with the very best cars having already topped £60,000…

But, if you want to be able to use your car, you really don’t want the very best because you’re going to be too scared to use it. No, what you want is a car like this: one that looks terrific but is gently patinated; diligently maintained and nicely run-in.

A car to use and admire, rather than hoard and gloat.

And, a car like that could be yours for somewhere between £10,000 and £15,000, which is chump-change for the performance you are getting.

Now, play nicely and form an orderly queue, eh?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.