With a thumping V8 squeezed under the bonnet, there’s no question about the power delivery of the new M5. Designated the S62, the 4.9 litre moves the sub 2 ton (1795kg) saloon down the road in a staggering 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds – that’s as quick as a Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta! An executive saloon that can hold its own against the ‘F’ word… My word.

Aluminium is rife throughout the mechanicals of the M5. A lightweight block mated to an aluminium head has been reworked to increase stroke length and cylinder bore. Double VANOS systems deliver power throughout the rev range, fed by twin air intakes in a pleasing turn of under bonnet symmetry. Individual throttle bodies combined with hollowed out quad-cams increase throttle response and round out the S62’s power factory producing 394bhp @6,600 rpm and 500 N·m of torque, whilst a semi dry oil sump ensures components stay well lubricated under hard cornering.

A six-speed manual gearbox ensures the driver has plenty to keep them occupied when the motorway runs out and the road starts to get curvy, the locking limited-slip differential keeping all that German torque under control. This M5 would be the last true M5 to be offered with a manual transmission only. The E60 M5 that superseded this generation would reach UK shores with only an SMG option .

The underpinnings follow suit with an all aluminium subframe, double-wishbone suspension and coil springs up front, tucked snugly in the standard E39 Saloon arches behind 18” style 63 alloy wheels. Cornering feels planted in the M5, with enough weight and feedback in the steering to stop any unexpected oversteer, whilst still engaging the driver, this is after all, an M car. Visually, only subtle clues to separate the M5 from more modest trim levels. A motorsport inspired front bumper, side skirts, aero dynamic M sport wing mirrors and in a stroke of wild exuberance, sculpted rear bumper hosting a quadruplet of tail pipes. Quad pipes on a businessman’s saloon car? We’re in danger of using the Italian ‘F’ word again…

We are delighted to offer this outstanding E39 M5. The current and previous owner, being good friends and customers of Hero Motor Company, share a no expense spared approach to car ownership. A report was carried out by us on behalf of the current owner prior to purchase, with clear instructions that it should want for nothing, with no nasty surprises.

The underside of the M5 has been taken back to bare metal; any corrosion has been repaired and treated, stone chip protection product re-applied as it would have been from the factory.

All suspension components were removed and reassembled with all new bushes, gaiters, seals, couplings and hoses, the stock suspension system replaced with our tried and tested Bilstein B8 dampers for comfortable and responsive handling.

This M5 has passed through the workshop for detailed inspection and report. The car will leave here with the very highest level of prep. Its recent work with Hero Motor Company ensures not just up to date routine service work has been carried out but also the all important age-related maintenance and future proofing ensuing no nasty surprises.

The car will be handed over to the new owner with all original service wallets, handbooks, fully stamped service book, original BMW sales brochures, keys, history files, and previous MOT certificates.