2001 BMW M5 Review
2001 BMW M5 Review





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Used M5 for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stellar performance, attractive and luxurious interior, understated appearance.
Cons
- $70,000 price tag, small gauges, understated appearance might not be flashy enough for some.
What’s new
BMW's top-performance sedan, the 394-horsepower 2001 M5, gets subtle exterior tweaks and a new head-protection airbag system for rear-seat passengers.
Edmunds says
The 2001 BMW M5 is the king of all performance sedans, a classic for the ages.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 BMW M5 4dr Sedan (4.9L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$324/mo for M5 Base
M5 Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
BMW went and did it. After constantly improving the current 5 Series platform until it was one of the best sport sedans on the planet, they've taken the segment to an entirely new level with the radical M5. If you're already a fan of the 540i, prepare to be mesmerized by Bavaria's top performance sedan.
Starting with the 4.4-liter block from the 540i, BMW's M Division bumped displacement to 5.0 liters with a bore and stroke job. Compression is set at 11:1 (requiring the use of premium fuel, of course) and the cylinder heads are redesigned to offer greater crossflow cooling. Outfitted with the requisite double-VANOS variable valve-timing system, this engine is good for 394 horsepower. Even with the M5's 3,800-pound curb weight, zero-to-60 acceleration happens in a lightning-quick 5 seconds! But don't expect those times to happen with both hands on the wheel; the M5's only transmission is a six-speed manual.
Along with Corvette-like acceleration, the sedan features a lower ride height than you'll see on a standard 540i, aluminum suspension pieces, stiffer spring and shock rates, and 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires. A sport mode switch on the center console will recalibrate the variable-assist power steering for increased road feel and snappier throttle response. When things get too snappy, traction control and electronic stability control are waiting to intervene (unless you've switched them off).
While paying 70 large for a performance toy might not sit well with the other half, don't forget to mention all the amenities that come standard on every M5 Sedan. Dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats with leather inserts and eight-way power adjustments, power headrests, a GPS navigation system, a 10-speaker sound system, one-touch power windows, rain-sensing wipers, etc., etc. Remember, you're not just buying a European hot rod, this car is meant for safe and secure family transportation...right?
You can customize the interior look of your M5 with a slew of no-cost options. Prefer the Nappa Heritage leather to the Nappa Point leather or the bruyere Wood Trim to the burl Wood Trim? Just check the option boxes that appeal to you. You can even delete the rear spoiler to further hide your M5's true intentions. Park Distance Control, a rear sunshade and a rear-seat pass-thru are the only extra-cost factory options, though a BMW CD changer is pre-wired and can be dealer installed for a nominal fee.
The M5 represents BMW's most capable performance car yet. It is an uncompromising sport sedan in terms of both ability and amenity. If your demands for horsepower, handling, hedonism and hip-room run to the extreme, the M5 has no peer.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 BMW M5.
5 star(93%)
4 star(7%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
60 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
A few issues with the M5
Craig, 01/29/2010
2000 BMW M5 4dr Sedan
Well, I got the M5 in 2009 on a dealer trade with 160k. The car runs a drives great. A few problems for future owners to look out for. Almost All E39 M5 have vanos knock. It sounds like "rattles in a can" on start up. BMW WANTED $4000 to change the VANOS units. Next, CARBON BUILD UP is a huge issue with this car. If the previous owners did not take care of the car, there will be … carbon deposits in the engine with will lead to a secondary airflow low code. Sometimes the transmission would not shift into gears easily when it was colder outside. REAR LSD was also leaking. NOTE: Trans fluid and LSD fluid is not lifetime fluid like BMW claims. CHANGE the fluids out. Also car began to smoke
4.5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Car
awg, 05/27/2002
2000 BMW M5 4dr Sedan
There is simply nothing like putting
this car through an on ramp at full
tilt in 3rd gear, or going flat out a
5:30am on the highway. I have never
owned a more completely satisfying car.
As one magazine said it's a super car,
super when you want super, and a car
when you need a car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Fun Everyday
Robert, 04/13/2010
2000 BMW M5 4dr Sedan
I've owned my M5 for seven years and love everything about it. I originally bought it as a Sunday driver, but I soon found out how much fun this car was to drive and it's become my everyday car. This is the third BMW I have owned and is by far the best. The seats are extremely comfortable and the power and handling can only be described in one word as INCREDIBLE. 114,000 miles on the … odometer and not one major problem speaks highly for the build quality of the E39 M5!
5 out of 5 stars
E-39 M5
Slysterone, 07/08/2010
2000 BMW M5 4dr Sedan
Love this vehicle! Have had about 2 months, always wanted an E-39 M-5 but were 2 expensive until recently. If you own one of these cars you better hold on to it, these are going to be worth $ in a few years.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 BMW M5, so we've included reviews for other years of the M5 since its last redesign.
2001 M5 Highlights
Base MSRP | $69,400 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $324/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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