Now that the F90-generation BMW M5 is nearing release, we’re going to hear a lot of talk about where it places in the history of the M5. But let’s be real, the best M5 is the E39-generation and that likely won’t change after the F90 comes out. We are expecting it to be excellent, the new F90 M5, but there’s something intangible about the E39 M5 that can’t be found in modern performance cars. In fact, it may be one of the absolute best performance sedans of all time. It may even be worth buying used over a lot of new performance cars. So what if you could get one for cheaper than a brand-new, decently-equipped Honda Accord?

This particular E39 BMW M5 is currently up for auction on Bring-A-Trailer for $18,000, at the time of writing this. Though, the auction ends in four days and the price could go up. But at the moment, this car is cheaper than a new Accord. That makes it a helluva deal, if you think about how special the E39 M5 is.

Admittedly, this specific car isn’t perfect and it isn’t the most untouched. There are $75,000 miles and quite a few modifications, though tasteful ones. For example, new bi-xenon Angle Eye headlights have been installed and look pretty good, not too flashy. Its suspension was replaced with manually-adjustable KW coilovers. While many purists will scoff at the idea of replacing the stock E39 M5 suspension with anything else, from my experience at least, KW makes superb coilovers. It also has a Supersprint Magnum exhaust so it should be quite loud. That last bit many enthusiasts would like to remove, so as to hear the incredibly engine in its purity.

Speaking of engine, the E39 BMW M5 sports a 4.9 liter naturally-aspirated V8 under hood, making about 400 hp. That brilliant engine remains untouched on this car and has no modifications, which is how it should be. Though, the flywheel and clutch were replaced. Mated to the V8 is a six-speed manual transmission, making it the last N/A V8 M5 available with a manual.

This specific M5 is painted in Titanium Silver Metallic over black leather, which is one of my favorite color combos for the E39 M5. Despite having about almost 80,000 miles, this E39 M5 seems to be in fantastic shape. There’s very little wear and tear visible with quite a few repairs done, so it should run well for a long time. And yea, the interior is devoid of any real modern electronics or luxurious, but that will only make it more endearing for many enthusiasts.

So is it worth spending the money on this E39 BMW M5 rather than a newer, more reliable car?

[Source: Bring-A-Trailer]