Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The E39 M5 is celebrated by many enthusiasts as the greatest M5 ever built, the first with a V8 and offered exclusively with a six-speed manual. This 2002 example is a usable driver in understated Sterling Grey Metallic. It sits on Cars and Bids at $25,000 with six days to go.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsWhat it's worth right nowThe E39 M5 has been climbing steadily as buyers recognize it as a benchmark modern-analog sedan. According to Classic.com and current data, E39 M5 examples average close to $38,500, with clean, unmodified, well-documented cars generally trading from close to $25,000 into the low $40,000s, while higher-mileage cars with accident histories trade toward the lower end of that band.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value for a higher-mileage example like this sits close to $22,000 to $32,000, most likely close to $25,000 to $29,000, with the desirable manual and rising market supporting the figure and the notes below tempering it. At $25,000 with six days remaining and a reserve, the bidding should climb into that range.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsCondition and detailsThe car is a running driver with history that needs weighing. Finished in Sterling Grey Metallic over black, it runs the S62 4.9-liter V8, rated at 394 horsepower, through the six-speed manual to the rear wheels, with 18-inch Style 65 wheels, Nappa Heritage leather, and the M audio system. The modifications are minor and cosmetic, including an aftermarket wheel finish, wood trim, steering-wheel leather, and a ZHP shift knob.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsSeveral points deserve attention. The Carfax notes two incidents, a May 2024 left-rear entry, which the seller attributes to another vehicle scratching the rear diffuser that was then replaced, and a February 2026 undercarriage-damage entry, so verify the repairs. At 109,300 miles, with the seller having added 33,000 in close to 18 months, the S62's known maintenance items are critical, yet the Carfax shows only a window-regulator replacement, so obtain the full service history and get a specialist inspection, since deferred S62 work is expensive.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsNote also that this exact car was offered in August 2026 and the winning bidder failed to complete the purchase, so it is a relist, which the seller states was not due to any fault with the car.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeBMWModelM5Year2002Mileage109,300 milesEngineS62 4.9-liter V8Power394 hp and 369 lb.ft of torqueTransmission6-speed manualDrive typeRear-wheel driveExterior colorSterling Grey MetallicInterior colorBlackCurrent bid$25,000, with six days leftInterested in this 2002 BMW M5? View the listing here.What makes the M5 uniqueThe E39 M5 holds a revered place as the car that perfected the super-sedan formula. Making its American debut for 2000, it was the first M5 to swap the previous inline-six for a V8, and the S62 4.9-liter unit was a masterpiece, producing 394 naturally aspirated horsepower through an individual-throttle-body induction system that gives it a hard-edged, race-bred character. Crucially, BMW offered it only with a six-speed manual, keeping the driving experience pure at a time when its rivals were already adopting automatics. Car and Driver named it the most desirable sedan in the world in 2000, and the passage of time has only strengthened its standing.2002 BMW M5Cars & BidsThat combination of a glorious naturally aspirated V8, a manual gearbox, understated four-door practicality, and genuinely engaging dynamics is exactly why the E39 M5 is now regarded as the high-water mark of the analog super-sedan. As newer M cars have grown heavier and more digital, this generation has come to represent a golden era, and values for good examples reflect that reverence.My takeThe E39 M5 is a genuine icon, and even a higher-mileage example offers a taste of what makes this car so special, the naturally aspirated V8, the manual gearbox, and the sublime chassis. This one is honestly presented as a driver rather than a collector piece, and priced accordingly it has real appeal for someone who wants to use it. The caveats, though, are significant and center on the service history.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits close to $22,000 to $32,000, most likely close to $25,000 to $29,000, reflecting the desirable specification against the high mileage, the two accident entries, and the thin records. Before bidding, obtain the complete service history, verify the accident repairs, and get a specialist pre-purchase inspection focused on the S62's known weak points. Handle that, and this is an accessible way into one of the great modern driver's cars.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.