Yet it was the E39 M5 that left the biggest imprint on me. A quarter century of bloat means that this vintage of M5 is actually just a little under an inch shorter tip-to-tail than a modern M3.

However, Motorcar Classics "invites you to experience this icon of BMW performance sedans with this meticulously maintained 2001 BMW E39 M5 ... the iconic S62 V8 engine with 4.9 liters of ...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. The fourth-gen M5 came to the U.S. in 2006, and it had a tough act to follow after the almost universally praised E39 M5 won the hearts of ...