2001 BMW M5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The biggest upgrade for the M5 in the 2001 model year? An engine upgrade from the traditional six cylinder to a powerful V8, complete with a six-speed gearbox and 394 horsepower. In the words of one reviewer, "almost all of the good stuff is in the M5, not on it, so you can't see it."
The car's top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour - about 30 miles per hour slower than its true top speed. Still, at 108 mph, the BMW covered a quarter of a mile from a complete stop in 13.3 seconds at 108 miles per hour, so casual street drivers and commuters who want to pretend they're race car drivers will have more than enough power.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 BMW M5
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by Anonymous
Aug 04, 2014
This is my fourth BMW after owning a 328 and two M3's. The M cars are all BMW's "specials" at least while "M" was still for "Motorsport" and not "Marketing"... These cars all have a unique character, the E36 M3 has this sort of raw eagerness, the E46 has a similar feel with a bit of an asthmatics exhaust note and some silly boy racer side vents along with an additional 500 lbs... But the M5 is the M car for grown ups :). This may be one of the last true M cars BMW has made and likely the one that kicked them into "Marketing" rather than "Motorsport". It lacks a fancy auto-manual gearbox and a V10 like the newer ones (you have to shift yourself on this car), and none of its engine noise comes from the radio making vroom vroom sounds like the latest version (thank goodness, how embarrassing!) but it is stylish, understated to the point of being a sleeper except for folks who know their cars, and it can run with a similar year Corvette (maybe not the Z06) while not requiring you style your hair with a mullet! The teenager who lives next door told me he always listens in the morning for when I start it because it sounds so cool... I was going to sell it, but then I got to thinking "what could it be replaced with that would be as good"... Well if I didn't need the back seats or comfort... there are still not very many cars out there that would have the enduring quality, ride, handling and performance this car has. Issues on this car... After 15 years, rubber bits need replacing in the suspension and the drive shaft coupler (a big rubber part)... The electronics are dated, it would be nicer with a proper bluetooth and modern navigation, but that is true for any car older than a few years these days and my iPhone works better for that anyhow... The LED display under the gauge cluster drops some lines here and there, a common problem on 5-series from this generation i am told. Other than that it always starts and runs, handles wonderfully, and can be tossed or cruised all day long. All the electronics such as the powered steering wheel adjuster, seats, folding mirrors, heated seats, and very German multimode windshield wipers with regular and "Autobahn" wash modes (oh and an automatic wiper setting which actually works!) are all working as if the car was new... The interior also is scratch free and looks great, just great quality materials and build! If you like BMW's then this would be one to consider if you can find a nice example of one! Aug 04, 2014
by abdull a
Sep 09, 2012
i like the look of it and the performance. i only use premium gas and mobile 1 full synthetic oil
and i have the m5 upgrade package the car is very clean and the lather in excellent condition
and its very fast .
Sep 09, 2012
by Robert C
Jun 23, 2012
This car looks to be a ordinary sedan from far away but as you get closer
you will notice subtile things that hint the power that is under the hood.
Most with no knowledge of cars only see a sedan but it is much more than
that with its 5L v8 and 400 hp. This is the most fun car to drive.Jun 23, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
Aug 04, 2014
This is my fourth BMW after owning a 328 and two M3's. The M cars are all BMW's "specials" at least while "M" was still for "Motorsport" and not "Marketing"... These cars all have a unique character, the E36 M3 has this sort of raw eagerness, the E46 has a similar feel with a bit of an asthmatics exhaust note and some silly boy racer side vents along with an additional 500 lbs... But the M5 is the M car for grown ups :). This may be one of the last true M cars BMW has made and likely the one that kicked them into "Marketing" rather than "Motorsport". It lacks a fancy auto-manual gearbox and a V10 like the newer ones (you have to shift yourself on this car), and none of its engine noise comes from the radio making vroom vroom sounds like the latest version (thank goodness, how embarrassing!) but it is stylish, understated to the point of being a sleeper except for folks who know their cars, and it can run with a similar year Corvette (maybe not the Z06) while not requiring you style your hair with a mullet! The teenager who lives next door told me he always listens in the morning for when I start it because it sounds so cool... I was going to sell it, but then I got to thinking "what could it be replaced with that would be as good"... Well if I didn't need the back seats or comfort... there are still not very many cars out there that would have the enduring quality, ride, handling and performance this car has. Issues on this car... After 15 years, rubber bits need replacing in the suspension and the drive shaft coupler (a big rubber part)... The electronics are dated, it would be nicer with a proper bluetooth and modern navigation, but that is true for any car older than a few years these days and my iPhone works better for that anyhow... The LED display under the gauge cluster drops some lines here and there, a common problem on 5-series from this generation i am told. Other than that it always starts and runs, handles wonderfully, and can be tossed or cruised all day long. All the electronics such as the powered steering wheel adjuster, seats, folding mirrors, heated seats, and very German multimode windshield wipers with regular and "Autobahn" wash modes (oh and an automatic wiper setting which actually works!) are all working as if the car was new... The interior also is scratch free and looks great, just great quality materials and build! If you like BMW's then this would be one to consider if you can find a nice example of one! Aug 04, 2014
by abdull a
Sep 09, 2012
i like the look of it and the performance. i only use premium gas and mobile 1 full synthetic oil
and i have the m5 upgrade package the car is very clean and the lather in excellent condition
and its very fast .
Sep 09, 2012
by Robert C
Jun 23, 2012
This car looks to be a ordinary sedan from far away but as you get closer
you will notice subtile things that hint the power that is under the hood.
Most with no knowledge of cars only see a sedan but it is much more than
that with its 5L v8 and 400 hp. This is the most fun car to drive.Jun 23, 2012
by David S
Jul 30, 2009
What's can I say...it's a Bimmer!!! Superior quality, great acceleration/speed, great handling. 400 H.P. 6-speed manual, 0-60 in 5.2, 1/4 mile in about 13.5. This is the car that opitomizes the phrase "The Ultimate Driving Machine" !!!Jul 30, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 31, 2009
Was the king of performance sedans during it's time, but still no slouch. A good looking car, especially considering the new "bangled" looks. Build quality is mostly solid, a couple of annoying nits: door seals squeak, rear sway bar bracket breaks a lot (a few dollar part).
Overall has been a fun car to own and drive.Mar 31, 2009
by Vince L
Feb 07, 2009
The first BMW M car fitted with an V8 engine! It has all the goodies such as independent intake throttle butterfly (meaning instant throttle response in all rpm range), substantial low end torque, creamy smoothness, and subtle but unquestionable V8 exhaust burble. The best engine I have driven so far. It felt so exotic everytime I slammed on the accelerator. What is out of character of this car is its soft comfortable ride (almost as quiet and comfortable as a 7 series). I never took the M5 to the road course tracks because I didn't think its chassis dynamics would make it a safe car there. The rear suspension took too long to set, coupled with the high horsepower, makes for a way too lively rear end! Stiffer springs and shocks would be a must if the car is to be driven beyond 8/10. (Ironically, my wife's '01 540i Touring/wagon Individual with M Sport Package felt significantly more nimble when it comes to rear end motion control, possibly due to the works of a firmer air suspension designed to handle heavier payload.) In the end, the M5 could only be considered a family sports sedan, not an exotic (like its price has suggested). It is just too much like the regular 5 series with 90% identical equipement, instrumentation and even look. The exclusive Nappa (full grain) leather seating surfaces, oval shaped mirrors, and a few M badges just does not make an M5 feel enough different, in a tactile sense. While the more powerful and responsive engine, together with the exclusive limited slip differential were almost completely off set by the less tossable rear end as well as the same look which can also be had in the regular series cars (my wife's station wagon has identical exterior trims). All in all, the M5 has succeeded in achieving the best of both world - being exotic and practical all at once. If you have family and are allowed to own only one car, the M5 is no doubt it. Feb 07, 2009
by Sean B
Dec 20, 2008
The car is practical an art form. Performance is second to none, this car set the standard during it's reign from '99 to '03 and is still a fierce car to experience, sedan or supercar matters not. Quite possibly the classiest and best designed car in it's class, and that still holds true to current models and makes as well, just an amazing machine. Cost of ownership is a bit high on this one, I do all my own work and still costs around $45 per oil change or more, be very caring and loving to the maintenance of this car and you won't have any trouble and it will be the best car you've ever owned, mileage is rated poorly with only 21hwy rated. Though I used Royal Purple synthetics and iridium plugs and kept everything running smooth, and with the occasional "fun driving" episode (not avoidable in this car) and smart driving, I actually AVERAGED around 24mpg city/hwy combined. Fun....that doesn't even come close, there's just something about being able to drive so precisely and have so much power and fun on tap that it shouldn't be legal...then you get the added bonus of being able to carry along 4 adult passengers very comfortably around a track to experience it with you, every day was a joy driving this car to work and around town, simply an amazing machine, one of the best creations BMW has spawned, luckily it was created BEFORE Bangle infected everything!Dec 20, 2008
by Phillias M
Jun 26, 2008
I love the balance of the vehicle, over all it's probably the best feel for sporty drivers yet the comon commuter. It has good pep, good breaks, and amazing handling for a sedan that isn't "uncomfortable" to drive (people would refer to as harsh jaring). I love this car it's a breeze to drive and amazingly addictive. When I drive it during dusk it grabs anyone's eye even if there's a red Ferarii 430 next to it! It's amazingly cheep to own, gets good gas milage, and nothing in it has broken!Jun 26, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 11, 2008
Had this thing sideways out of the BMW carpark on many occasions. Being a manual, it was deadly. Killed the M3!Jun 11, 2008
by Emmanuel R
May 22, 2008
400 hp. 5 seater. 6 speed. yea, even though she is 7 years old there isnt a day that goes by where the M5 dosent amaze me. Weve pulled bikes a mustang cobra and even a corvette. while having the ability to take 5 people. Hell if I learn to drive stick over the summer I'll bring it to school next year and I'll show you guys what Im talking about. Its one of the few practical fast cars, which makes it that much better than anything else out there.May 22, 2008
by Patrick H
May 12, 2008
AMAZING Car. Was a 2000 528i Converted to 2001 M5.May 12, 2008
by Andre V
Apr 23, 2008
i have owned this car since i was 19, built it to dinan stage 2 engine, and dinan stage 3 suspension with a few exterior and interior accessories. great overall looknig car but drinks gas like water and breaks down every other dayApr 23, 2008
by Harj B
Feb 19, 2008
Fast, great engine, reliable, has all the toys, good looksFeb 19, 2008
by Mark D
Feb 18, 2008
quick ....easy to drive ...easy for a moron to crash into ....Feb 18, 2008
by Giles W
Feb 10, 2008
Large car that feels much more wieldy than it should. Excellent handling with oversteer on demand if required (and the traction control can be switched off). Does tend to spin the rear wheels easily if provoked.Feb 10, 2008
by Osama A
Jan 28, 2008
Great Car Set the standard for super 4 door sedansJan 28, 2008
by Patrick A
Jan 10, 2008
One of my most loved car... It had it all, spacious, comfortable, reliable, and incredible power... But quite high maintenance costJan 10, 2008
by Pierre W
Dec 26, 2007
Great performance, reliable, and quite fuel-efficientDec 26, 2007
by Henry G
Nov 17, 2007
i'd say its one of the greatest cars to drive and the easiest cars to drive ever.Nov 17, 2007
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2001 BMW M5 Pricing
Original MSRP
$70,045 to $70,045Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in cargo area
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent