1998 BMW M5 (E39) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the BMW M5 (E39) is 1720 kg (3793 lbs), which reflects the weight of the car when fully equipped and ready to drive without passengers or cargo. Its maximum permissible weight, including passengers, cargo, and fuel, is 2290 kg (5049 lbs). This means the car can carry roughly 570 kg (1257 lbs) in addition to its own weight without compromising safety or performance.

The BMW M5 (E39) offers a luggage compartment capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cubic feet). This trunk space is quite generous for a sports sedan, allowing for ample storage of luggage, groceries, or equipment, making it suitable for daily commuting and longer trips without sacrificing practicality despite the car’s high-performance focus.

The BMW M5 (E39) is equipped with performance-oriented wheels sized at 9.5J x 18 for the front and 8J x 18 for the rear, paired with tires sized 275/35 R18 at the front and 245/40 R18 at the rear. These staggered setups improve handling and grip, providing excellent road contact and contributing to the M5’s sporty driving dynamics.

Yes, the BMW M5 (E39) can comfortably fit into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4784 mm (188.3 inches), a width of 1800 mm (70.9 inches) not counting mirrors, and a height of 1437 mm (56.6 inches), it generally fits within the commonly used garage dimensions, which are typically around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 5200 mm (204.7 inches) deep. However, care should be taken with mirror clearance, especially in narrower garages, as opened mirrors increase the width to 1990 mm (78.3 inches).

Compared to its predecessor, the E28 M5, the BMW M5 E39 is significantly larger and more modern in design. The E28 was shorter and narrower, around 4620 mm (181.9 inches) long and 1695 mm (66.7 inches) wide, making the E39 noticeably more spacious and comfortable. The E39’s increased length and width contribute to improved interior space and enhanced ride stability, reflecting BMW’s evolution in combining performance with luxury and refinement.

The BMW M5 (E39) stood out in its class of late 1990s executive sports sedans by offering slightly larger dimensions than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and Audi RS4 (B5). Its length of 4784 mm (188.3 inches) and width of 1800 mm (70.9 inches) meant it provided more interior room and luggage space. Coupled with BMW’s famous rear-wheel-drive layout and fine handling balance, the E39 M5 combined size, luxury, and performance in a way that set benchmarks for competitors.

The BMW M5 (E39) has a roof load capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs), which allows for the safe mounting of roof racks or carriers for additional cargo such as luggage boxes, bicycles, or sports equipment. This capability adds to the vehicle’s practicality for active lifestyles or travel needs, enabling users to increase their cargo volume beyond the already sizable 460-liter trunk.

The BMW M5 (E39) is a high-performance sedan, specifically designed as a sports sedan combining everyday usability with track-capable performance. Its size—4784 mm long, 1800 mm wide, and 1437 mm high—strikes a balance between being roomy enough for four to five passengers and agile enough for spirited driving. The sedan body style also influences the car’s silhouette to offer both aerodynamic efficiency and a comfortable cabin space.

Despite weighing 1720 kg (3793 lbs), the BMW M5 (E39) delivers exceptional handling due to its finely tuned suspension, near 50:50 weight distribution, and powerful V8 engine. The larger dimensions provide stability at high speeds, while responsive steering and performance tires size 275/35 R18 (front) and 245/40 R18 (rear) ensure cornering precision. This combination makes the E39 M5 not only comfortable for everyday use but also dynamic and engaging on winding roads and tracks.