Can't afford an M5 sadly !! The engine is an M52TUB28 apparently. Car is a good price and fully optioned which appeals greatly to me (plus I can start the mod process all over again
) E39 ran all the way to MY03 which is when I think the 5 series engine change occurred.
I was warned by members of the drivers club here to avoid the 540i as it has a V8 engine (with numerous issues...) and therefore heavier suspension and doesn't handle anywhere near as well as the 528i / 530i. I was told that the 530i was THE one to get if I can......
Well stock the 528i develops 194 HP apparently which is a damn site more than mine at the moment - and it is bigger. Only playing with the idea at the moment though, nothing concrete.