There were some stock E39s that were actually M series. The way to distinguish them is the sport mode transmission and the DRC (I think that was the abv.) on the radio system. They have M not M5 badges.

 

 

They were 2002s and earlier.

 

I don't think thats an M edition e39, the sport or M package cars came with black trim on the bumpers and around the windows where the normal e39 came with chrome trim. Just looks like some fool trying to pass of a normal e39 as a M5, he should just be happy owning the best sports sedan ever made.

 

They have msport e39s they dont say m5 on the back. At least its just a M plate and not m5 badge.

 

thats an M package e39,

 

Exactly, I really don't see anything wrong here. My 540i6 had factory M logos all over the place. When you put an M5 badge on a non-M5 that's a different story.

 

this one is okay....compared to the M528I that was in front of me at Bimmerfest 2010.....

 

I have an m sport package 540i e39 and that is definitely not an m sport package car. My car also did not come with any m emblems on the outside.

 

Wow... it's ridiculous how a simple ///M badge can start up such a thread or even ruin some people's day. It's on the license plate guys.